Proximal Change Experiments With Couples: A Methodology for Empirically Building a Science of Effective Interventions for Changing Couples' Interaction

Abstract

A methodological innovation called "proximal change experiments" for use with couples is proposed in this article. The objective of proximal change experiments is to improve the second of two conflict discussions to increase the stability of a couple's positive affect during conflict discussions, a characteristic of the "masters" of marriage. With general systems concepts in mind, our nonlinear mathematical model for marital interaction and its parameters are described as well as the measurement network for evaluating proximal change interventions for distressed couples. To promote positive affect, the goal is to integrate a positive "attractor" into the marital system. The results of a randomized clinical trial with five theoretically distinct brief interventions are then presented in terms of their ability to change the second of two conflict discussions. Differential treatment effects were obtained. Positive attractors were added when there were improved friendship and conflict management components in the intervention. The implications of these results are discussed.