Clinical use of the marital satisfaction inventory: Two case studies

Abstract

This article describes the clinical use of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI), an extensively validated multidimensional self-report measure of marital interaction. Initial discussion focuses on a description of the inventory and basic principles of clinical interpretation. Two case studies of couples in marital therapy are then presented. In each case, the MSI was administered both at the initiation and conclusion of therapy and, in the first case, during the middle of treatment for midcourse evaluation. This inventory is presented as a cost-efficient procedure, permitting objective assessment across multiple areas of a couple's relationship. Discussion emphasizes the usefulness of the MSI in initial diagnosis, planning therapeutic interventions and assessing their relative efficacy throughout the course of therapy.