The Stable Low‐Conflict Index: A policy‐relevant outcome in government‐funded relationship education efforts

Abstract

ObjectiveWe posit that evaluators of relationship education interventions can explore a policy relevant outcome by assessing relationship stability and conflict in a single index that is based on the literature on the effects of divorce and marital distress on children. We provide an empirical example from a randomized trial.BackgroundThe U.S. Administration for Children and Families funds community‐based projects using relationship education with a foundational goal of fostering stable and healthy relationships. Assessing this outcome requires an approach different from separately analyzing stability and relationship quality.MethodWe used data (N = 1,156 couples) from a randomized trial of Family Expectations to test the Stable Low‐Conflict Index, comparing couples assigned to the intervention to couples assigned to an untreated control group at a follow‐up 8 to 9 months postintervention.ResultsIntervention couples were more likely to be in a stable, low‐conflict relationship at the follow up than control couples (b = .36, SE = .15, odds ratio = 1.44, p = .014).ConclusionAn index based on empirical precedence showed evidence of an intervention impact in a community‐based program.ImplicationsEvaluators of family policy linked interventions may advance the field by exploring outcomes that encapsulate aspects of both relationship stability and quality.