Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Childhood Abuse; Asymmetrical Gendered Power Processes; Emotional Culture; Gendered Power Dynamics; Relational Trust Theory
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Gender, Power, And Trust Issues In Couple Therapy With Adult-Survivor Couples, Melissa A. Wells
Gender, Power, And Trust Issues In Couple Therapy With Adult-Survivor Couples, Melissa A. Wells
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects
Although one-third of partners in couple therapy have experienced childhood abuse, our field has developed few specific interventions that address the lingering effects of child abuse on current couple dynamics. A common impact on adult survivors is the struggle to trust their intimate partner. Furthermore, asymmetrical gendered power processes often erode trust. Given the propensity for adult-survivor couples to experience a distrusting emotional culture, this dissertation studied the effect of gendered power dynamics on trust in partner interactions, as well as identified clinical processes of Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) that helped adult-survivor couples change power disparities to a mutually supportive …