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Finally, the P refers to the Pattern of Interaction that couples get into as they try to navigate the problem created by the DEE.
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For example, if Sue’s job is very demanding or if Bill and Sue live far away from Bill’s circle of friends and family, these contextual factors may make the differences between Bill and Sue more problematic. The second E refers to external circumstances, particularly stressful circumstances, which may exacerbate the problems created by differences and emotional sensitivities. Likewise, this difference could be especially problematic if Sue tends to feel controlled or guilty by efforts to have more connection with her. This difference could be especially problematic is Bill tends to feel neglected when his partner is not close and interconnected with him. For example, perhaps Bill wants a closer, more interdependent relationship than Sue wants, while she is more comfortable with greater independence than Bill is. The first E refers to emotional sensitivities or vulnerabilities that each partner brings to the relationship that may make the differences particularly problematic. The D refers to key Differences between partners in personality, interests, goals, etc. As they relate to couple distress, IBCT conceptualizes these ideas through a simple mnemonic: the DEEP analysis or DEEP understanding of relationship problems. To understand this theme, IBCT borrows two central ideas from other close relationship research : a) the stuff of relationships is the interaction between partners and b) there are three broad factors that influence that interaction: the characteristics each partner brings to the interaction and the context in which that interaction occurs. IBCT suggests that couples often struggle with one or two broad themes in their relationship, such as a struggle over how interdependent or independent they should be.