The Couple Checkup

by David H. Olson, Amy Olson-Sigg, Ph.d. Larson, Peter J.

A book and online profile that identifies a couple's strengths to help them build a more vital relationship. Based on an unprecedented national survey of 50,000 marriages, The Couple Checkup presents the principles for creating a successful couple relationship. The free online profile includes fifteen to twenty categories that are customized based on the relationship stage-whether dating, engaged, or married-the age, and whether or not children are involved. The book also includes the SCOPE Personality Profile and the Couple and Family Map of the relationship. Each chapter of the book matches a category in the free individual profile. While the book stands on its own, using the Couple Checkup with the book provides the maximum benefit. In addition, each chapter contains couple exercises to help build couple strengths in a variety of areas.

Genres: Relationships, Psychology, Nonfiction

259 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

David H. Olson Ph.D. Psychology Relationships

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book itself is fairly common sense and not necessarily life changing, but when used as a discussion guide and with the couple checkup guide, it was a catalyst for some amazing insights into our marriage. Mike and I are glad we read it and used the material here. Highly recommend.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of really good information on relationships. A lot of it is common sense stuff that we just forget or choose to ignore. It encourages you to build upon your strengths and make changes to yourself to benefit the relationship. I thought the individual online profile was kind of a waste of money, but I guess it was a little insightful. I really liked the quotes written throughout the book. I'm a bit unsure how they present all the percentages...though they are said to be research based. (And hearing that it came from the research based survey a million times in the book was a bit annoying.) I wouldn't say the book held any surprising messages about relationships, but it did offer practical advice.

[Erica Kanewischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend for any couple, or therapist. Great activities and goes with the PREPARE/ENRICH format and website. All research based. Drawbacks are 'common sense' information at times, and personal ancedotes that may not seem fitting.

[Lisa]

I feel sad for people who need to read this book seeing as how it contains mostly common sense information e.g. "be allies not adversaries with your partner" and "give each other compliments each day."

But hey, I commend people for seeking help, and if they find it here more power to them.

[Becky Walding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Gives you tools to help your relationships.