Effects of coping-oriented couples therapy on depression: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of coping-oriented couple therapy (COCT) as a treatment of depression in comparison to cognitive therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). Sixty couples, including one clinically depressed partner, completed pre and post test questionnaires as well as follow-up assessments at six month intervals over the subsequent one and a half years. Effects of the three treatments on depressive symptomatology (assessed by BDI and HRSD), recovery rates, and relapse rates were examined. Additionally, changes in relationship quality were evaluated. Results suggest coping-oriented couple therapy was as effective in improving depressive symptomatology as two well-established, evidenced-based treatment approaches. Couple therapy did not demonstrate a significantly better outcome with regard to self-reported relationship satisfaction or dyadic coping; however, couple therapy produced significant improvements in partner expressed emotion, changes that were not seen in other treatment conditions.