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Alliance and group cohesion in relationship education
Jesse Owen1, Becky Antle, Anita Barbee
1Education and Counseling Psychology Department, College of Education & Human Development, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Family Process
|September 17, 2013
Summary
Group cohesion in relationship education programs significantly improved relationship functioning. Participant perceptions of group dynamics, not leader alliance, were key to better relationship adjustment and communication.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Interpersonal Relationships
Background:
- Relationship education programs enhance relationship functioning.
- The impact of process factors like group dynamics and leader alliance on outcomes is understudied.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing intervention effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between group cohesion and leader-participant alliance with changes in relationship functioning.
- To determine if participant perceptions of group dynamics influence relationship adjustment, confidence, and communication quality.
Main Methods:
- Examined 126 participants in a relationship education program.
- Assessed participants' ratings of group cohesion and leader alliance.
- Measured changes in relationship adjustment, confidence, and communication quality from pre- to postintervention.
Main Results:
- Participant perceptions of group cohesion significantly predicted positive changes in relationship functioning.
- Leader-participant alliance did not show a significant association with improved relationship outcomes.
- Group dynamics among members emerged as a critical factor in program success.
Conclusions:
- Group cohesion plays a vital role in the effectiveness of relationship education programs.
- Interventions should focus on fostering strong group dynamics for better participant outcomes.
- The findings offer practical implications for designing and implementing relationship education programs.
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