Reviewed experimental evidence for the efficacy of videotape and verbal feedback in behavioral couple therapy. Concluded that research does not permit definitive conclusions concerning either procedure. Evidence indicates that it is difficult to ascertain just how the communication behaviors of happy and distressed couples differ. (Author/JAC)

Investigated the relationship between participation in Marriage Encounter and subsequent marital or family distress. An analysis of 13 case reports suggested that Marriage Encounter weekends can cause marital or family deterioration through increased marital conflict, avoidance of constructive problem solving, or marital enmeshment at the expense…

Offers the hypothesis that increasing efforts to help families and marriages inadvertently contributes to their dysfunction. By examining the institutions of family and marriage in broader societal perspectives as well as the theories we use a more useful service to the health of these systems is rendered. (Author)

Compared communicational interactions of maritally distressed and nondistressed couples engaged in conflict resolution tasks. Distressed couples made significantly more negative cognitive and problem-solving acts. Distressed couples evidenced more reciprocity of negative communication as compared with nondistressed couples. Relationships of these…

Marital therapy couples (N=47) completed inventories measuring unrealistic beliefs about self and unrealistic beliefs about marital relationships. Results indicated unrealistic beliefs were negatively associated with: estimated chance for improvement in therapy, desire to improve the relationship, preference for marital versus individually…

Develops an interpersonal perception inventory which demonstrates that various ratings of facial caricature drawings when made by a husband and wife can be used as a predictor of marital adjustment. Analysis of data establishes validity for the Facial Interpersonal Perception Inventory as well as reliability and consistency. Implications are…

The Delphi technique of refining group opinion was used to develop a graduate-level marriage and family therapy curriculum. Questionnaires were employed and 101 content areas met the criteria for inclusion into the final curriculum. Discussed are the similarities and differences of this curriculum and the current "model" AAMFT…

Evaluates effectiveness of training in active listening skills. Couples trained in the skills became significantly more accurate in their perceptions of spouses' attitudes and feelings. Results indicate that greater accuracy did not have a significant effect on marital adjustment. (Author)

Choice Awareness is a cognitive-affective-behavioral system that goes beyond both communication training and behavioral bartering approaches to marriage enrichment. Couples explore thoughts, feelings, and actions in their relationships and develop personal power in making choices and in taking responsibility for their own lives. (Author)

Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR) provides systematic information in five types of intimacy: emotional, social, sexual, intellectual and recreational. PAIR can be used with couples in marital therapy and enrichment groups. (Author)

Becoming a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor (MFCC) in California is presented from a Chicano's perspective. There is a need for Chicanos trained extensively in marriage and family counseling to serve the Mexican American population. Few Chicanos enter the profession. The state licensing board does not identify minority counselors.…

The Marital Status Inventory (MSI) is a 14-item intensity scale measuring likelihood of marriage dissolution. Preliminary data indicate that couples with marital problems score significantly higher than couples seeking parent-child therapy. Although predictive validity remains to be demonstrated, MSI is useful for researchers and clinicians.…

This paper describes the evolution of an approach designed to improve interpersonal interaction between spouses through training in specific communication skills. The approach can be used either in lieu of, or in conjunction with, more traditional marital counseling. Presented at American Personnel and Guidance Association Convention, New Orleans,…

The author describes a three-step technique for helping couples communicate better with each other. This technique involves an acknowledgement of verbal renunciation of the right to vent anger through fighting, and a request for help. (Author/HLM)

Unhappily married couples (n=10) were divided into an experimental and control group. The treatment program consisted of training couples to interact more positively and efficiently when engaged in problem solving and teaching couples to make written contingency contracts. The group receiving treatment improved significantly more than did the…