Document Type
Article
Department
Psychology
Publication Date
8-2016
Abstract
In this multisite study, we used a randomized controlled trial to examine how a relationship education intervention affected emerging adults' maladaptive relationship beliefs, mutuality, relationship decision making, relationship quality, and psychological distress. In addition, we explored whether one intervention modality (i.e., facilitated group discussion) was more/less effective than another (i.e., self-facilitated online) and whether there were differential effects for participants in a relationship. We found that the facilitated group evidenced a decline in maladaptive relationship beliefs and an improvement in deliberate decision making. Moreover, facilitated group participants in a relationship reported higher levels of mutuality. Contrary to our hypothesis, there were no changes in relationship quality or psychological distress. Implications for the content and delivery of relationship education for emerging adults are discussed.
Publication Title
Personal Relationships
Volume
23
First Page
723
Last Page
741
DOI
10.1111/pere.12147
Comments
Published as:
Laura J. Holt, Jonathan F. Mattanah, Christa K. Schmidt, Jennifer S. Daks, Erin N. Brophy, Pauline Y. Minnaar, and Katherine S. Rorer. “Effects of Relationship Education on Emerging Adults’ Relationship Beliefs and Behaviors.” Personal Relationships, 23 (December 2016): 723-741.
Author's accepted manuscript provided by the Trinity College Digital Repository in accordance with the publisher's distribution policies.