OPERANT-INTERPERSONAL TREATMENT FOR MARITAL DISCORD

Operant-interpersonal treatment of marital discord is premised on the assumption that successful marriages differ from unsuccessful marriages in frequency and range of reciprocal positive reinforcements exchanged. Behavior change objectives are clarified, and a 4-step treatment approach culminating in an exchange of positive responses on a reciprocal basis is suggested. The treatment of 4 couples complaining of low-rate conversational and sexual behavior is summarized, stressing the use of a token system as a prosthesis to facilitate the transition to increased positive reinforcement. (32 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.