| Abstract: | The multilateral approach to causation posits four possible causes which need to be considered in the assessment and treatment of discord between partners in a primary relationship. These causes include the precipitating event, the reaction of a person to the precipitating event, the interactional dynamics of the partners, and the goals and objectives of the relationship which are being frustrated. A multilateral approach permits a person to accept his or her own legitimate responsibility for behavior and feelings without a responsibility "underload" or "overload." The use of multilateral causation is intended as a therapeutic safeguard against oversimplification. |
