This Research Brief examines the training/preparation available to leaders of the faith community, with an emphasis on Christian clergy, formally trained through a seminary or other organized system. Most of the scholarly literature available exploring the preparation for and practice of marriage education/preparation among clergy is in the form of unpublished doctoral dissertations. (Author abstract)
This federally funded guide shares what is known about promising practices in healthy marriage and relationship (HMR) programs, especially those serving low-income and culturally diverse populations. It is intended to be helpful to a variety of audiences, including those who are interested in starting a new program, those already involved in running a program, and […]
This brief explains the differences between marriage education classes and marriage counseling sessions to help couples decide which is most appropriate for meeting their needs. The goals of marriage education are identified and include improving couple communication, resolving conflict productively, working together as a team, and strengthening the trust and commitment in the relationship. Couples […]
This brief discusses the importance of tailoring healthy marriage marketing messages so that they reach African American couples. Marketing ideas are shared that are based on interviews, collaborations, and direct involvement with public information campaigns addressing the needs of a variety of cohorts within the African American community. Findings are cited that indicate African Americans […]
Staff turnover is one of the leading concerns among employers. Losing experienced staff can affect the ability to meet program and organizational goals and the cost of turnover rises depending on the level of the position with the organization. This can be especially difficult in a healthy marriage program, as good staff are the key […]
This report examines data on nonmarital births from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS). The principal measures reviewed are the number of births to unmarried women, the birth rate for unmarried women, and the percentage of all births to unmarried women. The most recent data available are from the 2007 preliminary birth file (5). Data […]
Distinguished scholars reported to the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center (NHMRC) on new working papers or recently published research that they believe has significance to the field of marriage and relationship education. Because the field of marriage education draws from a variety of disciplines, there is no single source easilyidentified as the resource for the […]
There is a strong correlation between family stability and the family’s social and economic well-being. Two-parent, married families are touted as the ideal environment for raising children. Research shows that stable, two parent married households are connected to various positive outcomes for child well-being. In addition, there are various positive psychological,emotional and economic outcomes for […]
This guide provides practical strategies to help you recruit teens into your MRE services. Consider the following four tips: Know and be able to explain why teen marriage/relationship education matters Choose a setting and/or partnership Market your message Consider all your recruitment options (Author abstract)
This brief describes the context in which Responsible Fatherhood, Marriage and Family Strengthening Grants for Incarcerated and Re-entering Fathers and their Partners (MFS-IP) are operating, the populations served by the programs, and the program models in use among the grantees. (Author abstract)