Problem-solving skills in happy and distressed couples: Effects of videotape and verbal feedback
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TL;DR
Investigated communication in happy and distressed married couples, in two studies, and results indicated that distressed and happy couples differed on some behavioral measures.
Abstract
Investigated communication in happy and distressed married couples, in two studies. Fifty-eight couples' problem-solving behaviors were evaluated by the spouses themselves and by trained observers. Some distressed couples viewed their own videotape; others received a placebo intervention. Half of the distressed couples received written feedback before a second discussion. Results indicated that (a) distressed and happy couples differed on some behavioral measures; (b) both happy and distressed wives engaged in more negative behaviors than husbands; (c) videotape and written feedback were ineffective in altering behaviors; (d) husbands' and wives' negative behaviors were correlated highly; and (e) spouses' and observers' ratings were independent. Implications for research on marriage and for behavioral couple therapy are discussed.