Increased Relationship Quality in Couples Relieves Individual Suffering Following Systemic Therapy: A Hierarchical Mediation Analysis

Abstract

We examined relationship quality of couples as a mediator between therapy progression and reduced individual distress in short-term systemic couple therapy. Participants evaluated relationship-quality (EVOS), therapy progress (STEP), and individual distress (OQ45) before therapy and one month after therapy. Clients’ evaluation of the therapeutic process predicted a reduction of individual distress. Hierarchical mediation-analysis revealed that the effect was completely mediated by the change in the relationship quality over the course of the therapy. Results highlight the importance of relationship quality for each individual’s health. Specifically in systemic couple therapy, improving relationship quality is the core ingredient that drives its effectiveness.