Married men and women (N = 1,899 couples) reported readiness to eat a healthier diet, lose weight, and get more exercise (stage of change) and indicated whether they were confident to make these changes (self-efficacy). Husbands' and wives' reports of readiness to change each health behavior were positively associated. Furthermore, women who…

This paper provides a commentary on the special series on universal processes and common factors in couple therapy. The authors in this section share their insights, from varying perspectives, about what it is in couples therapy and relationship education programs that work, why they work, and for whom they work best. In so doing, these articles…

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of treating depression with coping-oriented couples therapy (COCT) as compared with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT; A. T. Beck, C. Ward, & M. Mendelson, 1961) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT; M. M. Weissman, J. C. Markowitz, & G. L. Klerman, 2000). Sixty couples, including 1…

Despite the recent emphasis on acceptance in romantic relationships, no validated measure of relationship acceptance presently exists. To fill this gap, the 20-item Frequency and Acceptability of Partner Behavior Inventory (FAPBI; A. Christensen & N. S. Jacobson, 1997) was created to assess separately the acceptability and frequency of both…

Outlines a treatment approach integrating behavioral and marital interventions for working with agoraphobics and their partners. Where interactions arouse anxiety, agoraphobes and significant others become embroiled in a circular transaction which causes mutual resentment and entrenched symptomatology. Suggests a method to help develop a…

The increasing popularity of contracting and negotiation training with marital couples suggests a need for systematic analysis of the models available for such training. Working within a behavioral framework two major categories of contracting are developed, and their logical form is considered. (Author)

Provides two-year follow-up data for a comparison between a complete behavioral marital therapy treatment package and two of its major components, behavior exchange and communication/problem-solving training for 34 couples. Statistically significant differences between the three treatments were not in evidence on any of the measures of marital…

Randomly assigned 79 couples seeking treatment for relationship distress to behavioral marital therapy, insight-oriented marital therapy or waiting list. Both therapies resulted in significant improvements in self-reports of global marital accord and, to lesser extent, in reduction of overall psychological distress and in enhancement of…

Empirical research on behavioral marital therapy (BMT) was reviewed and it was concluded that BMT, with its emphasis on working on a strictly behavioral level with married couples, was an effective form of therapy. Six component analysis studies were then examined which showed a general trend in the studies indicating that strictly behavioral…

Suggests conjoint reading aloud as an initial assignment in behavioral marital therapy. The spouses are directed to read a book on marital conflict and communication five times during the week following the initial interview. Conjoint reading addresses the experientially salient problems of verbal conflict. (Author/JAC)

At Western Illinois University a three segment workshop has been initiated to help participants become aware of intimacy skills and facilitate their actual practice. The model has three separate sections; each is devoted to a distinct but related series of concepts and activities. (Author)

A defining feature of behavior therapy is its application of general psychological principles and its consequent responsiveness to developments in general psychology. However, there are indications that a new movement already labeled in behavioral circles as "affect in the eighties" may be influencing the cognitive behavior therapy of…

Reviews the literature on reciprocity counseling. Evidence is presented for the usefulness of reciprocity counseling with young, well-educated, White clients with slight to moderate marital distress. Research into the effectiveness of several components of reciprocity counseling including contracting, problem solving training, and feedback is…

Behavioral Marital Therapy (BMT) is clinically useful because it includes elaborating procedures, modifying the spouse's self-defeating cognitions, and moving toward early intervention and prevention. Each article in this issue of American Journal of Family Therapy focuses on innovations in BMT, either in research or practice. (Author/NRB)