Effectiveness of couples’ lives enriching instruction based on Olson model and its effect on women’s marital satisfaction, who refer to consultation centers in Isfahan
SOUTH JOURNALS PUBLICATION (SJP)
(Online Publication)
http://www.southjournals.com
South Journal of Educational Psychology and Counseling
http://southjournals.com/ojs-2.4.5/index.php/sjepc
Effectiveness of couples’ lives enriching instruction based on Olson model
and its effect on women’s marital satisfaction, who refer to consultation
centers in Isfahan
Parisa Sabzevari1*, Mohammad Hassan Gramie2
1. M. A. Counseling and Guidance. Islamic Azad University Yazd Branch, Yazd, Iran
2. Lecturer Counseling and Guidance. Islamic Azad University Yazd Branch, Yazd, Iran
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
This study is aimed to investigate the effectiveness of couples’ lives enriching instruction
based on Olson model and its effect on women’s marital satisfaction, which refer to
consultation centers in Isfahan. Research method was quasi-experimental and pretestposttest control group. Sample members of this study were 32 people, who were selected
using available sampling method and examined with random placement in two groups,
marital relationship enhancement (n=16) and control group (n=16). The investigated
independent variable in this study was couples’ lives enhancement instruction (7 sessions),
which was instructed to group members in experimental group and there was no intervention
in control group. In this study, the questionnaire used by researcher was marital satisfaction
questionnaire. The main hypothesis of the study is that couples’ lives enhancement
instruction has positive and significant effect on women marital satisfaction, who refer to
consultation centers in Isfahan. The statistical method used in this study to investigate
variables was covariance analysis method. The results showed that couples’ lives
enhancement instruction has a positive and significant effect on women’s marital
satisfaction, who refer to consultation centers in Isfahan (0.001p≤), in other words, the main
hypothesis of this study is confirmed. Based on obtained results, couples’ lives
enhancement instruction can be used to increase marital satisfaction of this population.
Key Words: couples’ lives enhancement instruction, marital satisfaction, women
To cite this paper: Sabzevari, P. & Gramie, M.H. (2017). Effectiveness of couples’ lives enriching instruction
based on Olson model and its effect on women’s marital satisfaction, who refer to consultation centers in Isfahan.
South journal of Educational Psychology and Counseling, 4, 1, 26-33.
26
Introduction
Family is the most important and highest social institution in human history, which
has established the field of emotional and social development, growth and prosperity
of its members, and marriage is the most sensitive emotional commitment, which is
accepted by human to enjoy psychological comfort and having warm relationships.
The results of this study indicate that family issues and problems in our country is
increasing day to day and marital satisfaction has been decreased. Increased divorce
and family conflicts not only threats families’ basis, but also it is a serious threat to
society and social systems. healthy generation education, which affects future of
society is not possible in as environment, where there is low security and peace. In
our country, the couples experience severe and pervasive problems during
relationship. In fact, the problem of marital distress more than any other category
leads to referral in order to receive consultation services and psychological health [1].
There problems indicate lack of satisfaction in marital relationships and weakness
marital skills.
Most of the marital problems continue in hidden within the family and threat the
family existence. In such families, the couples do not enjoy satisfaction and due to
divorce evil in social and religions terms force themselves to live in dissatisfaction
conditions, therefore sadness and helplessness prevail on their life gradually. In some
families hidden divorce or emotional divorce occurs. Implications of such lives is
psycho-physiological problems, emotional disorders, anxiety disorders and leads to
social damages such as addiction, and crime [2]. Difficulty in marital relationship and
marital dissatisfaction and distress caused by pressures of marital life, put the couples
at risk of such damages and creates an unsafe environment, where there are no
necessary fields for children’s growth [3]. Healthy relationship is people capabilities
to explain and express their needs and desires and also the ability to respect others and
invite them to clarify the issues and situations. Appropriate attention and direct and
explicit verbal exchanges between members of a family, indicates healthy
relationships in the family and unhealthy and dysfunctional relationships decreases
attention among family members and leads to lack of common concepts and indirect
and vague verbal exchanges. Relationship has an essential role in marriage. One of
the characteristics of a healthy family is effective communicational patterns in the
family. Researches has also shown that communicational problems lead to family
conflicts, while good communication helps emotional relationship establishment and
intimacy between family members. In addition, communication problems are related
to increased risk of divorce and behavioral problems in children (1995). Lee Masters
defines satisfaction as the capacity to adapt and problem solving abilities [4].
Satisfaction is a state, which comes with reaching a purpose [5]. Marital satisfaction,
feeling of pleasure, satisfaction and experienced pleasure occurs when all aspects of
marital life are considered by couple. This structure is an attitude variable and is
considered as one of the personal characteristics of couple. Accordingly, marital
satisfaction is in fact a positive and pleasant attitude, which is experienced by couples
in different aspects of life [6]. One of the effective strategies to increase life
satisfaction is couples’ lives enhancement instruction and life skill. Life enhancement
and life skills is a set of psychosocial and interpersonal skills, which helps people to
make their decisions with awareness, communicate effectively, expand their coping
and personal management skills and have a healthy and fertile life [7].
Marital relationship enhancement is a set of skills, which are instructed to satisfy the
basic needs of families such as love, compassion, dependency, trust, loyalty, security
27
and pleasure. Marriage enhancement is an educational approach to improve couples’
relationship and it is aimed to help the couples to know themselves and their spouse,
explore the feelings and thoughts of their spouse, develop empathy, intimacy,
effective relationship and problem-solving skills [8]. Enhancement can be done in
different ways and styles, each of which will have different effects. In this study, an
enhancement is used, which is based on Olson approach (preparation / enrichment).
Minnesota university (1996). In this study, different areas of marital relationship,
including marriage expectation, personality traits, communication, conflict resolution,
financial management, enjoyable and interesting activities, friendly social behavior,
sex, parental roles family and friends, relations based on the roles and spiritual beliefs
will be evaluated and it is designed for people, who are married and demand
enrichment or consultation programs [9]. Olson program seeks to improve relations
between couples and determine the factors and conditions, upon which we can predict
marital satisfaction and adjustment after marriage. Predictive areas of life quality
include how to communicate, ability to solve the conflicts, status of individual family,
financial management in personal life, objectives and philosophy of marriage [10].
The research issue is that which approach is more effective in satisfaction factors and
marital conflict compared to another approach. Given that this approach is more
consistent with Iranian culture and the skills in this approach can be learned and
implemented by Iranian couples, this study addresses effectiveness of this approach,
in addition based on conducted studies in and outside the country, his approach has
been successful in reaching the objectives [11]. Given the universality of this
approach, this study examines the effects of marriage enrichment treatment in
preparation method (Olson method) on marital satisfaction in Isfahan and specifies
the impact of each approach.
Research Method
This study is experimental, in terms of purpose is functional and in terms of method is
quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest control group. Diagram of the study is
indicated in table 1.
Groups
Table 1. Research diagram
Pretest
Marital relationships enhancement instruction group
Control group
R
R
T1
T1
Independent
variable
X1
-
Post
test
T2
T2
In this study independent variables includes marital relationships enhancement skill
instruction. Dependent variables include marital satisfaction. Experimental group
respond to the question in two stages of pretest T1 and post test T2.
Sampling method and statistical population
Statistical population of this study includes all women in Isfahan in 1394 and since
it was not possible or difficult to access all women, we selected the women who refer
to consultation centers and given that is was not possible to access all women who
refer to consultation centers, we selected 3 centers and population of this study was
selected among all women who refer to these 3 centers. Total sample size consisted of
32 women, and totally there were 16 women in experimental group and 16 women in
control group. The sample was selected in available method and random placement in
independent groups and control group. In order to enter to these groups, women
should have at least 2 and utmost 20 years’ experience of marital life, minimum read
28
and writing literacy. In the case of more than two absences, divorce and lack of
reading and writing literacy, samples would be exited from study.
Research Tools
Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire:
The questionnaire is a tool with 115 question and is made by Olson, Fournier and
Drakman (1989) and is used to assess potential problem areas or strengths of marital
relationship. Maximum score in this questionnaire is 460 and minimum score is 0.
This questionnaire consists of 12 subscales , the subscales include : Ideal distortion
(Questions 1-5), marital satisfaction (questions 1-15) , personal issues (questions 1625) , communication (questions26-35) , conflict resolution (Questions 36-45),
financial management (Questions 46 -55), leisure activities (questions 56-65), sexual
relationship (questions 66 and 75), parenting (questions 76-85), family and friends
(questions 86-95), egalitarianism (questions 96 -105) and religious orientation
(questions 106-115). The questionnaire is scored based on Likert scale from very high
(score 4) to very low (score 0). In front of the questions 96 to 105 there are always
(score 4) to Never (score 0) options. This questionnaire has the capability to separate
satisfied and dissatisfied couples and its correlation is obtained by family satisfaction
scale 60.0 and indicates validity of scale and its structure. Reliability of questionnaire
and Cronbach's alpha coefficient, except religious orientation are obtained 9.0, 81/0,
73/0, 68/0, 75/0, 74/0, 76/0, 48/0, 77/0, 72/0, 71.0 respectively [16]. In Isanezhad
(1387) reliability of questionnaire subscales was obtained 88/0, 83/0, 79/0, 91/0, 84/0,
90/0, 76/0, 84/0, 79/0, 87 / 0 and 87/0 respectively [17]. In Mahdavian’s study,
Pearson correlation coefficient in test-retest procedure for men was 93.0, for women
was 94.0 and for men and women was obtained 94.0. in this study, these coefficients
for subscales are obtained 72/0, vary from 850, 76/0, 76/0, 76/0, 81/0, 63/0, 69/0,
87/0, 69/0, 62/0, 73/0, respectively.
Independent variable implementation method
After selecting the sample and random placement in experimental and control
groups, marital satisfaction questionnaire was implemented and then experimental
group, enhancement sessions were conducted in groups and after enhancement
sessions, satisfaction questionnaire was implemented in experimental and control
groups, the number of sessions for Olson approach was 7, which were twice in the
week for 90 minutes, and its topics are indicated in following table.
Table 2. Summary of marital enhancement skills sessions with Olson approach
Session procedure
familiarity of members and introduction
expressing member’s objectives for participating in the group
First session -expressing objectives of sessions and directing members’ objectives and oral
contract
-primary evaluation using Enrich questionnaire
- assignment
-discussion about Enrich results
exploring strengths and growth requirements
-using exercises and skills for members to learn to discover their strengths and
Second
growth requirements in marital life.
session
assignment
Sessions
29
talking about last session assignment
talking about useful self-expression and listening skills
techniques and skills of useful expression and listening-talking about daily
conversations
-listening modeling
activating useful expressiveness modeling
preparation of dreams list
assignment
talking about last session assignmenttalking about conflict and its role in marital relationships
conflict management method modeling by participation of members in the session
assignment
Third
session
Fourth
session
Fifth session
Sixth session
Seventh
session
-talking about last session assignment and asking members regarding conflict
resolution assignment in previous session
-s effect on current life talking about family’
-family role and introduction of intimacy and flexibility aspects
-modeling and instruction of balance in separation
-assignment
-talking about last session assignment
-talking about financial issues in the family
-talking in the group regarding role of money in the family
-determination of long term financial objectives and short term financial
objectives
-assignment
Talking about last session assignment
talking in the group regarding objective in marital life
-modeling base on model ( CHANGE(
-Enrich test as post test
- Termination and determination of follow-up session
Results
After implementing pretest and posttest, differences in pretest and posttest scores of
each group were calculated separately. To evaluate the significance of means
difference, covariance analysis test was used. In this analysis, the effect of pre-test
was taken from post-test scores and then two groups were compared according to
remaining scores. Results of table along with Levine test are provided in tables 3, 4
and 5.
Table 3. Results of Levine test for examination of variances homogeneity
Variable
F statistics
Freedom degree1
Freedom degree2
Marital satisfaction
0.01
1
30
Significance level
0.91
Levine test results indicate that the assumptions of covariance analysis are observed in
marital satisfaction questionnaire of covariance analysis test.
Table 4. Mean and standard deviation of marital satisfaction in women, Isfahan
Variable
Test
Experimental group
Control group
number
M
SD
number
M
SD
Pretest
16
228.38
23.85
16
232.38
18.47
Marital satisfaction
Posttest
16
242.69
21.67
16
228.38
15.50
30
Table 4 indicated the mean and standard deviation of marital satisfaction on pretest
and posttest of control and experimental groups. According to this table, the mean of
marital satisfaction scores in experimental group in pretest in 228.38 and in posttest is
242.69. the results of table 4 indicate that the mean of scores of experimental and
control groups in marital satisfaction in pretest was low, while in posttest variations of
means in pretest and posttest in control and experimental groups are high. It shows the
effectiveness of independent variable (enhancement) on marital satisfaction, while in
control group mean change is not significant.
Table 5. The results of covariance analysis for couples’ lives enhancement instruction impact based on
Olson approach on marital satisfaction
Change sources
SS
df
MS
F
sig
impact
Power
5828.81
1
5828.81
35.06
0.001
0.54
1
Pretest
2270.59
1
2270.59
13.66
0.001
0.32
0.94
Group
4820.37
29
166.22
Error
1787487
32
Model
Comparison of independent variable and different levels of dependent variables
indicates that independent variable has a significant effect on marital satisfaction
variable (0.001p≤). the impact on marital satisfaction is 94 percent. In other word,
there is a significant difference between experimental and control group in terms of
mentioned variable. Given that in marital satisfaction scale, high scores indicate
independency and intimacy, happier life and healthier people, and low scores indicate
lower independency and intimacy, unhappier life and low health, the information in
the table indicate the effectiveness of independent variable (marital relationships
enhancement interventions based on Olson model) on marital satisfaction increase.
Discussion and Conclusion
This study is aimed to determine the effectiveness of couple’s lives enhancement
instruction based on Olson model and its effect on women who refer to consultation
centers in Isfahan. Obtained results indicate the effectiveness of marital relationship
enhancement instruction on marital satisfaction. In other word, it was specified that
independent variable (marital relationship enrichment instruction) has a significant
effect on marital satisfaction (0.001p≤). To explain these findings, it can be concluded
that family is the most important and prominent social institution in human history,
which has provided the fields of emotional and social development, growth, and
prosperity, and marriage is the most sensitive emotional commitment, which is
accepted by human to enjoy mental peace and warm relationships. Results of this
study indicate that family issues and problems in our country are increasing day to
day and marital satisfaction has decreased. Marital satisfaction is a complex process,
which is described according to conflict and contribution in activities associated with
happiness and success in marital life. Lee Masters defined satisfaction as the capacity
to adapt and problem solving abilities [12]. Satisfaction is a state, which comes with
reaching a purpose [13]. Marital satisfaction, feeling of pleasure, satisfaction and
experienced pleasure occurs when all aspects of marital life are considered by couple.
This structure is an attitude variable and is considered as one of the personal
characteristics of couple. Accordingly, marital satisfaction is in fact a positive and
31
pleasant attitude, which is experienced by couples in different aspects of life [14].
One of the effective strategies to increase life satisfaction is couples’ lives
enhancement instruction and life skill. Life enhancement and life skills is a set of
psychosocial and interpersonal skills, which helps people to make their decisions with
awareness, communicate effectively, expand their coping and personal management
skills and have a healthy and fertile life. In line with current research following
studies can be mentioned.
Brouks et al (2002) implemented group couple therapy as relationships enhancement
on 22 couples and obtained results indicated that the period increased marital
satisfaction, intimacy, commitment, trust and marital adjustment. The results of
Kingam study (2003) indicated that participants in one of the enhancement programs
compared to before instruction has a significant increase in marital satisfaction. The
results of Shalounberger (2001) in the field of relationship enhancement effectiveness
on marital satisfaction on 28 couples indicated that this method increases marital
satisfaction, and agreement in marital issues, such evidence indicate that relationship
enhancement shows an appropriate validity in longterm. Carson et al (2004) in a study
aimed to determine the efficacy of relationship enhancement on marital relations
concluded that relationship enhancement increases marital satisfaction, independence,
intimacy and acceptance among couples. In addition, follow-up results after three
months’ intervention showed that intervention has retained its efficiency, which is in
line with this study. In addition, in line with this study, some studies including
Shahsiah (1387), Isanezhad , Shamaie , Batlani et al (1387) , Shafiabadi and Sodani
(1387) , Edalatishater (1388) , Choubfroshzadeh , Kalantari & Molavi (1389) ,
Abbasi , Jalilpoor , Kamkar, Bagherizadeh & Mohamen (1390) , Stanley, Amato,
Johnson & Markman (2006), Sanford (2006), Klkanarsanly (2008) and Yilmaz and
Calc (2010) can be mentioned. In explanantion of obtained result it can be said that
according to the fact that enhancement variable of marital relationships in terms of its
effects on discovery of strengths and growth requirements in marital life , useful
listening and expressing techniques and skills , talking about conflict and its role in
marital relationships , family role and introduction of intimacy and flexibility
dimensions , talking about financial issues in the family , group talking about
objective in marital life affect couples’ behavior ,which leads to improved marital
satisfaction.
References
1- Faghirpour, M (1383). Social skills and marital adaptation, Rasht: Welfare
Organization publication, Gilan.
2- Isanezhad, A; Ahmadi, S.A, Etemadi, A and others (1387). structural relationship
between emotional intelligence and quality of marriage. Abstract of marriage and
family regional conference 117: 118.
3- Olson, D. H., and DeFrain, J. (2003). Marriage and families: Intimacy, diversity,
and strengths. Boston: McGraw Hill. Sandford, K. (2006). Communication during
marital conflict: When couple alter appraisal, they change their behavior. Journal
of Family Psychology, 20(2), 256-265
4- Cunningham M(2003). Satisfying unions through couple’s communication and
enhancement skills: a secondary prevention and enhancement program for married
couples. [Dissertation]. Texas: A & M University,
5- Pourafkari , Nosratollah (1373). Psychiatry summary. Tehran: Free Press.
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6- Hollist. C. S, Miller R. B. (2005). Perceptions of attachment style and marital
quality in midlife marriage. Family Relations, 54, 46-58.
7- The World Health Organization. (1990). Integration of mental health in primary
health care, translation: Shahmohamadi , D, Bagheri
8- Baron K. G., Smith, T. W., Butner, J., Nealey- Moorse, J., Hawkins, M. W., and
Uchino, B. N. (2005). Hostility, anger, and marital adjustment: concurrent and
prospective associations with psychological vulnerability. Journal behave med,
30, 530-514.
9- Berger, R., Hannah, M. T. (1999). Pereventive approaches in couple therapy.
Lillington, NC: Taylor & Francis.
10- Olson, D. H., and DeFrain, J and olson, A (1997). Building Relationships:
Developing Skills for Life. Life innovation incorporated.
11- Edalatishateri, Zohreh (1388) examination of time program effectiveness
(marriage enhancement) on married students’ marital satisfaction. Master thesis.
Mashhad Ferdowsi University
12- Olia,n. (1385). Examination of enhancement program effect on couples’ marital
satisfaction in Isfahan. Unpublished consultation master's thesis, Faculty of
Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan.
13- Yilmaz, T. and Kalkan, K. (2010). The effects of a premarital relationship
enrichment program on relationship satisfaction. Educational Sciences: Theory
and Practice. 10(3), 1911-1921.
14- Stanley, S. M., Markman, H. J., and Whitton, S. W. (2006). Communication,
conflict, and commitment: Insights on the foundations of relationship success
from a national survey. Journal family process, 41, 659–675.
15- Shollenberger MA. Increasing marital adjustment in graduate students and their
spouse through relationship enhancement. [PhD Dissertation]. State University:
Counselor Education. 2001.
16- Sanaie, Bagher (1379). marriage and family measurement scale. Tehran, Besat
publisher. Unpublished MA in Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology,
University of Isfahan.
17- Isanezhad, A; Ahmadi, S.A, Etemadi, A (1387). The impact of subjective wellbeing on marital relationship quality. The Third National Congress of family
Pathology, 290.
33
(Online Publication)
http://www.southjournals.com
South Journal of Educational Psychology and Counseling
http://southjournals.com/ojs-2.4.5/index.php/sjepc
Effectiveness of couples’ lives enriching instruction based on Olson model
and its effect on women’s marital satisfaction, who refer to consultation
centers in Isfahan
Parisa Sabzevari1*, Mohammad Hassan Gramie2
1. M. A. Counseling and Guidance. Islamic Azad University Yazd Branch, Yazd, Iran
2. Lecturer Counseling and Guidance. Islamic Azad University Yazd Branch, Yazd, Iran
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
This study is aimed to investigate the effectiveness of couples’ lives enriching instruction
based on Olson model and its effect on women’s marital satisfaction, which refer to
consultation centers in Isfahan. Research method was quasi-experimental and pretestposttest control group. Sample members of this study were 32 people, who were selected
using available sampling method and examined with random placement in two groups,
marital relationship enhancement (n=16) and control group (n=16). The investigated
independent variable in this study was couples’ lives enhancement instruction (7 sessions),
which was instructed to group members in experimental group and there was no intervention
in control group. In this study, the questionnaire used by researcher was marital satisfaction
questionnaire. The main hypothesis of the study is that couples’ lives enhancement
instruction has positive and significant effect on women marital satisfaction, who refer to
consultation centers in Isfahan. The statistical method used in this study to investigate
variables was covariance analysis method. The results showed that couples’ lives
enhancement instruction has a positive and significant effect on women’s marital
satisfaction, who refer to consultation centers in Isfahan (0.001p≤), in other words, the main
hypothesis of this study is confirmed. Based on obtained results, couples’ lives
enhancement instruction can be used to increase marital satisfaction of this population.
Key Words: couples’ lives enhancement instruction, marital satisfaction, women
To cite this paper: Sabzevari, P. & Gramie, M.H. (2017). Effectiveness of couples’ lives enriching instruction
based on Olson model and its effect on women’s marital satisfaction, who refer to consultation centers in Isfahan.
South journal of Educational Psychology and Counseling, 4, 1, 26-33.
26
Introduction
Family is the most important and highest social institution in human history, which
has established the field of emotional and social development, growth and prosperity
of its members, and marriage is the most sensitive emotional commitment, which is
accepted by human to enjoy psychological comfort and having warm relationships.
The results of this study indicate that family issues and problems in our country is
increasing day to day and marital satisfaction has been decreased. Increased divorce
and family conflicts not only threats families’ basis, but also it is a serious threat to
society and social systems. healthy generation education, which affects future of
society is not possible in as environment, where there is low security and peace. In
our country, the couples experience severe and pervasive problems during
relationship. In fact, the problem of marital distress more than any other category
leads to referral in order to receive consultation services and psychological health [1].
There problems indicate lack of satisfaction in marital relationships and weakness
marital skills.
Most of the marital problems continue in hidden within the family and threat the
family existence. In such families, the couples do not enjoy satisfaction and due to
divorce evil in social and religions terms force themselves to live in dissatisfaction
conditions, therefore sadness and helplessness prevail on their life gradually. In some
families hidden divorce or emotional divorce occurs. Implications of such lives is
psycho-physiological problems, emotional disorders, anxiety disorders and leads to
social damages such as addiction, and crime [2]. Difficulty in marital relationship and
marital dissatisfaction and distress caused by pressures of marital life, put the couples
at risk of such damages and creates an unsafe environment, where there are no
necessary fields for children’s growth [3]. Healthy relationship is people capabilities
to explain and express their needs and desires and also the ability to respect others and
invite them to clarify the issues and situations. Appropriate attention and direct and
explicit verbal exchanges between members of a family, indicates healthy
relationships in the family and unhealthy and dysfunctional relationships decreases
attention among family members and leads to lack of common concepts and indirect
and vague verbal exchanges. Relationship has an essential role in marriage. One of
the characteristics of a healthy family is effective communicational patterns in the
family. Researches has also shown that communicational problems lead to family
conflicts, while good communication helps emotional relationship establishment and
intimacy between family members. In addition, communication problems are related
to increased risk of divorce and behavioral problems in children (1995). Lee Masters
defines satisfaction as the capacity to adapt and problem solving abilities [4].
Satisfaction is a state, which comes with reaching a purpose [5]. Marital satisfaction,
feeling of pleasure, satisfaction and experienced pleasure occurs when all aspects of
marital life are considered by couple. This structure is an attitude variable and is
considered as one of the personal characteristics of couple. Accordingly, marital
satisfaction is in fact a positive and pleasant attitude, which is experienced by couples
in different aspects of life [6]. One of the effective strategies to increase life
satisfaction is couples’ lives enhancement instruction and life skill. Life enhancement
and life skills is a set of psychosocial and interpersonal skills, which helps people to
make their decisions with awareness, communicate effectively, expand their coping
and personal management skills and have a healthy and fertile life [7].
Marital relationship enhancement is a set of skills, which are instructed to satisfy the
basic needs of families such as love, compassion, dependency, trust, loyalty, security
27
and pleasure. Marriage enhancement is an educational approach to improve couples’
relationship and it is aimed to help the couples to know themselves and their spouse,
explore the feelings and thoughts of their spouse, develop empathy, intimacy,
effective relationship and problem-solving skills [8]. Enhancement can be done in
different ways and styles, each of which will have different effects. In this study, an
enhancement is used, which is based on Olson approach (preparation / enrichment).
Minnesota university (1996). In this study, different areas of marital relationship,
including marriage expectation, personality traits, communication, conflict resolution,
financial management, enjoyable and interesting activities, friendly social behavior,
sex, parental roles family and friends, relations based on the roles and spiritual beliefs
will be evaluated and it is designed for people, who are married and demand
enrichment or consultation programs [9]. Olson program seeks to improve relations
between couples and determine the factors and conditions, upon which we can predict
marital satisfaction and adjustment after marriage. Predictive areas of life quality
include how to communicate, ability to solve the conflicts, status of individual family,
financial management in personal life, objectives and philosophy of marriage [10].
The research issue is that which approach is more effective in satisfaction factors and
marital conflict compared to another approach. Given that this approach is more
consistent with Iranian culture and the skills in this approach can be learned and
implemented by Iranian couples, this study addresses effectiveness of this approach,
in addition based on conducted studies in and outside the country, his approach has
been successful in reaching the objectives [11]. Given the universality of this
approach, this study examines the effects of marriage enrichment treatment in
preparation method (Olson method) on marital satisfaction in Isfahan and specifies
the impact of each approach.
Research Method
This study is experimental, in terms of purpose is functional and in terms of method is
quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest control group. Diagram of the study is
indicated in table 1.
Groups
Table 1. Research diagram
Pretest
Marital relationships enhancement instruction group
Control group
R
R
T1
T1
Independent
variable
X1
-
Post
test
T2
T2
In this study independent variables includes marital relationships enhancement skill
instruction. Dependent variables include marital satisfaction. Experimental group
respond to the question in two stages of pretest T1 and post test T2.
Sampling method and statistical population
Statistical population of this study includes all women in Isfahan in 1394 and since
it was not possible or difficult to access all women, we selected the women who refer
to consultation centers and given that is was not possible to access all women who
refer to consultation centers, we selected 3 centers and population of this study was
selected among all women who refer to these 3 centers. Total sample size consisted of
32 women, and totally there were 16 women in experimental group and 16 women in
control group. The sample was selected in available method and random placement in
independent groups and control group. In order to enter to these groups, women
should have at least 2 and utmost 20 years’ experience of marital life, minimum read
28
and writing literacy. In the case of more than two absences, divorce and lack of
reading and writing literacy, samples would be exited from study.
Research Tools
Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire:
The questionnaire is a tool with 115 question and is made by Olson, Fournier and
Drakman (1989) and is used to assess potential problem areas or strengths of marital
relationship. Maximum score in this questionnaire is 460 and minimum score is 0.
This questionnaire consists of 12 subscales , the subscales include : Ideal distortion
(Questions 1-5), marital satisfaction (questions 1-15) , personal issues (questions 1625) , communication (questions26-35) , conflict resolution (Questions 36-45),
financial management (Questions 46 -55), leisure activities (questions 56-65), sexual
relationship (questions 66 and 75), parenting (questions 76-85), family and friends
(questions 86-95), egalitarianism (questions 96 -105) and religious orientation
(questions 106-115). The questionnaire is scored based on Likert scale from very high
(score 4) to very low (score 0). In front of the questions 96 to 105 there are always
(score 4) to Never (score 0) options. This questionnaire has the capability to separate
satisfied and dissatisfied couples and its correlation is obtained by family satisfaction
scale 60.0 and indicates validity of scale and its structure. Reliability of questionnaire
and Cronbach's alpha coefficient, except religious orientation are obtained 9.0, 81/0,
73/0, 68/0, 75/0, 74/0, 76/0, 48/0, 77/0, 72/0, 71.0 respectively [16]. In Isanezhad
(1387) reliability of questionnaire subscales was obtained 88/0, 83/0, 79/0, 91/0, 84/0,
90/0, 76/0, 84/0, 79/0, 87 / 0 and 87/0 respectively [17]. In Mahdavian’s study,
Pearson correlation coefficient in test-retest procedure for men was 93.0, for women
was 94.0 and for men and women was obtained 94.0. in this study, these coefficients
for subscales are obtained 72/0, vary from 850, 76/0, 76/0, 76/0, 81/0, 63/0, 69/0,
87/0, 69/0, 62/0, 73/0, respectively.
Independent variable implementation method
After selecting the sample and random placement in experimental and control
groups, marital satisfaction questionnaire was implemented and then experimental
group, enhancement sessions were conducted in groups and after enhancement
sessions, satisfaction questionnaire was implemented in experimental and control
groups, the number of sessions for Olson approach was 7, which were twice in the
week for 90 minutes, and its topics are indicated in following table.
Table 2. Summary of marital enhancement skills sessions with Olson approach
Session procedure
familiarity of members and introduction
expressing member’s objectives for participating in the group
First session -expressing objectives of sessions and directing members’ objectives and oral
contract
-primary evaluation using Enrich questionnaire
- assignment
-discussion about Enrich results
exploring strengths and growth requirements
-using exercises and skills for members to learn to discover their strengths and
Second
growth requirements in marital life.
session
assignment
Sessions
29
talking about last session assignment
talking about useful self-expression and listening skills
techniques and skills of useful expression and listening-talking about daily
conversations
-listening modeling
activating useful expressiveness modeling
preparation of dreams list
assignment
talking about last session assignmenttalking about conflict and its role in marital relationships
conflict management method modeling by participation of members in the session
assignment
Third
session
Fourth
session
Fifth session
Sixth session
Seventh
session
-talking about last session assignment and asking members regarding conflict
resolution assignment in previous session
-s effect on current life talking about family’
-family role and introduction of intimacy and flexibility aspects
-modeling and instruction of balance in separation
-assignment
-talking about last session assignment
-talking about financial issues in the family
-talking in the group regarding role of money in the family
-determination of long term financial objectives and short term financial
objectives
-assignment
Talking about last session assignment
talking in the group regarding objective in marital life
-modeling base on model ( CHANGE(
-Enrich test as post test
- Termination and determination of follow-up session
Results
After implementing pretest and posttest, differences in pretest and posttest scores of
each group were calculated separately. To evaluate the significance of means
difference, covariance analysis test was used. In this analysis, the effect of pre-test
was taken from post-test scores and then two groups were compared according to
remaining scores. Results of table along with Levine test are provided in tables 3, 4
and 5.
Table 3. Results of Levine test for examination of variances homogeneity
Variable
F statistics
Freedom degree1
Freedom degree2
Marital satisfaction
0.01
1
30
Significance level
0.91
Levine test results indicate that the assumptions of covariance analysis are observed in
marital satisfaction questionnaire of covariance analysis test.
Table 4. Mean and standard deviation of marital satisfaction in women, Isfahan
Variable
Test
Experimental group
Control group
number
M
SD
number
M
SD
Pretest
16
228.38
23.85
16
232.38
18.47
Marital satisfaction
Posttest
16
242.69
21.67
16
228.38
15.50
30
Table 4 indicated the mean and standard deviation of marital satisfaction on pretest
and posttest of control and experimental groups. According to this table, the mean of
marital satisfaction scores in experimental group in pretest in 228.38 and in posttest is
242.69. the results of table 4 indicate that the mean of scores of experimental and
control groups in marital satisfaction in pretest was low, while in posttest variations of
means in pretest and posttest in control and experimental groups are high. It shows the
effectiveness of independent variable (enhancement) on marital satisfaction, while in
control group mean change is not significant.
Table 5. The results of covariance analysis for couples’ lives enhancement instruction impact based on
Olson approach on marital satisfaction
Change sources
SS
df
MS
F
sig
impact
Power
5828.81
1
5828.81
35.06
0.001
0.54
1
Pretest
2270.59
1
2270.59
13.66
0.001
0.32
0.94
Group
4820.37
29
166.22
Error
1787487
32
Model
Comparison of independent variable and different levels of dependent variables
indicates that independent variable has a significant effect on marital satisfaction
variable (0.001p≤). the impact on marital satisfaction is 94 percent. In other word,
there is a significant difference between experimental and control group in terms of
mentioned variable. Given that in marital satisfaction scale, high scores indicate
independency and intimacy, happier life and healthier people, and low scores indicate
lower independency and intimacy, unhappier life and low health, the information in
the table indicate the effectiveness of independent variable (marital relationships
enhancement interventions based on Olson model) on marital satisfaction increase.
Discussion and Conclusion
This study is aimed to determine the effectiveness of couple’s lives enhancement
instruction based on Olson model and its effect on women who refer to consultation
centers in Isfahan. Obtained results indicate the effectiveness of marital relationship
enhancement instruction on marital satisfaction. In other word, it was specified that
independent variable (marital relationship enrichment instruction) has a significant
effect on marital satisfaction (0.001p≤). To explain these findings, it can be concluded
that family is the most important and prominent social institution in human history,
which has provided the fields of emotional and social development, growth, and
prosperity, and marriage is the most sensitive emotional commitment, which is
accepted by human to enjoy mental peace and warm relationships. Results of this
study indicate that family issues and problems in our country are increasing day to
day and marital satisfaction has decreased. Marital satisfaction is a complex process,
which is described according to conflict and contribution in activities associated with
happiness and success in marital life. Lee Masters defined satisfaction as the capacity
to adapt and problem solving abilities [12]. Satisfaction is a state, which comes with
reaching a purpose [13]. Marital satisfaction, feeling of pleasure, satisfaction and
experienced pleasure occurs when all aspects of marital life are considered by couple.
This structure is an attitude variable and is considered as one of the personal
characteristics of couple. Accordingly, marital satisfaction is in fact a positive and
31
pleasant attitude, which is experienced by couples in different aspects of life [14].
One of the effective strategies to increase life satisfaction is couples’ lives
enhancement instruction and life skill. Life enhancement and life skills is a set of
psychosocial and interpersonal skills, which helps people to make their decisions with
awareness, communicate effectively, expand their coping and personal management
skills and have a healthy and fertile life. In line with current research following
studies can be mentioned.
Brouks et al (2002) implemented group couple therapy as relationships enhancement
on 22 couples and obtained results indicated that the period increased marital
satisfaction, intimacy, commitment, trust and marital adjustment. The results of
Kingam study (2003) indicated that participants in one of the enhancement programs
compared to before instruction has a significant increase in marital satisfaction. The
results of Shalounberger (2001) in the field of relationship enhancement effectiveness
on marital satisfaction on 28 couples indicated that this method increases marital
satisfaction, and agreement in marital issues, such evidence indicate that relationship
enhancement shows an appropriate validity in longterm. Carson et al (2004) in a study
aimed to determine the efficacy of relationship enhancement on marital relations
concluded that relationship enhancement increases marital satisfaction, independence,
intimacy and acceptance among couples. In addition, follow-up results after three
months’ intervention showed that intervention has retained its efficiency, which is in
line with this study. In addition, in line with this study, some studies including
Shahsiah (1387), Isanezhad , Shamaie , Batlani et al (1387) , Shafiabadi and Sodani
(1387) , Edalatishater (1388) , Choubfroshzadeh , Kalantari & Molavi (1389) ,
Abbasi , Jalilpoor , Kamkar, Bagherizadeh & Mohamen (1390) , Stanley, Amato,
Johnson & Markman (2006), Sanford (2006), Klkanarsanly (2008) and Yilmaz and
Calc (2010) can be mentioned. In explanantion of obtained result it can be said that
according to the fact that enhancement variable of marital relationships in terms of its
effects on discovery of strengths and growth requirements in marital life , useful
listening and expressing techniques and skills , talking about conflict and its role in
marital relationships , family role and introduction of intimacy and flexibility
dimensions , talking about financial issues in the family , group talking about
objective in marital life affect couples’ behavior ,which leads to improved marital
satisfaction.
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