Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) for alcohol and drug use disorders: A meta-analysis
Section snippets
Study selection
We selected well controlled randomized trials of behavioral couples therapy (BCT) for alcohol and substance use disorders using a comprehensive search strategy. We searched the following databases: PsycINFO 1840 to May, 2007, MEDLINE 1966 to May, 2007, and the Cochraine Central Register of Controlled Trials for the first quarter of 2007. The searches included the following terms: “behavioral couples therapy” or “behavioral marital therapy” alone and in combination with “alcohol”, “alcoholic”,
Results
Across studies, the most common active control condition was CBT accounting for 8 (⁎Fals-Stewart et al., 1996, ⁎Fals-Stewart et al., 2001, ⁎Kelley and Fals-Stewart, 2002, ⁎McCrady et al., 1986, ⁎Vedel et al., in press, ⁎Walitzer and Dermen, 2004, ⁎Winters et al., 2002) out of 12 studies (see Table 2). In addition, IBT accounted for three studies ( ⁎Fals-Stewart et al., 2006, ⁎Fals-Stewart et al., 2005, ⁎O'Farrell et al., 1985), PACT was included in three studies (⁎Fals-Stewart et al., 2006,
Major findings
The meta-analysis of 12 (n = 754) randomized controlled BCT trials largely supported the study hypotheses. Consistent with prediction, BCT outperformed control conditions when all time points (posttreatment, 12 mo. follow-up, etc.) and outcome variables (frequency of use, consequences of use, and relationship satisfaction) were combined. This was also true when time points were combined but outcome domains were analyzed separately. However, when time points were analyzed separately a different
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References with an asterisk indicate studies included in the meta-analysis.