The Couples Coping Enhancement Training (CCET): A new approach to prevention of marital distress based upon stress and coping^*

TLDR

The Couples Coping Enhancement Training (CCET) is grounded in stress‑and‑coping theory and research on couples. The study describes a distress‑prevention training program for couples and reports three empirical studies demonstrating its effectiveness. CCET combines traditional couples‑program elements such as communication and problem‑solving skills with targeted individual and dyadic coping strategies to promote marital satisfaction and reduce distress. The program received strong consumer acceptance, and outcome data show that participants reduced marital distress and increased satisfaction, even among long‑standing dissatisfied couples, supporting the effectiveness reported in the three empirical studies.

Abstract

We describe a distress prevention training program for couples and three empirical studies that support its effectiveness. The program, Couples Coping Enhancement Training (CCET), is based both upon stress and coping theory and research on couples. In addition to traditional elements of couples programs (e.g., communication and problem‐solving skills), the CCET also addresses individual and dyadic coping in promoting marital satisfaction and reducing marital distress. The CCET enjoys good consumer acceptance. Outcome results indicate that, in addition to acquiring relationship skills, participants experienced reduced martial distress and increased marital satisfaction, even among couples who have been in long‐standing relationships where dissatisfaction exists.