Abstract
M.A.
1. Introduction
There is a need for more effective ways in which marital
preparation programmes can be presented, as the demand for
psychological services exceeds the supply. Psychological
education and the application of psychotechnological aids,
consisting of printed and video material, computer technology
and interactive video-systems may be a major source through
which a solution for the above-mentioned problem may be
found.
2. Aim of the present study
The object of this study was to compare two ways of presenting
marital preparation. The effectiveness of the traditional
way in which marital preparation is presented,
consisting of the help of a program presenter, was compared
with the effectiveness of marital preparation presented by
psychotechnological aids.
3. Method of research
3.1 The research design
The research design selected for the purpose of this
investigation was the N = 1 sample design. This design
enables one to study a single subject or a couple intensively.
The effect of certain interventions can thus be
evaluated. Experimental evaluation in research where the
N = 1 sample design is used, is found through graphical representation,
visual inspection as well as a description of
the graphics and visual interpretation.
3.2 The subjects
Two engaged couples participated in the research project.
Neither had any former experience of a marriage preparation
programme.
3.3 The measuring instruments
The measuring instruments used in this investigation were:
(1) The Dyadic Adjustment Scale;
(2) The Empathy Scale;
(3) The Communication Skills Test;
(4) The' Questionnaire on Positive Reinforcement;
(5) The Scoring Procedures for Problem Solving Skills;
(6) The Intimacy Questionnaire;
(7) Qualitative evaluation.
3.4 The experimental procedure
The subjects were exposed to the marriage preparation
programme in separate ways. Both couples received a workbook
for engaged couples. Supplementary to the workbooks the
researcher served as the presenter to the control couple.
The experimental couple received interactive video modules,
to be completed after each session in the workbook. In spite
of the different ways of presentation the subjects had to
complete the above-mentioned measuring instruments after
specific sessions. It was of utmost importance that the
measuring procedure was precisely the same for both couples.
On the completion of the program, an-interview situation was
used to obtain the qualitative evaluation from each
independent couple, in regard to content and presentation of
the marital preparation programme.
5. Results of the investigation
In regard to the results obtained in the investigation, it
appeared that both forms of presentation was duly effective.
Both the control and the experimental couples showed a
definite improvement with regard to relationship adjustment,
from being exposed to the marital preparation programme. It
was irrespective of the form of presentation. The conclusion
gained was that both forms of presentation should be used
supplementary to each other to achieve optimal efficiency.
It was shown that both forms of presentation had valuable
learning processes.