Problems That Couples Bring To Therapy: A View Across the Family Life Cycle*

Keywords

couple, couple relations, problems in marriage, family life cycle

Abstract

This study examined reports of marital problems from couples at different stages of the life course. Data were collected from 160 couples during intake at a family therapy clinic. Couples were asked to indicate their presenting problem, as well as their level of severity in 14 problem areas, such as communication and financial issues. Results indicated that presenting problems were generally the same, regardless of whether the couple was newly married, in the child-bearing years, or married over a decade. Moreover, wives reported more problems in their relationships than did husbands, especially among wives married longer than 10 years.

Original Publication Citation

Miller, R. B., Yorgason, J. B., Sandberg, J. G., & White, M. B. (2003). Problems that couples bring to therapy: A view across the family life cycle. American Journal of Family Therapy, 31(5), 395-407.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2003

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5282

Publisher

The American Journal of Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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