The purpose of this study was to examine the difference between the effects of two structured group experiences upon the reduction of disparity in interpersonal perceptions between married couples. A unique feature of this investigation was the attempt to develop a structured group specifically for the reduction of disparity of interpersonal perceptions between married couples.The experimental groups consisted of 15 married couples who volunteered to participate in the study. The couples were solicited by brochures and the news media. The couples were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: the structured experiential learning group or the structured marital enrichment group. The structured experiential learning group was exposed to exercises based on an educational-experiential format. The exercises were developed to emphasize self-actualization and insight into obstacles preventing a more satisfying marriage. The marital enrichment group was exposed to exercises designed to increase communication skills and interpersonal awareness. The experimental training took place over a two-week time period.Eight couples were exposed to eight consecutive hours of structured experiential learning exercises and seven couples were exposed to eight consecutive hours of structured marital enrichment exercises. Both groups were administered a pretest at the beginning of the scheduled exercises and a posttest five weeks after the scheduled exercises ended. No control group was used in this study as previous research indicated that married couples do not change without being exposed to an intervention process.The pretest and posttest score were determined by summing the differences among the nine variables on the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis. The difference between the pretest and the posttest score was used to calculate a disparity change score. The disparity change score was utilized as the dependent variable.Three null hypotheses were examined stating that no statistical difference would be found between the two experimental groups in the reduction of disparity in interpersonal perceptions between married couples or between spouses of either group. A confidence level of .05 was established.The effects of the treatment were analyzed through the use of Analysis of Variance. Results of the statistical investigations indicated that there were no significant differences between the two groups in the reduction of disparity in interpersonal perceptions. No significant differences were found between the spouses in either of the group in the reduction of disparity in interpersonal perceptions.The conclusion was drawn that the two treatment groups were similar in their disparity change scores and that these scores were in the direction of reduction in disparity in interpersonal perceptions between married couples. This direction was consistent with previous research which concluded that marital counseling resulted in the reduction of disparity in interpersonal perceptions between married couples.The recommendation was made for additional research using the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis and the resulting test scores in a counseling session prior to the clients' exposure to structured group experiences. This recommendation was made to assist the married couple in becoming aware of any interpersonal obstacles in the relationship. Additionally, research is needed on group exercises for married couples previously divorced versus exercises for couples not previously divorced. The use of insight therapy with the inclusion of communication techniques was also suggested for future research investigations.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/175493 |
| Date | January 1980 |
| Creators | Chastulik, Frank |
| Contributors | Hayes, Robert E. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Vita. |
| Format | 3, vi, 143 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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