Premarital Education in the Catholic Church: Exploring Retrospective Perceptions of Effectiveness of a Theologically Oriented Program on Relational and Spiritual Outcomes

The effectiveness of a theology-focused marriage preparation program was tested for a group of Catholic couples (N=200). Each couple had been married for less than five years and participated in the same program. The program covered a variety of topics from communication enhancement to a Catholic th...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Klausli, Julia ca. 20./21. Jh. (Author) ; Gross, Christopher (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage Publishing 2021
In: Journal of psychology and theology
Year: 2021, Volume: 49, Issue: 2, Pages: 177-191
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Catholic church / Marriage / Holiness
IxTheo Classification:CB Christian life; spirituality
KDB Roman Catholic Church
NCF Sexual ethics
Further subjects:B marriage and family systems
B spiritual formation / direction
B spiritual maturity / spiritual well-being / spiritual growth
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:The effectiveness of a theology-focused marriage preparation program was tested for a group of Catholic couples (N=200). Each couple had been married for less than five years and participated in the same program. The program covered a variety of topics from communication enhancement to a Catholic theology of marriage, including marriage as a vocation and natural family planning. The study assessed the retrospective perceptions of change for relational and spiritual behaviors and attitudes, in light of these theological and relationship teachings. Couples reported increases in positive thinking about the relationship, deeper understanding of marriage as a vocation, and improved communication. However, the program produced less change in Mass attendance, and NFP practice. Results were moderated by cohabitation history, support of mentor couples and length of marriage. Views of marriage in terms of vocation and increased knowledge of NFP were indirectly linked to higher relationship satisfaction via improved communication.
ISSN:2328-1162
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of psychology and theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/0091647120956965