1. Strengthening Marriages and Families
Chapter 16

2. Family Strengths and Universal Values

3. Human Betterment…One Goal
Economic Adequacy
Justice
Freedom
Peacefulness
Boulding, 1985

4. Preparing for Marriage and Family Life

5. Premarital Programs Effective Programs have: Premarital inventory
Skill building component
Small discussion group format

6. PREPARE Premarital Program
Six Goals
Explore relationship strengths and growth areas
Develop or enhance communication and Assertiveness skills
Develop or enhance conflict resolution skills
Explore family of origin influences
Develop financial management skills
Develop personal, family, and couple goals

7. Common Couple Challenges
Conflict resolution
Couple flexibility
Personality issues
Communication
Leisure activities
Parenting

8. Seeking Family Assistance
Marriage and Family Therapists
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

9. Keys to Family Resiliency
Family Organizational Patterns:
Connectedness
Flexibility
Social and Economic Resources
Walsh, 1998

10. Keys to Family Resiliency
Family Communication Processes:
Clarity
Open emotional expression
Collaborative Problem Solving
Walsh, 1998

11. Keys to Family Resiliency
Family Belief Systems:
Making meaning of adversity
Positive Outlook
Transcendence and Spirituality
Walsh, 1998

12. Strong Families… Find the positive Pull together Communicate clearly
Keep things in perspective
Adopt new roles in flexible manner
Look at big picture
Find meaning and purpose
Address challenges head on