Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Hoda University, Qom, Iran
2
M.A. in General Psychology, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Hoda University, Qom, Iran
3
M.A. Student in Islamic-Based Counseling, University of Islamic Studies, Qom, Iran
4
Assistant professor Department of psychology and counseling , University of Qom, Qom, Iran
10.22034/ip.2026.368.1254
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of premarital education on spouse selection criteria and attitudes toward marriage among girls. The research method was quasi-experimental, using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included all unmarried girls in the city of Qom, from whom 20 participants were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both groups were assessed under identical conditions using the Mate Selection Criteria Questionnaire (Heratian et al.) and the Attitudes toward Marriage Scale (Braaten & Rosen) as the pretest. Subsequently, the experimental group underwent eight 90-minute sessions of premarital education intervention training (the PREP – Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program), while the control group received no intervention. Both groups were then reassessed at the posttest stage using the aforementioned instruments. Data analysis was conducted using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results indicated that premarital education was effective on spouse selection criteria, such that 35% of the variance in spouse selection criteria was explained by the educational package; however, the education had no significant effect on attitudes toward marriage. The findings of this study demonstrated that enhancing individuals' insight into their own qualifications and those of the prospective partner, as well as the compatibilities and requirements of the courtship period, can increase the likelihood of marital success through the modification of spouse selection criteria.
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