Prevention of marital distress: Results of a German prospective longitudinal study.

• DOI: 10.1037/0893-3200.12.4.543
• Publication Date: 2005-09-22T17:04:40Z
• Authors: Kurt Hahlweg; Howard J. Markman; Franz Thurmaier; Jochen Engl; Volker Eckert
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study

This article reports on the development and long-term evaluation of a marital distress prevention program for German couples, Ein Partnerschaftliches Lernprogramm (EPL, A Couple's Learning Program). The EPL is 6-session designed to teach couples effective communication problem-solving skills. In current article, evaluated in prospective, quasi-experimental, controlled trial. results 3-year follow-up are reported, contrasting 55 with control group 17 couples. Significant differences emerged regard couples' dissolution rates, relationship satisfaction, positive negative behavior favoring These demonstrate utility assisting happy who preparing marriage. implications findings research dissemination programs discussed.