Observing couples interactions

By /

To complete your journal entry, follow these steps.


  1. Watch TEDxVeniceBeach. (2018, October 2). John Gottman: The science of love [Video].
  2. Read Humbad, M. N., Donnellan, M. B., Klump, K. L., & Burt, S. A. (2011). Development of the Brief Romantic Relationship Interaction Coding Scheme (BRRICS). (Links to an external site.) Journal of Family Psychology, 25(5), 759-769. 
  3. Review coding scheme Download coding scheme
  4. Watch the clip from the show Couples Therapy (Season 1, Episode 1: Annie & Mau, 2:10-8:46) and take notes using the coding scheme. 

  1. Answer the following questions:

    • Did you observe more positive affect or negative affect during the clip? By whom? Provide examples to support your statement.
    • Describe the overall reciprocity in the couple interaction. Then, provide an example of both positive and negative reciprocity. 
    • Did you observe a demand-withdraw pattern in their interactions? Describe.
    • How informative do you think coding this couple’s interactions could be for learning about couple interactions? Explain.
How to write it: 
  • Respond to the question above in 500 words in paragraph format.
  • Use black, 11-point Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman font.
  • Use 1-inch margins and double-spaced text.
  • Include in-text citations following guidelines in the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
  • Write your response in your own words; avoid including quotations.