Brett C. Behrens

Can skills training prevent relationship problems in at-risk couples? Four-year effects of a behavioral relationship education program.

Eighty-three couples were stratified into groups at high and low risk for relationship distress and randomized to either the Self-Regulatory Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (Self-PREP) or a control condition. As predicted, there were differential effects of Self-PREP on high-risk and low-risk couples. Because of low statistical power, results must be interpreted cautiously, but at 1-year follow-up high-risk couples in Self-PREP showed trends toward better communication than control couples. However, there was no difference in the communication of Self-PREP and control low-risk couples. High-risk couples receiving Self-PREP exhibited higher relationship satisfaction at 4 years than control couples, but in low-risk couples relationship satisfaction was higher in the control condition. High-risk couples seemed to benefit from skills-based relationship education, but low-risk couples did not.

Impact of Family Type and Family Quality on Child Behavior Problems: A Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE In the context of substantial changes in family types and even family quality in recent times, this study is concerned with the extent to which family type and quality impacts on child behavior problems. METHOD A sample of 8,556 pregnant women were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study. Details of changes in family type and family quality (assessed using Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale) were used to predict three second-order syndromes developed from the Child Behavior Checklist and administered to the mothers when the child was 5 years of age. RESULTS Mothers who experienced no partner changes (married and single) reported the lowest rates of child behavior problems for the three syndromes used in this study. In addition, mothers who more often described their relationship with their partner as poor also reported the highest rate of child behavior problems across all three syndromes. Adjustment for possible confounders did not alter these findings. CONCLUSION Both changes of partner and dyadic conflict appear to lead to child behavior problems, with the latter factor appearing to have a greater impact than the former. Mothers who experienced no partner changes and no conflict appeared to have children with the fewest behavior problems.

The Relationship Between Low Family Income and Psychological Disturbance in Young Children: An Australian Longitudinal Study

Objective: This study examines the relationship between low family income (LFI) experienced at different points in time, chronic low income status and its impact on child behaviour measured at 5 years of age. Method: Longitudinal data from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy were used to measure LFI in families at three points in time (the antenatal period, 6 months post birth and at 5 years cf age). Outcome variables were three independent groups of behaviour problems labelled as externalising, social, attentional and thought (SAT) problems, and internalising problems. These groups were developed from the Child Behaviour Checklist. An analysis based on logistic regression modelling was carried out examining the relationship between LFI and a range of intermediate variables known to be associated with child behaviour problems. Results: The more often families experienced low income, the higher the rate of child behaviour problems at age 5. Low family income was still independently associated with SAT behaviour problems after controlling for smoking in the first trimester, parenting styles, maternal depression and marital dysharmony at age 5. The association between LFI and internalising and externalising behaviour problems was largely mediated by maternal depression. Conclusion: Low family income is a significant factor in the aetiology of a variety of child behaviour problems. The mechanisms involved in the link between LFI and hildhood internalising and externalising behaviours involve the exposure of the children to maternal depression. However, the relationship between LFI and SAT behaviour problems remains to be elucidated.

Prevention of Marital Distress: Current Issues in Programming and Research

Marital dissatisfaction is the most common presenting problem in adults seeking psychological services and is rated as the second most severe stress adults can experience after a death in the family. Almost every married couple is, at some time, at risk for marital distress, conflict, separation, and divorce and for the resulting stress on themselves and their children. Traditionally, theory and practice have focused on tertiary prevention of marital distress (i.e., marital therapies). However, marital therapy has limited efficacy and accesses only limited numbers of couples. Poor communication and dissatisfaction with interactions, assessed premaritally, are strong predictors of marital distress. Several marital distress prevention programs have been developed which generally or specifically target communication behaviour of pre- and early married couples. Outcome evaluations suggest such programs can lead to improved communication and problem- solving skills, improved relationship satisfaction, lower levels of marital violence, and diminished probability of marital dissolution. Suggestions for future research include a more fine- grained analysis of situation- specific cognition, affect, and psychophysiological responses during communication, incorporation of a self- regulatory model within prevention work, and the use of longitudinal research designs.

Behavioural marital therapy: An overview

Behavioural marital therapy (BMT) has developed from the application of social exchange and social learning theories to the understanding and modification of marital interaction. Encouraging high rates of exchange of positive behaviours, and training in communication skills, have been the major focuses of BMT till recently. While these strategies produce therapeutic change, there are still many couples whose marriages do not improve with this sort of therapy. Recent developments have focused on the role of cognitive, affective and situational variables in marital interaction. Outcome research has shown the value of cognitive and affective interventions in their own right, but it is unclear if the addition of these interventions will enhance the efficacy of BMT.