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Behavioural Marital Therapy in the Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

W. Kim Halford  and
Matthew R. Sanders
W. Kim Halford
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland
Matthew R. Sanders
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland
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Abstract

There is a well established relationship between marital discord and individual psychopathology in family members. This paper reviews evidence relating to patterns of marital interaction related to the co-occurrence of marital discord and three common psychological disorders: depression, alcohol abuse, and childhood conduct disorders. The effects of behavioural marital therapy (BMT) on dysfunctional marital interaction in such cases, and the impact of BMT on individuals' psychological disorders, are evaluated. It is concluded that BMT is often a useful component of treatment in each disorder reviewed. Further it is argued that it is important routinely to assess the relationship context in which these disorders occur. Finally, some of the difficulties and limitations of the application of BMT in cases where the presenting problem is an individual psychopathology are considered.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 6 , Issue 3-4 , September 1989 , pp. 165 - 177
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1989

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References

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