Abstract:
Disturbed marital relationship is one of the major issues of the modern society. The
purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cognitive behavioral interventions on
marital dissatisfaction in a sample of Pakistani couples. In Pakistan, more scientistpractitioners,
who practice evidence-based therapies, are needed. This model of practice
is likely to bolster further research in evidence-based psychological interventions. It is
within this scientist-practitioner model of clinical research and practice that the present
study was planned.
The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral
interventions with married couples experiencing marital dissatisfaction. The research
method applied in the present study was quantitative in nature. The research design of
the study was experimental. Fifty (50) married couples were randomly allocated into two
equal groups: the experimental group (the couples received the treatment) and the
control group (waited for behavioral interventions).
Demographic information relating to age, gender, educational qualification,
number of years married; number of children and socio-economic status was obtained
from participants in experimental and control groups. Both groups were assessed for
marital adjustment by completing the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Kansas
Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS) before (pre-intervention) and after (postxiii
intervention) the cognitive behavioral interventions. The cognitive marital techniques
used in the study were adapted from Dattilio (1989). The data was analyzed by using
MANOVA and t-tests for post-hoc comparisons.
Findings of the study indicated that couples who received cognitive behavioral
interventions showed significant reduction in marital dissatisfaction as compared to the
couples not received treatment. Study findings have more important implication for the
clinicians who are dealing with marital issues. Avenues for the future research have also
been suggested, while limitations and implications have been mentioned.
