Marital Dyad Research Articles

A behavioral analysis of problem solving in distressed and nondistressed married and stranger dyads

The present study compared the problem solving behavior of distressed andnondistressed married couples, and explored the “state” vs. “trait” nature of problem solving behavior through comparison of married and stranger dyads. Behavioral codings obtained from spouse and stranger interactions around a standard conflict eliciting task provided the measure of problem solving behavior. Distressed married couples, relative to nondistressed married couples, emitted a significantly greater proportion of negative problem solving behavior, and a significantly smaller proportion of positive problem solving behavior. As compared with stranger dyads, the problem solving behavior of nondistressed marital dyads tended to be more negative and more positive, whereas distressed marital dyads were more negative and less positive. The implications of these finding for marital therapy and research were discussed.

Abstracts

Bernstein, B. E. Lawyer and counselor as an interdisciplinary team: one lawyer's suggestions.Brandwein, R. A., Brown, C. A. & Fox, E. M. Women and children last: the social situation of divorced women and their families.Cookerly, J. R. The reduction of psychopathology as measured by the MMPI clinical scales in three forms of marriage counseling.Denfeld, D. Dropouts from swinging.Fulton, W. C. Counseling as an insured benefit: perspectives from the insurance industry.Hurvitz, N. The family therapist as intermediary.Raths, O. N., Bellville, T. P., Bellville, C. J. & Garetz, F. K. The counter‐phobic mechanism as a force in mate selection and marital stability.Rolfe, D. J. The financial priorities inventory.Solomon, M. A. Resistance in family therapy: some conceptual and technical considerations.Sonne, J. C. On the question of compulsory marriage counseling as a part of divorce proceedings.Strauss, M. Leveling, civility, and violence in the family.Weiss, R. L., Birchler, G. R., & Vincent, J. P. Contractual models for negotiation training in marital dyads.

Mania and marriage: The relationship between biological and behavioral variables

OST STUDIES of manic-depressive psychosis are based on the implicit or explicit hypothesis that the afflicted individual represents an interpersonally isolated system. The research strategy, based on this hypothesis, dictates that investigation be directed toward elucidating the internal biochemical, hormonal, genetic, or psychodynamic factors responsible for these psychopathological, affectual states. Unfortunately, little attention has been given to the possible influence of external factors and the interaction between internal and external factors as determinants of the mood swings associated with this disorder. This relative neglect is especially surprising in light of the knowledge that mania and depression are characterized by profound disturbances in interpersonal relationships. In the depressive phase, the patient withdraws from and avoids others; in the manic phase, the patient displays a type of “interpersonal hunger.” Since the manifestations of this disorder have such a great impact on others, especially those most closely associated with patients, it should prove of interest to investigate the extent to which the moods and behavior of the designated patient and those of a “significant other” are intricately interwoven, as well as the possible contribution of biological variables to this mutual relationship. From this perspective, the ideal context in which to study this disorder should be the marital dyad. The paucity of articles or formal studies on the marital life of manicdepressives belies the intriguing implications of their conclusions. In essence, all authors tend to concur that the manic-depressive patient and spouse must be regarded as a “dynamic structural unit,” exerting mutual influence on each other. Fitzgerald,’ for example, describes the shifting dominance-passivity balance between patient and spouse: mania begets spouse passivity; depression begets spouse dominance. While it is tempting to conclude that “the manic acts and the spouse reacts,” Humiston* offers speculations on the provocative nature of the spouse’s role and how this may contribute to the onset of mania. Janowsky,3 on the other hand, describes the tendency of many spouses eventually to withdraw from further emotional involvement as a means of coping with the constant stress of having to adapt to the vicissitudes of the patients’ moods. The marital relationship, while complementary for a time, tends to become progressively unstable and destructive, with divorce the usual outcome. In a study by Brodie and Leff,* 57% manic compared to 8% matched recurrent-depression patients had broken marriages, As these results imply, it is the manic component of this illness, often characterized by heightened aggressivity, grandiosity, and sexual acting-out, that generates the greatest source of stress for the spouse.

Contractual Models for Negotiation Training in Marital Dyads

The increasing popularity of contracting and negotiation training with couples suggests a need for systematic analysis of the models available for such training. Based primarily upon behavior theory these procedures rely heavily on notions of exchange and reciprocity. The similarities and differences in contracting and negotiation procedure were noted between the settings of the outside world and the marital dyad. Working within a behavioral framework two major categories of contracting were developed, and their logicalform was considered. Although models within the quid pro quo category provide greatest contingency control there are numerous difficulties associated with their use. Models of the implicit exchange or good faith contractual format seem to fit more easily into the overall goal of therapy. Each category of contractual model was illustrated and the strengths and weaknesses were noted.

Contract Therapy: The Renegotiation of Marriage and the Family

Contract therapy is proposed as a therapeutic procedure that can be utilized in the resolution of marital disharmony and family conflicts. The central thesis is that effective and efficient behavioral change may be brought about by explicit agreement of the members of a destructive marital dyad through the mediation of a third party negotiator. Central to this procedure is the assumption that persons are able and willing to change behavior in relationship when they perceive that the new behavior will obtain a new and better “deal.” Two typical negotiated contracts are presented: One with a three-member family and the other with a two-member family.

Treatment of the marital dyad in a foursome: an illustrative case study.

Treatment of the marital dyad in a foursome: an illustrative case study.

Crisis and Conjugal Power

The present study investigates the effects of crisis on conjugal power using SIMFAM, a laboratory method. Research on non-family groups has shown that during an unsolved crisis a leader tends to decrease in power and to be replaced. The relevance of these ideas for marital dyads was tested, as well as the idea that the more equalitarian the conjugal power structure during a non-crisis situation, the more likely a change in relative conjugal power will occur during a crisis. Hypothesis based on these ideas were supported with a sample of 50 married couples.