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Behavioural Marital Therapy: An Overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Brett C. Behrens ,
W. Kim Halford  and
Matthew R. Sanders
Brett C. Behrens*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland
W. Kim Halford
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland
Matthew R. Sanders
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland
*
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston QLD 4029
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Abstract

Behavioural marital therapy (BMT) has developed from the application of social exchange and social learning theories to the understanding and modification of marital interaction. Encouraging high rates of exchange of positive behaviours, and training in communication skills, have been the major focuses of BMT till recently. While these strategies produce therapeutic change, there are still many couples whose marriages do not improve with this sort of therapy. Recent developments have focused on the role of cognitive, affective and situational variables in marital interaction. Outcome research has shown the value of cognitive and affective interventions in their own right, but it is unclear if the addition of these interventions will enhance the efficacy of BMT.

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Type
Research Article
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Behaviour Change , Volume 6 , Issue 3-4 , September 1989 , pp. 112 - 123
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1989

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References

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