To this new edition (the original came out in 1994), the authors have added current research on marriage and societal changes. At its core, however, remains the program that Markman and Scott Stanley, codirectors of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver, created to help couples overcome nuptial difficulties: the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP). Based on empirical research, PREP emphasizes teaching couples to handle conflict better by using the speaker-listener technique, which involves having one person speak at a time while the other actively listens. Because of the authors' unfortunate attempts at humor and some rather unncessary and slapdash-looking cartoon, this is perhaps not to most appealing manual on the subject. Nonetheless, it's still recommended for public and social work libraries owing to the tried-and-true methodology it explains. (Library Journal, November 15, 2001)

"Just about everyone can improve their marriage.... They can learn skills to help them handle negative emotions in marriage. It's the discord that hurts kids," (USA Today, December 13, 2001)