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Brigham Young University
Research in the past two decades has made clear the connection between marital distress and health problems. Marital distress has been shown to be a major risk factor in depression, as well as a significant predictor of cardiovascular disorders. In addition to the negative impact on the health of adults, marital quality is also linked to psychopathology among children who live in conflicted families.
Until recently, couples therapy was a last resort treatment. However, it has recently risen in popularity and credibility and is the preferred method of treatment for relationships in distress.
The purpose of this study is to advance mental health services research in the area of Marriage, and Family Therapy and to determine the effectiveness of couples therapy in treating couples that come to therapy because of relationship distress. Eight university-based training clinics will collect data on couples cases. Pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up data will be collected.