ADAPTING BEHAVIORAL MARITAL-THERAPY TO THE NEEDS OF A SECONDARY MARRIAGE - A CASE EVALUATION

This paper describes and evaluates the adaption of Behavioural Marital Therapy (BMT) to the needs of a couple in a secondary marriage (the h usband was in his second marriage and brought three dependent children to this marriage). The couple presented with specific difficulties in negotiating parenting roles within the reconstituted family. BMT focu sed on promoting adaptive cognitions, affect and communication when di scussing this specific issue. Evaluation used a multiple probe design assessing self-monitored stressful interactions about parenting, and d aily marital satisfaction. Results showed significant reductions in th e intensity and frequency of arguments from pre- to post-therapy, and increases in marital satisfaction. These gains were maintained at foll ow-up. Discussion focuses on future directions for adapting BMT to pro blems particular to secondary marriages.