Couples Communication Program Research Articles

The Effect of couple therapy based on schema therapy and training of couple communication program on marital conflict resolution styles

The Effect of couple therapy based on schema therapy and training of couple communication program on marital conflict resolution styles

Efficacy of Emotion-Focused Couples Communication Program for Enhancing Couples’ Communication and Marital Satisfaction Among Distressed Partners

This study investigated the efficacy of ‘Emotion-Focused Couples’ Communication Program’ for enhancing marital communication and satisfaction among distressed couples. It used a ‘two-group randomized control trial’ with 32 couples who belonged to the urban, middle class society of Maharashtra, India. ‘Primary Communication Inventory’ and ‘Dyadic Adjustment Scale’ were used to measure the level of communication and marital satisfaction. The program lasted five weeks and the results showed significant effects elicited by the program. Two-way ANOVA was used for data analysis and Cohen’s d test measured effect’s extent. This suggested ‘Emotion-Focused Couples’ Communication Program’ to be an effective tool for enhancing communication and marriage quality, thus positing that a healthy communication between the partners ensures greater marital satisfaction in a spousal relationship.

An Investigation Of Couple Communication Program (CCP) on The Life's Quality and Intimacy of Unsatisfied Women

Objective: The purpose of this study is investigating the effectiveness of couple communication program training on quality of life & marital intimacy. Method: Statistical population consists of 40 unsatisfied women who had referred to Sepehr counseling center in Tehran and their scores was less than 30 in Enrich Marital Satisfaction questionnaire. Therefore, we chose our population by available sampling and finally we selected 20 women in experimental group and 20 women as control group. This research was a quasi-experimental method by pre-test and post-test. Then, Marriage Intimacy (MIQ) and world health organization quality of Life (WHO) questionnaires were completed by both groups as pre-tests. The experimental group was trained couple communication program (CCP) method once a week and two hours each time in twelve sessions, but control group didn’t receive any training. After the training sessions, Marriage Intimacy and the world health organization quality of Life (WHO) questionnaires were completed by both groups as post-tests. Results: The results of (ANCOVA) show significant differences between marital intimacy and quality of life's scores between pre-tests and post-tests and follow-up of experimental group and the results of post-test is significantly higher than pre-test and follow-up higher than post-test. Also, the t-test results show significant differences between marital intimacy and quality of life's scores in pre-tests and post-tests and follow-up of experimental group, but the scores of pre- tests and post-tests in control group are not significantly meaningful. Also, the t- test results show a meaningful difference between the experimental and control's post-test results, which means that post-test's result in experimental group is meaningfully higher than control group in all criteria except commitment criterion which doesn’t show any significant differences in experimental and control groups’ post test's results. Conclusion: These results confirmed that couple communication program (CCP) on improving of women quality of life and marital intimacy is effective.

The Effects of a Couple Communication Program on the Conflict Resolution Skills and Active Conflict Tendencies of Turkish Couples

Following the announcement that a Couple Communication Program was to be held at the Ondokuz Mayis University Permanent Education Center, the Active Conflict Subscale of the Conflict Tendency Scale (Dokmen, 1989) and Conflict Resolution Scale (Akbalık, 2001) were administered to 122 Turkish couples who volunteered to participate. The 40 couples with the worst test scores were randomized into study and control groups. No differences in the test scores were determined between the two groups before the start of the program (P > 0.05). After attending the program, the test scores of the study group were better in total than those of the control group (P < 0.001). Benefits are retained at 3 and 6 months following (P = 1).

Effects of a Couple Communication Program on Marital Adjustment

Couples are usually advised to improve their communication skills to increase harmony and avoid conflicts. However, studies aimed at increasing marital adjustment in primary care are limited. A Couple Communication Program was announced at the Ondokuz Mayis University Permanent Education Center, and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale was administered to 67 couples who volunteered. Twenty-eight persons (14 couples) with the lowest test scores were randomized into study and control groups. At the end of the program (post-test), the scale was again administered to the study group. Afterward, the pretest and post-test scores of the study and control groups were compared. The study group's pretest, post-test, and follow-up test scores were also examined. No difference in marital adjustment was found between the study and control groups before the start of the program (P > .05). The post-test scores of the couples attending the Couple Communication Program proved to be higher in total than the scores of those who did not attend (P < .001). The post-test and follow-up scores of the study group were significantly higher than their pretest scores (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the post-test and follow-up scores of the study group (P = 1.0). This program may have a positive effect on marital adjustment levels by improving communication skills and may lead to long-term behavioral modifications in couples.

A meta-analytic update of research on the couple communication program

The Couple Communication (CC) program is a communication skills training program that uses brief didactic presentations, directed practice or role playing, and homework exercises. Skills include self-awareness, speaking skills, listening skills, conflict resolution skills, and styles of communication. This study is a meta-analysis of 16 recent CC studies. Outcome measures were classified as observational or attitudinal, and attitudinal measures were further grouped into measures of marital satisfaction, communication skills, or other relationship qualities. Meaningful effect sizes (ES) were observed for CC training on all types of measures, indicating clinically relevant positive outcomes for CC training. ES of observational measures of communications outcomes were greater than ES for attitudinal measures. CC training appears to be effective in improving communication but not substantially more effective than other communication training programs. Communication gains deteriorated substantially by follow-up. Combined current and previous meta-analyses suggest that CC training leads to observed improvements in couple communication together with moderate couple-perceived changes.

A Quasi‐Experimental Evaluation of the Premarital Assessment Program for Premarital Counselling

The Premarital Assessment Program for premarital counselling (Buckner &amp; Salts, 1985) was implemented to evaluate its potential for enhancing positive growth with premarital individuals. Twenty‐one engaged couples were assigned to one of three groups, an experimental group that received the Premarital Assessment Program (PAP), an experimental group that received segments of the Couples Communication Program combined with a modified Premarital Assessment Program (CCPAP), or to a control group that received no treatment. Prior to the treatment period all individuals were administered a pretest which contained demographic questions, the Marital Communication Inventory (MCI), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Following the treatment, all individuals were administered a post‐test containing the MCI, DAS, and an open‐ended question pertaining to their treatment experience. Both treatment groups showed improvement on the DAS total score and one of its subscales compared to the control group, although this change only reached statistical significance between the CCPAP group and the control groups. Further assessment is needed of the value of communication training in premarital counselling.

An Update of Research on the Couple Communication Program

An Update of Research on the Couple Communication Program

Leadership Training for Marriage and Family Enrichment

As he marriage and family enrichment movement has matured issues concerning Ihe selection. mining. and certification of leaden have become more important. Early leaders were self-attained: but successful continuation of the movement. requires a systematic approach for training and verifying the competence of pnctitioneis. This process is complicated by the diversity in the field. To illusrate current approaches to training this article presents in detail he training and certification model used by the Association of Couples for Marriage Enrichment and in less detail the models used by Couples Communication Program. Understanding Us. Family Clusters, and Relationship Enhancement.

The Minnesota Couples Communication Program and clinical pastoral education.

Describes the use of The Minnesota Couples Communication Program (MCCP) as part of a Clinical Pastoral Education unit's efforts to assist CPE students grow in communication skills, Notes four styles of communication and five modes of awareness and how these may lead to the establishment of more adequate communication and shared meaning. Observes that workshops using the MCCP may help pastors to initiate and improve their pastoral activities.

Communicating for Better or for Worse

SynopsisA 2 year follow-up study was carried out using the questionnaire method with 52 couples attending Couples Communication Program groups. The aim was to ascertain the effect of improved communication skills on their relationships. It was found that with improved communication 13% separated. The majority of couples improved their level of intimacy and affection. A continuing reduction of conflict with more satisfactory resolution of problems was also reported.

A comparison of two approaches to marital enrichment and conjugal skills training: Minnesota couples communication program and structured behavioral exchange contracting

Abstract MCCP and Structured Behavioral Exchange training were compared with a waiting list control group through a multivariate repeated measures procedure. Both treatments had, for husbands, a greater immediate impact on communication content, while for wives, the greater immediate impact was upon communication style. Over a 120 day posttest period, both MCCP and SBE training were found to increase perceived relationship quality, though more quickly for wives than for husbands. While there were no significant main group effects, there were significant group by time interactions and main effects for time. Results indicate a general short-term improvement for both groups, but a need for follow-up experiences to maintain treatment gains.

A COMPARISON OF THE RELATIONSHIP ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND THE MINNESOTA COUPLE COMMUNICATION PROGRAM*

This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of the Relationship Enhancement Program (RE) and the Minnesota Couples Communication Program (CC). Couples in the treatment groups (RE‐26, CC‐20) received RE and CC training from certified leaders. Results at posttesting showed that RE was more effective in increasing marital communication (both behavioral and self‐report) and marital satisfaction than CC. A three‐month follow‐up showed that RE couples' outcome remained superior to CC couples'. Additional analyses revealed that couples' experiencing low marital satisfaction prior to training were best helped by the RE program.

Group Training in Marital Communication: A Comparative Study

Two communication training programs-the Communication Skills Workshop (CS W) and the Couples Communication Program (CCP)-and a waiting-list control group were compared on measures of communication effectiveness, problem solving, and relationship satisfaction. Subjects were 54 volunteer couples randomly assigned to conditions. Highly distressed couples or those seeking marital therapy were excluded from the study. One relationship satisfaction questionnaire was administered prior to training; all questionnaires and performance measures were given one and seven weeks following training. Results indicated that couples completing the CCP training revealed significant increases in nonverbal positive messages relative to the CSW and no training. Both training conditions significantly reduced verbal negative messages. Self-report measures revealed no significant differences at follow-up testing. Although trainer differences may have partially accounted for the results, the CCP appears to be a promising alternative to behavioral programs such as CS W.

Bringing the Review of Literature into the Age of Quantification: Meta-Analysis as a Strategy for Integrating Research Findings in Family Studies

The importance of the review of literature as a part of the research process is discussed. Meta-analysis, a quantitative approach to summarizing the research findings in an area, is described, and the approach is illustrated by presenting a metaanalysis of research on the effectiveness of the Minnesota Couple Communication Program. Advantages and disadvantages of meta-analysis are highlighted by comparing the conclusions reached from the meta-analysis with conclusions reached jfrom both a traditional and a voting method review of the same research literature. Even though meta-analysis is a complex approach, it has definite advantages in elucidating small, consistent effects, in yielding more complete information about an area of research, and in offering increased flexibility to the reviewer. It offers a means of summarizing a complex literature that is particularly valuable in family studies, an area of research in which methodology, group size, and other research parameters vary widely.

THE LONG‐TERM EFFECTS OF THE COUPLE COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

The immediate and long‐term impact of the Couple Communication Program was assessed. Seventeen married couples were assigned to training groups. Change was assessed using self‐report measures of marital adjustment and communication quality along with behavioral ratings of couple verbal interaction. Couples increased significantly on all measures at immediate posttest. Marital adjustment returned to pretest levels by five month follow‐up. Couple perceived communication quality and rater judged communication quality maintained posttest levels. The findings suggest a need for more skills training in the program, an increase in length of the program, and consideration of program improvements designed to enhance generalization.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MINNESOTA COUPLE COMMUNICATION PROGRAM: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH*

Findings from a review of 19 research studies on the Minnesota Couple Communication Program (CCP) indicate that CCP has an immediate positive effect on communication behavior and relationship satisfaction. CCP does not alter reported levels of self‐disclosure or self‐esteem. Positive changes due to CCP persisted at follow‐up in some studies, but evidence of the durability of effects is weak. While research on CCP has improved over the last ten years, future research is needed on the issues of maintenance of effects, the types of individuals and couples with whom CCP is most effective, and the specific program components which are most crucial for improving marital communication skills.

Abstracts

Avery, A., Ridley, C, Leslie, L., and Milholland, T. Relationship Enhancement with Premarital Dyads: A Six‐Month Followup. American Journal of Family Therapy, 1980, 8, 3, 23–31.Bader, E., Microys, G., Sinclair, C, Willett, E. and Conway, B. Do Marriage Preparation Programs Really Work: A Canadian Experiment. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1980, 6, 2, 171–179.Hof, L., Epstein, N., and Miller, W. Integrating Attitudinal and Behavioral Change in Marital Enrichment. Family Relations, 1980, 29, 241–248.L'Abate, L. Screening Couples for Marital Enrichment Programs. American Journal of Family Therapy, 1980, 8, 3, 74–77.Nelson, R. C. and Friest, W. P. Marital Enrichment through Choice Awareness. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1980, 6, 4, 399–407.Wagner, V, Weeks, G. and L'Abate, L. Enrichment and Written Message with Couples. American Journal of Family Therapy, 1980, 8, 3, 36–45.Wampler, K. S., and Sprenkle, D. H., The Minnesota Couple Communication Program: A Follow‐Up Study, Journal of Marriage and the Family, August, 1980, 42, 3, 577–584.

The Minnesota Couple Communication Program: A Follow-Up Study

The immediate and long-term effectiveness of the Minnesota Couple Communication Program (MCCP) was investigated. Forty-three couples were assigned randomly to a MCCP or attention-placebo control group. Nine couples were recruited fbr a notreatment control group. The results indicated the MCCP had a positive effect on the couple's use of an open-style communication and on the perceived quality of the couple's relationship immediately after training. However, follow-up testing indicated that only the positive changes in perceived quality of relationship persisted. The MCCP appears to be an effective program in the short-run, but some modifications in the MCCP may be necessary to improve long-term effectiveness.

The Minnesota Couples Communication Program

The Minnesota Couples Communication Program