Article

Building the sound marital house: An empirically derived couple therapy.

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  • THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE
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Abstract

The interventions described in this chapter represent the products of a new approach to empirically building marital therapy interventions. The chapter addresses why there is a need for a new marital therapy, discusses the characteristics of "dysfunctional" and "functional" marriages, provides a basic description of sound marital house theory, and details the goals and processes of the intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

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... If personality strengths are a major contributor to human excellence, then "to fail to consider interpersonal factors, arguably the focal feature of the context from the individual's perspective, is to underestimate, perhaps substantially, situational influences on behavior" (Reis, Collins, & Berscheid, 2000, p. 863). The latest variants of therapy for romantic couples emphasize the acceptance of partner strengths and vulnerabilities (e.g., Gottman, Driver, Tabares, Gurman, & Jacobson, 2002), whereby "problems are seen as opportunities to seek out new resources and develop new strengths" (De La Lama, De La Lama, & Wittgenstein, 2012, p. 285). An awareness and cultivation of strengths offers a springboard to stronger attachment bonds (Johnson, Hunsley, Greenberg, & Schindler, 1999). ...
... sessed by each partner (e.g., De La Lama et al., 2012;Gottman et al., 2002). The next question is whether a greater appreciation of partner strengths and their costs influence the partner who is being perceived. ...
... Men who perceived their partner's use of strengths as costly adversely affect the target of these perceptions-women experience of a significant decline in dayto-day relationship satisfaction and less satisfaction of their basic psychological needs within the relationship. It will be useful to explore how an appreciation of partner strengths build positive emotional capital, and the perception of costs associated with partner strengths influence adverse relationship cycles of blame, character assassination, and distance (Gottman et al., 2002). ...
Article
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Three studies using samples of people in romantic relationships were conducted to create a new individual difference measure of partner strengths in couples. The 2 perceptions of partner strengths included (1) appreciation of their use and effectiveness and (2) recognition of costs associated with their use. Factor analyses supported 2-factors and we found that greater appreciation of partner strengths predicted greater relationship satisfaction, commitment, investment, intimacy, self-expansion, and support for goal pursuit; recognizing significant costs with partner strengths was inversely related to several outcomes. Using a 1-week daily diary, we found that appreciation of partner strength use and recognition of costs associated with these strengths predicted daily relationship satisfaction and whether basic psychological needs were met within the relationship. The explanatory power of partner strength perceptions could not be explained by the actual character strengths or Big Five personality traits of partners, support for positive self-disclosures (capitalization), or gratitude for relationship partners. Finally, we found that the relational consequences of partner strength perceptions were not just "in the head" of the perceiver-influencing partner relational outcomes. This research program provides evidence for the use of a new measure of how strengths are perceived to better understand romantic couples and aspirational targets in clinical interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record
... In addition, compared to fathers, mothers may be more attuned to fathers accepting influence and guidance in the interparental relationship, interpreting such overtures as a willingness to resolve conflict. Gottman, Driver, and Tabares (2002) found that rejection of influence by husbands, but not by wives, was a significant predictor of divorce. Wives' rejection of influence had little impact, as wives were accepting husbands' influence at a fairly high level, but husbands rejecting influence from their wives predicted the longitudinal course of the marriage (Gottman et al., 2002). ...
... Gottman, Driver, and Tabares (2002) found that rejection of influence by husbands, but not by wives, was a significant predictor of divorce. Wives' rejection of influence had little impact, as wives were accepting husbands' influence at a fairly high level, but husbands rejecting influence from their wives predicted the longitudinal course of the marriage (Gottman et al., 2002). ...
... M. Cummings et al., 2007) and, perhaps, reduced use of constructive conflict tactics. No significant differences were found in the present study between mothers' and fathers' reports of the other parent's use of negotiation; however, as fathers may be used to a high level of maternal acceptance of influence in the interpersonal relationship (Gottman et al., 2002), present findings may still represent a decline in maternal use of constructive conflict tactics, which is adversely affecting coparenting quality. ...
... The review of the international literature of longitudinal studies on the dymanics of spousal relationships in transition to parenthood (Savenysheva, 2016) has shown that after the child's birth there is a small but significant decrease in spousal relationships satisfaction (Belsky, Lang, & Huston, 1986;Belsky, Rovine, 1990;Clements & Markman, 1996;Collins, Dunkel-Schetter, Lobel, & Scrinshaw, 1993;Cox, Paley, Burchinal, & Payne, 1999;Cowan et al., 1985;Cowan & Cowan, 2000;Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002;Grote & Clark, 2001;O'Brien & Peyton, 2002;Rholes, Simpson, Campbell, & Grich, 2001;Kluwer & Johnson, 2007;Wallace & Gotlib 1990). ...
... The results of our study about the decrease of marriage satisfaction in women after the child's birth are similar to the results of other studies (Belsky et al.,1986;Belsky & Rovine, 1990;Clements & Markman, 1996;Collins et al., 1993;Cox et al., 1999;Cowan et al., 1985;Cowan & Cowan, 2000;Gottman et al., 2002;Grote & Clark, 2001;Kluwer & Johnson, 2007;Mitnick et al., 2009;O'Brien & Peyton, 2002;Rholes et al., 2001;Wallace & Gotlib, 1990; and others). At the same time data analysis has shown that the dynamics of marriage satisfaction greatly depends on the territorial factor, i.e. in metropolitan area there is a decrease of marriage satisfaction for men the same as for women, but there is no such decrease for men from a smaller city. ...
... Driver, & Tabares, 2002). This is consistent across continents, including the USA (Gottman et al., 2002), Europe (Salmela-Aro, Aunola, Saisto, Halmesmaki, & Nurmi, 2006), and Asia (Lu, 2006).A plethora of research has explored adaptive and maladaptive ways of coping with stress during a pregnancy (Feldman, Dunkel-Schetter, Sandman, & Wadhwa, 2000;George, Luz, De Tychey, Thilly, & Spitz, 2013;Huizink, Robles de Medina, Mulder, Visser, & Buitelaar, 2003). ...
... . This is consistent across continents, including the USA (Gottman et al., 2002), Europe (Salmela-Aro, Aunola, Saisto, Halmesmaki, & Nurmi, 2006), and Asia (Lu, 2006). ...
Article
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... The transition to parenthood is often perceived as stressful, resulting in a decline in relationship satisfaction (Cowan & Cowan, 2000;Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). This is consistent across continents, including the USA (Gottman et al., 2002), Europe (Salmela-Aro, Aunola, Saisto, Halmesmaki, & Nurmi, 2006), and Asia (Lu, 2006). ...
... The transition to parenthood is often perceived as stressful, resulting in a decline in relationship satisfaction (Cowan & Cowan, 2000;Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). This is consistent across continents, including the USA (Gottman et al., 2002), Europe (Salmela-Aro, Aunola, Saisto, Halmesmaki, & Nurmi, 2006), and Asia (Lu, 2006). ...
Article
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This study was the first of four within a Ph.D. program of research which examined factors that were perceived to be important considerations when designing, developing, and delivering pre- and perinatal (PPN) parenting programs for the 21st Century. In this research, 54 mothers and seven fathers (N=61) who had attended a PPN parenting program, completed an online questionnaire that examined program content strengths, gaps, and limitations. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis process was undertaken and revealed that“support during pregnancy” was a topic deemed to be important when assessing PPN parenting programs; as consistent with the literature, a lack of support was a commonly reported cause of stress for expecting parents during the time of pregnancy. Whilst some research advocates that existing programs mitigate these concerns, the current research did not concur. The findings add to the literature in PPN psychology by highlighting a wide range of topics identified as being essential content for future PPN parenting programs. As a result, a range of PPN parenting programs can be developed and then measured for effectiveness through pre and post-test randomized clinical trials utilizing large sample sizes and control groups. It is predicted that outcomes may result in sustainable PPN care, positive parenting post birth, needs-based inclusion of fathers, and supported transition for couples into parenthood.
... We also agree with the proposition that having couple time is important for all of the reasons just discussed. Having a well-functioning relationship requires that couples spend time together-so that they can build emotional capital (Feeney & Lemay, 2012) and understand one another's needs, goals, and desires (Feeney & Collins, 2013, 2014 and build a sound marital house (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). However, we question the idea that contemporary Americans have less access to social outlets outside of marriage than in previous eras, such that investing spousal 74 Downloaded by [Carnegie Mellon University], [Brooke Feeney] at 13:25 18 March 2014 time in the marriage is more crucial today than in times past. ...
... Our view is that a desire for high-altitude need fulfillment is not what is deoxygenating marriages and contributing to the deterioration of American marriages today. Spouses can climb Mount Maslow while maintaining fully oxygenated marriages in the same way that close relationships have functioned best throughout time: (a) by enacting the core relational functions that promote security and belongingness while also supporting autonomous exploration and goal strivings (Bowlby, 1988;Feeney & Van Vleet, 2010); (b) by maintaining optimal levels of dependence and interdependence; and (c) by building positive emotional capital (Feeney & Lemay, 2012) and a strong marital house (Gottman et al., 2002), which includes positive relationship experiences (e.g., shared humor, a kind act), healthy communication and conflict resolution strategies, and a recognition of one another's life dreams that are at the core of relational issues that arise. ...
... John Gottman et al. (2002a) have done a substantial amount of research on couple interaction styles, problem solving and divorce. Most of this research has been done by coding brief segments of couple interaction. ...
... Men have often been portrayed as having difficulty with expressing emotion and with empathy (Macaskill et al., 2002). It may be that the use of emotionally oriented interventions with men is particularly helpful in reducing negative emotional expression (Gottman et al., 2002a) and consequently respond more to coaching in this area. Women, on the other hand, may not respond to emotionally oriented coaching because they may, on average, already have the ability to express their emotions adequately without help. ...
Article
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Greenberg's analytic method of process research was used to identify therapist interventions associated with positive change during thirty‐six videotaped segments of enactments. Couple interaction was coded using the rapid couple interaction scoring system. Stepwise regression analyses revealed different patterns by gender, with therapists directing and working with emotions related to husband positive interaction and therapist structuring related to wife positive interactions. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences between couples who became either positive or negative during the enactments. Structuring, directing, and supporting were used more often with positive couples. Implications for theory, therapy, and research are discussed.
... Finally, certain personal characteristics such as an insecure attachment pattern (Collins et al., 2002;Meyer et al., 2015), a high degree of neuroticism (Schaffhuser et al., 2014) or borderline personality traits (Howard et al., 2022), could interfere with the development of a satisfying relationship with age. The positive link between relationship length and satisfaction might be explained by the complicity between partners and better knowledge of the partner, which refers to the concept of a couple's friendship (Gottman et al., 2002). In long-term couples, romantic satisfaction has also been associated with the presence of "positivity resonance" between partners, defined as a sharing of positive emotions and a sense of emotional attachment (Otero et al., 2020). ...
Article
Full-text available
Romantic relationship qualities are likely to change from adolescence to adulthood. Therefore, we undertook a longitudinal study to examine changes in satisfaction, intimacy, and conflict over this period by simultaneously testing the effects of age, relationship length, and their interaction. These qualities were measured at nine-time points from ages 16 to 30 in a Canadian sample of 337 participants (62.9% women) who reported being in a romantic relationship at least once over this period. The results of multilevel analyses show that satisfaction, intimacy, and conflict decline with age but increase with relationship length. Moreover, age and relationship length were found to have a significant interactive effect on satisfaction and intimacy.
... Relational homeostasis does not assume positivity or negativity, but rather depends on married individuals' relational histories and communicative patterns. As Gottman et al. (2002) contend, these communicative patterns can become well established at the beginning of a relationship and are predictive of how well couples adapt to (or remain stable against) stress and ultimately stay together. ...
Article
Using the theory of resilience and relational load, this study examined how married individuals’ baseline communal orientation (CO) and relational load (RL) at the beginning of the pandemic predicted their stress, conflict, mental health, and flourishing during quarantine. Using a Qualtrics Panel, married individuals (N = 3,601) completed four online surveys from April to June 2020. Results revealed the initial levels of CO brought to quarantine predicted less stress and conflict, and better mental health and flourishing at baseline, and these outcomes remained relatively stable across the next 3 months. RL at baseline did the exact opposite for these outcomes, making coping more difficult. We also hypothesized CO and RL moderate the impact of stress (T1) on mental health 3 months later by reducing conflict. Rather than serving as buffers, CO and RL at baseline directly affected conflict (T2/T3) and mental health (T4) throughout quarantine.
... Finally, certain personal characteristics such as an insecure attachment pattern (Collins et al., 2002;Meyer et al., 2015), a high degree of neuroticism (Schaffhuser et al., 2014) or borderline personality traits (Howard et al., 2022), could interfere with the development of a satisfying relationship with age. The positive link between relationship length and satisfaction might be explained by the complicity between partners and better knowledge of the partner, which refers to the concept of a couple's friendship (Gottman et al., 2002). In long-term couples, romantic satisfaction has also been associated with the presence of "positivity resonance" between partners, defined as a sharing of positive emotions and a sense of emotional attachment (Otero et al., 2020). ...
Article
Full-text available
Romantic relationship qualities are likely to change from adolescence to adulthood. Therefore, we undertook a longitudinal study to examine changes in satisfaction, intimacy, and conflict over this period by simultaneously testing the effects of age, relationship length, and their interaction. These qualities were measured at nine-time points from ages 16 to 30 in a Canadian sample of 337 participants (62.9% women) who reported being in a romantic relationship at least once over this period. The results of multilevel analyses show that satisfaction, intimacy, and conflict decline with age but increase with relationship length. Moreover, age and relationship length were found to have a significant interactive effect on satisfaction and intimacy.
... Such notions are also in line with the TRRL described above, which proposes that prorelationship behaviors, such as maintenance behaviors, may accumulate an emotional reserve for partners, that protects them and their relationship from the deleterious effect of stress. These emotional reserves, in fact, enable partners to turn toward each other rather than away from each other when they are in a potentially conflict-inducing situation (Feeney & Lemay Jr., 2012;Gottman et al., 2002) and, therefore, deal with internal stress by protecting the other and the relationship. For example, a study on couples dealing with their children's Type 1 Diabetes showed that better maintenance behaviors within the couple were associated with less conflict during couples' conversations and that participating to an intervention aimed at improving relationship maintenance increased women's communal orientation (Afifi et al., 2019). ...
Article
Couples' experiences of daily stress can be detrimental for partners' individual and relational well‐being, specifically their identity as a couple, their relational satisfaction, and their life satisfaction. Grounded in the Systemic Transactional Model, this study aimed at analyzing factors that may safeguard partners and their relationship from detrimental effects of internal stress (i.e., stress that originates inside the relationship). We examined the buffering effect of partners' positive dyadic coping and internal problem resolution. Daily diary data were collected across 7 days from 82 heterosexual couples. Multilevel dyadic analyses showed that internal stress was negatively associated with partners' individual and relational well‐being. Positive dyadic coping moderated the association between partners' internal stress and couple satisfaction for both partners, but not life satisfaction and couple identity. Moreover, for partners who reported a resolution to the internal problem, the negative associations of internal stress with life satisfaction, couple satisfaction, and couple identity were significantly lower than for those who did not resolve the internal problem. This study confirms the negative role of internal stress on well‐being, shows the associations between internal stress and couple identity, and highlights the protective role of dyadic coping and internal problem resolution in couples' daily lives.
... Research shows that greater appreciation of a partner's strength is related to relationship satisfaction, commitment, and intimacy (Kashdan et al., 2018). The therapy for romantic couples also emphasizes the acceptance of their partner's strengths and vulnerabilities (Gottman et al., 2002). When individuals choose to focus on the good of their partner and appreciate them, it can yield higher relationship well-being and satisfaction (Jacobs & Lyubomirsky, 2013). ...
Article
The present study explores the reason for conflict that Indian middle-class married couples face and the ways they manage those conflicts. For the purpose, 30 long-term married couples (M age = 44.70 years; M marriage years = 19.48) were interviewed. Thematic analysis was carried out using Quirkos software. The reliability of the codes was checked by two independent raters and ICR was found to be 0.902. The analysis shows that disputes related to daily problems, finances, children, and in-laws, are more common in Indian middle-class couples. Unlike Western studies, Indian middle-class couples are not very vocal about problems related to intimacy and personal needs. Moreover, results show that the conflict management style of Indian middle-class couples is more relationship and partner-centric, that is, it is focused on benefiting their marital stability overall. We found three different but interdependent conflict management approaches-problem-solving, prioritizing partner, and harmonizing relationship. The results of the study show that some conflicts, as well as conflict management strategies, are more specific to Indian married couples, which probably gives longevity to Indian marriages. The findings can also help to guide and encourage couples facing problems in their marriage, especially young couples to choose an effective approach to solve a conflict.
... Research shows that greater appreciation of a partner's strength is related to relationship satisfaction, commitment, and intimacy (Kashdan et al., 2018). The therapy for romantic couples also emphasizes the acceptance of their partner's strengths and vulnerabilities (Gottman et al., 2002). When individuals choose to focus on the good of their partner and appreciate them, it can yield higher relationship well-being and satisfaction (Jacobs & Lyubomirsky, 2013). ...
Article
The present study explores the reason for conflict that Indian middle-class married couples face and the ways they manage those conflicts. For the purpose, 30 long-term married couples (M age = 44.70 years; M marriage years = 19.48) were interviewed. Thematic analysis was carried out using Quirkos software. The reliability of the codes was checked by two independent raters and ICR was found to be 0.902. The analysis shows that disputes related to daily problems, finances, children, and in-laws, are more common in Indian middle-class couples. Unlike Western studies, Indian middle-class couples are not very vocal about problems related to intimacy and personal needs. Moreover, results show that the conflict management style of Indian middle-class couples is more relationship and partner-centric, that is, it is focused on benefiting their marital stability overall. We found three different but interdependent conflict management approaches—problem-solving, prioritizing partner, and harmonizing relationship. The results of the study show that some conflicts, as well as conflict management strategies, are more specific to Indian married couples, which probably gives longevity to Indian marriages. The findings can also help to guide and encourage couples facing problems in their marriage, especially young couples to choose an effective approach to solve a conflict.
... We assume child-related bliss to not only have a connecting function within the parent-child dyad but also a connecting function for the parental dyad. In the relationship literature, the concept of emotional capital has been applied to couples' PS (B. C. Feeney & Lemay, 2012;Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). In that line of research, emotional This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers. ...
Article
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This research investigates the impact of parents' feelings of fulfillment and joy aroused by their infant and parenthood-referred to as child-related bliss-on their partnership satisfaction in the early period of parenthood between 6 and 24 months postpartum. In addition, the influence of partnership satisfaction during pregnancy and after childbirth on child-related bliss is investigated. Guided by family systems theory, we assumed both parents' child-related bliss to be positively associated with individual (i.e., spillover effects) as well as the spouse's partnership satisfaction (i.e., crossover effects). Longitudinal dyadic data from N = 135 heterosexual couples were analyzed using the actor-partner interdependence model, which takes interdependencies between couples into account. Taken as a set, the findings suggest that fathers' child-related and partnership-related perceptions are more closely linked than is the case for mothers. Fathers' child-related bliss 6 months postpartum positively influenced their partnership satisfaction at that time, and at 12 and 24 months postpartum. For mothers, in contrast, such spillover effects were not detected. Most importantly with respect to interdependencies between couples, the results indicate crossover effects from fathers to mothers, that is, fathers' child-related bliss positively contributed to mothers' partnership satisfaction in the postnatal period. In contrast, mothers' bliss did not influence fathers' partnership satisfaction. The study demonstrates that fathers' parental feelings of fulfillment and bliss contribute to their individual and to mothers' partnership satisfaction. This highlights gender-specific couple dynamics, that is, an influence of fathers' blissful child-related feelings on mothers' partnership satisfaction in the postnatal period. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
... The concept of emotional capital (Nowotny, 1981) offers an answer to the question of why some relationships sustain whereas others do not; and why some people turn toward each other rather than turn away from each other in any form of interactions (face to face or online). The key to this difference is that every interpersonal relationship comes with its emotional value made up of the positive emotional experiences one has with others and thus can be deposited as emotional money in their emotional bank (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). In this sense, similar to the conceptualization of social capital, emotional capital can be generally defined as an investment in one's interpersonal relationship(s) in terms of developing and accumulating a stock of positive emotional experiences that establish a resource inherent in a given relationship (Feeney & Lemay, 2012). ...
Article
Efforts to improve teaching and learning in general are leading to wide variability in outcomes in different countries and areas, with similar investments and reforms focusing on the instrumental side of professional learning. A rapidly growing research literature has suggested the important role of social connectivity in the success of individual and organizational change and development. This paper draws on theories of human capital, social capital, social network, emotional capital, and research literature in this space to illuminate some of the complex components as related to professional learning.
... Ähnliches trifft auch für die Paartypologie zu, die auf der Basis der beiden zentralen Paarbeziehungsvariablen "Positivität" und "Konfliktkompetenz" gebildet wurde. Die zwischen den einzelnen Paartypen differenzierenden Kognitionen, Emotionen und Handlungen zeigen wichtige Ansatzpunkte für psychoedukative Interventionen auf, wie sie u. a. auch dem In-terventionskonzept von Gottman in seinem "gesunden Haus der Ehe" (sound marital house) zugrunde liegen (Gottman, Driver & Tabares, 2002). Im obersten Stockwerk von Gottmans "gesundem Haus der Ehe" befindet sich das Modul der Sinnstiftung von Gemeinsamkeit sowie die Kreation verbindender Narrationen, Mythen und Metaphern. ...
Article
The present contribution reports on selected cross-sectional results based on a questionnaire study of stable long-term marriages (2001, n = 663), a subsequent questionnaire study on a subsample of the original sample (2003, n = 188), and an in-depth interview study (2003, n = 65). In particular, the results refer to (a) the couples' personal 'marriage recipe', (b) relationship downs and coping with them, (c) the relevance of implicit relationship theories and their process-oriented correlates with respect to marital satisfaction, (d) a couple typology based on marital 'positivity' and 'conflict competence' and its differential cognitive, emotional and behavioural relationship patterns, and (e) the importance of transgenerational generativity in long-term marriages. The results are being discussed in the light of their potential usefulness to foster positive couple relationships. Zusammenfassung Der Beitrag berichtet querschnittliche Ergebnisse einer schriftlichen Befragung von stabilen Langzeitehen (2001, n = 663), einer 2 Jahre später durchgeführten erneuten Fragebogenstudie an einem Teil dieser Stichprobe (2003, n = 188) und einer vertiefenden Interviewstudie (2003, n = 65). Befunde (a) zum persönlichen 'Eherezept' der Paare, (b) zu Beziehungstiefs und deren Bewältigung, (c) zur Relevanz impliziter Beziehungstheorien und deren prozessorientierten Korrelaten für die Ehezufriedenheit, (d) zu einer Paartypologie auf der Basis von 'Positivität' und 'Konfliktkompetenz' und deren Ausprägung bezüglich kognitiver, emotionaler und handlungsbezogener Aspekte der Paarbeziehung sowie (e) zur Bedeutung von Generativität in Langzeitehen werden dargestellt. Die Ergebnisse werden im Lichte ihrer Verwertbarkeit zur Förderung positiver Paarbeziehungen diskutiert.
... Savoring in the present moment has been found to act as both a mediator and moderator on momentary happy mood in account of daily positive events (Jose et al., 2012), [5]. The Theory of Emotional Capital (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002, [6]) highlights the importance of shared positive emotional experiences in the upregulation of relationship success and growth. It is thus expected that mutual savoring of moments would be even greater among married couples, where in the husband and wife share the closest and most intimate relationship. ...
Article
Full-text available
Savoring beliefs (anticipation, savoring the moment and reminiscence) are the subjective perceptions of individuals regarding their ability to enjoy positive experiences. It is observed that individually people savor differently than when they are with others. Therefore, seeing the various benefits of savoring even more in terms of relationships, the present study aimed at digging deeper and tracing the correlates and predictors of relationship satisfaction and subjective wellbeing regarding savoring beliefs. The various beliefs of savoring were assessed using Savoring Beliefs Inventory by Bryant (2003). Relationship satisfaction was measured by the Couple Satisfaction Index (Funk and Rogge, 2007). For assessing subjective wellbeing, life satisfaction was measured using Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson et al., 1988) measured positive and negative affect score. A sample of 100 couples (100 husbands and 100 wives) was taken for this purpose. Statistical analysis comprised of mean, SD, inter-correlation and stepwise multiple regression. Results revealed the significant relationship of couples’ satisfaction and subjective wellbeing with savoring. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that anticipation emerged as a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction and savoring the moment emerged as a significant predictor of subjective wellbeing in couples. In males, savoring the moment emerged as a significant predictor of subjective wellbeing and reminiscence emerged as a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction. On the other hand, in females, savoring the moment emerged as a significant predictor of subjective wellbeing and anticipation emerged as a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction.
... As proposed by Gottman, the sound marital house focuses on marital therapy as a means to predict various outcomes and satisfaction in relationships and to identify qualities that make for a lasting relationship such as establishing a friendship in the marital couple. The theory focuses on a systematic approach in that the behavior of one partner affects the other (Gottman, 1999;Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). ...
Article
Formal theories are critical to accumulating knowledge through scientific research to advance the discipline and practice. The use of formal theory in social work research is currently absent. Family Systems Theory (FST) is commonly used in social work; however, it currently lacks the criteria to be considered a formal theory. We use FST to demonstrate the formalization process and its potential effect on social work research and practice. Currently, FST is being used as a perspective, to develop theories and models used in marriage and family therapy, and to develop assessment tools. We identify the components of a formal theory while presenting a formal version of FST. Directions for future research are suggested including the benefits of using formal theory to direct scientific research and guide the development of evidence-based practice.
... Using this approach that opens space for new stories, develops them, and encourages clients to share these new stories with the rest of their system (Freedman & Combs, 1996), may assist in the shedding of discouraging societal norms about interracial couples and promote the construction of new meanings and experiences within the couple. The Sound Marital House may also be an appropriate guide with interracial couples as foci include developing a shared meaning of the relationship, fostering a different more positive relational perspective, and nurturing a "we" environment that pulls on strengths and resources that both partners and the broader systems that they are a part of have (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). ...
Article
Minimal research has examined interracial couples’ relationship satisfaction and dissolution patterns over time. Using dyadic data across 8 years, we examined potential differences in relationship quality trajectories through latent growth curve modeling with 1,336 couples as well as differential risks for relationship dissolution through logistic regression between same‐race and interracial relationships using a different subset of 2,370 couples. Results indicated that women in interracial relationships were significantly lower in initial relationship quality than women in same‐race relationships. Further, interracial couples of Black‐Hispanic partnerings were twice as likely to separate across 8 years than same‐race couples. These results suggest that despite interracial relationships not substantively differing from same‐race couples in trajectories of relationship quality, specific Black‐Hispanic interracial couples are at a higher risk of eventual separation.
... The degree of these relationship changes will vary among different couples according to their ability to adapt to the challenges of parenthood, which is likely impacted by the presence of symptoms anxiety and depression (Belsky & Rovine, 1990;Cast, 2004;Cox, Paley, Burchinal, & Payne, 1999;Kerstis et al., 2014;. Furthermore, it has been found that relationship quality following the arrival of a baby and thereafter has important implications for the child's development, including physiological arousal (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002), attachment (De Wolff & van Ijzendoorn, 1997;Howes & Markman, 1989;Lickenbrock & Braungart-Rieker, 2015), language development (Horwitz et al., 2003), and later psychosocial and educational functioning (Amato, 2001;Davies & Cummings, 1994;Gable, Belsky, & Crnic, 1992 women (Shapiro & Gottman, 2005). Another RCT found that prenatal parenting communication classes had a significant impact on postnatal anxiety and postnatal marital satisfaction (Midmer, Wilson, & Cummings, 1995). ...
Thesis
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This thesis focuses on anxiety during pregnancy and the development of interventions to treat antenatal anxiety. Part One reports on a meta-analysis investigating the effectiveness of psychological interventions on reducing anxiety, depression and stress (combined to create a composite “distress” score) during pregnancy. A random-effects meta-analysis on the reduction of “distress” was conducted, as well as subgroup analyses and metaregressions investigating the differential effectiveness of preventative and treatment trials, of individual and group interventions, of different therapeutic models, and of number of intervention sessions. Part Two reports on a feasibility Randomised Control Trial (RCT) that investigated the impact of a group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention to treat antenatal anxiety on pregnant women’s self-reported intimate relationship functioning and bonding with their child. Relationship functioning was assessed at three antenatal time-points and once postnatally and mother-infant bonding was assessed at postnatal follow-up. Analyses compared scores on the measures of relationship functioning and bonding in the intervention group with a “Treatment As Usual” control group. Part Three provides a critical reflection on the research project presented in Part Two, focusing on some of the challenges faced while conducting this research. The experience of being involved in an RCT as both a researcher and a clinician is discussed, as well as further reflections on the research and clinical implications of this project.
... Over the past few years, researchers have been interested in the alliance between family and religion (Edgell, 2005). According to Gottman et al. (2002), marriage is the "active creation of a new culture that has never existed before" (p. 387). ...
Article
This qualitative study captures the experiences of young women in an interfaith relationship post marriage, in a social context where ethnic/religious iden¬tity is not contested or threatened. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten women to understand through narrative the conflicts and challenges they experience and how the cope with them. . Narratives explored not only the present difficulties in the lives of women in interfaith marriages, but also the past experiences. It is under this framework that the cultural/religious transition of these women were studied. The collective experiences of these women were organized under six main themes: role of religion, views on being associated with another religion, initiation of interfaith relationships, problems and conflicts experienced, reactions of in-laws, peers and society and coping and adaptation. Results suggest that although these women sometimes experience challenges such as, rejections, threats to identity and discrimination.
... Around 2-3 months of age, infants begin to take turns within vocal interactions with parents, demonstrating responsiveness to their parents' behavior (Crockenberg & Leerkes, 2006). Infants look to their parents in affectively arousing situations; and research has shown that infants take cues from their parents' responses and regulate their emotions accordingly (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). It is probable that parental difficulties in their interactions with their partners exert impacts on infants because infants are constantly observing and learning from their parents' emotional and social interactions. ...
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Although the negative effect of interparental conflict on child behavior problems has been well established, few studies have examined this association during infancy. This study examined the associations between mother-reported interparental conflict and young children's behavior problems over the first 2 years of their lives in a sample of 212 mothers and infants. Two aspects of maternal sensitivity, sensitivity during distressing and nondistressing contexts, were examined as possible mediators between interparental conflict and infants' behavior problems. Results indicated that interparental conflict was associated directly with infants' externalizing problems over time but was associated indirectly with infants' internalizing problems over time via compromised maternal sensitivity within distressing contexts but not through maternal sensitivity within nondistressing contexts. No significant child gender differences were found. Such findings add to a limited body of research suggesting that the early interparental relationship context is relevant for infant adjustment. The salient mediating role of maternal sensitivity within distressing contexts provides important theoretical and practical insights for future studies. (PsycINFO Database Record
... Voice and loyalty are constructive responses, which are relationship maintaining ; exit and neglect are relatively more destructive which are relationship-undermining responses. How a person responds to problems in a relationship has serious indications for the future of that relationship; some of the researches suggest that people who chronically engage in constructive and relationship-maintaining responses against their partners' badly behaviour are likely to have longer and more satisfying relationships than those who habitually react with relationship-undermining behaviors (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002;Rusbult, Johnson, & Morrow, 1986a). Thereafter these researches, reciprocity of the responses wanted to be examined by Rusbult and and her ...
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This study aims to explore to what extent the effects of interaction between the self and the partner’s perceived responses to dissatisfaction, predict the relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships. The relationship satisfaction subscale of Relationship Stability Scale (Büyükşahin, Hasta & Hovardaoğlu, 2005; Rusbult, Martz & Agnew,1998) and Responses to Dissatisfaction Scale (Taluy, 2013; Rusbult, Verette, Whitney, Slovik & Lipkus, 1991) were administered to 198 female and 118 male dating individuals. Moderated regression is conducted to investigate whether the moderation effect of the responses to dissatisfaction predicts the relationship satisfaction. Results reveal that among women the perceived partner’s “exit” is the predictor of relationship satisfaction whereas among men the perceived partner’s “neglect” is the predictor of relationship satisfaction. The investigation between the interaction effect of self and the partner’s perceived responses to dissatisfaction indicates that the individual’s and the perceived partner’s “exit”; the individual’s “neglect” and the perceived partner’s “loyalty” responses are the predictors of relationship satisfaction among women. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical approaches. Özet Bu çalışmanın amacı, romantik bir ilişkide yaşanan sorunlar karşısında verilen tepkilerin karşılıklı etkileşiminin ilişki doyumunu ne derecede yordadığını incelemektir. Çalışmaya, şu anda yakın ilişki yaşayan 198’i kadın, 118’i erkek olan toplam 316 kişi katılmıştır. Çalışmada İlişki İstikrarı Ölçeği’nin (Büyükşahin, Hasta ve Hovardaoğlu, 2005; Rusbult, Martz ve Agnew,1998) ilişki doyumu boyutu ve İkili İlişkilerde Çatışma Çözme Tepkileri Ölçeği (Taluy, 2013; Rusbult, Verette, Whitney, Slovik ve Lipkus, 1991) uygulanmıştır. Yapılan bir dizi düzenleyici değişkenli regresyon analizi ile çatışma çözme tepkilerinin ortak etkileşiminin ilişki doyumu üzerindeki etkisi incelenmiştir. İlişki doyumunu yordayan çatışma çözme tepkilerinin temel etkilerine bakıldığında, kadınlar arasında partnerlerine ilişkin algıladıkları çıkış tepkisinin anlamlı olduğu gözlenirken, erkeklerde partnerlerine ilişkin algıladıkları yokmuş gibi davranma tepkisinin anlamlı olduğu gözlenmiştir. Etkileşim etkisine bakıldığında ise kadınlar arasında kendi çıkış tepkileri ile partnerlerinde algıladıkları çıkış tepkisinin ortak etkisi ve kendilerinin yokmuş gibi davranma tepkileri ile partnerlerinde algıladıkları bağlılık ortak etkisinin ilişki doyumunu anlamlı olarak yordadığı belirlenmiştir. Sonuçlar kuramsal yaklaşımlar çerçevesinde tartışılmıştır.
... Expanding on the theory of emotional capital (Driver & Gottman, 2004;Feeney & Lemay, 2012;Gottman, 1999;Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002) and the broaden and build theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2001;Tugade & Fredrickson, 2004), the TRRL assumes that when people validate their relational partners and family members on an ongoing basis, they accumulate positive emotional reserves or emotional capital, which helps safeguard their relationships. The TRRL extends this work by suggesting that relational partners and family members who have more of a communal orientation toward stress, and life in general, are likely to invest in their relationships and build emotional reserves through repeated communicative maintenance strategies. ...
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Resilience is one of the most profound constructs across disciplines. Yet, the largely atheoretical nature of the research on resilience continues to make it elusive. A new theory of stress and resilience in close relationships—the theory of resilience and relational load (TRRL)—is advanced to fill this void in the literature. The theory bridges communicative, perceptual, and physiological aspects of stress within the context of social relationships to explain personal/relational risk, resilience, and thriving. The TRRL examines how relational partners' and family members' communal orientation and maintenance of their relationships on a daily basis influence their communication during stressful moments, as well as their appraisals of the stress. The theory also details how these communication patterns and appraisals influence personal and relational health and adaptation. Finally, the concept of relational load is set forth, which is the wear and tear that chronic stress and depletion of one's emotional, psychological, and relational resources through repeated, stress-related conversations can have on relationships. Ultimately, people need to continually invest in their relationships to prevent relational load and foster resilience and possible thriving.
... Therapists need to watch for the themes identified in this research that are harmful to romantic relationships. Intervention through acknowledging the presence and destructive force of these themes needs to be addressed by informing couples that these themes can erode their romantic love (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). Since all of the themes had an inter-relational dynamic, romantic couples could benefit from being seen in therapy conjointly. ...
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Romantic love is considered a necessary ingredient in marriage. In this study, the experience of falling out of romantic love with one's spouse was examined. Eight individuals who had fallen out of romantic love with their spouse were interviewed. By using Moustakas' Transcendental Phenomenological method, several themes emerged which provided a description of the experience of the phenomena. These themes included loss of trust, of intimacy, and of feeling loved; emotional pain; and negative sense of self. Gradual decline was identified as a slow, progressive deterioration of the relationship in which over time the romantic love decreased and eventually ended. Pivotal moment of knowing was seen as a specific moment in which there was awareness of no longer being in romantic love. The specific circumstances associated with pivotal moment were different for each participant, but the clarity of the moment was universal. Although not exhaustive in their scope, the identified themes were reported to be a part of the romantic love dissolution experience. copy; 2013: Joanni L. Sailor and Nova Southeastern University.
... oate acestea par elemente atât de diverse ale tranziției, însă, din perspectivă psihologică, le putem aborda uitându-ne la capacitatea de adaptare a fiecărei persoane, comunități, organizații, sau altfel spus, la capacitatea de reziliență. e exemplu, în cazul tranziției dinspre statutul de cuplu spre statutul de părinți, s-a observat că satisfacția în cuplu scade după prima naștere cu o abatere standard în până la 70% din cupluri (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002). În plus, o treime din parteneri au parte de distres marital în primele 18 luni după naștere, suportul social primit este mai scăzut, numărul de conflicte maritale crește (Cowan, & Cowan, 2000), iar timpul alocat activităților din timpul liber specifice cuplului scade (Simpson, Rholes, Campbell, Tran, & Wilson, 2003). ...
... They also predict increased well-being through widened mindsets (Fredrickson & Joiner, 2002) and increased psychological resources (Fredrickson & Losada, 2005). Within the scope of couple relationships, the Theory of Emotional Capital (Gottman, 1999;Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002) also highlights the importance of shared positive emotional experiences in the promotion of relationship success and its positive growth. ...
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... For individuals who are facing obstacles in bearing children, as is the case in most same-sex partnerships, entering into a relationship with a partner who already has children may be another example of a material or symbolic reward insofar as individuals gain the "family" that they desire through the intimate relationship. Two other factors that influence relationship satisfaction and, thus, relationship commitment and stability, which would fall under the dimension of capital commitment, are shared life meaning and goals (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002) and positive social support for the relationship (Kurdek, 2006). ...
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Relationship commitment, the intention to remain in one's relationship, is a significant predictor of relationship stability in intimate partnerships. In this article, the author reviews existing models of commitment and offers a new conceptual model of commitment that integrates the previous work of commitment researchers. The integrated model of commitment proposed in this article is intended for practical use in couple counseling with partners in diverse types of intimate relationships. The author ends with suggestions for clinicians in applying the integrated model to assess clients’ relationship commitment.
... This conceptual framework posits that there is no universal, actual, objective truth ''out there'' to be uncovered and known, but that instead all truths are socially constructed, cocreated by individuals in relationship, communication, and interaction with each other (Gergen, 2009;McAuliffe, 2011). This conceptual framework is relevant to successful couple's relationship development because it underscores the power a couple has to shape their inner world of attitudes, beliefs, expectations, shared symbols, celebrations, and meanings through their ongoing interactions and communications, for better or for worse, as they engage in developing intimacy and the relationship's and family's unique culture (Gottman, Driver, & Tabares, 2002;Gottman & Schwartz Gottman, 2008). ...
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This article presents the integrative soul mates relationship development model, which provides the helping professionals with a conceptual map for couples’ relationship development from dating, to intimacy, to soul mating, and long-term flourishing. This model is informed by a holistic, a developmental, and a positive psychology conceptualization of the individual and the relationship. It integrates select concepts from narrative therapy, Gottman method, and Jungian analytic psychology. Two pictograms derived from 17th century alchemy are provided to facilitate the visual and metaphorical conceptualization of the model. The soul mates model applies to all individuals and couples interested in optimizing their relationship, regardless of marital status, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation. The model may be applied to counseling, therapy, and coaching interventions, as well as relationship education, research and measurement, courses in higher education, and couples’ workshops and retreats.
... At the beginning of this decade, it stood just below 50%, though several researchers were still projecting that a majority of marriages would end in divorce (Faust & McKibben, 1999). Gottman (2002), perhaps the most renowned marital researcher, has consistently claimed that over half of all first marriages will end in divorce (see also Gottman, 1999; Gottman & Levenson, 1999; Gottman, 1994) and others have related a similar story more recently (Rice, 2005; Schoen & Canudas-Romo, 2006). ...
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Vuokko Malisen psykologian väitöskirja ”Uuspari. Uusperheen parisuhde ja koulutuksellisen intervention mahdollisuudet sen tukemiseen” tarkastettiin Itä-Suomen yliopistossa 28.8.2015. Vastaväittäjänä toimi professori Anna Rönkä (Jyväskylän yliopisto) ja kustoksena professori Hannu Räty (Itä-Suomen yliopisto).
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The increasing prevalence of digital media usage and the influence of digital interactions on marital stability raise concerns about the potential interference in the intimacy of couples in Rivers State, Nigeria. Hence, this study examined the implications of digital intimacy interference for marital stability among couples in Rivers State. The theoretical framework of the study was drawn from the social penetration theory and social network interference theory. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey design. The population for this study comprised married male and female residents of Rivers State from an age bracket of 18 and above. Therefore, the population for this study was 1,404,855. Krejcie and Morgan's determinant table was used to obtain a sample of 384 respondents, and a multistage sampling method was used to obtain the respondents. The instruments used for data collection in this study were a set of questionnaires. The research questions were analysed, using descriptive statistical analysis. Data were analysed using percentages and weighted mean scores (WMSs). The Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that the ways in which digital media interferes with intimacy in married couples were through distraction from quality conversations or bonding time in marriage, and through spending more time on digital devices than engaging in physical affection or intimate moments. The study therefore recommended that married couples should prioritize physical affect and set boundaries on digital device usage to foster a deeper connection within the marriage.
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Приводится анализ современных зарубежных исследований, посвященных изучению супружеских отношений, удовлетворенности браком на этапе перехода к родительству «transition to parenthood». Анализ исследований выявил 3 основных подхода к изучению перехода к родительству: 1) сравнение удовлетворенности браком у супружеских пар, имеющих и не имеющих детей; 2) лонгитюдные исследования динамики удовлетворенности браком с периода беременности супруги (или начала супружества) и после рождения ребенка; 3) сравнительные лонгитюдные исследования супружеских пар, на начало исследования не имеющих детей, с дальнейшим сравнением пар, ставших родителями, и супружеских пар без детей. Все 3 подхода выявили значимо более низкий уровень качества супружеских отношений, удовлетворенности браком у супружеских пар с детьми, причем наиболее резкое снижение наблюдается через год после рождения ребенка. Однако некоторые исследователи указывают на отсутствие различий в динамике отношений в супружеских парах с детьми и без детей. Другим важным аспектом, который отмечают многие исследователи, является высокая индивидуальная вариативность в динамике супружеских отношений, которая влечет за собой необходимость изучения детерминант динамики супружеских отношений на этапе перехода к родительству.
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Background: Nowadays, the prevalence of couple distress can be deemed a tremendously influential factor in the emotional and physical well-being of adult partners and their offspring. As a result, mental health experts have marked attention to empirically based strategists for treating couple distress. Among couple therapy approaches, Rational-Emotive-Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) have two exactly different treatments originating from distinct basic views to causes of these conflicts. Too, the present study tends to compare these methods' influence on increasing marital adjustment. Materials and Methods: This was a Quasi-experimental design, and 12 couples were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Ten sessions of REBT and EFT were used for each treatment group. All teams completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) in pre-post treatment and follow-up two months. The results were analyzed using one-way variance analysis and Bon Feroni comparison test in the alpha level of 0.05 and via SPSS software. Findings: There was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in pretest and follow-up regarding the effectiveness of intervention (p=0.00), but there was no significant difference in the amount of energy. Moreover, the point of EFT and REBT was sustainable and statistically significant over time and after two months of intervention. Conclusion: Findings indicate that there is no particular advantage between these two approaches and treating irrational beliefs and Attachment distress Couples can improve marital adjustment.
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Background: Changes in sexual well-being are common for new mothers and their partners after the birth of a baby. However, most research has sampled mothers not couples, assessed only one aspect of sexual well-being, and has not included a control sample of couples. Aim: This study aimed to compare the sexual well-being (ie, sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, sexual distress) of first-time mothers and their partners in the transition to parenthood (first 12-month postpartum) to community couples who are not actively in this transition. We also compared the sexual well-being within couples (eg, mothers to their partners). Methods: Couples in the transition to parenthood (n = 99) completed measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, sexual distress, and sexual frequency at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum, and community couples (n = 104) completed the measures at a single time point. Outcomes: Measures included the following: (i) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale; (ii) Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function sexual desire subscale; (iii) Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised; and (iv) checklist of sexual behaviors. Results: Compared with community controls, new parents reported lower sexual satisfaction, lower sexual desire, and higher sexual distress at all time-points; however, these group differences became less pronounced by 12 months postpartum. By 6 months postpartum, there was no difference in sexual frequency between postpartum couples and the control group. Mothers experienced persistently lower sexual desire relative to their partners throughout the 12 months postpartum. Between 39% and 59% of mothers reported clinically low sexual desire, and 47-57% reported significant sexual distress at all time points. There were no significant differences reported in sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, or sexual distress between women and their partners in the community sample. Clinical implications: Clinicians should be aware that sexual well-being may be compromised in new parents, and some of these challenges are still present for new parents at 12 months postpartum. Findings can be used to educate new parents regarding their expectations about postpartum sexual well-being. Strengths & limitations: The strengths of the present study are the dyadic approach, assessing multiple aspects of sexual well-being in new parents over time, and the comparison with a community sample. An important limitation is that the control sample was not followed up over time. Conclusion: Education regarding postpartum sexual well-being should be incorporated in routine perinatal and postnatal healthcare practices to support new parents in developing realistic expectations about changes during the transition to parenthood, potentially preventing undue distress. Schwenck GC, Dawson SJ, Muise A, et al. A Comparison of the Sexual Well-Being of New Parents With Community Couples. J Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX-XXX.
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An interpretative phenomenological study of newlywed couple leisure was conducted to understand the role of leisure in the development of relationship dynamics and couple identity. Nine couples were interviewed twice, using open-ended questions that explored the role of leisure in their relationship development. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological processes. Couples viewed leisure as a crucial part of their relationships, helping them develop their identities as couples through creating shared meaning and opportunities to improve communication and conflict management skills. Findings can be used to encourage couple exploration of positive leisure experiences during courtship and early marriage, including therapeutic interventions and relationship education programs that teach couples to incorporate joint leisure strategically into their relationships.
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Chapter
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The author discusses how the Johnson and Gottman approaches are compatible and how they can be wed into a more comprehensive model of couple therapy. This discussion is divided into two parts. The first part covers the amalgamation of these two approaches and shows how they can be restructured into an integrated couple therapy (ICT) model. The second part shows how the different practices and methods of these two approaches can be systematically incorporated into five stages of treatment in the ICT model.
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This study examined communication in intercultural marriages. A qualitative approach using in-depth interviews with 18 individuals in nine marriages made up of one Caucasian American and one Asian spouse was employed in order to examine their perceptions of communication effectiveness, the communication competence they developed to address cultural differences, and how they manage conflicts. Findings show that intercultural couples’ communication is primarily influenced by personal growth, language fluency, and the differences between high-context and low-context communication styles. Additionally, self-awareness, open-mindedness, mindfulness, showing respect, self-disclosure, and face-support emerged as the most important areas of communication competence developed and used by the couples. Essential strategies for addressing conflicts constructively include changing perspectives and using open communication. Implications for intercultural communication competence theory are discussed and a framework for intercultural marriage communication is proposed.
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Despite the established efficacy and the recognition that the Johnson and Gottman models have achieved in the field of couple therapy (Bradley, Friend & Gottman, 2011; Byrne, Carr, & Clark, 2004; Gottman, 1993; Gottman & Gottman, 2008; Gottman & Kimberly, 2005; Halchuk, Makinen, & Johnson, 2010; Johnson, 2008; McLean, et al., 2008; Naaman, Pappas, Makinen, Zuccarini, & Johnson-Douglas, 2005), there is surprisingly little in the literature that discusses the integration of these two clinical approaches. This lack of development is particularly noteworthy given the trend toward the integration of theory and practice in the field of couple therapy (Blow & Sprenkle, 2001; Davis & Piercy, 2007a; Davis & Piercy, 2007b; Sprenkle, Davis, & Lebow, 2009; Gurman, 2008). This article shows how the Johnson and Gottman models are compatible and how they can be successfully wed into a more integrated and comprehensive model of couple therapy. While both Johnson and Gottman agree that one of the most important cornerstones of their treatment models is improving the emotional regulation and connection of the couple, they differ with respect to their theoretical roots and their conceptualization of healthy relationships (Gurman, 2008;Young, 2005). The following discussion first focuses on exploring these differences and then examines the shared commonalities and strengths of their approaches. Finally, a new treatment model is proposed that integrates the commonalities and strengths of these two clinical approaches. Gottman's Model Gottman's model of couple therapy evolved out of his research on marital interaction and on what predicted divorce for couples (Bischoff, 2002; Gottman, 1982; Gottman, 1998; Gottman & Gottman, 2008; Gottman & Levenson, 1984; Gottman & Levenson, 1988; Gottman & Levenson, 1992; Gottman & Levenson, 2002a; Gottman & Levenson, 2002b; Gottman, Markman, & Notarius, 1977; Jenicus & Duba, 2003; Levenson & Gottman, 1985; Madhyastha, Hamaker, & Gottman, 2011). His interest was on identifying the critical interactional and conflictual factors that contributed to failed and successful marriages. As such, Gottman's early research was not so much focused on how to facilitate clinical treatment, but on identifying key communication and problem solving characteristics of both healthy and unhealthy marital relationships (Gottman & Silver, 1994). By taking this position, he avoided becoming identified with any particular school of couple therapy and his observational studies produced ground breaking findings that were influential across the theoretical spectrum in the field of couple therapy (Atkinson, 2005; Young, 2005).
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The early years of marriage are crucial for a successful relationship and require more theoretical, empirical, and clinical attention. This article explores the issues and challenges of the first 2 years of marriage. We propose a model of primary prevention that emphasizes the importance of a strong, resilient marital bond of respect, trust, and intimacy and developing a couple style that is functional and satisfying for both spouses.
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Not only has couple therapy been found an effective treatment for depression, it may also have the advantage of improving marital functioning in addition to depressive symptoms, while individual therapy typically does not (Beach & O'Leary, 1992; Emnuels-Zuurveen & Emmelkamp, 1996; Jacobson et al., 1991; O'Leary & Beach, 1990; Teichman, Bar-El, Shor, & Elizur, 1998). This article attempts to identify indications for couple therapy or individual therapy for depression by examining the published randomized clinical trials comparing couple therapy and individual therapy for depression. Based on a review of the current research literature, suggestions for future research are provided.
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This study was conducted to identify therapist and client behaviors associated with a positive response to social learning-based behavioral marital therapy. A sample of 32 couples receiving treatment was examined. Immediately after each therapy session, the therapist, husband, and wife independently completed process rating forms that measured therapist and client behaviors during the session. Composite scales, derived from these ratings, were entered into multiple regression equations to examine their relationship with posttherapy marital satisfaction. After controlling for pretherapy marital satisfaction and the other predictor variables, therapists', husbands', and wives' ratings of positive client behavior (i.e., collaboration, active participation, and homework compliance) were positively associated with therapy outcome. Implications for marital therapy and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Perceptions of marital interactions were gathered from a representative sample of urban newlywed couples (199 Black and 174 White). A factor analysis of the reports found 6 factors common to husbands and wives: Disclosing Communication, Affective Affirmation, Negative Sexual Interaction, Traditional Role Regulation, Destructive Conflict, and Constructive Conflict. Avoiding Conflict was specific to men and Positive Coorientation was specific to women. Wives reported fewer constructive and more destructive conflict behaviors. Compared with Whites, Blacks reported more disclosure, more positive sexual interactions, and fewer topics of disagreement. They also more often reported leaving the scene of conflict and talking with others more easily than with the spouse. As hypothesized, perceptions that marital interactions affirm one's sense of identity strongly predicted marital well-being. Although regression analyses predicting marital happiness yielded few interactions with race or gender, those that are significant, coupled with race and gender differences in perceiving interaction, suggest taking a contextual orientation to the meaning of marital interaction.