Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-2004
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Abstract
The development of effective programs to prevent marital dysfunction has been a recent focus for marital researchers, but the effective dissemination of these programs to engaged couples has received relatively little attention. The purpose of this study is to determine which factors predict couples' participation in premarital counseling. Predictive factors were derived from the health prevention literature, with a particular focus on the health belief model (HBM). Couples' beliefs and attitudes about premarital counseling were assessed at least six months before their wedding, and participation was assessed after their wedding. Results indicate that the strongest predictors of couples' participation were couples' perceptions of barriers to counseling and whether they had counseling recommended to them. These variables predicted participation even after controlling for important demographic variables. Recommendations for recruiting engaged couples for premarital counseling are made based on the findings.
Recommended Citation
Sullivan, K.T., Pasch, L.A., Cornelius, T., & Cirigliano, E. (2004). Predictors of participation in premarital prevention programs: The health belief model and social norms. Family Process, 43, 175-194.
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons, Social Psychology Commons
Comments
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Sullivan, K.T., Pasch, L.A., Cornelius, T., & Cirigliano, E. (2004). Predictors of participation in premarital prevention programs: The health belief model and social norms. Family Process, 43, 175-194., which has been published in final form at DOI: 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2004.04302004.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.