A multiple baseline study of the marriage contract game’s effect on problem solving and affective behavior

Claire Rabin, Elaine A. Blechman, Marianne C. Milton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In a multiple-baseline design, four relatively untroubled couples were guided by the Marriage Contract Game and related instructions as they negotiated contracts. The results demonstrated generalization from clinic to home, and suggested that problem solving and affection are independent behavior domains. When problem-solving behavior was the target of intervention, the rate of problem-solving behavior increased significantly over baseline during generalization probes. When affective behavior was added as a target of training, the rate of affective behavior increased significantly over previous phases and the rate of problem solving continued to increase. Evidence about the interdependence of marital attitudes and behaviors also emerged. Subjective ratings of problems improved along with the increase in problem-solving behavior; mood ratings improved along with increases in problem-solving and in affective behavior. Training had no effect on ratings of marital happiness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-60
Number of pages16
JournalChild and Family Behavior Therapy
Volume6
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1984
Externally publishedYes

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