THE EFFICACY OF A COMPACT PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP TRAINING-PROGRAM FOR MARRIED-COUPLES

There is a lack of psychoeducational programs for married couples who, although subjectively concerned about their marriages, do not seek ma rital therapy. In this study, the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral p rogram delivered on a weekend by 2 trainers for groups of 4 couples wa s investigated. Couples (n = 67) were recruited by newspaper announcem ents, then randomly assigned to the intervention program or a waiting- list control group. The program consisted of communication and problem -solving training, couples' discussions to clarify their relationship expectations, and exercises to enhance their sensual or sexual relatio nship. Ar postassessment, intervention couples emitted more positive v erbal and nonverbal communication behaviors during a conflict discussi on task than did control couples, who reported significantly more rela tionship problem areas and displayed more negative communication behav iors. At the 1-year follow-up, intervention couples reported fewer pro blem areas in comparison with preassessment.