Hearing the voices of Black Africans: Essential components for culturally relevant marriage enrichment programs in South Africa

This study aimed to redress gaps in literature and practice, outlining elements for inclusion into a marriage enrichment program (MEP) grounded on PREP 8.0 (Prevention and Relationship Education Program) and current baseline research conducted in South Africa. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was utilized, using face-to-face interviews with leaders and social services practitioners (SSPs) and a pilot study with couples, all sampled purposively. Findings show that (1) Black Africans are in high need of MEPs, revealed through intense gratitude and (2) a prerequisite for positive outcomes is the integration of equally necessary traditional contextual components with modern practices, elucidated by practical recommendations. A contextual and culturally relevant MEP is a systematic attempt to improve the functioning of marriage through education, effectively supporting Black Africans to cultivate healthy, stable family relationships.
Source: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research