A case application of a signaling system (SAM) to the assessment and modification of selected problems of marital communication

Abstract

Reported is a pair of experiments using an electromechanical signaling system (SAM) to alter aspects of one couple's marital communication problems. In Experiment I, client signaling and speaking behavior were studied in pre- and postintervention discussions of two topics. The intervention consisted of corrective feedback and instruction designed to increase parity in the use of signals and in the signal control exercised over speaking and listening by the husband and wife. For both topics and in contrast to the baseline discussions, parity was substantially achieved after intervention. Experiment II focused on the effects of an intervention consisting of instruction plus signal feedback from the therapist to try and increase the level of denotative specificity in the couple's discussion of their money problems. Compared to a baseline discussion, specificity did increase substantially during the intervention discussion. Each experiment is viewed as having contributed information for evaluating the clinical applicability of SAM.