Who Benefits from Couple Relationship Education? Findings from the Largest German CRE Study

ABSTRACT

In evaluation studies on couple relationship enhancement (CRE) programs, researchers are encouraged to also investigate which couples benefit from program participation. The authors qualified 104 university students to offer an evidence-based CRE program. Up to a 15-month follow-up, the participating couples (N = 234) reported a significant decrease in unsolved relationship conflicts. A 2-day-long intensive training led to better results compared with a weekly format regarding dropouts. Couples with lower pretest satisfaction ratings reported significant improvements over time, whereas couples with initial higher ratings reported no change or a deterioration. Further predictors were identified. The findings should be taken into account in future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Preventative interventions
• Couple and Relationship Education (CRE)
• CRE program evaluation
• marriage and couple relationship education
• prevention approaches