Do Racial/Ethnic Disparities Differ Between Relationship Education Groups? Testing the Cultural Effectiveness of Racially Diverse Relationship Education Groups

Presently, there is a lack of research on the cultural effectiveness of relationship education programs (REPs). Although it is well documented that cultural processes influence outcomes of group-based interventions, less is known about whether some relationship education groups are less effective for racial/ethnic minority (REM) members compared with for White members of the same group. This research is needed given the recent diversification of REPs and increasing awareness of the need to deliver culturally competent and effective services. This study examined if relationship education groups differed in cultural effectiveness by testing for between-REP group disparities in the outcomes of REM and White members of the same group. Data set for the current study consisted of 333 REM and 144 White members of 59 relationship psychoeducation groups. Group members' communication patterns and relationship quality were assessed pre- and posttreatment. Results indicated that REP groups significantly varied in their overall effectiveness, as measured by members' adjusted posttreatment communication patterns, but not relationship quality. In addition, REP groups differed in their cultural effectiveness, such that, some relationship education groups were less effective for REM members compared with for White members of the same group, regarding their adjusted posttreatment relationship quality. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.