Couple relationship education content: What we have and what we are missing

Abstract

Through an inductive content analysis of 15 different couple relationship education (CRE) programs, this study explored various content categories and themes that are common across programs. Analysis found four common themes across programs: relationship skills and abilities, the self in the relationship, partner bonding, and relationship motivations. These findings suggest a primacy of teaching relationship skills and abilities within CRE, though other themes are also taught in various programs. To increase efficacy of CRE, expansion into individual and relational contextual factors, relationship interaction patterns, and relationship virtues and flourishing are warranted based on recent and historical research.