STYLES OF INTERACTION IN FEMALE AGORAPHOBICS AND THEIR SPOUSES - ASSESSMENT BY KATEGORIENSYSTEM FUR PARTNERSCHAFTLICHE INTERAKTION (KPI)

Patterns of interaction were assessed in 32 female agoraphobics and th eir partners by means of a reliable and valid interaction rating ('Kat egoriensystem fur Partnerschaftliche Interaktion', KPI). Interaction r atings were compared with data of two non-psychiatric control groups ( happily married couples and distressed couples). Additionally, interac tion ratings were compared to self-rated satisfaction with the partner ship (DAS, MI-IS), and associations with anxiety scores at pretreatmen t were examined. Results: Patterns of interaction of 'agoraphobic coup les differed significantly from those of happily married and distresse d couples. Especially, communication of the spouses showed remarkably few negative (mainly criticism) as well as few positive (mainly accept ance) interaction patterns. Positive correlations were found between a nxiety scores and two different interaction categories (nonagreement, justification) at pre-treatment. The data support the hypothesis of sp ecific interaction patterns in agoraphobia. The clinical relevance of these patterns needs to be investigated more closely.