Citation

Whiting JB. J. Marital Fam. Ther. 2008; 34(1): 44-57.

Affiliation

Department of Applied and Professional Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA. jason.whiting@ttu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1752-0606.2008.00052.x

PMID

18199180

Abstract

A common goal of couples' therapy is to help individuals modify their view of each other and the relationship. Distorted views and appraisals contribute to conflict, and these can be manifest by use of rationalization or denial. This study explored appraisal distortion as an evaluative and moral process that occurs during partner conflict, particularly when it becomes contemptuous and aggressive. Using a philosophical base that is grounded in the ethical relationship, a model of appraisal distortion and couple conflict was created using constructivist grounded theory methods. The theoretical concepts derived from the data show relationships between one's relational stance, appraisal distortion, and verbal and physical aggression. This model implies that helping individuals take responsibility for appraisals is important in treating conflict.

Language: en