• Premarital Counseling: An Evidence-informed Treatment Protocol
  Presented by: Jeffrey B. Jackson
• Couples Use of Computer-Mediated Communication for Problem-solving
  Presented by: Martha S. Perry, Ronald J. Werner-Wilson
• Couples in Great Marriages who Considered Divorcing
  Presented by: Sarah Tulane, Linda Skogrand, John DeFrain

Co-sponsored by Education and Enrichment Section

Abstracts

Premarital Counseling: An Evidence-informed Treatment Protocol

Presented by: Jeffrey B. Jackson

A treatment protocol for providing premarital counseling to premarital couples developed from a comprehensive review of empirical research on premarital counseling will be presented. Goals, session objectives, session format, formal and informal assessment procedures, content, interventions, and homework will be outlined.

Couples Use of Computer-Mediated Communication for Problem-solving

Presented by: Martha S. Perry, Ronald J. Werner-Wilson

This mixed-method study will explore the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) by couples for the purposes of problem-solving.  The characteristics of CMC that are conceptualized as being advantageous to the communication process will be highlighted as factors influencing use.  Results will include individuals attitudes towards using CMC for problem solving; couples communication satisfaction with problem solving in FtF versus CMC conditions, and couples reports of their personal experiences of using CMC for problem solving.

Couples in Great Marriages who Considered Divorcing

Presented by: Sarah Tulane, Linda Skogrand, John DeFrain

This study used a strengths-based perspective to examine the experiences of 25 couples who self-identified as having great marriages, yet, had considered divorcing at some point during their marriage. Data for this study came from a larger qualitative study examining the multiple components of what makes marriages great. Various reasons were cited for considering divorce including difficulties with communication, spending time apart for work or other reasons, stressors from other family members, and infidelity. Participants discussed multiple strategies for overcoming thoughts of divorce including resolving conflicts in communication, turning to and relying on each other, seeking professional help, and religion.