Effectiveness of Repeated Marriage Checkups in a Family Center

Abstract

The present study examined the effectiveness of repeated marriage checkups at intervals of six months in a Family Center in Seoul. To achieve this, the pilot study protocol (Park, 2019) was adapted, emphasizing strength-based, counseling-oriented approaches. Two couples and family therapists with master’s degrees were trained and their practice was monitored to ensure program fidelity. The methods employed for the assessment of marriage checkup were an online survey, a video recording of couple problem-solving, and a clinical interview. A total of 14 couples participated in the 1st checkup, 10 of whom also completed the 2nd checkup. Couples with varying levels of marital satisfaction participated in the program. Descriptive statistics indicated gradual increases over 8-9 months in diverse indices such as marital satisfaction and relationship strength, while other indices fluctuated slightly but converged to higher levels over time. A non-parametric analysis appropriate for small samples demonstrated statistically significant increases over the 8-9 months in marital satisfaction among couples. The current study evidenced the effectiveness of repeated marriage checkups in the Family Center, which is the primary public institution for family policy and services in Korea. Repeated marriage checkups are therefore a promising way to enhance couples’ relationship health and improve the family management system of the Family Center.

Adapting the Marriage Checkup for Gender, Romantic, and Sexual Minority Relationships: Responses From 18 LGBTQ Partners Completing a Pilot Program

“…Third, the MC has shown efficacy across many other critical demographics that intersect with GRSM identities-the MC was effective in studies that explored race and income variables (Coop et al, 2019), with military partners (Cigrang et al, 2016), and with partners struggling with depression (Gray et al, 2020), with prenatal couples (Darling, 2021), and in cross-cultural settings (i.e. Korea) (Park, 2022). An intervention with efficacy across various demographics related to race, class, mental health, and more provides an intervention for intersecting variables for GRSM partners as well.…”

An Implementation Study of Marriage Checkups in Family Centers

“…(Galdas et al, 2005;Matud, 2004). 결혼검진 또한 신청자의 대부분은 여성이 차지한다 (Park, 2022) (Baucom et al, 2009;Snyder et al, 1993)…”