title: Motivational interviewing as an intervention for at-risk couples.
abstract: Thirty-one couples participated in a pilot, motivational interviewing, intervention for at-risk couples called the Marriage Checkup (MC). The MC consisted of thorough relationship assessment and individualized feedback. It attracted substantial numbers of at-risk couples who were not otherwise seeking treatment. Partners' marital satisfaction improved significantly from pre- to post-check-up and remained improved at 1-month follow up. Partners were no longer significantly different from a non-distressed comparison group following intervention. Although not addressing the efficacy of the MC, this study supports its viability as an indicated preventive intervention with couples at-risk for severe marital distress by addressing its attractiveness, tolerability, and safety.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 603 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. jcordova@s.psych.uiuc.edu
authors: J V
authors: JV
authors: Cordova
authors: L Z
authors: LZ
authors: Warren
authors: C B
authors: CB
authors: Gee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors