PREP
Research-Informed
A research-backed premarital and early marriage program developed at the University of Denver by Howard Markman and Scott Stanley.
A research-backed premarital and early marriage program developed at the University of Denver by Howard Markman and Scott Stanley. Covers communication, conflict management, commitment, expectations, and friendship. Used by many counselors, including LDS Family Services. One of the most studied premarital programs in the research literature.
Evidence
Research-Informed
PREP, the Prevention and Relationship Education Program, earns Research-Informed. It is the most-studied premarital program, with multiple randomized trials showing real, replicated short-term gains in communication, consistent with the broader category effect of about d = .43 to .45 for communication (Hawkins et al., 2008, 117 studies). The rating holds below peer-reviewed because those gains often fade, the evidence that PREP reduces divorce is thin and inconsistent, and some research even raises a possible harmful effect for certain couples. Real and useful in the short run, weaker on durability.
Origin
Howard Markman & Scott Stanley, University of Denver
Sources
- Fighting for Your Marriage — Markman, Stanley & Blumberg