Relationship Education for Singles

Jennifer L. Baker, Psy.D. Anne B. Summers, Ph.D. Debbi Steinmann, M.A.

Training Instructor / MentorsMelissa A. Gibson, M.S.

Kim Rozell, M.A.

Graduate AssistantsBrent Anderson, M.S. Matthew Biller, M.A. Cate Brandon, M.A Dawn Clinard, M.A.Jessie Clinton, M.S.

Tabitha Carlson, M.S.Anup Jonathan

Tony Larson, B.A. Nicole Mannis, M.A.

Robert Mindrup, M.S.S.W.Colleen Quinn, Ph.D. Amber Schafer, M.A.

Amanda Schroeder, B.S.

The Training for the Healthy Marriage

and Family Formation

curriculum was created through the cooperative

efforts of:

Importance of EarlyRelationship Education

• Early romantic experiences play a central role in development and ability to be intimate.

• Opposite sex interaction and relationships influence the course of subsequent romantic relationships and marriage.

Importance of Early

Relationship Education

• 40-50% of 15–16 year olds are in a romantic relationship.

• Many adolescents do not have a model of a healthy relationship in their family or friendship networks.

• Many have low expectations for marriage.

• A majority of teens want an affectionate, healthy, lasting marriage.

Importance of Early

Relationship Education

• Expectations for emotional quality and companionship in marriage are increasing, sometimes leading to unrealistic expectations.

• Early exposure to representations of love and sex in the media, lead to unrealistic expectations.

• Relationships require more flexibility than in the past.

Importance of Early

Relationship Education

• Expectations for emotional quality and companionship in marriage are increasing, sometimes leading to unrealistic expectations.

• Early exposure to representations of love and sex in the media, lead to unrealistic expectations.

• Relationships require more flexibility than in the past.

Adolescent Views on Marriage

• Over 80% of students had a desire to get married, and 60% believed that a lifelong commitment to marriage is very likely.

• Approximately 60% of these students expressed a positive attitude toward cohabitation.

Commission on Children at Risk

• The decline in mental and behavioral health of children is largely due to current societal structure, which does not recognize our innate need for human connectedness.

Commission on Children at Risk

• Belonging is critical and biologically necessary.

• Religion and spirituality are preventative factors.

• Fundamental change in societal structure is needed.

• Authoritative communities: strong families, schools, religious congregations, and youth organizations foster connectedness.

Three Myths About

Adolescent Relationships

1. Adolescent relationships are trivial and transitory.

2. Romantic relationships simply mirror other relationships in adolescents’ lives.

3. Romantic experiences in adolescence are associated with behavior problems, substance use, and problems in school.

Benefits of Adolescent Relationships

• Self-esteem and well-being

• Identity

• Career Development

Five Factors that Influence Romantic Relationship

Quality

• Involvement: age, frequency, consistency

• Partner selection

• Content: variety of activities

• Quality of relationship

• Cognitive and emotional processes

Available Programs

• Connections + PREP® Relationships and Marriage

• P.I.C.K. a Partner (How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk/(ette)TM

• Within My ReachTM

Topics in Relationship Education for Adolescents &

Young Adults

• Improving insight.

• Evaluating physical and emotional safety.

• Influence of family background.

• Developing communication and conflict resolution skills.

Target Populations

• High School/College

• Low Income

• Singles of All Ages

High School/College Connections: Relationships

& Marriage

• Promotes healthy interactions with peers, family, and in romantic relationships.

• Topics addressed:

• Personality

• Relationships

• Strengths and Weaknesses

• Communication

• Marriage

High School/College Connections: Relationships

& Marriage

• Promotes healthy interactions with peers, family, and in romantic relationships.

• Topics addressed:

• Personality

• Relationships

• Strengths and Weaknesses

• Communication• Marriage

Low-Income Individuals– Within My ReachTM

• Emphasis on evaluating safety• Five Groups of Low-Income Clients

– Marriage Track– “Maybe We Will” Couple– No Marriage Intention– Single Adults (usually mothers)– High School and Young Adults

Within My Reach to Attain

Relationship Success

• Cultivate and stabilize viable relationships.

• Helping individuals escape damaging relationships.

• Choose future partners wisely.• Assess a current relationship and

determine future goals for the relationship.

Singles of All Ages: P.I.C.K. A Partner

• For never-married and divorced.

• Focus on evaluating a potential partner.

• Five Factors of Bonding– Getting to know the person– Developing trust– Learning to rely on the person– Forming a commitment– Expressing sexual touch

Websites

Building Relationships:www.prepare-enrich.com

Connections + PREP® & Love U2:www.buildingrelationshipskills.org

Forest Institute of Psychology’s Marriage and Family Department:www.forest.edu/clinic/index.html

Partners for Students:www.abanet.org/family/partners

RQ: Building Relationship Intelligence:www.freteens.org/stories/curric-intro.htm

The Loving Well Project:www.bu.edu/education/lovingwell

The Dibble Fund:www.dibblefund.org

Questions