An Evaluation of the ELEVATE Program for Couples: Considering Vulnerabilities and Relationship Length.

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of a new research‐informed couple relationship education (CRE) curriculum, ELEVATE, in a diverse sample of 300 adults. Methods: Using a quasi‐experimental design and propensity score adjustments, change trajectories were compared over a 6‐month period with multilevel growth‐curve modeling. Variations in outcomes based on income, family harmony, and relationship length were also explored. Results: Results indicate sustained program effects of ELEVATE over 6 months in four of the nine target outcomes (intimate knowledge of partner, social connections, conflict management skills, and couple relationship quality). Participants experiencing more stressful family contexts at baseline experience a greater amount of change in intentionality, developing a couple identity, use of caring behaviors, relationship quality, and depressive symptoms. Participants in more established relationships experienced greater change in conflict management skills and relationship quality. Participants with higher levels of income experienced greater change in developing a couple identity and social connections. Conclusion: These findings evidence several positive program effects for the ELEVATE program for a broad group of participants and also reveal some distinctions in change patterns for subgroups. Implications: This research provides information relevant to the development of best practices for CRE in diverse communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]