PREVENTION OF MARITAL DYSFUNCTION - BEHAVIORAL-APPROACHES AND BEYOND

Marital dysfunction is a significant problem in the U.S., with far-ran ging effects on the mental health, Physical health, and economic well- being of people who experience it. In addition, marital discord and di vorce appear to have adverse effects on children. This review describe s the historical roots of current prevention programs and critically r eviews marriage preparation programs that have been examined in the pe er-reviewed literature. The results of 13 studies suggest that behavio rally oriented, skills-based marriage preparation Programs can lead to behavioral changes that may help, prevent the emergence of marital dy sfunction. Whereas there has been modest improvement in the methodolog y of the program evaluations, suggestions for continued improvements a re made. Ways to enhance the effectiveness of marriage preparation pro grams using the principles of prevention are described. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science Ltd.