Measuring the effectiveness of a multi-year multi-county marriage celebration: qualitative findings. Issue 7 (3rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brower, Naomi; Payne, Pamela B.; Simmons, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Marriage & family review. Volume 55:Issue 7(2019)
• Page Start: 601
• Page End: 618
• Publication Date: 2019-10-03
• Subjects: marriage -- qualitative research -- relationship education -- relationships; Family -- United States -- Periodicals; Marriage -- United States -- Periodicals; 306.8
• DOI: 10.1080/01494929.2019.1589616
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-4929

Abstract

Abstract: This qualitative study examines the experience of participants ( N = 1, 364) attending a multi-county marriage strengthening event in 2015 and 2016 in a western state. Participants' biggest relationship concern or question, concepts or skills learned, and intended or implemented changes were explored. Findings indicate that many participants attended the event to strengthen their relationship, or to increase communication skills or intimacy. As a result of attending, participants reported gains in knowledge and skills and made plans for and implemented change. These findings support much of the extant relationship literature and further confirm that these domains may be influenced by "date-night" events that not only focus on fun but also yield both short and long-term relationship impacts.