Relationship Education Research: Current Status and Future Directions

Abstract

The overarching aim of this paper is to review research on relationship education programs and approaches that have been published or accepted for publication since the last review article in 2002. This paper provides a critical overview of the relationship education field and sets an agenda for research and practice for the next decade. A theme weaved throughout the paper are the ways in which relationship education is similar and different from couples therapy and we conclude that there can be a synergistic, healthy marriage between the two. We then provide recommendations for future directions for research in the relationship education field. Finally, the co-authors comment on our experiences in both the relationship education field and couples therapy field as both researchers and interventionists.

Investigating the Influence of Relationship Education on Parental Attitudes

“…RE programs are skills-based models designed to promote healthy relationships, or relationships that are grounded in emotional, personal, and commitment safety (Stanley, Pearson, & Kline, 2005). RE program curricula focus on helping couples to increase communication, learn effective conflict resolution, understand commitment, develop realistic expectations of marriage, and learn adaptive behaviors, attitudes, and skills (Markman & Rhoades, 2012).…”

Flexible Delivery Approaches to Couple Relationship Education: Predictors of Initial Engagement and Retention of Couples

“…The most widely researched RE is curriculum based, which is typically delivered in face-toface groups of couples, and consists of 9-20 h of curriculum that introduces key relationship knowledge (e.g., the importance of commitment, developing shared realistic relationship expectations) and skills (e.g., couple communication, coping) (Markman and Rhoades 2012).…”

Los Programas Educativos para Parejas y Matrimonios: una nueva propuesta clínica para Chile

“…La conflictividad muchas veces se extiende aún después de disuelta la relación a través de divorcios destructivos (Hamel, Bernales, Campos, Estrada, Gazmuri et al, 1997). Markman y Rhoades (2012) sugiere trabajar especialmente con personas y parejas jóvenes con distintos niveles de compromiso y formalización, de modo que favorecer tempranamente una mejor toma de decisiones, que en algunos casos puede llevar a posponer el compromiso o incluso terminarlo antes de su concreción y/o formalización. Los programas educativos al enseñar habilidades en la resolución pacífica de conflictos, promover habilidades de comunicación como el desescalamiento y el control emocional, pueden contribuir a disminuir la violencia al interior de la relación (Markman et al, 1993).…”