A critique of behavioral observational coding systems of couples' interaction: CISS and RCISS

This paper explores the conceptual limitations of a behavioral approach to the understanding of couples' interaction. It notes the lack of longitudina l evidence for the ability of behavioral observational coding systems to pr edict divorce and to identify processes leading to it. It demonstrates the incompatibility of behaviorial and linguistic analysis, and points to numer ous inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the two major behavioral observatio nal coding systems: the CISS (Couples' Interaction Scoring System) and the RCISS (Rapid Couples' Interaction Scoring System). The paper highlights the inability of these behavioral coding systems, and others, to deal adequate ly with issues of gender, race, subtext, positivity and negativity, and mis understanding.