Couple therapy and the developmental phase of couple relations with students

The aim of this research project has been, in terms of couple evaluation and therapy, to study structural couplings between individual development and the epigenesis of couple relationships. The epigenesis of couple relations was studied according to the model developed by Wynne in which the epigenetic stages are attachment/ caregiving, communicating, joint problem-solving, mutuality, and intimacy. Attachment/caregiving is crucial for the success of couple therapy. The research on 57 couples makes possible a new paradigm for theoretically understanding interconnections between individual development and development of the couple relation; valuable information for planning integrated and need-specific treatment of the couple relation; and evaluation of the course and prognosis of couple relationship with student.This study was carried out at the Health Care Center for Students, in Turku, Finland, and was financially supported by the Pro Sanitate Studiosorum Institute, Helsinki, Finland. We have been in cooperation with and received invaluable constructive criticism from Lyman C. Wynne, MD, PhD, whose theoretical model we applied in this study. Ms. Birgitta Nolvi's secretarial work was greatly appreciated.