ABSTRACT
Reattribution is a therapeutic intervention that is intended to increase partners’ identification and evaluation of the validity of their attributions, especially those that lead to emotional upset and negative couple interactions. It is most commonly associated with cognitive-behavioral couple therapy, but therapists with varied theoretical orientations use it. Whereas the new inference in reframing typically is provided by the therapist, in reattribution the therapist coaches clients in thinking of alternative meanings for the other person’s behavior. Reattribution involves self-monitoring and systematic evaluation of evidence bearing on the validity of an inference about one’s partner. Consistent with the concept of “automatic thoughts” described by cognitive therapists, an individual observes a partner’s behavior or has a memory of a past behavior and spontaneously makes an inference about factors that caused the behavior. The individual who makes the attribution experiences emotions and behavioral responses that are consistent with his or her thoughts about the partner.
