Poster Session 4: Family Dynamics and Decisions

Presenters: Sarah Almalki, Chelsea Garneau-Rosner

Summary
Using data from 24 participants, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing a culturally responsive evidence-based couple and relationship education (CRE) program with Arab-American married adults. Field notes and post-program interviews with engaged and non-engaged participants revealed that important role of religion, family, and gender when implementing CRE programs with Arab-American adults. Additionally, results showed that women were more likely to be interested in enrolling in the workshop than men. Cultural beliefs about mixed-gender classes and misconceptions about the nature of the CRE program were some of the reasons for the lack of interest by men. Those who completed the program wanted to improve their marriages. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Objectives
-- To assess the feasibility of implementing a culturally responsive evidence-based CRE program for Arab-American adults.
-- To propose a set of guidelines for effective CRE program delivery with Arab-American families.
-- To advance our understanding of translational and transnational research in the field of family science; translating knowledge from western context to an international context (e.g., immigrants)

Subject Codes: family relations, gender, migration
Population Codes: Family Life Education
Method and Approach Codes: contextual