Marital therapy intervention-based research in India is limited and there is paucity of interventions designed to accommodate the cultural complexity of India. The current research shares a new model of intervention called I-ATTACH (Indian model for Attunement To Tackle Active Conflict And Helplessness with married couples) designed by the authors through a preliminary investigation of therapeutic practices of a sample of clinical psychologists and a review of literature. This model, developed through assimilative integration, uses principles and frameworks based on humanistic-existential and systemic approaches. It utilizes a combination of skill based interventions which are prescriptive and for use outside therapy sessions and has a focus on evocative experiences within sessions to help couples engage in a process of self-appraisal and enhance attunement. The paper shares the results of the application of this intervention with 2 couples. The evaluation of the intervention has been done through pre- and post-test assessment using the Locke and Wallace Marital Adjustment Test and a 5-point scaled measure comprising 5 questions designed by the researchers. An additional 10 item semi-structured questionnaire has been used post the intervention to understand the couple’s experience of the intervention, acquisition of skills, and development of mutual understanding. The analysis of results indicates the intervention is effective as reflected by changes in the scores on quantitative measures post the intervention and subjective reports obtained from the couples. Continued evaluation of this model will help in ensuring utilization of a methodology that is proven to be effective with the Indian population.

Authors:
Kamna Chhibber, G. D. Goenka University, India
Anjali Midha Sharan, G. D. Goenka University, India

About the Presenter(s)
Kamna Chhibber Heads Mental Health for the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Fortis Healthcare in India. She is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about working in the area of relationships, trauma and abuse.

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