Making the Case for Premarital Education
Webmaster April 30th, 2009
I am a firm believer in premarital education. Being better prepared for any venture, will to some degree, make for a more successful outcome. In many cases, divorce has been prevalent among families throughout the second and third generations; therefore young people may need a greater understanding of what a healthy marriage should look like. Hollywood’s romanticized portrayal of marriage may cause young couples to have an unrealistic view of what marriage requires. Marriage scholars have cited evidence that the decision to marry has been trivialized in our culture (Stanley, 2001).
Individuals that understand their personality type will gain greater insight into their behavior. Family structure and values, religious views, outlook on children, and moral issues are all areas that can cause discord, if not discussed and evaluated in premarital counseling. Instructions on how to prepare a budget, being a good steward, and management of family finances are all relevant issues, as money problems are often listed as the number one reason for marital difficulties. Skills such as conflict resolution, and positive communication styles can be effective tools during marital discord. The important, but not always addressed differences between male and female characteristics might circumvent a huge amount of marital crisis, if properly understood. Stanley (2001) notes, that if premarital education is done correctly, it will facilitate the understanding that a successful marriage is not a matter left to fate, but decisions and actions by the couple will affect the marriage’s outcome, with long-term results.
Reference
Stanley, S.M. (2001). Making a case for premarital education. Family Relations, 50,
272-280. [Electronic Version].
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