It was hypothesized that unhappily married couples would show a deficit in problem solving by indicating significantly more unresolved problems and would indicate less involvement with one another in both elective free-time activities and shared sexuality. All hypotheses were confirmed. (Author)

Examined the effectiveness of behavioral marital therapy in improving communication and problem solving skills in 29 couples. Couples' problem discussions were videotaped and rated. Results showed that BMT was effective. The interaction patterns of the treated couples resembled patterns exhibited by nondistressed controls. (JAC)