Abstract
This chapter describes Unit 2 of the Couple CARE for Parents (CPP) program, which focuses on enhancing couple communication and encouraging self-change. Couples are invited to reflect on what is good communication and the importance of good communication for satisfying couple relationships. Educators present couples with the intent–impact model of communication in face-to-face delivery (groups or individual couples). The educator can model the ten key communication skills via a demonstration which assist couples to speak and listen well. Partners talk together on a topic of interest and rate their own communication skill strengths and weaknesses, and practice giving and receiving constructive feedback to each other about their communication. This chapter ends with the introduction to self-change, which focuses on helping each partner make changes to their own behavior to enhance the couple relationship. Common challenges for encouraging self-change (e.g., participants not being able to think of any self-change goals) are described and suggestions for addressing these challenges are offered.
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There is a finding in the research that when men contribute equitably to household chores and child care, the couple tend to have a more active and mutually satisfying sexual relationship. This can be a useful point to make to men and women.
References
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Halford, W. K. (2011). Marriage and relationship education: What works and how to provide it. New York: Guilford Press.
Halford, W. K., Lizzio, A., Wilson, K. L., & Occhipinti, S. (2007). Does working at your marriage help? Couple relationship self-regulation and satisfaction in the first 4 years of marriage. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(2), 185–194. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.21.2.185.
Lizzio, A., & Wilson, K. (2004). Action learning in higher education: An investigation of its potential to develop professional capability. Studies in Higher Education, 29(4), 469–488. doi:10.1080/0307507042000236371.
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Halford, W.K., Petch, J., Creedy, D. (2015). Couple Communication. In: Clinical Guide to Helping New Parents. Springer Series on Couples and Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1613-9_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1613-9_3
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-1612-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1613-9
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