Preventing Marital Distress in Remarried Couples

ABSTRACT

Although there is evidence that remedial couples therapy is an effective form of treatment for couples experiencing marital distress, preventive interventions have emerged as an equally viable form of treatment for couples at risk for marital distress. More importantly, evaluations of prevention programs reveal long-term effects, whereas remedial couples therapy has shown only short-term effects. Evidence presented in this paper reveals the importance of taking a prevention approach with high risk populations, such as the remarried couple. An example of a prevention program that addresses the unique needs of the remarried couple is presented.

Key Words:

• Remarriage
• prevention
• marital distress
• couples therapy