Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP)

The goal of the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) is to modify or enhance those dimensions of couples' relationships that research and theory have linked to effective marital functioning, such as communication, problem-solving skills, and protecting positive connections and expectations. Using techniques of cognitive-behavioral marital therapy and communication-oriented marital enhancement programs, PREP aims to help couples maintain high levels of functioning and prevent marital problems from developing. Topics covered include communication, conflict management, commitment, friendship, sensuality, problem-solving, and emotional supportiveness, among others. The program can be delivered in a variety of formats. Six 2-hour session are typical; other formats include a weekday session followed by a weekend retreat. Homework assignments are completed between sessions that require couples to practice skills, read chapters, and complete exercises. PREP is usually conducted with groups of three to eight couples and can also be delivered with larger groups. A trained consultant (or coach) ideally works with each couple throughout the program.

The goal of this program is to promote positive marital relationships and to prevent marital problems.

As of September 2006, an estimated 750 sites have implemented the intervention, including military bases, prisons, universities, and religious organizations. Study results include the following:

In a long-term study, PREP couples showed greater relationship satisfaction at 1.5 years and 3 years after the intervention than the control couples, who received pre- and postassessments only. Husbands in the PREP group reported greater relationship satisfaction than husbands in the control group at 4 and 5 years after the intervention.

In a long-term study, PREP couples showed improved communication 1.5 years after the intervention and fewer negative-behavior communications at 3 years after the intervention when compared with control couples, who received pre- and postassessments only. At 4 and 5 years after the intervention, husbands from the PREP group reported fewer negative communications than husbands from the control group.