Checking up on couples – a meta-analysis of the effect of assessment and feedback on marital functioning and individual mental health in couples

TY - JOUR

T1 - Checking up on couples – a meta-analysis of the effect of assessment and feedback on marital functioning and individual mental health in couples

AU - Fentz, Hanne Nørr

AU - Trillingsgaard, Tea

PY - 2017/1/1

Y1 - 2017/1/1

N2 - The primary aim of the current meta-analysis was to investigate the overall effect of a relationship checkup (RC), a couple-oriented assessment, and feedback intervention. Systematic literature searches revealed 12 eligible randomized trials published between 1995 and 2015. Results showed significant overall pre–post effect of an RC on marital functioning (Hedge's g = 0.20) and individual mental health (g = 0.44). The between-group controlled effect size was significant at postassessment (g = 0.23) and up to six-month follow-up (g = 0.23). Characteristics of the RC format, therapist-guided versus self-directed, or the study samples, distressed versus healthy, did not moderate the overall effect of the RC. Thus, our results suggest an RC to improve couples' marital functioning up to six-month follow-up, while the effect on individual mental health and repeated delivery of a RC awaits further research.

AB - The primary aim of the current meta-analysis was to investigate the overall effect of a relationship checkup (RC), a couple-oriented assessment, and feedback intervention. Systematic literature searches revealed 12 eligible randomized trials published between 1995 and 2015. Results showed significant overall pre–post effect of an RC on marital functioning (Hedge's g = 0.20) and individual mental health (g = 0.44). The between-group controlled effect size was significant at postassessment (g = 0.23) and up to six-month follow-up (g = 0.23). Characteristics of the RC format, therapist-guided versus self-directed, or the study samples, distressed versus healthy, did not moderate the overall effect of the RC. Thus, our results suggest an RC to improve couples' marital functioning up to six-month follow-up, while the effect on individual mental health and repeated delivery of a RC awaits further research.

KW - Couples

KW - Marital functioning

KW - Assement and feedback

KW - Prevention

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84994360792&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1111/jmft.12185

DO - 10.1111/jmft.12185

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 27515558

SN - 0194-472X

VL - 43

SP - 31

EP - 50

JO - Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

JF - Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

IS - 1

ER -