Second Time Around: A Preventive Intervention for Remarried Couples

Abstract

SynopsisRecent research has shown that in Australia divorce rates for second marriages are higher than those for first marriages. Second marriage families have been identified as a high risk group which lack effective role models and societal norms. The Marriage Guidance Council of New South Wales introduced a pilot group program to help these couples deal with some of the issues they face in second marriages. At the conclusion of the group, all members stated that their relationships had improved since joining the program and 75% reported that the group had helped them cope better with parenting. All members said they would recommend the program to others. This program is an important intervention in the prevention of second marriage breakdown.