Perception of Marital Problems and of Their Prevention by Quebec Young Adults

Abstract

Abstract The perception of marital problems and the interest in different themes that could be addressed in preventive programs for marital conflict were surveyed among Quebec adults aged 18 to 25 years. Results show that communication problems were perceived as particularly frequent and damaging for couples. Furthermore, jealousy seemed to be a particular concern for these young adults. They also showed a level of interest in different premarital counseling topics that was moderately high but less than the interest shown by American college students. Adaptation to the arrival of the first child, parenting skills, and expressing feelings were judged as the most interesting themes by the participants, whereas spiritual development, organizing household tasks, and relationships with in-laws were considered the least interesting.