Relationship and Parenting Changes

In this chapter, drawing on interviews with parents approximately a year after they enrolled in the program, participants reflected on what it meant to them to take part. Some credited the program with helping to address core issues in their relationships, often around trust and communication. This did not mean relationships were perfect or arguments didn’t occur. Rather, couples saw things moving in the right direction, which gave them a sense that their relationships were worth investing in. When couples had inadequate living space or social-psychological resources, it could be difficult for them to institute the techniques they learned in the program. Women who broke up with their partners felt supported by the program staff during this transition. These findings can shed light on the quantitative results of a federally funded national study of relationship education programs, Building Strong Families.