Planning—Taking Action Together

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter discusses the role of partners in the change-planning process from the perspective of both goal-setting and interdependence theory. Emphasis is placed on the identification of couple-level or shared goals (i.e., joint goals) in which both partners feel a sense of investment. Even when such goals do not involve both partners enacting similar behavior change, partners may serve as a source of support and feedback to one another. For this reason, change planning with couples involves clarifying the role of both partners in the change process. In addition, plans incorporate how partners will communicate with one another during the change process. The chapter presents and discusses the planning process in three prototypical scenarios involving mutual change, individual change with partner support, and planning when shared goals cannot be identified. Special considerations related to planning for relationship termination are also mentioned.