The use of a dyadic model of communication within a premarital counseling group: a study and analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not engaged couples taking part in a Family Life Education Program could become better prepared for marriage by learning to communicate with each other according to specific rules governing verbal messages. Thirty couples took part in the experiment and were randomly selected for three groups. The experimental group was taught to communicate in a dyadic setting; two control groups functioned in a general group discussion setting. All participants were tested before and after on the Marital Preparedness Inventory (MPI) to determine any change. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the difference in change scores between the experimental group and the control groups did not achieve statistical significance. However, a clear trend of greater change on the MPI was manifest by both male and female participants in the experimental group. It was concluded that all engaged couples showed some change; that engaged couples in the experimental setting who used specific rules of communicating exhibited change scores approaching significance.