Research: Premarital Counseling Creates a Stronger Marriage

More and more couples are choosing premarital counseling to prepare for marriage. Studies show that premarital counseling helps to build a stronger, long lasting marriage. Research reviewing numerous premarital counseling effectiveness studies found that couples who participate in pre marriage preparation report on average a 30% stronger marriage than couples who did not participate in pre marriage counseling (Stanley, Amato, Johnson & Markman, 2006).

Relationship researcher Jason S. Carroll, assistant professor of marriage, family, and human development at Brigham Young University, says “After participating in these programs, couples reported or were observed to be better at resolving problems using effective communication styles, and on average, they reported higher levels of relationship quality.”

This is true for couples who don’t believe their relationship needs a major overhaul. Happy couples who participate in premarital counseling experience immediate improvement in communication and conflict resolution skills. Even non distressed couples report premarital counseling improves overall relationship quality.

The positive effects of premarital counseling are not short lived. When surveyed the vast majority of married couples report that premarital counseling had helped their marriage. One comprehensive study of 1,235 couples found that 92 percent of couples reported premarital counseling helped during their first year of marriage. In a follow up four years later, 80 percent of these couples still reported premarital counseling has helped them in their marriage (Carroll & Doherty, 2003).

Researchers say the findings suggest that premarital counseling is a good investment for couples who are serious about preparing for a lifelong commitment.

If you are an engaged couple who is considering Premarital Counseling, contact me today. I am happy to talk with you about how I can support your relationship being as strong as possible leading into marriage.