Partner empathy in couple therapy: A discovery-phase task analytic study

Smoliak, O., Dechamplain, B., Elliott, R., Rice, C., LeCouteur, A., Tseliou, E., & Davies, A. (2023). Partner empathy in couple therapy: A discovery-phase task analytic study. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000244

Abstract

Partner empathy is critical in couple relationships and couple therapy, yet little is known about empathic communication processes in couples. In this study, we use task analysis to identify how clients convey empathy to their romantic partners in couple therapy. Drawing from 28 recorded couple therapy sessions that capture successful and unsuccessful task performances (empathic and nonempathic responses by partners), we develop an empirical model of romantic partners’ empathic responses including preceding and subsequent performance components. The model specifies three main sequential performance components: vulnerability, empathy prompt, and empathy. We conclude by considering their implications for therapy practice and training.