Marital therapy in the treatment of depression: toward a third generation of therapy and research.
Two generations of outcome research demonstrate the potential efficacy of marital therapy in the treatment of depression. After reviewing treatment outcome studies on marital therapy for depression, we examine basic research linking aspects of the marital relationship to depressive symptoms. In doing so, we highlight a number of theoretical perspectives and research findings that can inform work with couples in which one spouse is depressed. Finally, we identify potential innovations that may lead to a third generation of marital interventions for depression and several avenues of inquiry for a third generation of outcome research on marital therapy for depression.
Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA. srhbeach@uga.cc.uga.edu
S R
SR
Beach
F D
FD
Fincham
J
J
Katz
D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D017008:Negotiating; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D012107:Research Design; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology