Problem-solving skills in happy and distressed couples: effects of videotape and verbal feedback

Investigated communication in happy and distressed married couples, in two studies. Fifty-eight couples' problem-solving behaviors were evaluated by the spouses themselves and by trained observers. Some distressed couples viewed their own videotape; others received a placebo intervention. Half of the distressed couples received written feedback before a second discussion. Results indicated that (a) distressed and happy couples differed on some behavioral measures; (b) both happy and distressed wives engaged in more negative behaviors than husbands; (c) videotape and written feedback were ineffective in altering behaviors; (d) husbands' and wives' negative behaviors were correlated highly; and (e) spouses' and observers' ratings were independent. Implications for research on marriage and for behavioral couple therapy are discussed.