Comparative Analysis of the Role of Premarital Education and Counseling in Appropriate Mate Selection and Sustainable Marriage from the Perspectives of University Students and Family Counselors
Keywords:
appropriate mate selection, sustainable marriage, family counselors, premarital counselingAbstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the perspectives of university students and family counselors regarding the effectiveness of premarital education and counseling in appropriate mate selection and the formation of sustainable marriages.
Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive–survey design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of students from Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch, and professional family counselors in Mazandaran Province. A total of 450 students and 58 family counselors were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling and purposive sampling, respectively. Data were collected using the Mate Selection Criteria Questionnaire and a researcher-developed instrument. Psychometric properties were verified through confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, KMO, and Bartlett’s test. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, employing factor analysis, Friedman test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test at a significance level of .05.
Findings: Inferential analyses revealed that premarital counseling, educational programs, educational content, and educational delivery significantly influenced appropriate mate selection and sustainable marriage (p < .05). Friedman test results indicated significant differences in the prioritization of these components within both participant groups (p < .001), with premarital counseling ranked as the most influential factor by both students and family counselors. Mann–Whitney U test results showed no statistically significant differences between the perspectives of students and counselors regarding the evaluated components (p > .05).
Conclusion: Premarital education and counseling play a decisive role in enhancing conscious partner selection and promoting long-term marital stability, with consistent recognition of their importance among both emerging adults and professional practitioners.
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References
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