Prevention of marital dysfunction: behavioral approaches and beyond

Marital dysfunction is a significant problem in the U.S., with far-ranging effects on the mental health, physical health, and economic well-being of people who experience it. In addition, marital discord and divorce appear to have adverse effects on children. This review describes the historical roots of current prevention programs and critically reviews marriage preparation programs that have been examined in the peer-reviewed literature. The results of 13 studies suggest that behaviorally oriented, skills-based marriage preparation programs can lead to behavioral changes that may help prevent the emergence of marital dysfunction. Whereas there has been modest improvement in the methodology of the program evaluations, suggestions for continued improvements are made. Ways to enhance the effectiveness of marriage preparation programs using the principles of prevention are described.