Perceived Helpfulness of Four Different Types of Marriage Preparation Interventions

As evidence of the benefits of marriage preparation continues to mount, so does the importance of investigating the characteristics of the interventions that are most helpful and for whom. In a sample of 1,409 individuals, this study compares perceived helpfulness of four marriage preparation interventions: class, community/church sponsored workshop, counseling, and self‐directed. All interventions were perceived as helpful, but class and self‐directed learning were rated more highly than counseling and workshops, independent of gender. Class and self‐directed learning participants had the highest improvement scores overall, with women reporting greater positive change than men. Implications for marriage preparation interventions are discussed.