Robert M. Wills

Long-Term Effectiveness of Behavioral Versus Insight-Oriented Marital Therapy A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

Four-year follow-up data regarding marital status and marital accord were obtained for 59 couples receiving either behavioral (BMT) or insight-oriented (IOMT) marital therapy in a controlled outcome study. Although no significant group differences had been observed between the 2 treatment conditions at either termination or 6-month follow-up, by 4-year follow-up a significantly higher percentage of BMT couples had experienced divorce (38% for BMT couples compared with 3% for IOMT couples). Results are compared with previous outcome research in this area, and recommendations are made for further research.

Behavioral Versus Insight-Oriented Marital Therapy: Effects on Individual and Interspousal Functioning

This study compared the effects of behavioral marital therapy (BMT) and insight-oriented marital therapy (IOMT) on both interspousal and intrapersonal functioning in a controlled outcome study. A total of 79 couples seeking treatment for relationship distress were randomly assigned to BMT, IOMT, or a treatment-on-demand (TOD) waiting-list control group. Results indicated the significance in individual and relationship functioning. Both treatment approaches produced significant effects from intake to termination that were substantially maintained at the 6-month follow-up. Behavioral and insight-oriented therapies resulted in significant improvements in self-reports of global marital accord and, to a lesser extent, in the reduction of overall psychological distress and in the enhancement of self-concept, with no significant differences between treatment conditions. The magnitude of these effects in comparison with those reported in previous marital outcome studies and in more general psychotherapy research is discussed, and possible mechanisms for the equivalence of these technically divergent treatment approaches are explored.

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 couples relationship. Discussion emphasizes the usefulness of the MSI in initial diagnosis, planning therapeutic interventions and assessing their relative efficacy throughout the course of therapy.