Week 6 - IBCT

What is IBCT’s main idea?

Acceptance reduces conflict.

What IBCT strategy involves sharing vulnerable feelings?

Empathic joining.

Which SRH level does empathic joining support?

Manage conflict.

What IBCT strategy involves viewing the problem together?

Unified detachment.

Which SRH level does unified detachment support?

Manage conflict.

What IBCT strategy increases tolerance of differences?

Tolerance building.

Which SRH level does tolerance building support?

Manage conflict.

When are IBCT change strategies introduced?

After acceptance reduces hostility.

What are IBCT change strategies?

Behavioral exchange, communication, problem-solving.

Which SRH level do IBCT change strategies support?

Manage conflict and positive perspective.

Why are lower levels of the house important?

They support higher-level functioning.

What happens if friendship levels are weak?

Conflict interventions are less effective.

What is the core mechanism of change in IBCT?

Emotional acceptance reduces reactivity.

Why does acceptance reduce conflict?

It decreases blame and defensiveness.

What is the sequence of IBCT treatment?

Assessment → Acceptance → Change.

What is polarization in IBCT?

Partners become rigid and reactive in their differences.

Give an example of a mutual trap.

One seeks reassurance, the other withdraws.

What is the goal of IBCT assessment?

Understand patterns, not assign blame.

What type of problems does IBCT focus on?

Enduring differences.

What is empathic joining?

Partners sharing vulnerable emotions instead of blame.

What emotions are targeted in empathic joining?

Primary emotions (hurt, fear).

What is the goal of unified detachment?

Reduce blame and increase perspective.

When is tolerance building used?

When change is unlikely or slow.

How is IBCT different from traditional behavioral therapy?

Focuses on acceptance before change.

What indicates a couple is ready for change strategies?

Reduced hostility and increased acceptance.

What is the therapist’s stance in IBCT?

Non-blaming, contextual, and collaborative.

What is the role of emotion in IBCT?

Central to creating acceptance and connection.

What happens if acceptance is skipped?

Change efforts increase conflict.

What is the goal of IBCT overall?

Increase intimacy and reduce polarization.

What is the main idea of IBCT?

Acceptance reduces conflict more than forcing change.

What increases reactivity in IBCT?

Trying to force partner change.

What reduces reactivity in IBCT?

Emotional acceptance.

How does IBCT view 'the problem'?

Enduring differences and polarization.

What is polarization?

Partners become rigid and reactive over differences.

What is the goal of IBCT?

Increase intimacy and reduce polarization.

What is a 'theme' in IBCT?

Core tension (e.g., closeness vs independence).

What is the polarization cycle?

Each partner’s reaction triggers the other’s sensitivity.

What is a mutual trap?

Each partner’s solution maintains the problem.

Example of a mutual trap?

One pursues reassurance, the other withdraws.

What type of emotions are emphasized in empathic joining?

Primary emotions (hurt, fear).

What is unified detachment?

Viewing the problem together as separate from partners.

What is tolerance building?

Increasing tolerance for irritating behaviors.

When are change strategies introduced?

After acceptance reduces hostility.