A Mixed-Methods Study on Experiencing in Indian Couples During Gottman's Intervention of Dreams-Within-Conflict

Abstract

In Gottman Couple Therapy (GCT), the intervention of Dreams-within-Conflict (DWC) helps break down a gridlocked issue between couples through deeper emotional expression and experiencing (in-counseling exploration of emotions). The current study examined experiencing in a single session of DWC for N = 30 individuals (15 couples) using multiple methods such as self-assessment questionnaires, observation rating and coding of the video recording, and feedback interviews. The before and during DWC best experiencing video segments were selected and rated by two raters independently on the experiencing scale (ES) for partners. The changes in experiencing mode and peak scores (ESM and ESP) during DWC were investigated in the presence of individual characteristics of attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and relationship mindfulness traits. A paired-samples t-test showed a significant increase in experiencing for both partners. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis indicated that gender (women) significantly and positively predicted ESM. ESP was predicted positively by gender (women) and negatively by avoidance, though the results were not conclusive. Thematic analysis was used to look at the Indian couples' experiencing as shared by them in order to better grasp the therapeutic implications. The qualitative findings confirm the quantitative results that couples outside of intervention utilized experiencing levels 1–3 predominantly and moved to 3–4 levels during best experiencing segments of intervention. Couples reviewed positively to the emotional experiencing techniques used during the DWC intervention.