title: Checking up on Couples-A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Assessment and Feedback on Marital Functioning and Individual Mental Health in Couples.
abstract: The primary aim of the current meta-analysis was to investigate the overall effect of a relationship checkup (RC), a couple-oriented assessment, and feedback intervention. Systematic literature searches revealed 12 eligible randomized trials published between 1995 and 2015. Results showed significant overall pre-post effect of an RC on marital functioning (Hedge's g = 0.20) and individual mental health (g = 0.44). The between-group controlled effect size was significant at postassessment (g = 0.23) and up to six-month follow-up (g = 0.23). Characteristics of the RC format, therapist-guided versus self-directed, or the study samples, distressed versus healthy, did not moderate the overall effect of the RC. Thus, our results suggest an RC to improve couples' marital functioning up to six-month follow-up, while the effect on individual mental health and repeated delivery of a RC awaits further research.
authors: Aarhus University.
authors: Hanne N
authors: HN
authors: Fentz
authors: Aarhus University.
authors: Tea
authors: T
authors: Trillingsgaard
mesh_terms: D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*