Teaching “Practical Application of Intimacy Relationship Skills” in a Group Format and its Effectiveness on Couples’ Communication patterns in Marriage Threshold couples

Document Type : Original

Authors

1 MA in Family Counseling, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Family Counseling, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of present study was to examine the effectiveness of group training of “Practical Application of Intimacy Relationship Skills” on communication patterns in couples.
Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental method with pretest and posttest and control group. The study population included couples who have referred to Darab city health network. Statistical samples consist of twenty couples (forty individuals) that were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The measurement tool used was the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ). Participants took part in eight sessions of “Practical Application of Intimacy Relationship Skills”. The data was analyzed with covariance analysis.
Results and conclusion: The results of this research showed that group training of PAIRS program increased the mutual constructive communication patterns and reduces mutual avoidance as well as demand/withdraw communication patterns.

Keywords

References

Bielenberg, L. T, & Gordon, L. H (1992). An exploratory study of PAIRS: an integrative group approach to relationship change. Falls, VA: PAIRS foundation, Inc  
Christensen, A., & Heavy, C. L. (1990). Gender and social structure in the demand /withdraw pattern of marital conflict. Journal of personality and social Psychology, 59, 73-81.
Christensen, A., & Shenk, J. L. (1991). Communication, conflict, and psychological distance in non distressed, clinic and divorcing couples. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 59 (3), 458–463.
Durana, C (1994) The use of bonding and emotional expressiveness in the PAIRS training: Psychoeducational approach approach for couples. Journal of family psychotherapy, 5(2), 65-81.
Durana, C (1996b). Bonding and emotional reeducation of couples in the PAIRS training training: part I. The American journal of Family therapy, 24(3), 269-280.
Durana, C (1996c). Bonding and emotional reeducation of couples in the PAIRS training training: part II. The American journal of Family therapy, 24(4), 315-328.
Epstein, N., & Baucom, D. H. (2002). Enhanced cognitive- behavioral therapy for couples: A contextual approach. Washington. DC: American Psychological Association.
Eisenberge ,S. & Falciglia ,A. (2010) . PAIRS Relationship Skills Training Helps Men Succeed as Husbands and Fathers . Journal of Marital and FamilyTherapy, 20, 140–170
Falciglia ,A. (2010) . Impact of PAIRS Essentials Marriage Education With Low-Income Couples. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 24, 145–156
Fletcher, G. J. O. (2002). The new science of intimate relationships. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell.
Gottman, J. M., & Krokoff, L. J. (1989). Marital interaction and satisfaction: A longitudinal view. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 57, 47–52.
Gottman, J. M. (1994). What predicts divorce? The  relationship between marital processes and marital outcomes. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Greene, J. O., & Burleson, B. R. (2003). Handbook of communication and  social interaction skills. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Heaven, P. C. L., Smith, L. M., Prabhakar, S., Abraham, J., & Mete, M. E. (2006). Personality and conflict communication patterns in cohabiting couples. Journal of Research in Personality, 40,829–840.
Heavy, C. L., Christensen, A., & Malamute, N. M. (1995). The longitudinal impact of demand and withdrawal during marital conflict. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 63, 797- 801.
Lorentz, C. D. (2002). Husband and wife communication behaviors: A look at gender differnce and their relationship to satisfaction and distress. Ph. D. Dissertation, university of Wyoming.
Markman, H.  J., Floyd, F. J., Stanley, S. M., & Storaasli, R. D. (1988). Prevention of marital distress: A longitudinal investigation. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56, 210-217.
Noller, P., Feeney, J.A., Bonnell, D., & Callan, V. J. (1994). A longitudinal study of conflict in early marriage. Journal of Social & Personal Relationships, 11, 233-252.
Rita m. demaria (1998). A national survey of married couples who participate in marriage enrichment, doctoral Dissertation, faculty of the graduate school of social work and social research of Bryn Mawr college.
Smith, L. M., Heaven, P. C. L., & Ciarrochi, J. (2008). Trait emotional intelligence, conflict communication patterns, and relationship satisfaction. Personality and Individual Differences, 44, 1314-1325.
Trenholm, S. & Jensen, A. (1996). Interpersonal communication (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA.

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 25 May 2014
  • Accept Date: 23 August 2014

Share

How to cite

Statistics