The Relationship Research Institute has a long history of learning about couple and families through behavioral coding.
What is Behavioral Coding?
Behavioral coding is a way to observe and record data about interactions. Each behavioral coding system is unique, depending on what is of interest to researches about the interactions they will be observing coding. Generally, coding systems consist of a set of carefully defined codes, that researchers use to label or rate behavior as they observe and code it.
Often this is done by watching videotape of interactions on computer software designed to collect input of codes as researchers note and record them. Behavioral coding provides researches with information about not only each unique interaction, but also with a standard by which they can compare behavior across entire samples.
Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF)
One of the most popular coding systems is the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF). This system is most frequently used to code problem-solving interactions with couples, but has also been used to code parent-child and peer interactions, as well as workplace interactions. SPAFF incorporates facial expression, content and context of speech, when identifying the affect of each partner. Interactions are coded on video, second-by-second and each partner is coded individually.
Researchers using this system can identify both warning signs of relationship distress as well as highlight strengths of satisfied couples. From this system, Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Contempt, Criticism, Stonewalling and Defensiveness have become better understood as truly corrosive elements of a relationship. Also from this system, we have learned that it is not merely the presence of these corrosive behaviors in an interaction, but the ratio of these negative behaviors to positive behaviors (such as interest, affection and humor), that is telling about a couple’s relationship health.
Interested in learning more about SPAFF and how to use it in your research?
The Relationship Research Institute offers training materials, on-site training, consultation and data coding. For more information, contact us.