This paper offers a comparative analysis of the process of conjoint marital therapy within the three major contemporary models of treatment: (1) psychoanalytic; (2) behavioral; and (3) systems theory. On the basis of this comparative analysis, some thoughts toward the future of marital therapy are offered. (Author)

Presents a contract and rationale for use with couples who recognize that their marriage is on the edge of divorce. The couple can choose to live separately under controlled and structured conditions. The counselor plays an active part as mediator and facilitator. (Author)

Twelve couples in marital counseling were studied during 12 months on the basis of their biorhythms. For each couple a compatibility percentage was obtained. It was found that difficulties in their interaction correlated highly with dissonance in their biorhythms. (Author)

Presents flow chart of the process of psychotherapy with couples as way for practitioners to integrate various models of marital therapy into their treatment. Discusses sequentially basic steps and questions to be addressed; resolution of each stage is considered important for movement to following stages. Notes flow chart allows intervention…

Discusses coverage of relevant treatment areas for dual-career couples described in the literature. Includes a case example and analysis. Recommends an integrated multilevel approach because of the structural complexities and intricate psychological and interpersonal adaptations inherent in dual-career relationships. (ABL)

Describes a two-year treatment of a case of marital abuse. Used psychoanalytic and family systems theory to understand the processes contributing to the emergence of violence. Documents resistances to total change. (Author/ABB)

Describes structured marital separation, an intervention method designed to assist distressed marital couples during their critical period of decision making either to divorce or maintain the marriage. Presents a brief review of separation models and addresses separation counseling including: assessment, contracting, initial adjustment to…

A controlled study involving group selection of content material to be role-played, videotape feedback of the role-playing situation, and effects on the self-image of disturbed marital couples is presented. A follow-up gives evidence that such a procedure may produce a high "casualty" rate in disturbed married couples.

Systematic training in interpersonal communication skills was conducted with partners in deteriorated marriages who acknowledged a low level of communication as a major problem. The results indicated that trained couples improved significantly in their interpersonal skills and in their ability to elicit self-exploration from their spouse. The…

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…

Discusses a no lose approach to custody battles, wherein parents are helped to negotiate and create their own custody and visitation arrangements. The process, its strengths, and problems, and the parents' evaluative comments are discussed. (Author)

Explores intimacy enhancement through a psychoeducational method, the Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS) Program. Participants were more distressed and less intimate than general population. Clients' perceptions of intimacy and what maintains intimacy were measured. Findings suggest a multifaceted view of intimacy.…

The role of cognitions in marital relationships has received increasing attention. Specific beliefs about marital relationships have shown consistent correlations with overall marital satisfaction. As a measure of dysfunctional beliefs about intimate relationships, the Relationship Belief Inventory provides five dysfunctional beliefs scores. This…

The spouses were counseled jointly with a cognitive approach and separately with behavior modification techniques for the husband's obesity and the wife's lack of affective verbalization. After eight weeks, the husband had lost thirty pounds and the wife's affective language had increased markedly. (Author)