Short- and long-term effects of a marital enrichment program upon couple functioning

Abstract

Short- and long-term effects of a new marital enrichment program (MEP), based upon Sager's contractual model of couple functioning, were evaluated using both self-inventories (DAS, MCI) and behavioral scales (MICS). Couples were randomly assigned to either no-treatment control conditions or the 20-hour long MEP. Evaluations of marital functioning of both groups were repeatedly done during the experimentation, at pretest, midtest, posttest and follow-up 1 (two months after completion of the program). A second follow-up on the experimental couples was done a year after the end of MEP. Significant results were obtained for five of the seven criterion variables (marital adjustment and communication and certain aspects of problem-solving behavior). Positive gains shown by the experimental couples in the subjective measures were maintained for an entire year following MEP. It was concluded that the program succeeded in meeting both its short- and long-term goals, thus representing a most promising preventative strategy to modern couple living.