Abstract

This research aimed to study the effects of family problem-solving on decreasing the couple's dissatisfaction. Four hundred and fifty couples were randomly selected from residents of Tehran. First, all subjects completed the ENRICH and the problem-solving questionnaire. Then, 80 couples of the most maladjusted ones, were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The Family problem-solving method was performed for the experimental group for 15 h (II sessions). Finally, the marital satisfaction of both groups was measured again. Data was analyzed by t-test for independent groups. Results showed that the intervention (family problem-solving) decreases marital dissatisfaction in terms of following dimensions: marital communication, conflict resolution, sexual relationship, personality issues and communications with family and friends. Based on these results, FPS can be introduced as an effective method in reducing marital dissatisfaction. Furthermore, as the couple's communication forms during engagement and the first years of marriage, an attempt to improve communication in this period seems necessary. Also, as FPS is the most appropriate method for improving communication; it should be taught to young couples to help them reduce their problems and to produce appropriate communication. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information.