Date of Award:

8-2024

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Committee Chair(s)

Dave Robinson

Committee

Dave Robinson

Committee

Lisa Boyce

Committee

Kay Bradford

Committee

Ryan Seedall

Committee

Rubén Parra-Cardona

Abstract

This study evaluated if levels of change in mental health, conflict resolution, support, and companionship differed between sociodemographic groups who participated in a blended family relationship education program. Regarding individual mental health, females who were students improved more than non-students and those who had a bachelor’s or advanced degree improved more than those with a high school education or less. Male mental health across sociodemographic groups tended to be worse at posttest than baseline. Among couples, conflict improved more for those who were married and the female partner had a bachelor’s or advanced degree, were low income and female partners had an advanced degree, and lower income couples had better change scores as age increased. Relationship companionship improved most among lower income couples who owned a home and higher income couples who did not own a home. These findings identify that participants from some sociodemographic subgroups improve more or less than others. Potential client and Smart Step program characteristics that may explain these differences are discussed, including future directions for how to further identify who benefits most in RE and how to improve outcomes for a wider range of participants.

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