The Effectiveness of Relationship Education in the College Classroom

Abstract

The effectiveness of relationship education (RE) has been a topic of great interest over the last decade, as has the focus on emerging adulthood as an important developmental stage. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of RE with emerging adults who may be single or early in dating relationships, instead focusing primarily on engaged couples or married couples. This study investigated the effectiveness of RE with emerging adults in a college course on relationship dynamics. Using the Within My Reach curriculum, the authors found significant positive increases in attitudes, knowledge, communication skills, and relationship characteristics. The implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.