An Investigation of the Relationship Between the Stages of Change and Client Outcomes in Couples Therapy

Abstract

While research exists concerning the stages of change and outcomes for individuals in specified treatments, there is currently a lack of research on the stages of change and client outcomes in couples therapy. This study examined a possible relationship between the two constructs in addition to the relationship between the therapeutic alliance and client outcomes. The sample was composed of couples attending therapy at a southern university marriage and family therapy training clinic. A significant negative relationship existed between therapy alliance and client outcomes. When the stages of change was added into the equation this relationship remained significant and an additional significant positive relationship was found between the stages of change and client outcomes. Neither of these relationships was in the expected direction.