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Prevention of Relationship Problems: Retrospect and Prospect

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

C. Dyer and
W.K. Halford
C. Dyer
Affiliation:
Griffith University
W.K. Halford*
Affiliation:
Griffith University
*
W.K. Halford, School of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, QLD 4111, Australia
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Whilst nearly all couple relationships start out happy, half of all marriages end in divorce. Relationship education is a potentially effective strategy to reduce the prevalence of relationship problems and divorce. The substantial empirical research on the determinants of relationship satisfaction shows that there are key relationship skills, such as communication and conflict management skills, which impact on the course of relationship satisfaction and stability. Relationship education can teach couples these key relationship skills, and this may prevent relationship problems. However, relationship education is not targeted at those couples who need it most. Research needs to be focused on the effects of relationship education for couples at high risk for relationship problems. The reach of education programs to couples can be enhanced by developing flexible delivery education programs. Relationship education programs also need to promote coping with stressful events that often lead to relationship problems, such as the transition into step-families, the onset of chronic illness, and unemployment.

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Type
Research Article
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Behaviour Change , Volume 15 , Issue 2 , June 1998, pp. 107 - 125
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1998

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