A systematic review of culturally relevant marriage and couple relationship education programs for African-American couples

ABSTRACT

This systematic review examined the extent to which marriage and couple relationship education programs targeting African-Americans utilize culturally relevant components and the efficacy of such components. Seven studies meeting the search criteria were included in the analysis. The types of culturally relevant components incorporated by the programs described in the studies included (a) the inclusion of spirituality and prayer, (b) racial/ethnic matching of facilitator and participants, (c) storytelling and oral tradition, (d) discussion of historical sociocultural factors, (e) integrated cultural values and racial identity, (f) strengths of African-American family and children, and (g) the use of Africentric principles and African-centered curriculum content. The findings suggest that African-American couples benefit from the incorporation of culturally relevant programs as a way to establish healthier relationships and couple satisfaction through improved relationship skills and communication. Overall support for cultural values essential in the African-American culture included connectedness, spirituality, strong African-American identity, and prayer.

KEYWORDS:

• African-American
• Africentric
• marriage
• couples counseling
• couples interventions
• cultural sensitivity
• marriage enrichment programs
• couples enrichment programs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.