Commitment as a Predictor of Participation in Premarital Education

Abstract

The efficacy of premarital education programs has been well established; yet few studies have attempted to identify factors that may lead to increased participation. The current study examined questionnaire data from 46 engaged couples to determine whether marital commitment is a unique predictor of both interest in premarital education and intent to participate in premarital education. Analyses suggest commitment to marriage, spirituality, and health beliefs were all uniquely predictive of women's interest in premarital education and intent to participate in a premarital education program. Men's intent to participate in a premarital education program was only predicted by women's interest in premarital education. Implications and recommendations for increasing participation in premarital education programs are discussed.