The Measurement of Outcome Variables in Couple and Family Therapy Research

Abstract

Measurement constitutes a central issue in determining effectiveness of couple and family therapy (CFT). A review of 274 CFT outcome studies published in 25 mental health journals between 1990 and 2005 is presented. Goals of this review were to (1) provide a broad, empirically based overview of CFT outcome research, (2) examine measurement of treatment outcomes, and (3) appraise reporting practices. Findings indicate that a wide range of instruments continue to be used in CFT outcome research, although a foundation for a more integrated and coherent assessment battery has been established. Implications for the field are discussed.

Notes

¹The 25 journals reviewed in this study included: Addiction, Addictive Behaviors, American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, American Journal of Family Therapy, American Journal of Orthopsychiatric Association, American Journal of Psychiatry, Archives of General Psychiatry, British Journal of Addiction, Contemporary Family Therapy, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Family Process, Family Relations, Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, Journal of Child and Family Studies, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Journal of Counseling Psychology, Journal of Family Psychology, Journal of Family Therapy, Journal of Family Violence, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mental Health Services Research, and Research on Social Work Practice.

²The coding sheet is available upon request from the first author.

∗Measurement technology: SR = self report; I = interview; FMR = family member report; JR = judge report.