2004, Number 3
Salud Mental 2004; 27 (3)
Un modelo de consejo marital basado en la solución de conflictos y el reforzamiento recíproco
Barragán TL, González VJ, Ayala VH
Full text
Language: Spanish
References: 31
Page: 65-73
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ABSTRACT
Marital dissatisfaction constitutes a problem of social relevance that needs greater scientific attention from researchers interested and involved in this field of investigation. A wide range of studies indicate that a series of damaging effects result from unsatisfactory interaction within couples. Nonetheless, single people lack the necessary support to tackle difficult or stressful situations due to the accumulation of individual responsibilities, such as those relating to bringing up and educating children. In addition to this, family goals are restricted, healthy habits relating to nutrition and physical care are neglected and there is a negative impact on intimacy and leisure pursuits. Life as a single person therefore entails a series of important physical and psychological drawbacks.Psychological endeavor in this field of study has been enriched by research reporting assessments and solid change in the relationship between partners. Studies have shown that the strategies of conflict solution and reciprocal reinforcement are the elements in marriage counseling that are most effective in increasing marital satisfaction, as well as reducing the instances of child abuse.
Psychological intervention should be aimed at preserving spousal interaction in which both partners are capable to handle effectively and satisfactorily, the conflicts inherent to daily life, and while making efforts to share highly gratifying moments and situations that encourage and increase their levels of marital satisfaction. Consequently, a Marriage Guidance Model for the Mexican population has been conceived, implemented and assessed, with the aim of allowing partners who have problems in their relationship to apply strategies and skills that improve their interaction.
As part of this research, the effects of using conflict solution strategies and reciprocal reinforcement on the levels of marital satisfaction were assessed. In order to encourage the use of strategies of this nature, training based on an Abbreviated Marriage Guidance Model was provided to 12 couples who sought assistance for their problems in personal interaction at the Psychological Service Community Centers of the Faculty of Psychology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The sample was random and predetermined, as it had been decided to include couples who requested psychological services for problems in their relationships.
Most of the couples had been living together for between 5 and 20 years. The socioeconomic level was low-middle. In most cases, women were homemakers and men worked in the technical professional field that they had studied.
The research used a single-subject, before-during-after methodology, with repeated assessment over time to identify the occurrence, characteristics and intensity of changes in the spousal relationship, and to determine and explain the reasons for such changes on the basis of the techniques imparted to both members of the couple.
The 5 means of pre/post-test assessment used were: Couple Conflict Checklists, a Marital Satisfaction Scale, a Family Social Environment Scale, a Conflict Tactics Scale and a User Satisfaction Questionnaire. The following direct observation records were used: a Fixed Interval Record of Behavioral Categories for the Solution of Conflicts and a Record of Occurrence of Conflict Solution Strategies. Other records were also used during treatment, to support the use of strategies: Daily Home Conflict Record, Task Record of Behavioral Categories and Conflict Solution Strategies, Record of Fulfillment of Agreements, Record of Reciprocal Recognition and Reciprocal Recognition Checklist. Consequently, direct observation measurements were combined with self-reporting.
Psychometric methods and assessment tools were selected and designed on the basis of conceptual-methodological correspondence, advantages for application, qualification and graphical expression and the feasibility of correlating the data generated. For example: the correlation between learning conflict solution strategies and the total number of conflicts reported, the correlation between said learning and the strategies used (according to self-reporting) at the moment at which the conflicts were handled, and the repercussions of applying techniques on the perceived level of conflict, organization and cohesion reported in the family environment. In addition records were kept that demonstrated the impact of joint decision-making on daily life in natural settings.
12 treatment sessions using the Marriage Guidance Model were established, and each couple attended 1 ½-hour sessions once a week. The teaching methods used during training on the conflict solution and reciprocal recognition components were: Verbal Instruction, Modeling, Behavioral Tests, Feedback, Direct Observation Records on Video and Positive Reinforcement. The results show the impact of the acquisition of conflict solution and reciprocal reinforcement skills on the levels of marital satisfaction of the 12 couples trained.
The changes with clinical and statistical significance according to the pre/post-test T test for equalized samples that were identified in the 12 couples subject to the Marriage Guidance Model were: increase in the use of positive behavioral categories: eye contact, positive physical contact, paying attention, firstperson sentences, appropriate tone of voice and short, concise sentences when discussing conflict situations; increase in the occurrence of conflict solution strategies with the development of negotiation skills; increase in the use of verbal reasoning and decrease in the use of verbal and physical aggression in handling conflicts; decrease in the frequency of conflicts in all areas of the marital relationship on the part of both partners, since prior to treatment spouses reported greater degrees of conflict in the areas of home responsibilities, communication, sex and professional progress (before treatment spouses identified more conflict in the areas of children’s bring up, money handling, sex, individual professional or academic progress, personal and joint independence); identification and increase in the reciprocal exchange of gratifying experiences; changes in family functioning: increase in perception of cohesion, expression, independence, recreation, orientation toward goals and organization, and decrease in the perception of conflict; and finally, an increase in the levels of marital satisfaction.
It may be concluded that the Marriage Guidance Model implemented in this study allowed the 12 couples to identify changes in their interaction, with a subsequent increase in marital satisfaction through the use of conflict solution and reciprocal reinforcement strategies. Both elements of the training were considered as having a significant effect on changing marital satisfaction levels.
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