A. Vansteenwegen: Residential Marital Therapy: An Evaluation Study. cas., Psychoter. psychosom. (Basel), 21/1-6, 294-297.
The outcome of an intensive residential form of couples therapy was evaluated on a relational and an individual dimension.
In a controlled study the changes in a treated group (N=101) were compared with the changes of a control group of waiting-list patients (N=36). Evaluating all variables together a significant positive change in the treated group was found in comparison with the control group. By a detailed analysis, significant positive changes were found on Positive Regard, Empathy and Transparency of the Partner and on the 'own' Transparency, and also on the Autonomy.
In a follow up study, 97 patients out of 53 couples were 'measured' before treatment, after three weeks, after six months and after two years. After two years significant positive changes were found on 7 of the 10 variables.
This research demonstrates for the first time the (long term) effectivness of a form of residential marital therapy.