Predicting program retention in a flexibly-delivered relationship education program for low-income, unmarried parents. Issue 3 (26th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bulling, Lisanne J.; Baucom, Katherine J. W.; Heyman, Richard E.; Slep, Amy M. Smith; Mitnick, Danielle M.; Lorber, Michael F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of family social work. Volume 23:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 234
• Page End: 256
• Publication Date: 2020-05-26
• Subjects: Low-income couples -- session attendance -- dropout -- couple CARE for parents -- couple relationship education; Family social work -- Periodicals; Family social work -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.82097305
• DOI: 10.1080/10522158.2019.1681337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1052-2158

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Participation rates in couple relationship education (CRE) programs for low-income couples are typically low. We examined predictors of session attendance and early dropout (i.e., dropout after 1 session) among a sample of low-income, unmarried parents of a newborn ( N = 467 couples) enrolled in an evidence-based CRE program. Predictors included demographics and socioeconomic status, as well as baseline indicators of relationship commitment, family and individual functioning, infant health, preventive health care utilization, and CRE coach perceptions of participant engagement and alliance in the first session of the program. Couples attended an average of 4.4 ( SD = 2.5) of the 7 sessions, with nearly a quarter of couples dropping out after the first session. Attendance at fewer sessions was predicted by younger age. Early dropout was predicted by lower ratings of females' engagement and both partners' therapeutic alliance and, unexpectedly, by commitment. We discuss considerations for engaging low-income couples in CRE.