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This study examined the processes of triangulation and differentiation as theorized in Bowen family systems theory. Bowen family systems theory suggests that those who are more differentiated are less likely to triangulate children. Triangulation, which is the process by which a couple involves a child in their dyadic conflict, has been found to be associated with poor outcomes for children. In addition, Bowen postulated that anxiety serves a mediating role in the relationship between differentiation and triangulation. These theoretical propositions were tested using a sample of 332 married couples studied over a 5-year period of time. Results from an actor-partner interdependence model indicated that husbands’ differentiation predicted subsequent triangulation, but the relationship was not significant among wives. Results also failed to support the mediating role of anxiety. These findings point to the need for additional research to explore gender differences and the role of anxiety in Bowen Theory.

Despite the strong efficacy of couple therapy, many couples still do not benefit from treatment. Marriage and family therapy scholars have argued that therapists play a crucial role in the delivery of successful couple therapy, yet little research has documented that the therapist in couple therapy has a significant impact on outcomes. Known as the study of therapist effects, this study sought to assess the amount of variance attributed to the therapist in couple therapy outcomes. Using dropout as the outcome variable, this study analyzed data from 1192 couples treated by 90 therapists at a university-based training clinic. Results from multilevel analysis indicated that therapists in the sample accounted for 9.5% of the variance in couple dropout while controlling for initial couple impairment. Therapist gender and therapist experience did not significantly predict the effectiveness of therapists. These findings give promise to future research on therapist effects in couple therapy and encourage exploration into which therapist characteristics and behaviors contribute to successful clinical outcomes.