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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)

October 2021

Transforming stress to happiness: Positive couple therapy with distressed couples

  • Emel Genç

Journal of Happiness and Health, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021), 1 October 2021 , Page 4-15
Published: 03-09-2021

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Abstract

Many romantic couples experience challenges at some point in their relationship, which generally escalates the tension in relationships. Although misunderstandings and conflict between partners are unavoidable, distressed couples can work through their problems effectively and compassionately that might lead to loving relationships. Thus, the purpose of this study is to review the features of distressed couples and offer a positive couple therapy model for positive and meaningful change in negative circumstances. Positive couple therapy fosters couples’ positive feelings through positive interaction, which are essential to develop and maintain satisfying relationships. To heal distressed couples, this article structured the positive psychology therapy model in three phases: Phase one involves rebuilding the relationship with increasing cohesion and positive behaviors between couples. In phase two, the couple therapist works to identify negative communication patterns and improve positive couple communication. Lastly, the final phase is designed for the maintenance of change, which includes practicing new communication patterns in stressful situations and couples’ reflection of new experiences to each other. Each phase consisted of specific interventions such as three good things, best possible future self, strengths and fulfilled genogram, emotional bank account, and loving-kindness meditation. Along with these interventions, this paper offers practical suggestions for mental health professionals, who work with distressed couples, to help distressed couples to improve their couple’s functioning as well as happiness.

Keywords:
  • Distressed couples, happiness, positive couple therapy, relationship satisfaction
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How to Cite

Genç, E. (2021). Transforming stress to happiness: Positive couple therapy with distressed couples. Journal of Happiness and Health, 1(1), 4–15. Retrieved from https://www.journalofhappinessandhealth.com/index.php/johah/article/view/3
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Journal of Happiness and Health (JOHAH) is a peer-reviewed journal covering happiness and provides an international forum for the science of happiness and health. The JOHAH, which is published two times a year, is an open-access that publishes research outcomes with significant contributions to the understanding and improvement of happiness and health and publishes research regarding the happiness of populations across the life span

Journal of Happiness and Health is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.