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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:12096 |
| Date | 19 August 2014 |
| Creators | Basson, Erika Helen |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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