Abstract
The dissolution of a marital unit challenges not only the family but also a great range of social systems related to it. The article aimed to review the literature on preventive programs with couples, willing to identify the elements of success, the gaps in the interventions offered in Brazil, and summarize what we should learn from the international experience. Data will be presented and discussed, highlighting the studies found to be theoretically and empirically relevant to the development of a program targeting the prevention of crisis and the promotion of marital resilience adapted to the Brazilian reality. Results point to the efficacy of preventive interventions in promoting relational skills associated with marital resilience. However, the mechanisms of change implicated in this process, as well as its impact on marital quality, are still to be further clarified.
Keywords:
marriage counseling; satisfaction; resilience; preventive psychology; family therapy