University–church partnerships: A mechanism to enhance relationship health. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Erica A.; Gordon, Kristina Coop; Amer, Zahra; DiPillo, Michaela; McCall, Matthew; Wieser, Shayla
• Is Part Of: Journal of prevention & intervention in the community. Volume 51:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Churches -- couples -- intervention -- mixed methods; Preventive health services -- Periodicals; Preventive health services -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2021.1924595
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1085-2352

Abstract

Abstract: Romantic relationship distress leads to decreased satisfaction and dissolution. While therapy is effective for helping distressed couples, it is often inaccessible due to cost, time, and childcare barriers. Churches are often able to offer lower-cost services and provide childcare. In partnership with a network of local churches, university staff trained lay leaders to deliver an evidence-based relationship education program and collected data from 97 couples to evaluate pre- to post-workshop changes in couple functioning. Multilevel modeling was used to examine changes from pre- to post-workshop and thematic analysis was used to analyze open-ended feedback responses. Results showed improvements in communication, relationship satisfaction, commitment, and intimacy safety, with the largest effect found for communication. Participants also reported improved communication skills were one of the most beneficial parts of the program. Through the partnership with a university, churches can offer and rigorously evaluate evidence-based programs to strengthen couple relationships in their communities.