Motivational interviewing as an intervention for at-risk couples.

Thirty-one couples participated in a pilot, motivational interviewing, intervention for at-risk couples called the Marriage Checkup (MC). The MC consisted of thorough relationship assessment and individualized feedback. It attracted substantial numbers of at-risk couples who were not otherwise seeking treatment. Partners' marital satisfaction improved significantly from pre- to post-check-up and remained improved at 1-month follow up. Partners were no longer significantly different from a non-distressed comparison group following intervention. Although not addressing the efficacy of the MC, this study supports its viability as an indicated preventive intervention with couples at-risk for severe marital distress by addressing its attractiveness, tolerability, and safety.