Psychology

Motivational interviewing as an intervention for at-risk couples

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Thirty-one couples participated in a pilot, motivational interviewing, intervention for at-risk couples called the Marriage Checkup (MC). The MC consisted of thorough relationship assessment and individualized feedback. It attracted substantial numbers of at-risk couples who were not otherwise seeking treatment. Partners' marital satisfaction improved significantly from pre-to postcheckup and remained improved at 1-month follow up. Partners were no longer significantly different from a nondistressed comparison group following intervention. Although not addressing the efficacy of the MC, this study supports its viability as an indicated preventive intervention with couples at-risk for severe marital distress by addressing its attractiveness, tolerability, and safety.

Publication Title

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Volume

27

Issue

3

First Page

315

Last Page

326

ISSN

0194-472X

DOI

10.1111/j.1752-0606.2001.tb00327.x

Keywords

interviewing, couples, couples therapy, family psychaotherapy, marital satisfaction

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