The marital effects of individually oriented psychotherapy: is there evidence for the deterioration hypothesis?

We review evidence for the effects of individual psychotherapy on the clientʹs marriage and on the well-being of his/her spouse. After reviewing the clinical case report literature, we provide a critical review of client surveys, outcome studies of individually oriented therapy, outcome studies in which individually oriented therapy was compared to spouse-involved treatments, and outcome studies in which individually oriented treatment was compared to marital therapy in the treatment of individual dysfunction. Based upon this review of over 20 independent clinical samples, we conclude that individually oriented psychotherapy has little demonstrated negative impact on marital functioning or spouse adjustment; indeed, marital functioning and spouse adjustment are enhanced in some instances. We highlight the methodological and conceptual issues that should be addressed in future research in this area.