Refining the Meta-Theory of Common Factors in Couple and Family Therapy - a Deductive Qualitative Analysis Study

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Asher

Common factors in couple and family therapy (CFT) have been discussed theoretically and clinically, yet direct empirical support for CFT-specific common factors remains limited. This study empirically examines the meta-theory of common factors unique to CFT using deductive qualitative analysis. Fourteen video-recorded therapy sessions and transcripts, drawn from seven CFT models, were coded with sensitizing and inductive procedures. Findings support some common factors and refine others, indicating that CFT common factors operate through therapy models.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Background: CFT Common Factors

Model-specific focus and limitations

Common factors meta-theory and therapeutic change

Study Purpose and Method

Deductive qualitative analysis approach

Sample and coding procedures

Results and Implications

Supported and refined CFT common factors

Moderate view: common factors work through models

Clinical practice, training, and research implications

Contemporary Family Therapy (2023) 45:117–130 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-022-09648-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-022-09648-3) ORIGINAL PAPER Reﬁning the Meta-Theory of Common Factors in Couple and Family Therapy: a Deductive Qualitative Analysis Study Stephen T. Fife1 · Carissa D’Aniello1 · Dane Eggleston2 · Jesse Smith3 · Daniel Sanders4 Accepted: 5 September 2022 / Published online: 12 October 2022 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2022 Abstract Common factors in couple and family therapy (CFT) have been discussed theoretically and clinically, with limited direct empirical support for CFT-specific common factors. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine the meta-theory of common factors unique to CFT. To do so, we used deductive qualitative analysis (DQA), a methodology suited for research that aims to evaluate, refine, and expand existing theory. Our sample consisted of fourteen (n = 14) video-recorded therapy sessions (videos and transcripts) conducted by therapists with expertise in seven CFT models: Bowenian family therapy, emotionally focused therapy, experiential therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, strategic therapy, and structural family therapy. Following the procedures of DQA, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the data using CFT common factors as sensitizing constructs (deductive), along with open (inductive), focused, and theoretical coding. Results show (a) strong support for certain previously identified CFT common factors (expanded direct treatment system, expanded therapeutic alliance), and (b) partial support for and refinement of other CFT common factors (conceptualizing and reframing difficulties in relational terms, facilitating constructive interactions, and valuing clients’perspectives) . Results also support the moderate view of CFT common factors – that they work through therapy models. This paper offers an empirical examination of common factors in couple and family therapy that clarifies, deepens, andrefines previous iterations of CFT common factors. We conclude with a discussion of the results in the context of CFT literature and provide implications for clinical practice, training, and research. Keywords Common factors · Couple therapy · Family therapy · Qualitative research A Deductive Qualitative Analysis Study Beginning with the seminal chapter by Sprenkle et al.,(1999), therapists and scholars over the past two decades have given increased attention to common factors in couple and family therapy (CFT) (e.g., D’Aniello & Fife 2017, 2020; Davis et al., 2012; Davis & Piercy, 2007a, b; Fife 􀀍 Stephen T. Fife [stephen.fife@ttu.edu](stephen.fife@ttu.edu) 1 Department of Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences, Texas Tech University, 1301 Akron Ave., MS 41250, 79409-1250 Lubbock, TX, USA 2 Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock, TX, USA 3 Department of Counseling and Family Therapy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA 4 Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA et al., 2014; Karam & Blow, 2020; Karam et al., 2015; Sprenkle et al., 2009; Sprenkle & Blow, 2004a, b) . Common factors are general mechanisms or variables associated with therapeutic change that are common across treatment approaches. Broadly conceived, the common factors perspective can be understood as a meta-theory about the fundamental aspects and processes of therapeutic change that can be applied to diverse therapy models (Davis et al., 2021; Davis & Hsieh, 2019; Karam & Blow, 2020; Sprenkleet al., 2009) . Although there is general enthusiasm for the common factors perspective of change in CFT (D’Aniello & Fife, 2017; Fife et al., 2019), the body of scholarship on CFT-specific common factors is largely conceptual and theoretical in nature, with limited direct empirical support for the theory as a whole (D’Aniello & Fife, 2020; Davis et

FAQs

What gap does the study address about common factors in couple and family therapy?

The study addresses the limited direct empirical support for CFT-specific common factors, despite existing theoretical and clinical discussions.

How was the deductive qualitative analysis conducted in this study?

The analysis used sensitizing CFT common factors for deductive coding, combined with open and focused coding, and theoretical coding to evaluate and refine the meta-theory.

What do the results suggest about how CFT common factors work?

The findings support a moderate view that CFT common factors function through therapy models, with some factors strongly supported and others partially supported and refined.

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Asher