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Motivational interviewing as an intervention for at-risk couples
J V Cordova1, L Z Warren, C B Gee
1Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. jcordova@s.psych.uiuc.edu
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
|July 5, 2001
Summary
The Marriage Checkup (MC) pilot study shows that this relationship intervention successfully improved marital satisfaction for at-risk couples. The program proved attractive and tolerable, indicating its viability for preventive care.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Many at-risk couples do not seek traditional marital therapy.
- Preventive interventions are needed to address early signs of marital distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the viability of the Marriage Checkup (MC) as an indicated preventive intervention.
- To evaluate the attractiveness, tolerability, and safety of the MC program.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 31 couples at-risk for marital distress.
- The intervention utilized motivational interviewing, relationship assessment, and individualized feedback.
- Marital satisfaction was measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The MC intervention attracted a substantial number of couples not seeking other treatments.
- Significant improvements in partners' marital satisfaction were observed from pre- to post-intervention.
- These improvements were maintained at 1-month follow-up, with participants no longer differing from a non-distressed comparison group.
Conclusions:
- The Marriage Checkup (MC) demonstrates viability as an indicated preventive intervention for couples at risk of severe marital distress.
- The program's attractiveness and tolerability support its potential for wider implementation.
- Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of the MC intervention.
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