Document Type
Article
Original Publication Date
2015
Journal/Book/Conference Title
The Journal of Counseling Psychology
Volume
62
Issue
1
First Page
14
Last Page
27
DOI of Original Publication
10.1037/cou0000045
Date of Submission
September 2015
Abstract
The first 6 months of marriage are optimal for marriage enrichment interventions. The Hope-Focused Approach to couple enrichment was presented as two 9-hr interventions--(a) Handling Our Problems Effectively (HOPE), which emphasized communication and conflict resolution, and (b) Forgiveness and Reconciliation through Experiencing Empathy (FREE). HOPE and FREE were compared with repeated assessment controls. Couples were randomly assigned and were assessed at pretreatment (t1); 1 month posttreatment (t2) and at 3- (t3), 6- (t4), and 12-month (t5) follow-ups using self-reports. In addition to self-report measures, couples were assessed at t1, t2, and t5 using salivary cortisol, and behavioral coding of decision making. Of 179 couples who began the study, 145 cases were analyzed. Both FREE and HOPE produced lasting positive changes on self-reports. For cortisol reactivity, HOPE and FREE reduced reactivity at t2, but only HOPE at t5. For coded behaviors, control couples deteriorated; FREE and HOPE did not change. Enrichment training was effective regardless of the focus of the training.
Rights
© 2015 American Psychological Association
Is Part Of
VCU Psychology Publications
Comments
Published in final form at doi.org/10.1037/cou0000045
This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record.