Alan J. Hawkins|Scott M. Stanley|Victoria L. Blanchard|Michael Albright
Exploring Programmatic Moderators of the Effectiveness of Marriage and Relationship Education Programs: A Meta-Analytic Study
Brigham Young University|University of Denver|University at Albany, State University of New York|Albany State University|Brigham Young University|University of Denver|University at Albany, State University of New York|Albany State University|Brigham Young University|University of Denver|University at Albany, State University of New York|Albany State University|Brigham Young University|University of Denver|University at Albany, State University of New York|Albany State University
study uses metaanalytic methods explore programmatic moderators common factors effectiveness marriage relationship education mre programswe coded 148 evaluation reports potential programmatic factors associated stronger intervention effects although range factors could code limited lack details reportsoverall found positive effect program dosage moderatedosage programs 920 contact hours associated stronger effects compared lowdosage programs 18 contact hoursa programmatic emphasis communication skills associated stronger effects couple communication outcomes difference reach statistical significance relationship qualitysatisfaction outcomethere evidence institutionalized mre programs formal manuals ongoing presence formal instructor training multiple evaluations associated stronger effectssimilarly little evidence differences program setting university laboratory vs religiouswe discuss possible explanations findings implications program design evaluation