UW News

April 29, 1999

300 couples experiencing marital troubles sought for study, free marriage enrichment program

American marriages frequently can be characterized by Charles Dickens’ phrase “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Researchers at the University of Washington are testing programs to improve the shaky state of many marriages and are looking for 300 Puget Sound couples who, if they are not exactly undergoing the worst of times, are experiencing problems in their relationships.

A diverse ethnic and cultural sample of couples that matches the demographics of the greater Seattle metropolitan area is being sought for the Family Research Project, according to Sybil Carr?, a UW psychology research scientist and project director. The study is being funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

“We are looking for couples who are not seeing eye to eye about important issues in their relationship such as finances, in-laws, communications or parenting,” she explained. “These are couples where an individual feels his or her partner does not understand or listen to them or where a person feels lonely within the relationship.”

“We also are looking for couples of any age, from newlyweds to those married 50 or more years. They can have problems that have been around for half a century or one that is very immediate, such as the loss of a job,” Carr? added.

The project is designed to test a number of marriage interventions based on material developed by UW marital researcher and psychology professor John Gottman. Gottman is the author of the book “The Seven Principles That Make Marriage Work.”

Carr? said the interventions are designed to help people work through problems that all couples face in their relationships with the focus of making marriages happier and more fun.

“The study not only will offer participants a chance to make a difference in their relationships, but also an opportunity to help others improve their relationships. We particularly are seeking a diverse sample of couples so we can learn about the different cultural and ethnic influences on marriage.”

Couples who are interested in participating or have questions about the project may contact the Family Research Project at (206) 543-8089 or famlylab@u.washington.edu. They must be willing to travel to Seattle to participate.

Couples selected for the study will be given a number of tasks. After initial telephone interviews, they will be asked to fill out two separate questionnaire packets, participate in two laboratory sessions that include video taping of problem solving and measurements of their physiological responses, attend one of five different marital enrichment programs and, at the end of one year, fill out another series of questionnaires. Couples who complete the program will be reimbursed $350.

###

For more information, contact either Erica Woodin, Family Research Project research coordinator, or Carr? at (206) 543-2968. Carr? also can be reached at carrere@u.washington.