THE USE OF INTER-ACTION CENTERED SCHEDULES IN GROUP WORK WITH PRE-MARITAL COUPLES

Abstract

The Pre-marital Schedules were originally developed for the counselor's use in pre-marital counseling with couples. The materials are designed to be filled in privately by a couple, TOGETHER, i.e., the counselor is not present while the couple works on tbe schedule. They are then reviewed by the counselor and the couple. No use of these educational aids by groups was envisioned. However, fairly early in a pilot study conducted to field test the materials, a number of counselors pointed out that they were adaptable to group use and asked permission to use them in this context. These counselors pointed out that there was a scarcity of materials and aids available in the area of group work with pre-marital couples. They expressed a need for a framework around which to conduct group counseling and educational sessions in preparation for marriage. The counselors believed that the Premarital Schedules might offer such a framework.