The effectiveness of premarital counseling based on a relationship education program on the idealistic expectations of single young adults

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of premarital counseling based on a relationship education program in reducing the idealistic marital expectation in single young adults of Ahvaz city. Methods The is a quasi-experimental study with pretest, posttest, and follow-up design using control group. Thirty two single young adults were voluntarily participated and assigned randomly into intervention group (n=16) and control group (n=16). The data were collected using Jones and Nelson’s Marital Expectation Scale (idealistic expectation subscale) at three stages: Pre-test, post-test, and 60-day followup. The intervention group received relationship education program in 9 sessions, twice a week for 90 minutes, while the control group received premarital counseling only in one session. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures in SPSS V. 21. Results The premarital counseling based on the relationship education program could reduce the idealistic marital expectation in the intervention group from pretest stage to the follow-up stage. Conclusion The relationship education program can be used as a useful and appropriate program in premarital counseling and in reducing the idealistic expectations of marriage in young people.