Empirically Supported Couple Therapy Models for Couple Relationship Distress: A Replication and Update.

Authors

Jeffrey B Jackson, Luca Codecá, Richard B Miller, Jessica E Simpson, Abigail M O'Leary, Samantha M Renner

Published in

Journal of marital and family therapy. Volume 52. Issue 4. Pages e70162.

Abstract

This systematic review replicated and updated Baucom and colleagues' (1998) evaluation of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) for couple relationship distress using the Chambless criteria, the primary framework used by the American Psychological Association to classify ESTs. Applying these criteria to 40 eligible studies, we found that, in contrast to Baucom and colleagues, no couple therapy models met the standards for strong empirical support; insufficient sample size and lack of independent replication were the most frequent limitations. Seven models demonstrated modest support: behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, emotionally focused, Gottman, integrative behavioral, insight-oriented, and strategic couple therapies. Findings highlight the need for rigorous large-scale studies with more diverse couples to strengthen the empirical foundation and generalizability of couple therapies. Limitations of the Chambless criteria underscore the importance of evaluating couple therapy models with the recently adopted Tolin criteria, which synthesize a broader base of evidence via meta‑analysis and emphasize clinical significance to improve treatment recommendations.

PMID:
42599011
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Aug 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.