Behavioral couples therapy for brain injury: single case methodology with bi-phasic design

Objectives To explore the outcomes of Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) for couples with brain injury. Background Brain injury can result in communication, emotional and behavioral disturbances, leading to higher levels of depression, anxiety and relationship distress. Currently, no study has explored the outcomes of BCT in couples impacted by brain injury. Method Four heterosexual couples living with brain injury were seen at a specialist outpatient service, and attended an average of 13 (range 8-25) BCT sessions. Participants with brain injury and their partners completed weekly measures of depression, anxiety, and couple satisfaction throughout baseline, assessment, intervention, and follow-up phases. Data were visually analyzed, and effects examined using reliable change analysis, and between-phase comparison conducted using Tau-U. Results Tau-U analysis demonstrated that both the patient and partner groups experienced significant overall improvement in relationship satisfaction and anxiety. Partners also reported significant reduction in depression scores overall. Reliable change analysis indicated improvement for some individual patients and partners, with effects maintained at follow-up in some cases. Conclusions The results offer promising results regarding the use of BCT for brain injury in increasing relationship satisfaction and reducing psychological distress. Further investigation is warranted.