Marriage stethoscope

James Cordova, a psychology professor at Clark University in Worcester, says the Marriage Checkup helps couples build on strengths and correct weaknesses.

The Telegram & Gazette takes a look at his Marriage Checkup study:

"Earlier this year, Mr. Cordova was the recipient of a five-year study grant for $1 million from the National Institutes of Health. The Marriage Checkup is based on his theory that, given the stresses and strains of an intimate relationship, marriage perhaps ought to be viewed in the same way as physical or dental health. The Marriage Checkup is intended to assist couples in building on strengths and correcting weaknesses. In Mr. Cordova’s view, couples often can resolve problems themselves once trouble areas are identified.

“It’s appealing to couples that feel like, for the most part, they are doing well but may have one or two things that are a little bothersome to them that have been there for a while and want to get a third person’s perspective on that.”

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