Effectiveness of family life education on marital satisfaction of couples attending counseling center in Isfahan city

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of family life education on couple's marital satisfaction which was referred to counseling centers in Isfahan. Methods: Research method was quasi-experimental using pretest and posttest with the control group. Statistical population included all couples with marital dissatisfaction were referred to counseling centers in Isfahan. Using the method of random sampling selected 30 couples with marital dissatisfaction, that they were referred to counseling centers in Isfahan from July to end of August 1393, and were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. For the experimental group, life skills training sessions were held over 10 sessions for 2 h. These sessions included information about family and marriage, conflict resolution skills, conversation skills, gender roles, and child-rearing skills. All couples completed 47 questions marital satisfaction questionnaire (1989) before and after the implementation of the independent variable (family life education). Data analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. Result: Mean scores of marital satisfaction was significant at posttest in experimental and control groups (P = 0/001). In other words, we can say family life skills training has improved marital satisfaction scores in the experimental group at posttest. The effects of group membership or family life skills training, in improving marital satisfaction is 90/8%. Conclusions: The results showed that using the model of family life education in this study can change marital satisfaction. This means that, an increase in marital satisfaction through family life education program content reduce stress and dissatisfaction and improve feelings of competence and couple health.