Making Marriage Grow

This article presents basic premises on marital dysfunction developed from three well-known programs: general systems theory, the marriage enrichment program, and transactional analysis. 67 couples completed contracts for individual and conjoint treatment, followed by an 8-week group consisting of 4 to 6 couples. In addition, 2 follow-up group sessions were held in 3-month intervals. Fourteen groups completed this process in a 4-year period. Most of the relationships dramatically improved; 8 permanent divorces occurred.