Self‐control in distressed couples: a pilot study

Abstract

A protocol for the short treatment of fighting couples is described. The treatment consists of three training sessions in which homework assignments are given, aimed at enhancing self-control. The participants received exact instructions on how to monitor their anger, to take time out and to write to the partner in a structured manner, instead of expressing their anger in the usual way. A pre-/post-pilot study with nineteen couples shows that the couples improve significantly more during the training than in the pre-treatment baseline period. During the follow-up phase, the improvements are maintained.

The Effectiveness of Anger Instruction in Behavioral- Cognitive Approach on Improvement of Marital Life Quality

“…These findings are in accordance with studies in the context of useful interventions to prevent and treat depression of couples and to control anger and abstinence (Stiths, Rosen, McCollum, & Thomsen, 2004;Markman, 1993;Linkh & Sonnek, 2003;Lange, Barend, & Ende, 1998). Sometimes fundamental motivations of anger and depression originated from incorrect beliefs and perverted recognitions.…”

“…In this research some assignments were gave to 28 couples at three sessions with the end of increasing abstinence and expressing thoughts and emotions in a congenial way. Results showed the couples have significantly improved in control their anger (Lange, Barend, & Ende, 1998). Also a research investigated the effect of communication skills training with cognitive-behavioral approach on marital adjustment rate and it found that cognitive therapy will increase couples' satisfaction.…”

“…In controlling anger and depression, cognition and awareness cause that anger to be stated in a constructive form and the signs of depression will decrease. The factors that make anger and depression be recognized and controlled and the proper answers to wife or husband to be learnt (Lesure, 2002;Banijamali, Nafisi, & Yazdi, 2005;Markman, 1993;Linkh & Sonnek, 2003;Lange, Barend, & Ende, 1998;HajiAbulzadeh, 2003;Aghamohammadian, 1999;Dattilio, 2007;Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2003;Klenick, 1998).…”

Time‐out and writing in distressed couples: an experimental trial into the effects of a short treatment

“…Participants in the first experimental condition received time-out instructions plus the 'interactional writing assignment', writing a letter to the partner. This combination is similar to the treatment described by Lange et al (1998). The second experimental group received time-out instructions plus the 'individual writing assignment', writing about their own part in a conflict.…”

“…To deal with this, time-out may be combined with a procedure that allows couples to disclose their anger in a constructive manner. Lange et al (1998) describe a pilot study in an ultra-short protocolled treatment for distressed couples based on self-control and constructive expression of anger. Couples were instructed to take time-out when angry and to write a letter to their partner telling them about their irritation.…”