Successes and Challenges in a Statewide Relationship Education Initiative

Abstract

Although healthy relationship initiatives are becoming more common, relatively little is known about the processes of these initiatives. This study uses a phenomenological qualitative approach to examine the experiences of Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Extension faculty in the implementation of couple and relationship education in the Utah Healthy Relationship Initiative. Data were collected through quarterly report forms submitted by Extension faculty describing successes and challenges to their work. Successes in the project related to collaborative partnerships, attendance or participation, and positive outcomes for participants. Collaborative partnerships were instrumental in reaching more participants and finding cultural resources. The challenges included constraints for participants and limited faculty resources. The findings underscore the benefits of creating flexible, low‐intensity, and low‐cost activities that attract participants and reduce some of the barriers to participation, as well as partnering with community organizations.