Premature Termination in Couple Therapy With Veterans: Definitions and Prediction of Long-Term Outcomes

Pre- and post-survey data for Veterans and their spouses were used to examine the frequency of premature termination (PT) of treatment for couples in therapy. In addition, given that multiple definitions are used for PT, the authors determined which of seven definitions of PT was most predictive of loss of gains made during therapy (e.g., declines in relationship satisfaction) between the final session and an 18-month follow-up. Most couple ended therapy prematurely and two definitions of PT significantly predicted reduced relationship satisfaction and stability.