Abstract

This study utilized focus groups to assess the perceived needs and interests for marriage education among single and married Latino individuals residing in Utah County, Utah as well as the identification of common themes and differences for this population. Male and female groups at various points in the marital developmental life stage were studied including high school students (15-18 years of age), single never married young adults (19-30 years of age), committed (engaged or cohabiting) adults, married persons recently transitioning to parenting, and married people with children. The sample consisted of 10 groups, 5 female and 5 male. In addition, a professional group consisting of professionals who are in daily contact with the Latino population also participated (N=12). A total of 53 Latino individuals and 12 professionals were interviewed in the focus groups. The participants were asked 14 open-ended questions to assess various elements of marriage education including content, cost, convenient locations, sources of information, perceived barriers to getting services as well as strategies on how to get people involved in marriage education programs. The data from the focus groups were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods. The findings showed that most females were concerned about domestic violence and infidelity as topics in marriage education while males were more concerned about having financial stability, improving communication skills and increase their parenting skills. These results support the importance of conducting focus groups as a way to assess marriage education needs and interests of the Latino population. Limitations for future research are discussed, implications for marriage education programming for Latino couples as well as implications for marriage and family therapists.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life; Marriage and Family Therapy

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2006-12-21

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd1674

Keywords

Latinos, focus groups, marriage education, therapy, assessing marriage education, Hispanics, therapy with Hispanics

Language

English

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