Increasing positive behavior in severely distressed marital relationships: The effects of problem-solving training

Abstract

The effectiveness of problem-solving training was investigated with severely distressed couples. Six couples received problem-solving training following a condition in which they received instructions to increase positive behavior. Each couple served as a separate single-subject experiment, with the frequencies of various target behaviors serving as the primary measures of change. Behavioral rates were recorded in the home by spouses, supplemented by self-report, and observational data collected in the laboratory. All six couples improved during the course of therapy, although in only three cases was it possible to demonstrate that problem solving was responsible for the positive changes. One couple improved both during Instructions and problem-solving phases. Another couple improved only after receiving a modified form of instructions. Follow-up data showed five of the six couples to be maintaining their positive changes.