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Table 1: Characteristics of Included Studies
Study
Author Intervention type Publication Year Country Location Follow-up length (months) Control sample Treat sample Total sample
Kelly, Adrian B, Halford, W. Kim, Young, Ross McD Education 2000 Australia INT 1 9 14 23
Baucom DH, Lester GW Therapy 1986 USA S 0 8 8 16
Beach-SRH Oleary-KD Therapy 1992 USA NY 0 12 12 24
Hickmon-WA Protinsky-HO Singh-K Counseling 1997 USA AK 0 12 12 24
Sweany, Susan Love Education 1987 USA WA 7 7 7 14
Brainerd, Gary L Communication 1977 USA CA 0 8 28 36
Ewart, Craig K Therapy 1978 USA CA 0 3 10 13
Schaden, J. Robert Premarital preparation 1981 USA MI 0 21 21 42
Harrington, Christine Marie Premarital preparation 1997 USA PA 0 46 38 84
Midmer D, Wilson L, Cummings S Communication 1995 Canada INT 6 29 41 70
Snyder DK, Wills RM Therapy 1989 USA MW 0 20 29 49
Baucom DH, Sayers SL, Sher TG Therapy 1990 USA NC 0 12 12 24
Kaiser, Andrea, Hahlweg, Kurt, Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele, Groth, Thomas Education 1998 Germany INT 0 36 31 67
Goldman-A Greenberg-L Therapy 1992 Canada INT 0 14 14 28
Fals-stewart-W Birchler-GR Ofarrell-TJ Therapy 1996 USA   12 40 40 80
Ripley-JS Worthington-EL Enrichment 2002 USA VA 0.75 16 16 32
Davidson-GNS Horvath-AO Therapy 1997 Canada INT 0 20 19 39
James, Paul S Counseling 1991 Canada INT 0 14 14 28
Dandeneau, Michel L, Johnson, Susan M Therapy 1994 Canada INT 0 12 12 24
Floyd, Frank J Premarital preparation 1988 USA MI 0 16 16 32
Montag, Kimberly R, Wilson, Gregory L Therapy 1992 USA WA 0 5 5 10
MacPhee, David C; Johnson, Susan M; Van Der Veer, Monika M C Therapy 1995 Canada INT 0 24 25 49
Jacobson NS Therapy 1977 USA NC 0 5 5 10
D'Augelli AR, And Others Communication 1974 USA PA 0 17 17 34
Witkin SL, Edleson JL, Rose SD, Hall JA Communication 1982 USA   2 18 18 36
Miller, Sherod, Nunnally, Elam W, Wackman, Daniel B Communication 1976 USA MN 0 15 17 32
Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. Therapy 1973 USA NJ 0 11 11 22
Wimberly, JD Therapy 1997 USA WI 0 9 8 17
Trathen, DW Premarital preparation 1995 USA CO 0 22 26 48
Baucom, D. H. Therapy 1982 USA TX 0 18 18 36
Harrell, J.E. Enrichment 1974 USA PA 0 15 15 30
Adam, D and Gingras, M Enrichment 1982 Canada INT 0 19 19 38
Hahlweg, K., Revenstorf, D., & Schindler, L. Communication 1982 Germany INT 0 25 25 50
Jacobson, N.S. Communication 1984 USA WA 0 18 18 36
Boelens, W., Emmelkamp, P., MacGillavry, D., & Markvoort, M. Counseling 1980 The Netherlands INT 0 5 8 13
O'Farrell, T.J., Cutter, H.S.G., & Floyd, F.J. Therapy 1985 USA MA 3 12 10 22
Johnson, S.M. Therapy 1986 Canada INT 0 15 15 30
Nunnally, E.W. Communication 1971 USA MN 0 15 16 31
Warner, M.D. Communication 1984 USA IN 0 12 10 22


Table 1 (Continued)
Study Program
Author Number of Sessions Session length Program duration Total hours Group size
Kelly, Adrian B, Halford, W. Kim, Young, Ross McD 6 1 42 6 5
Baucom DH, Lester GW 12 2 84 24 1
Beach-SRH Oleary-KD 17 1 105 17 1
Hickmon-WA Protinsky-HO Singh-K 2 8 2 16 12
Sweany, Susan Love 8 2 56 16  
Brainerd, Gary L 8 1.25 56 10 1
Ewart, Craig K 10 1 70 10 1
Schaden, J. Robert 2 4 2 8  
Harrington, Christine Marie 3 3 21 9 5
Midmer D, Wilson L, Cummings S 2 3   6 5
Snyder DK, Wills RM 19 1 84 19 1
Baucom DH, Sayers SL, Sher TG 12 1 84 12 1
Kaiser, Andrea, Hahlweg, Kurt, Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele, Groth, Thomas 2 8 2 16 4
Goldman-A Greenberg-L 10 1 70 10 1
Fals-stewart-W Birchler-GR Ofarrell-TJ 12 1 84 12 1
Ripley-JS Worthington-EL 2 8 2 16 4
Davidson-GNS Horvath-AO 12 1 28 12 1
James, Paul S 12 1 84 12 1
Dandeneau, Michel L, Johnson, Susan M 6 2 42 12 1
Floyd, Frank J 5 3 35 15  
Montag, Kimberly R, Wilson, Gregory L 8 2 56 16 1
MacPhee, David C; Johnson, Susan M; Van Der Veer, Monika M C 10   70   1
Jacobson NS 8   63   1
D'Augelli AR, And Others 8 2 56 16 3
Witkin SL, Edleson JL, Rose SD, Hall JA 6        
Miller, Sherod, Nunnally, Elam W, Wackman, Daniel B 4 3 28 12 4
Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. 9 2 70 18 3
Wimberly, JD 12 2 84 24 3
Trathen, DW 6 2 42 12 1
Baucom, D. H. 10 1 70 10 1
Harrell, J.E. 8 2 56 16 3
Adam, D and Gingras, M 8 3 56 24 5
Hahlweg, K., Revenstorf, D., & Schindler, L. 14 2   28 3
Jacobson, N.S. 12 1.25   15 1
Boelens, W., Emmelkamp, P., MacGillavry, D., & Markvoort, M. 10 1 56 10 1
O'Farrell, T.J., Cutter, H.S.G., & Floyd, F.J. 10 2 70 20 4
Johnson, S.M. 8 1 56 8 1
Nunnally, E.W. 4 3 28 12 4.5
Warner, M.D. 4 3 28 12 10


Table 1 (Continued)
Study Recruitment
Author News/Media Prof referral Client initiated Church Already in treatment Classes/ lectures
Kelly, Adrian B, Halford, W. Kim, Young, Ross McD Yes No No No No No
Baucom DH, Lester GW Yes Yes Yes No No No
Beach-SRH Oleary-KD Yes No No No No No
Hickmon-WA Protinsky-HO Singh-K No No No Yes No No
Sweany, Susan Love . . . . . .
Brainerd, Gary L Yes Yes No No No No
Ewart, Craig K Yes Yes No No No No
Schaden, J. Robert . . . . . .
Harrington, Christine Marie No No Yes No No No
Midmer D, Wilson L, Cummings S No No No No Yes No
Snyder DK, Wills RM Yes No No No No No
Baucom DH, Sayers SL, Sher TG No Yes Yes No No No
Kaiser, Andrea, Hahlweg, Kurt, Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele, Groth, Thomas Yes No No No No No
Goldman-A Greenberg-L Yes No No No No No
Fals-stewart-W Birchler-GR Ofarrell-TJ No Yes Yes No No No
Ripley-JS Worthington-EL Yes No No No No No
Davidson-GNS Horvath-AO No Yes Yes No No No
James, Paul S Yes No No No No No
Dandeneau, Michel L, Johnson, Susan M Yes No No No No No
Floyd, Frank J Yes No No No No No
Montag, Kimberly R, Wilson, Gregory L Yes No No No No No
MacPhee, David C; Johnson, Susan M; Van Der Veer, Monika M C Yes No No No No No
Jacobson NS Yes No No No No No
D'Augelli AR, And Others No No No No No Yes
Witkin SL, Edleson JL, Rose SD, Hall JA Yes No No No No No
Miller, Sherod, Nunnally, Elam W, Wackman, Daniel B Yes No No No No Yes
Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. No No No No No No
Wimberly, JD Yes No No No No No
Trathen, DW . . . . . .
Baucom, D. H. Yes No No No No No
Harrell, J.E. Yes No No No No Yes
Adam, D and Gingras, M Yes No No No No No
Hahlweg, K., Revenstorf, D., & Schindler, L. Yes Yes No No No No
Jacobson, N.S. Yes Yes Yes No No No
Boelens, W., Emmelkamp, P., MacGillavry, D., & Markvoort, M. No Yes No No No No
O'Farrell, T.J., Cutter, H.S.G., & Floyd, F.J. No Yes No No No No
Johnson, S.M. Yes No Yes No No No
Nunnally, E.W. Yes No Yes No No No
Warner, M.D. No No No Yes No No


Table 1 (Continued)
Study Sample Details
Author Couple type Average Age % white % married Years education Avg income Years together % religious Post-test attrition rate Follow-up attrition rate
Kelly, Adrian B, Halford, W. Kim, Young, Ross McD Distressed 43.9   . .   . 12.7 .   71.9% 34.
Baucom DH, Lester GW Distressed 32.1   100.0% 15.6 . .   100.0% 50.
Beach-SRH Oleary-KD Distressed 40.7   100.0% 14.2 $49,387 14 .   80.0% 80.
Hickmon-WA Protinsky-HO Singh-K Unknown 32.5   100.0% 16 $34,040 10 100.0% 91.7% 91.
Sweany, Susan Love Distressed 36.5   100.0% .   . .   100.0% 100.
Brainerd, Gary L     92.0% 100.0%         97.3% 97.
Ewart, Craig K Distressed 38.8   100.0% 15.4 $70,500 12.3 .   72.2% 72.
Schaden, J. Robert Nondistressed 23.3 100.0% 0.0% .   . .   100.0% 100.
Harrington, Christine Marie Nondistressed 27   0.0% 14.7 $34,560 1.25 100.0% 91.3% 91.
Midmer D, Wilson L, Cummings S Nondistressed 30.9 86.0% 97.0% 16.7 . .   79.5% 80.
Snyder DK, Wills RM Distressed 38.6 84.0% 100.0% 15.7 . 12.6 .   96.0% 96.
Baucom DH, Sayers SL, Sher TG Distressed 34.1 97.0% 100.0% 16.3 . 8.1 .   100.0% 80.
Kaiser, Andrea, Hahlweg, Kurt, Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele, Groth, Thomas Unknown 38.8 100.0% 79.0% .   . 10.9 32.0% 100.0% 71.
Goldman-A Greenberg-L Distressed 38.5 100.0% . 13 $50,438 11.3 .   100.0% 89.
Fals-stewart-W Birchler-GR Ofarrell-TJ Distressed 33.6 85.0% 100.0% 11.8 $11,720 6.1 .   92.5% N/A
Ripley-JS Worthington-EL Nondistressed 37.8 76.0% 100.0% 15 $49,143 9.5 12.0% 91.4% 82.
Davidson-GNS Horvath-AO Distressed 35.9 100.0% . .   . .   97.5% N/A
James, Paul S Distressed     . 15 . 9.64 .   100.0% N/A
Dandeneau, Michel L, Johnson, Susan M Nondistressed 40.9   100.0% .   . 15.7 .   100.0% N/A
Floyd, Frank J Nondistressed 23   0.0% 14.6 $7,500 .   80.0% N/A
Montag, Kimberly R, Wilson, Gregory L Distressed 37.9   93.0% .   . 14.7 .   100.0% 80.
MacPhee, David C; Johnson, Susan M; Van Der Veer, Monika M C Both 41.5   . .   . 14 .   90.7% N/A
Jacobson NS Distressed 30.9   100.0% .   . 5.2 .   83.3% N/A
D'Augelli AR, And Others Nondistressed 19.8   0.0% 14 . 1.25 .   70.8% N/A
Witkin SL, Edleson JL, Rose SD, Hall JA Nondistressed 32.5   100.0% 16 . 7.5 .   90.0% N/A
Miller, Sherod, Nunnally, Elam W, Wackman, Daniel B Nondistressed     0.0% .   . .   100.0% N/A
Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. Unknown 32.6   100.0% .   . 10 .   95.7% N/A
Wimberly, JD Distressed 39.8 85.0% . 15.7 . 7.98 .   77.3% N/A
Trathen, DW Nondistressed 30 95.0% . .   . 1.75 .   90.6% N/A
Baucom, D. H. Distressed 32   100.0% 14 . .   100.0% 86.
Harrell, J.E. Nondistressed 30.2   100.0% 14.6 . 8.9 70.0% 85.7% N/A
Adam, D and Gingras, M Nondistressed 31.5   92.0% 15.6 . 8 .   100.0% 57.
Hahlweg, K., Revenstorf, D., & Schindler, L. Distressed 33.3   90.0% .   . 8.4 .   89.3% 89.
Jacobson, N.S. Distressed 37.4   100.0% 14 . 10.1 .   91.7% N/A
Boelens, W., Emmelkamp, P., MacGillavry, D., & Markvoort, M. Distressed 32.4         8.1   83.3% 83.
O'Farrell, T.J., Cutter, H.S.G., & Floyd, F.J. Distressed 41.4   100.0% 12.4 . 15.8 .   91.7% N/A
Johnson, S.M. Distressed 35.3     15   8.6   100.0% 100.
Nunnally, E.W. Nondistressed     . 14.4 . 1.429 .   79.5% N/A
Warner, M.D. Nondistressed 29.7   . .   . 7.02 100.0% 95.5% N/A


Table 1 (Continued)
Study Quality
Author Random Assignment Intent to treat Treatment/control differences
Kelly, Adrian B, Halford, W. Kim, Young, Ross McD Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples unknown
Baucom DH, Lester GW Pure random No attrition couples Checked for and found none
Beach-SRH Oleary-KD Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Hickmon-WA Protinsky-HO Singh-K Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples unknown
Sweany, Susan Love Pure random No attrition couples unknown
Brainerd, Gary L Matched random Did not follow up attrition couples unknown
Ewart, Craig K Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found some
Schaden, J. Robert Pure random No attrition couples unknown
Harrington, Christine Marie Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Midmer D, Wilson L, Cummings S Pure random Followed up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Snyder DK, Wills RM Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Baucom DH, Sayers SL, Sher TG Pure random No attrition couples unknown
Kaiser, Andrea, Hahlweg, Kurt, Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele, Groth, Thomas Pure random No attrition couples Checked for and found none
Goldman-A Greenberg-L Pure random No attrition couples Checked for and found none
Fals-stewart-W Birchler-GR Ofarrell-TJ Pure random Followed up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Ripley-JS Worthington-EL Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Davidson-GNS Horvath-AO Pure random unknown Checked for and found none
James, Paul S Pure random No attrition couples Checked for and found none
Dandeneau, Michel L, Johnson, Susan M Pure random No attrition couples unknown
Floyd, Frank J Matched random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Montag, Kimberly R, Wilson, Gregory L Pure random No attrition couples Checked for and found none
MacPhee, David C; Johnson, Susan M; Van Der Veer, Monika M C Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found some
Jacobson NS Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
D'Augelli AR, And Others Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Witkin SL, Edleson JL, Rose SD, Hall JA Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Miller, Sherod, Nunnally, Elam W, Wackman, Daniel B Pure random No attrition couples unknown
Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples unknown
Wimberly, JD Matched random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Trathen, DW Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples unknown
Baucom, D. H. Pure random No attrition couples Checked for and found none
Harrell, J.E. Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Adam, D and Gingras, M Pure random No attrition couples unknown
Hahlweg, K., Revenstorf, D., & Schindler, L. Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found none
Jacobson, N.S. Pure random unknown unknown
Boelens, W., Emmelkamp, P., MacGillavry, D., & Markvoort, M. Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found some
O'Farrell, T.J., Cutter, H.S.G., & Floyd, F.J. Pure random Followed up attrition couples Checked for and found some
Johnson, S.M. Matched random No attrition couples Checked for and found none
Nunnally, E.W. Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found some
Warner, M.D. Pure random Did not follow up attrition couples Checked for and found some


Table 1 (Continued)
Study Quality
Author Missing data Pre-test location Pre-test collector Post-test location Post-test collector
Kelly, Adrian B, Halford, W. Kim, Young, Ross McD Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Baucom DH, Lester GW no attrition at home client onsite therapist
Beach-SRH Oleary-KD Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Hickmon-WA Protinsky-HO Singh-K Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Sweany, Susan Love no attrition unknown unknown unknown unknown
Brainerd, Gary L Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Ewart, Craig K Missing data not included at home client unknown unknown
Schaden, J. Robert no attrition unknown unknown unknown unknown
Harrington, Christine Marie Missing data not included at home client onsite unknown
Midmer D, Wilson L, Cummings S unknown onsite unknown at home client
Snyder DK, Wills RM Missing data replaced unknown unknown unknown unknown
Baucom DH, Sayers SL, Sher TG no attrition at home client onsite unknown
Kaiser, Andrea, Hahlweg, Kurt, Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele, Groth, Thomas no attrition onsite unknown onsite unknown
Goldman-A Greenberg-L no attrition unknown unknown unknown unknown
Fals-stewart-W Birchler-GR Ofarrell-TJ Missing data estimated unknown unknown unknown unknown
Ripley-JS Worthington-EL Missing data not included onsite unknown onsite unknown
Davidson-GNS Horvath-AO Missing data not included onsite therapist and others onsite therapist and others
James, Paul S no attrition unknown unknown unknown unknown
Dandeneau, Michel L, Johnson, Susan M no attrition onsite unknown onsite unknown
Floyd, Frank J Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Montag, Kimberly R, Wilson, Gregory L no attrition onsite unknown onsite unknown
MacPhee, David C; Johnson, Susan M; Van Der Veer, Monika M C Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Jacobson NS Missing data not included onsite unknown onsite unknown
D'Augelli AR, And Others Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Witkin SL, Edleson JL, Rose SD, Hall JA Missing data not included unknown not therapists unknown not therapists
Miller, Sherod, Nunnally, Elam W, Wackman, Daniel B no attrition onsite unknown onsite unknown
Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. Missing data not included at home client unknown unknown
Wimberly, JD Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Trathen, DW Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Baucom, D. H. no attrition onsite unknown onsite unknown
Harrell, J.E. Missing data not included onsite researcher onsite researcher
Adam, D and Gingras, M Missing data not included unknown unknown unknown unknown
Hahlweg, K., Revenstorf, D., & Schindler, L. Missing data not included onsite unknown onsite unknown
Jacobson, N.S. unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown
Boelens, W., Emmelkamp, P., MacGillavry, D., & Markvoort, M. Missing data not included onsite therapist unknown unknown
O'Farrell, T.J., Cutter, H.S.G., & Floyd, F.J. Missing data estimated onsite not therapists onsite not therapists
Johnson, S.M. no attrition onsite client onsite client
Nunnally, E.W. Missing data not included onsite therapist onsite therapist
Warner, M.D. Missing data not included onsite therapist onsite therapist


Table 1 (Continued)
Study Quality
Author Conflict 1 Conflict 2
Kelly, Adrian B, Halford, W. Kim, Young, Ross McD Investigator was therapist unknown
Baucom DH, Lester GW Investigator was therapist unknown
Beach-SRH Oleary-KD unknown Investigator wrote program
Hickmon-WA Protinsky-HO Singh-K unknown unknown
Sweany, Susan Love Investigator was therapist unknown
Brainerd, Gary L Investigator was therapist Investigator wrote program
Ewart, Craig K Investigator was therapist unknown
Schaden, J. Robert unknown unknown
Harrington, Christine Marie unknown unknown
Midmer D, Wilson L, Cummings S unknown unknown
Snyder DK, Wills RM unknown unknown
Baucom DH, Sayers SL, Sher TG unknown unknown
Kaiser, Andrea, Hahlweg, Kurt, Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Gabriele, Groth, Thomas Investigator was therapist Investigator wrote program
Goldman-A Greenberg-L unknown unknown
Fals-stewart-W Birchler-GR Ofarrell-TJ unknown Investigator wrote program
Ripley-JS Worthington-EL unknown Investigator wrote program
Davidson-GNS Horvath-AO Investigator was one of therapists Investigator wrote program
James, Paul S unknown Investigator wrote program
Dandeneau, Michel L, Johnson, Susan M unknown Investigator wrote program
Floyd, Frank J unknown unknown
Montag, Kimberly R, Wilson, Gregory L Investigator was therapist unknown
MacPhee, David C; Johnson, Susan M; Van Der Veer, Monika M C unknown unknown
Jacobson NS Investigator was therapist Investigator wrote program
D'Augelli AR, And Others unknown unknown
Witkin SL, Edleson JL, Rose SD, Hall JA Investigator was not one of therapists unknown
Miller, Sherod, Nunnally, Elam W, Wackman, Daniel B unknown unknown
Ely, A. L., Guerney, B. G., Jr., & Stover, L. unknown Investigator wrote program
Wimberly, JD unknown unknown
Trathen, DW unknown unknown
Baucom, D. H. Investigator was not one of therapists unknown
Harrell, J.E. Investigator was one of therapists unknown
Adam, D and Gingras, M Investigator was therapist unknown
Hahlweg, K., Revenstorf, D., & Schindler, L. Investigator was one of therapists unknown
Jacobson, N.S. Investigator was not one of therapists Investigator wrote program
Boelens, W., Emmelkamp, P., MacGillavry, D., & Markvoort, M. unknown Investigator did not write program
O'Farrell, T.J., Cutter, H.S.G., & Floyd, F.J. Investigator was one of therapists unknown
Johnson, S.M. unknown unknown
Nunnally, E.W. unknown unknown
Warner, M.D. unknown unknown


Table 2. Relationship Satisfaction
Condition Mean Effect Size Upper limit (95% confidence interval) Lower limit (95% confidence interval) Sample size
Overall * 0.68 0.54 0.82 28

Program Type

Therapy * a

 0.86 0.67 1.06 15

Pre-marital a

 0.08 -0.48 0.65 1

Enrichment a

 0.23 -0.27 0.72 2

Education/Communication skills * a

 0.58 0.32 0.83 8

Counseling *

 0.94 0.30 1.58 2

Program Characteristics

Fewer than 10 total hours * a

 1.17 0.57 1.77 2

10-15 hours *

 0.71 0.51 0.91 13

Over 15 hours * a

 0.59 0.35 0.82 10

Fewer than 5 sessions a

 0.06 -0.30 0.42 3

Between 5 and 10 sessions *

 0.66 0.46 0.86 16

12 sessions or more * a

 0.98 0.75 1.22 9

Hour-long sessions * a

 0.88 0.70 1.06 17

Sessions between 2 and 4 * a

 0.47 0.20 0.75 9

8 hour sessions a

 0.15 -0.25 0.54 2

Weekend programs a

 0.15 -0.25 0.54 2

Between 1 and nine weeks *

 0.55 0.33 0.78 13

Between 10 and 15 weeks * a

 0.90 0.68 1.11 11

Treatment group size more than 1 * a

 0.41 0.14 0.67 7

Treatment group size of 1 * a

 0.80 0.63 0.97 19

Study Quality

High retention only *

 0.65 0.50 0.80 24

Low retention *

 0.99 0.53 1.45 4

Couples

Distressed * a

 0.94 0.75 1.12 18

Non-distressed * a

 0.44 0.17 0.70 7
* These effect sizes are statistically significant on their own (the treatment group has, on average, a greater increase in satisfaction than the control group). [back]
a The difference between this measure and the other measures in the group is statistically significant at the p<.05 level. [back]


Table 3. Relationship Communication
Condition Mean Effect Size Upper limit (95% confidence interval) Lower limit (95% confidence interval) Sample size
Overall * 0.26 0.06 0.45 13

Program Type

Therapy

 0.38 -0.01 0.76 5

Pre-marital

 0.11 -0.33 0.55 2

Enrichment a

 -0.43 -0.93 0.08 2

Education/Communication skills *

 0.51 0.20 0.83 4

Counseling

       0

Program Characteristics

Fewer than 10 total hours

 N/A N/A N/A 0

10-15 hours

 0.12 -0.17 0.41 6

Over 15 hours *

 0.37 0.11 0.64 7

Fewer than 5 sessions *

 0.36 0.00 0.73 3

Between 5 and 10 sessions

 0.11 -0.17 0.39 7

12 sessions or more *

 0.45 0.02 0.87 3

Hour-long sessions

 0.20 -0.23 0.63 3

Sessions between 2 and 4

 0.18 -0.08 0.44 8

8 hour sessions *

 0.49 0.08 0.89 2

Weekend programs *

 0.49 0.08 0.89 2

Between 1 and nine weeks a

 -0.04 -0.35 0.27 6

Between 10 and 15 weeks *

 0.45 0.04 0.86 4

Treatment group size more than 1 *

 0.29 0.02 0.56 6

Treatment group size of 1

 0.18 -0.17 0.46 6

Study Quality

High retention only *

 0.26 0.06 0.45 13

Low retention

 N/A N/A N/A 0

Couples

Distressed *

 0.39 0.08 0.71 6

Non-distressed

 -0.12 -0.43 0.18 5
* These effect sizes are statistically significant on their own (the treatment group has, on average, a greater increase in satisfaction than the control group) [back]
a The difference between this measure and the other measures in the group is statistically significant at the p<.05 level. [back]

 



 

 

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