Computer‐based Interpretation of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory: Use in Treatment Planning

Abstract

This paper describes the computer-based interpretive system for the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI) and its application in initial phases of clinical assessment and treatment planning. The automated MSI interpretive report contains sections regarding profile validity and global marital affect, spousal communication, specific areas of interaction, concerns regarding children, role orientation, and family history of distress. A case study and sample narrative demonstrate the manner in which the MSI computerized report can be incorporated into initial clinical assessment and treatment planning. Clinical findings at intake are compared with MSIprofiles for this couple obtained at termination and follow-up. Both strengths and limitations of self-report measures and computer-based interpretive reports in marital therapy are considered.Although computer-based test interpretive systems (CBTIs) have been operational for nearly 25 years (Fowler, 1985), their availability and adoption in routine clinical practice have grown exponentially in recent years. Advocates of computer-assisted assessment note the reliability and speed of the computer in administering and scoring standardized tests, and its ability to integrate empirical findings regarding base-rates and test-behavior relationships in configural analyses limited only by the availability of relevant actuarial data and the sophistication of the test programmer. Computerized administration, scoring, or interpretation of psychological tests is currently available for nearly 100 instruments, and new applications appear regularly. Despite concerns regarding the use of psychological data, computer-generated or otherwise, computerbased interpretive reports appear destined to assume an increasing role in clinical services.As the availability of CBTIs has grown, so too has concern for their empirical bases and professional issues governing their use (Matarazzo, 1986). Several authors have emphasized that the validity of computer-based interpretations "depends on the validity of the test itself and on the degree to which the interpretive statements match the test Close NextConuentionalization (CNV). This validity scale assesses individuals' tendencies to distort the appraisals of their marriage in a socially desirable direction. Items reflect denial of minor, commonly occurring marital difficulties and efforts to describe the relationship in an unrealistically positive manner.Global Distress (GDS). This global measure assesses respondents' overall dissatisfaction with the marriage. Items reflect general marital discontent, chronic disharmony, desire for marital therapy, and consideration of separation or divorce. Affective Communication (AFC). This scale focuses on the process of verbal and nonverbal communication andis the best single index of the affective quality of the couple's relationship. Items reflect spouses' dissatisfaction with the amount of affection and understanding expressed by their partners. 398 JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY October 1988 Next Previ...

Use of personality assessment instruments in empirically guided treatment planning.

“…This instrument focuses on aspects of daily living and can assist clinicians in identifying specific goals for intervention. Snyder, Lachar, and Wills (1988) discussed ways in which an automated version of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (Snyder, 1981) can be incorporated into the process of treatment planning.…”

Assessing disharmony and disaffection in intimate relationships: Revision of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory factor scales.

“…Western Psychological Services (WPS) clinical validation sample. In collaboration with the WPS, Snyder and Lachar (1986;reported by Snyder, Lachar, Freiman, & Hoover, 1991) recruited a national sample of 323 couples in marital therapy from 161 therapists representing all geographic regions of the continental United States. Participants completed the original MSI (Snyder, 1979b), with their responses subsequently rescored for this study on the revised MSI-R factor scales.…”

Couples coping with respiratory disorders.

“…Patients with OSA and their partners were more socially isolated and depressed than were divorced patients with OSA. The Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI; Snyder, 1979;Snyder, Lachar, & Wills, 1988) profiles, completed by the partners only, indicated more global distress and conflicts related to child rearing compared with normative values. OSA has been repeatedly linked to erectile difficulties among male patients (Guilleminault, 1987).…”