Reanalyzed data from four previous studies (N=148) to examine the effectiveness of behavioral marital therapy (BMT). Results showed that slightly more than half the couples improved; about one-third actually became nondistressed. Deterioration was rare. (JAC)

Evaluated couples (N=27) randomly assigned to conjoint or concurrent therapy to compare treatment effectiveness with regard to intrapersonal and interpersonal problems. Results showed no differences between the two treatments on any of the outcome measures. (LLL)

Investigated Caring Days procedure for marital therapy to determine its potential for positive change with nondistressed married couples. Randomly assigned 32 married couples to either experimental group employing Caring Days technique or to attention control group. Experimental group showed significant positive changes compared to control group…

Couples therapy interventions can be used with alcohol abusers and alcoholics during three broadly defined states of recovery: (1) initial commitment to change; (2) change itself; and (3) long-term maintenance of change. Intervening with the alcoholic's spouse (and/or other nonalcoholic family members) can motivate and reinforce commitment to…

Presents a five-year follow-up investigation of former marital therapy clients. Conjoint and non-conjoint forms of marital therapy are compared to divorce rates and outcome. Findings indicate conjoint forms of marital therapy are superior to non-conjoint forms. (Author)

Several studies have indicated that costs of alcoholism treatment are partially or completely offset by monetary benefits of reduced health and legal system costs after such treatment, although most of these studies have been conducted in the private rather than the public alcoholism treatment system. This study examined the health and legal…

This investigation was the second in a series of empirical studies on marital enrichment training using the Training in Marital Enrichment (TIME) model. In addition to further study of the TIME model, interest was also directed in the current study to more fully clarifying the nature of change in the model by including a measure of the construct…

Compared the relative effectiveness of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) with two of its major components, behavior exchange (BE) and communication/problem-solving training (CPT), in married couples seeking therapy (N=36). Results showed that complete BMT was no more effective than either BE or CPT at posttest. (LLL)

Evaluated the effectiveness of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) in aiding distressed couples (N=30) and explored the relative effectiveness of cotherapists versus single therapist. Results affirmed the overall effectiveness of BMT. A cotherapy team and a single therapist were equally effective. No differences were found between immediate therapy…

Examined marital therapy strategies of reflection and reframing on spouses' immediate patterns of relating, and investigated therapists' choice of technique immediately following different spousal interactions. Coded 628 pre- and post-intervention sequences from 13 therapy cases. Therapists chose reflection following defensive behaviors; reframing…

Reviewed cases of 103 couples seen in systems-oriented marital therapy to identify outcome and treatment issues as a function of marital paradigm. Found 92 percent of the 38 cases where both partners identified with the same basic paradigm were judged to be treatment successes, while only 60 percent of the cases with different paradigms were…

Examined the effectiveness of behavioral marital therapy in improving communication and problem solving skills in 29 couples. Couples' problem discussions were videotaped and rated. Results showed that BMT was effective. The interaction patterns of the treated couples resembled patterns exhibited by nondistressed controls. (JAC)

Examined impacts of brief group psychotherapy on the marital and sex roles of five volunteer couples. Results show interactional correlates of traditional marital and sex role variations are attenuated, that communication between spouses is improved, and that the therapeutic quality of verbal behavior is enhanced over the course of therapy.…

Minimal differences were found in the amount, and direction, of changes. Differences in dissolution rates were found, as expected, but court-ordered counseling did appear to have a positive effect with some couples. (Author)

A study of dissatisfied married couples found that those who received individual counseling and consultation benefited more than did persons receiving one kind of traditional counseling for couples. (Author)