The Dyadic Coping Inventory and Mental Health Across Various Stress Contexts

A Decade in Review

Bibliographic Data

ID21476090
AuthorsEmma Allen (0000-0003-3461-138X, Marriage and Family Therapy, Brigham Young University, corresponding author), Alyssa Banford Witting (0000-0002-1530-0407, Marriage and Family Therapy, Brigham Young University), Angela B Bradford (0000-0001-8385-7824, Brigham Young University), Angela Bradford (Marriage and Family Therapy, Brigham Young University)
Year2026
Volume54
Issue2
Pages197-221
Publication date2026-03-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Family Therapy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0192-6187 • E-ISSN: 1521-0383
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01926187.2025.2527610
OpenAlexW4412373259
LanguageEN
References cited42

This scoping review examined covariates, antecedents, and outcomes of the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) related to anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms in couples from 2014–2024. Twenty-three peer-reviewed studies met inclusion criteria and were grouped by stress context (e.g., pregnancy, infertility, chronic illness; and others). Overall, positive dyadic coping was associated with reduced psychological distress across contexts. However, results varied depending on the type of stressor, with some studies showing limited or no benefit. Findings suggest dyadic coping plays a protective role in mental health, though its effectiveness may differ based on the specific stress experienced by the couple

Mental health · Psychotherapist · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · Family Support in Illness · Psychology

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