Evaluating a parent education program for preventing the negative effects of marital conflict

The effects of marital conflict on children are well documented. This study evaluated a prevention program for changing marital conflict for children's sake. Fifty-five couples were randomly assigned to either an immediate treatment (n = 41) or a six-month waitlisted control (n = 14) group, with assessments at pretest, posttest, and 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Results indicate effectiveness in improving parents' knowledge regarding marital conflict across all assessment periods. Couples reported displaying less hostility in front of their children at 6-months, and showed improvement in conflict tactics and parenting practices at the 6 month and one-year follow-up assessments. Findings of this study provide promise for further development of marital conflict focused parent education.