Motivational interviewing as an intervention for at-risk couples

31 couples participated in a pilot, motivational interviewing, intervention for at-risk couples called the Marriage Checkup (MC). The MC consisted of thorough relationship assessment and individualized-feedback. It attracted substantial numbers of at-risk couples who were not otherwise seeking treatment. Partners' marital satisfaction improved significantly from pre- to postcheckup and remained improved at 1-mo follow-up. Partners were no longer significantly different from a nondistressed comparison group following intervention. Although not addressing the efficacy of the MC, this study supports its viability as an indicated preventive intervention with couples at-risk for severe marital distress by addressing its attractiveness, tolerability, and safety. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)