The intent of this dissertation is to help engaged couples prepare for the rough terrain of marriage by providing instruction and mentorship. I propose to critically review literature that discusses factors that contribute to successful and unsuccessful marriages. I will also investigate existing premarital education programs; and the benefits of having mentors will be discussed. With this information, I propose to develop a premarital education program from pre-existing programs with the additive value of mentors. Couples who have been married for ten years or more will serve as mentors to the engaged couples. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]