Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Social Work
Advisor
Debra Wilson
Abstract
Researchers have conducted studies on the benefits of premarital counseling. However, little was known about the experiences of African American couples. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore African American couples’ perceptions and experiences concerning the benefits of premarital counseling. Social learning theory provided the framework for the study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with eight heterosexual African American couples. Colaizzi’s seven-step method of coding was used to analyze participants’ responses. Four themes emerged: couples’ expectations of premarital counseling, influences regarding participation, quality and structure of sessions, and overall experience. Findings could impact social change by increasing the cultural competency of social work professionals to help them provide a more individualized approach to premarital counseling for African Americans.
Recommended Citation
Roberts, Evelyn N., "Perceptions and Experiences of the Benefits of Premarital Counseling Among African American Couples" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14466.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14466
