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Marital education is helpful for treating marital distress. Religious organizations have been identified as a particularly useful outlet for the dissemination of marital education. We describe and present initial evidence for the effectiveness of Marriage Matters, a church-based marital education program. Participants ( N = 731) reported a high level of satisfaction with the program and also reported feeling better about their marriage at the end of the program compared to the beginning of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although not a new concept, church-based health promotion programs have yet to be widely researched. Few of the initial studies used randomized and controlled designs. Dissemination of study results has been sporadic, with findings often reported in church periodicals. A renewed interest in church-based health promotion programs (CBHPP) is emerging. The purpose of this article is to propose seven key elements found in a literature review to be beneficial in establishing church-based community health promotion programs that demonstrated desired health promotion outcomes. Based on the outcomes of successful CBHPP, the following key elements have been identified: partnerships, positive health values, availability of services, access to church facilities, community-focused interventions, health behavior change, and supportive social relationships. An example of one program that embodies these elements is presented. The Heart and Soul Program, designed to increase physical activity in midlife women to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease with advancing age, is discussed within the context of the elements for successful church-based programs. CBHPP have effectively promoted health behaviors within certain communities. To promote health and wellness in light of our diverse society and health needs, health promotion professionals and churches can be dynamic partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonschool sex education programs are thought to be important for providing comprehensive coverage of sexual issues for adolescents. An important feature of such programs is their greater freedom, relative to public schools programs, to place the educational content in a values framework. Little empirical evaluation of program effectiveness has been completed to date, however, particularly regarding the effectiveness of the short term program. This study examines the effects of a short term, church-based program in relation to three program goals: increased sex information, heightened self-esteem, and clarity of personal sexual values. Using a pre-posttest, control group design, significant positive change in sex information and clarity of personal sexual values was found. Implications for further development and evaluation of nonschool sex education programs are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]