Recent meta-analytic efforts have documented how couple and relationship education (CRE) programs promote healthy relationship and family functioning. The current meta-analysis contributes to this body of literature by examining stepfamily couples, an at-risk, subpopulation of participants, and assessing the effectiveness of CRE programs for…

Advances in the field of prevention science have resulted in strategies that target various youth outcomes. In recent years, numerous "best practices" lists have been developed to help professionals identify such strategies. Some scholars have questioned the quality of these lists and cautioned that there are flaws in evaluations of many…

Evaluated a preparation for marriage workshop using pre- and post-workshop assessments of various personal and relationship issues related to marriage, and a follow-up questionnaire. Noted that the greatest improvements in individual and couple responses were communication and sexual relationships, and that indecision about aspects of marital…

This study chronicles the transformation of a master's program from a traditional degree format to a more integrated, flexible, efficient, and relevant approach. The transformative strategies involve cohort learning, creative concentrations, portfolio documentation, and outreach presentation. Through integrating resources and goals, the new…

Conducted six-month follow-up study to evaluate effectiveness of Project Taking Charge, abstinence-based program to delay sexual intercourse and prevent teenage pregnancy. Findings from adolescents at two sites revealed that many knowledge gains found at posttest were retained at follow-up. Program participants were less likely than comparison…

Although focus groups continue to gain popularity in marketing and social science research, their use in program evaluation has been limited. Here we demonstrate how focus groups can benefit evaluators, program staff, policy makers and administrators by providing an in-depth understanding of program effectiveness from the perspective of…

Presents a conceptual model depicting the effects of family-oriented benefits, policies, and services in the corporate sector, on employees' work and family lives. Discusses the model in the context of the historical development of, and recent expansions in, corporate supports for employees and their families, and the need for a work-family model…

Identifies and elaborates several programs in British Columbia which have been designed to strengthen the family. The programs are evaluated to assess their impact on family health. Some forces in education which have affected the family-school partnership are also analyzed. (JAC)

Describes the impact of an experimental parent-group program for parents of psychiatrically hospitalized children on parents' self-esteem, attitudes toward their children, and knowledge regarding childrearing techniques. Found parents rated supportive group functions as having greater personal relevance and therapeutic impact than educative ones.…