The Roberts and Koval (2001) article argues that partners' emotional experiences in couple relationships have for the most part been neglected in the literature in favor of an emphasis on cognitive processes, and that recent advances in knowledge about brain functions provide new avenues for clinical interventions that directly address couples' negative emotional responses. Although there is a need for more attention to emotional processes in the assessment and treatment of couples' relationship problems, Roberts and Koval have provided a limited view of the role of emotion in existing couples theory, research, and clinical practice. Similarly, they identify important developments in brain research but do not offer clear links to clinical intervention, and the interventions they propose overlap considerably with existing approaches. Finally, the assessment and intervention in their case example appear to overlook significant affective, as well as cognitive and behavioral, responses that members of couples facing infidelity commonly experience.
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