Peer‐facilitated HMRE programming: A successful approach for emerging adult relationship education

Objective This study evaluates the effectiveness of a peer‐facilitated healthy marriage and relationship education (HMRE) program for emerging adults, examining its impact on participants' knowledge and attitudes toward healthy relationships. Background Peer‐led HMRE programs may be particularly effective due to the relatable nature of peer educators who can model healthy relationship behaviors and establish positive social norms. Method Trained peer educators taught an evidence‐based HMRE program to similar‐aged peers in a workshop series. To conduct the quasi‐experimental evaluation study, a total of 304 participants in treatment and comparison groups completed pre‐ and posttest surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of the peer‐facilitated HMRE program. Results When compared with a nonrandom comparison group, peer facilitation significantly improved participants' knowledge of healthy relationships and reduced faulty relationship beliefs. Conclusion A peer‐facilitation model of HMRE for emerging adult audiences is an effective practice for promoting healthy attitudes and knowledge about romantic relationships. Implications Peer education is frequently used with health‐promoting programs, particularly on university campuses and wellness initiatives. Peer‐facilitated HMRE is a promising implementation model that can improve participants' knowledge and attitudes about romantic relationships.