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20 - Couples Discord

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 March 2023

By
Erin F. Alexander  and
Matthew D. Johnson
Edited by
Stephen Hupp  and
Cara L. Santa Maria
Stephen Hupp
Affiliation:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Cara L. Santa Maria
Affiliation:
Fielding Graduate University, California
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Summary

This chapter describes pseudoscience and questionable ideas related to couples discord. The chapter opens by discussing myths about relationships such as the notion that “opposites attract.” The chapter also emphasises the importance of screening for intimate partner violence before initiating conjoint therapy sessions. Dubious treatments include narrative couples therapy, relational life therapy, and other forms of therapy for couples. The chapter closes by reviewing research-supported approaches.

Keywords

couples discordmarital dissatisfactioncouples therapylibidoonline datingintimate partner violencenarrative couples therapyrelational life therapyintegrative behavioral couples therapyemotion-focused couples therapy
Type
Chapter
Information
Pseudoscience in Therapy
A Skeptical Field Guide
 , pp. 328 - 341
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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