RTI Researcher Part of Team Recognized for Study on Emotionally Focused Therapy

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — A study by a team of researchers including RTI International’s Ty Ridenour, Ph.D., has been recognized by the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy as an honorable mention for the journal’s article of the year award.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition as a research team,” said Dr. Ridenour, research public health analyst at RTI. “We were able to use a unique and rigorous analytical approach that permitted us to garner far more information from the data.  The end result was an important contribution to the body of research around couples therapy.”

The study, entitled Randomized Controlled Trial of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Compared to Treatment as Usual for Depression: Outcomes and Mechanisms of Change, supported the effectiveness of emotionally focused therapy for couples in which depression and relationship dissatisfaction co-occur. The research team followed 16 couples over the course of several therapy sessions.

The Journal of Marital and Family Therapy recognizes articles with honorable mention status if the research is a “solid contribution to the literature.” The journal’s staff awards two honorable mentions each year.