The effectiveness of the Couples' Coping Enhancement Training (CCET): A comparison of two training versions

Background: The following study presents the results of two versions of the Couples' Coping Enhancement Training (CCET). The revised version of the training focuses especially on the dyadic coping, which in comparison with the individual coping is a stronger predictor for the long-term quality of close relationships. Results: The results of the comparison of the two training versions are in favor of the original version of the training, in which individual and dyadic coping are treated as equally important for the couple's stress management. The enhancement of the relationship of these couples is higher and they report better improvements of the attention for the partner, the dyadic coping, the couple's communication and their way to solve problems. The effect sizes for the changes of the individual and dyadic coping and the communication confirm the importance of the individual coping especially for the couple's dyadic coping. Discussion: In general, the results highlight the necessity to promote individual and dyadic competences for the enhancement of the quality of close relationships both in prevention programs and in couple therapies.