The Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Marital Therapy (CBMT) on Marital Distresses among Married Couples in Ghana
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Abstract:
Despite established limitations in
Cognitive-Behavioral Marital Therapy (CBMT)in counseling clients with emotional
instabilities, CBMT remains the most popular model of marital theyapy in Ghana.
This quantitative study intended to ascertain the impact of
Cognitive-Behavioral Marital Therapy (CBMT) on marital distresses among married
couples in Ghana. The study followed a descriptive-correlational-experimental
design. 50 participants selected by means of a proportionate stratified random
sampling technique completed adapted versions of the Session Process and
Outcome Measures-Client version (SPOM-C) and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment
Scale (RDAS) questionnaires both before and after therapy. With the aid of the
Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) 18 guide to Data Analysis, disparity mean
values among the sample were analyzed. Data on the levels of marital distress
were analyzed by descriptive frequencies. The paired t-test technique was used
to analyze disparity mean values within the sample. Pearson correlation
coefficient analyzed correlation between CBMT therapy outcome and the level of
marital distress reported by participants. The study found that CBMT had a
significant effect on participants who reported severe marital distress. This
implies that CBMT is effective in treating clients who report severe marital
distresses than those who report moderate or mild marital distresses in Ghana.
Keywords: Cognitive-Behavioral Marital Therapy (CBMT),
Marital Distress, Married Couples, Marriage and Family Counseling, Marital
Therapy.
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