Clinical Psychology Review, Vol. 18, No. 6, pp. 635–661, 1998 Copyright  1998 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in the USA. All rights reserved 0272-7358/98 $19.00 + .00 PII S0272-7358(98)00023-3 MARITAL THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION: TOWARD A THIRD GENERATION OF THERAPY AND RESEARCH Steven R. H. Beach University of Georgia Frank D. Fincham University of Wales Jennifer Katz University of Georgia ABSTRACT. Two generations of outcome research demonstrate the potential efficacy of marital therapy in the treatment of depression. After reviewing treatment outcome studies on marital therapy for depression, we examine basic research linking aspects of the marital relationship to depressive symptoms. In doing so, we highlight a number of theoretical perspectives and research findings that can inform work with couples in which one spouse is depressed. Finally, we identify potential innovations that may lead to a third generation of marital interventions for depression and several avenues of inquiry for a third generation of outcome research on marital therapy for depression.  1998 Elsevier Science Ltd ARE MARITAL interventions the best available treatment approach for some de- pressed persons? Could marital interventions help in the prevention of later episodes of depression in some cases? If so, how can we identify the people who may respond especially well to marital therapy for depression, and how can we structure marital therapy to provide the greatest possible benefit? One approach to answering these questions is to examine available outcome research. As outcome studies accumulate, and as mediators and moderators of therapy outcome are examined, empirical guide- lines for clinical application will emerge. A different approach to the questions posed above is to identify relevant basic research and extrapolate to the clinical context. An explosion of basic research on personal relationships is expanding our understanding Correspondence should be addressed to Steven R. H. Beach, Department of Psychology, Univer- sity of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602; E-mail: srhbeach@uga.cc.uga.edu. 635