A preventive intervention program for the newly separated: final evaluations

Results of 30-month and four-year follow-ups of a six-month preventive program for people recently separated were even more favorable than the positive follow-ups at six and 18 months. At 30 months, intervention group members scored significantly higher than control group members on dependent measures of adjustment, had significantly fewer separation-related problems, and reported significantly greater separation-related benefits. At four years, intervention group members continued to report significantly more satisfactory levels of adjustment and life quality, although the differences were not as great. Benefits did not all appear at the same time, or equally in men and women, and some benefits did not appear until well after the program ended. Data on marital status transitions during the four-year follow-up period are analyzed, and suggestions are offered for further enhancing program effectiveness.