Monitor on Psychology - October 2011 - (Page 51)

John and Julie Gottman have developed interventions that prevent the spiraling negativity that’s all-too-common among new parents. BY S A DIE DING FELDER • Monitor staff with their relationships and less likely to iapers? Check. Bassinet? Check. experience postpartum depression than A relationship that can withstand participants in a waitlist control group. the challenges of taking care of a And, at a three-month follow-up, workshop newborn? Perhaps not. fathers were more engaged with their babies After having a baby, 67 percent of than fathers in the control group. couples see their marital satisfaction The Gottmans’ workshop is based on plummet, according to research presented their “Sound Relationship House” theory, at APA’s 2011 Annual Convention by John which posits that there are three key Gottman, PhD, and published in the Journal Drs. John and Julie Gottman domains of marital satisfaction: friendship of Family Psychology (Vol. 14, No. 1). encourage spouses to help each and intimacy, constructive conflict and Post-baby discontent is so common, said other realize their most deeply held shared meaning. During the workshop, Gottman, many people think it’s inevitable dreams and ambitions. trained facilitators share study findings and acceptable. But what they probably about these components of healthy relationships, then lead don’t realize is the negative impact squabbling couples can have activities that allow couples to practice skills that fortify these on their children. Two decades of research show that marital areas. conflict is bad for babies, increasing their chances of later In the friendship domain, for example, they put into use past developing depression, poor social skills and conduct disorder, research by John Gottman, which shows happy couples engage he said. in lifelong learning about one another. Even as they celebrate “When there is a precipitous decline in relationship their silver anniversaries, these couples ask one another opensatisfaction and an increase in hostility, it transfers to the baby ended questions, such as, “What life goals are you still hoping and affects the baby,” he said. to accomplish?” To get young couples in habit of querying one To find ways to address that problem, John Gottman and another, the Gottmans provide them with a series of fun, silly and his wife, Julie Gottman, PhD, have been studying examples of serious questions to ask, like, “What’s your favorite band?” and the 33 percent of couples who stay happy after having a baby. “Who are your main enemies and allies at work?” Based on what they’ve learned from that research, they’ve The questions help couples deepen their understanding and developed a program that effectively fortifies expecting couples’ appreciation of one another, John Gottman said. communication skills. “Most couples, when they think about making their “We reversed this trend with a two-day workshop,” Gottman relationship more positive, they think of going on a vacation said. to a really nice place. But how often have you seen couples According to a randomized trial published in the Journal in a canoe screaming at each other, ‘That’s not how you do a of Family Communications (Vol. 5, No. 1), participants in the J-stroke! We’re going around in circles! What the hell is wrong Gottmans’ workshop before the birth of their babies were, with you?’” he said. following their babies’ birth, more likely to remain satisfied OCTOBER 2011 • MONITOR ON PSYCHOLOGY 51 D

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Monitor on Psychology - October 2011

Monitor on Psychology - October 2011
President’s Column
Subtle and stunning slights
Contents
From the CEO
Live science on the showroom floor
Zimbardo re-examines his landmark study
Ready, set, mentor
Attention students and ECPs: Self-care is an ‘ethical imperative’
Suicide risk is high among war veterans in college, study finds
Psychotherapy is effective and here’s why
From toilet to tap: getting people to drink recycled water
What’s ahead for psychology practice?
A push for more accountability is changing the accreditation process
Peer, parental support prove key to fighting childhood obesity
Popular media’s message to girls
Bullying may contribute to lower test scores
A consequence of cuckoldry: More (and better) sex?
Manatees’ exquisite sense of touch may lead them into dangerous waters
Building a better tomato
How will China’s only children care for their aging parents?
‘Spice’ and ‘K2’: New drugs of abuse now on the market
Many suspects don’t understand their right to remain silent
In Brief
Boosting minority achievement
Where’s the progress?
And social justice for all
Helping new Americans find their way
Segregation’s ongoing legacy
A new way to combat prejudice
Retraining the biased brain
Suppressing the ‘white bears’
How to eat better — mindlessly
Protect your aging brain
Must babies always breed marital discontent?
Outing addiction
Flourish 2051
The danger of stimulants
Keys to making integrated care work
Is technology ruining our kids?
Facebook: Friend or foe?
The promise of Web 3.0
NIMH invests in IT enhanced interventions
Science Directions
Science Directions
PsycAdvocates work to safeguard key programs
The psychology of spending cuts
APA’s strategic plan goes live
Visionary leaders
Bravo!
Vote on bylaws amendments

Monitor on Psychology - October 2011