Evaluation of Marriage Education Programs

Abstract:

This project will provide information needed for formative and summative evaluation by the Longview Wellness Center to assess results of the following six allowable Healthy Marriage Initiative (HMI) activities being implemented in multiple counties in the eastern part of Texas, by their VOW program: (a) high school classes, (b) classes for pregnant and parenting single individuals, (c) workshops for other single individuals who are interested in marriage, (d) enrichment workshops for married couples, (e) divorce reduction classes for concerned couples, and (f) marriage education provided by mentor couples. Information is being collected and analyzed on the following topics: (a) communication skills (ability to listen to and speak with another person with whom one has a close relationship, such as a family member, friend, partner, and/or spouse); (b) conflict resolution skills (ability to problem solve with another person with whom one has a close relationship, such as a family member, friend, partner, and/or spouse); (c) abuse prevention skills (ability to recognize danger signs in potential partners and take steps to develop safe and healthy relationships and ability to prevent physical or emotional abuse from or to another person with whom one has a close relationship, such as a family member, friend, partner, and/or spouse); (d) budgeting / financial skills (ability to understand how your attitudes toward money and ability to handle money wisely can affect your relationships with family members, friends, partner, and/or spouse); and (e) attitudes toward marriage (recognition of benefits of a healthy committed relationship for partners and families). VOW uses an approach to marriage education based on Life Innovations "PREPARE / ENRICH" inventories and research conducted by David H. Olson and associates (http://www.prepare-enrich.com).

Funding:

Longview Wellness Center                                                                                

Duration:

 5 Years: 10/01/2006 to 09/30/2011

Staff:

• Tary J. Tobin, Ph.D.

Contact:

For more information about this project, please contact Tary J. Tobin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.