Relationship Intervention for Inmates and Their Partners: Bringing Couples Together Before Release

The aim of this intervention study was to examine the impact of the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program on inmates and their partners with the programming goal to reduce the negative impact of incarceration on families. This study was conducted in a prison facility in the Northeast United States, and data were collected on 40 couples (40 male inmates and 40 female partners) that completed the program. This study used a self-report pre and post survey to collect data on relationship satisfaction, relationship confidence, types of interactions, as well as program satisfaction. Results demonstrated that inmates and their partners improved their positive interactions and relationship confidence. Different trends were found for men and women in marital satisfaction and negative interactions. Both groups reported that the program was beneficial for improving communication; however, listening techniques and setting ground rules during discussions were still issues both groups struggled with at the end of the intervention.