Imago Relationship theory provides a relational view of healing and growth. The theory
developed from a synthesis of theories and the formulations of Harville Hendrix Ph.D. and
Helen La Kelly Hunt Ph.D. Hendrix (1988) explains the formation of the theory in this way:


    “To fill in the gaps. I worked with hundreds of couples in private practice and
    thousand more in workshops and seminars. Out of my research and clinical
    observations, I gradually developed a theory of marital therapy called Imago
    (ih-MAH-go) Relationship Therapy. My approach was eclectic. I brought together
    depth psychology, the behavioral sciences, the western spiritual traditions, and
    added some elements of Transactional Analysis, Gestalt psychology, systems
    theory, and cognitive therapy. In my view, each of these schools of thought made a
    unique and important contribution to the understanding of the psychology of the
    individual, but it was when they were all brought together in new syntheses that they
    illuminated the mystery of love relationships. (p.xvi)”

Like much of psychological theory and practice, Imago theory developed from
observation and intuition. Imago theory provides a conceptual and philosophical
understanding of relationship and proposes that individual growth and healing takes place
in the context of relationship. The practice of Imago theory involves individual counseling
and workshops for individuals and couples (“Keeping the Love You Find” and “Getting the
Love You Want”).

Various research studies provide some information about the under lying theory and
experience of Imago. Research informs about Imago practices and explores Imago in
terms of Imago constructs and theory, the use of Imago relationship therapy skills, and
outcome studies concerning the efficacy of Imago Relationship Therapy and workshops.

Studies Concerning Imago Constructs

Studies have explored the underlying theories of personal functioning that Hendrix
addressed concerning the basic concepts of personality and related defense behaviors
by discussing four basic functions of self (Hendrix, 1992). The categories of personal
functioning are: thinking, feeling, sensing, and acting. According to Imago theory, people
receive messages of wholeness or repression in the basic functions of self. Imago theory
states that people will either externalize reactions and behaviors (maximize) or internalize
reactions and behaviors (minimize). Imago theory also suggests that partners usually
present with complementary styles that one partner might be a minimizer and that the
other partner might be a maximizer.

Hannah & Marrone,et al, (1998) and Marrone & Hannah et al.(1998) developed a scale
and a research process for exploring the ideas related to personality functions and
defensive adaptations. The researchers developed the Imago Developmental Adaptation
Profile (IDAP) to measure minimizing and maximizing behavior styles and the Imago Self-
Functioning Scale (ISFS) that measure personality strengths and weaknesses in the
areas of thinking, feeling, sensing, and acting. The research conducted studies to field
test the survey measures and to test out the content validity of the scale.

The study results indicate that couples do not have blocks in the same areas of personal
functioning and do show tendency for couples to exhibit complementarity of defensive
adaptations within committed relationships. These findings provide preliminary
information that helps to support one of the Imago concepts related to complementarity of
defensive styles and partner interactions.

Gabler (2002) continued this exploration into Imago constructs by investigating the
relationship between attachment theory and Imago theory by using the IDAP measure and
comparing it to the Multi-Item Measure of Adult Romantic Attachment. Gabler was able to
conduct surveys on 118 people prior to completing the Imago workshop. The research
was able to demonstrate that by comparing the two surveys that partners had
complementarity in terms of different attachment and defensive styles. This research joins
previous studies that noted and supported the Imago concepts related to complementarity
of defensive styles in relationship.

Studies Concerning the Use of Imago Relationship Therapy Skills

Hannah et al., (1996) explored the use of Imago skills by the Imago therapists themselves
(N=392). Research identified current dyadic adjustment by using the Dyadic Adjustment
Scale (DAS) and surveyed the use of Imago skills by developing a scale to numerically
measure the use of specific Imago skills, the Imago Intentionality Measure (IIM). The study
results showed that Imago therapists had an average level of relationship adjustment
which indicates a healthy connection according to survey standards. Imago therapists
also demonstrated an average level of use of Imago skills. Over 86% utilized mirroring at
least some of the time. Imago therapist reported strong use of skills such as validation
and empathy. Other skills also reported a high usage such as 88% indicating that they
used the Behavior Change Request process at least some of the time. The study showed
a statistically significant connection between the use of Imago skills and dyadic
adjustment. Therapists that used the Imago skills had higher levels of dyadic adjustment.
Therapists had difficulty relinquishing behaviors such as criticism and the use of
relationship exits.

In a study (N=102) that replicated the study on Imago therapists but changed the study
population to past attendees of the “Getting the Love You Want” workshop for couples,
similar results were discovered (Beeton, 2006). Past workshop attendees who completed
the GTLYW at least a year ago, indicated average levels of dyadic adjustment and also
indicated an average use of Imago skills. Specific explorations into the use of specific
skills showed 64 % of past attendees using the mirroring skill at least some of the time.
81% claimed to use the skill of validation in relationship and 88% claimed to use the skill
of empathy with their partner at least some of the time with the greater percentage of
people claiming to use the skill frequently. This study added an open-ended questionnaire
that allowed people a chance to add their own comments concerning the use of Imago
skills. The study participant’s own comments indicated that Imago skills made a
significant positive impact on their relationship dynamic. Many of the study comments
positively referenced knowledge concerning Imago concepts and skills. In additional
similarities to the Imago therapist study, these study participants had difficulty
relinquishing negative relationship patterns.

Weigle (2006) also questioned past workshop attendees (N=12) through a qualitative
study and asked about the past participant’s perceptions of the benefit of the GTLYW
workshop on marital satisfaction a year after participating in the GTLYW workshop. The
study also asked questions about family of origin issues and communication skills and
conflict resolution. The past GTLYW workshop attendees in this study reported increased
marital satisfaction and improvement in the ways the participants handle conflict. The
study participants give credit to the information learned in the Imago workshop as a factor
in their perceptions of relationship improvement.

A narrative investigation into the connection between the Imago couple’s dialogue
practices and experiences with personal expressions of spirituality revealed that some
people experience the use of the couple’s dialogue as a spiritual practice (Feldman,
1999). Of the study population (N=11) the couples who practiced dialogue skills more
often indicted a stronger sense of spirituality in the process. This study provided
information about the Imago processes in the words of the study participants themselves.

An investigation (Guagenti-Tax, 2002) into the use of Imago skills in dealing with conflict
showed that men (N=121) ordered into a batterers treatment program were able to show
improved scores on the Modified Conflict Tactics Scale (MCTS) after completing a
program that incorporated Imago skills into the treatment program. The study participants
were able to complete surveys before and after the intervention that included the use of
Imago skills. The researcher indicates that Imago skills were a significant factor in the
batterers’ scores.

Outcomes and Efficacy of Imago Relationship Therapy and Workshops

Research reports on possible connections between relationship satisfaction and the
experience of the Imago workshop and Imago therapy intervention. Some of the research
reports on satisfaction with the Imago workshop and some of the research explored
relationship experiences before and after completing Imago therapy. Initial studies
concerning relationship satisfaction and improvement showed that people can improve
their scores by participating in the workshop or a period of short-term treatment related to
Imago skills.

Pitner & Bailey (1998) surveyed 110 couples experiencing nine different workshops
across the United States. Participants completed the Marital Satisfaction Scale-Short
Form (MSS) and the Relationship Change Scale (RCS) which measures relationship
quality as a result of change behaviors. Participants of the study completed the
questionnaire prior to attending the Imago workshop and immediately after completing
the workshop, along with a follow-up questionnaire that was sent six weeks after attending
the workshop. Study participants started the workshop with an average level of marital
satisfaction. The post-workshop scores indicate that the group average score rose more
than 10 points and continued to rise at the six week follow-up point. The RCS scale
scores also increased 15.79 for the group average. The study participants showed
increases in scores for marital satisfaction and for factors related to the relationship
change.

A study regarding the relationship experience of people completing a short-term model of
Imago therapy developed by Wade Luquet utilized the Compass Outpatient Treatment
Assessment System (COMPASS) (Hannah, Luquet, & McCormick,1997). The
COMPASS scale is a scale that usually provides information about individual function in
areas related to family, health, intimacy, social skills, self-management, and work areas.
The study participants also completed three scales related to marital satisfaction and
completed these surveys before treatment and after completing treatment. The post-test
scores show positive differences in three of the four compass scales and on all of the
relationship satisfaction scales. The results of this study show that Imago interventions
could be a significant factor towards influencing relationship interactions.

Luquet and Hannah (1996) completed a preliminary study of 18 couples, who also
completed a short-term intervention of Imago Relationship Therapy, exploring relationship
quality by utilizing the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI). The MSI is a large survey that
includes scores for 11 scales. This particular research study focused on three areas of
the scale that include Global Distress, Affective Communication, and Problem Solving
Communication Skills. The post-treatment scores show improvement on three of the
areas of marital functioning.

Additional investigations by Hannah and Luquet et al, (1997) explored short-term
interventions of 21 couples who experienced Imago therapy by using the Narcissistic
Personality Inventory, Relationship Maturity Index, The Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and the
Imago Intentionality Measure. Researchers provided the study participants with pre and
post-intervention surveys. The study participants show statistically significant
improvements on survey scores for all of the four measures.

One study by Hogan et al (1996) researched 268 Imago workshop participants and
utilized three self report questionnaires that explored demographics, satisfaction with the
workshop, and the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). The overwhelming majority (96%) of the
study participants indicated that the workshop experience was excellent and found the
workshop experience to be very enjoyable. The study showed that study participants
having a high score on the CTS were more likely to find the structure of the workshop
enjoyable.

Research and Imago Theory

The philosophical and intuitive nature of Imago theory creates problems in developing
research to explore the basic tenants and practices of Imago. Nonetheless, early
research explorations do provide some encouraging results regarding the practice and
experience of Imago theory on relationship functioning. Initial research studies reveal that
scores on relationship scales can improve after participating in an Imago couples
workshop or short-term treatment of Imago therapy. People report that Imago practices
and concepts make a positive difference in relationship awareness and interactions.

The Board of Imago Relationships International recognizes the necessity of research to
support Imago practices and plans to investigate ways to conduct more studies into the
practices related to Imago. Research is an important tool in measuring the experiences of
the participants and users of Imago skills and concepts. Plans are underway to establish
ongoing research practices.

Imago Theory and Couples Counseling Research

Research concerning success in marital relationships can find application and support in
Imago theory and concepts. Gottman (1993) identified four relationship patterns as
predictors of divorce or relationship failure. These patterns include: criticism,
defensiveness, stonewalling and contempt. Imago skills address the negative relationship
behaviors, by providing processes and techniques that help to override and suggest
alternatives to the common practice of these relationship behaviors. Other research
suggests that the quality of connection between the couples is a factor that creates marital
satisfaction or discord (Markman & Hahlweg, 1993; Matthews, 1996). Imago theory offers
practical, enlightening skills and concepts that help to remedy the negative relationship
attitudes that researchers indicate will facilitate divorce and relationship failure.
Researchers, Stanley & Markman, (1997) suggest that marriage and relationship
education programs include program content that will: raise awareness, foster change in
attitudes and beliefs, along with skills training and the use of structure. Imago practices
fulfill all of these criteria. Imago therapy and the Imago workshop provide opportunities for
couples to re-image themselves, their partner and the relationship. As people develop
new ways of viewing relationship interactions the experience of the couple relationship will
have an opportunity to take on more connecting dynamics. Imago theory teaches specific
skills and provides a structure for couples to interact and cope with negative personal
reactions. The practices of Imago skills will help individuals and couples to move from
unconscious and destructive relationship behaviors towards developing conscious,
connecting relationship enhancing interactions.

References

Beeton, T. (2006) Dyadic adjustment and the use of Imago skills among past participants
of the “Getting the Love You Want” workshop for couples.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Walden University, Minneapolis MN.

Feldman, K. (1999).The couples dialogue of Imago Relationship Therapy as a spiritual
process. The Journal of Imago Relationship Therapy, 4 (2) 43-68.

Gottman, J.M. (1993). A theory of marital dissolution and stability. Journal of Family
Psychology 7 57-75.

Guagenti-Tax, E. (2003). Integrating Imago Therapy and educational techniques for court
ordered men who batter: A preliminary investigation. The Journal of Imago
Relationship Therapy, 5 (2), 45-54.

Hannah, M.T., Case,B.A., Fennell, B.A., Argesta, V., Lisi,K., Zebrowski, L.,Berkery, K.
(1996). Dyadic Adjustment and the practice of Imago skills by Imago therapists in their
current romantic relationships. The Journal of Imago Relationship Therapy, 1(1). 55-65.

Hannah, M.T., Luquet, W. & McCormick, J. (1997). COMPASS as a measure of efficacy
of couples therapy. American Journal of Family Therapy, 25 (1), 76-90.

Hannah, Mt., Luquet, W., McCormick, J. Galvin, K., Ketterer, K.,May, K., Hayes, R.,& Kott,
L.A. (1997). Brief report: Short-term Imago therapy and changes in personal distress. The
Journal of Imago Relationship Therapy 2 (2), 55-67.

Hannah, M.T., Marrone, J.B., Luquet, W., Gondek, D., Long, J., Squadrito, S.J., Bause,
M., Clay, M. (1998). The development and psychometric properties of two
measures of Imago theoretical constructs. The Journal of Imago Relationship Therapy 3
(1), 49-62.

Hendrix, H. (1988). Getting the love you want: A guide for couples. New York: Pocket
Books.

Hogan, T., Hunt, R., Emerson, D., Hayes, R., Ketterer, K. (1996) An evaluation of client
Satisfaction with the “Getting the Love You want” weekend workshop. The
The Journal of Imago Relationship Therapy 1 (2), 57-66.

Luquet, W., & Hannah, M.T. (1996). The efficacy of short-term Imago therapy:
Preliminary findings. The Journal of Imago Relationship Therapy, 1 (1), 67-75.

Markman, H.J., & Hahleweg, K. (1993). The Prediction and prevention of marital distress:
An international perspective. Clinical Psychology Review 13 29-43.

Marrone, J., Hannah, M.T., Bause, M., & Long, J. (1998).The Imago developmental
adaptation profile(IDAP):Preliminary scale development. The Journal of Imago
Relationship Therapy 3 (4), 49-62.

Matthews, L.S., Wickerma, K.A.S. & Conger, R.D. (1996). Predicting marital instability
from spouse and observer reports of marital interaction. Journal of Marriage and the
Family, 58, 641-655.

Pitner, G.D., & Bailey, W.R. (1998). The getting the love you want workshop, marital
satisfaction and relationship quality. The Journal of Imago Relationship Therapy
3 (1), 35-48.

Stanley, S.M., & Markman, H.J. (1997) Acting on What We Know: The Hope Of
Prevention, Family Impact Seminar, Washington, D.C.

Weigle, J.B. (2006). The impact of participating in an Imago therapy workshop on marital
satisfaction. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Walden University, Minneapolis MN.
Theresa A. Beeton, Ph.D
Reproduced with permission from the author
Suzanne Y. Corcoran, LCSW  1107 Nelson Street  Suite 204  Rockville, Maryland 20850  Phone: 301-590-0204
info@suzannecorcoran.com
Suzanne Corcoran, LCSW-C
             Counseling for Couples and Individuals in Rockville, Maryland