COMPUTER-BASED INTERPRETATION OF THE MARITAL SATISFACTION INVENTORY: USE IN TREATMENT PLANNING

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 MSI profiles 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.