Stanley L. Witkin

Group Training in Marital Communication: A Comparative Study.

Two communication training programs-the Communication Skills Workshop (CS W) and the Couples Communication Program (CCP)-and a waiting-list control group were compared on measures of communication effectiveness, problem solving, and relationship satisfaction. Subjects were 54 volunteer couples randomly assigned to conditions. Highly distressed couples or those seeking marital therapy were excluded from the study. One relationship satisfaction questionnaire was administered prior to training; all questionnaires and performance measures were given one and seven weeks following training. Results indicated that couples completing the CCP training revealed significant increases in nonverbal positive messages relative to the CSW and no training. Both training conditions significantly reduced verbal negative messages. Self-report measures revealed no significant differences at follow-up testing. Although trainer differences may have partially accounted for the results, the CCP appears to be a promising alternative to behavioral programs such as CS W.

Group training in communication skills for couples: A preliminary report

Abstract This article reports on the initial development and evaluation of a group skill-training program for couples. The program, entitled the Communication Skills Workshop (CSW), aims at improving communication and problem-solving skills within the context of relationships. The orientation of the CSW is preventive and educational in that it (a) serves couples prior to the onset of serious relationship discord, and (b) focuses on the learning of general communication skills and problem-solving strategies rather than the amelioration of specific relationship conflicts.