Predicting Program Retention in a Flexibly-Delivered Relationship Education Program for Low-Income, Unmarried Parents

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Family Studies

Background:

• Low-income couples exhibit low participation rates in couple relationship education (CRE).
• Understanding predictors of attendance and dropout is crucial for program effectiveness.
• Evidence-based CRE programs aim to improve relationship functioning for vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of session attendance and early dropout in a CRE program for low-income, unmarried parents.
• To examine demographic, socioeconomic, and relational factors influencing program engagement.
• To explore the impact of initial session dynamics on sustained participation.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 467 low-income couples with a newborn.
• Collected data on demographics, socioeconomic status, relationship commitment, family/individual functioning, infant health, and healthcare utilization.
• Assessed CRE coach perceptions of participant engagement and alliance in the first session.

Main Results:

• Couples attended an average of 4.4 out of 7 sessions; 23% dropped out after session 1.
• Younger age predicted lower session attendance.
• Early dropout was associated with lower female engagement, lower partner therapeutic alliance, and unexpectedly, lower commitment.

Conclusions:

• Younger couples and those with lower initial engagement/alliance may require targeted support in CRE.
• Unexpectedly, lower commitment predicted early dropout, suggesting a need to explore this dynamic further.
• Findings offer insights for enhancing engagement and retention strategies for low-income couples in relationship education programs.