Does social and economic disadvantage moderate the effects of relationship education on unwed couples? An analysis of data from the 15‐month Building Strong Families evaluation.

摘要: The Administration for Children and Fami- lies (U.S. Department of Health Human Services) initiated the Building Strong Fam- ilies (BSF) project in 2002. This involves development evaluation relationship education programs unmar- ried couples with young children. Most these face a variety economic social disadvantages, their relationships tend to be unstable. goal BSF is strengthen quality stability unions and, so doing, improve well-being children.In2005,MathematicaPolicyResearch(MPR) began formal eight sites. Over 3-year period, more than 5,000 were enrolled, first round evaluations occurring about 15 months after entered program. 15-month found, all sites pooled, no impacts program on likelihood that married or stayed together. Similarly, had effects (happiness, support, constructive destructive conflict behaviors, faithfulness, physical aggression) among those who remained together (Wood, McConnell, Moore, Clarkwest, & Hsueh, 2010). One site (Oklahoma City) showed consistent pattern positive quality, whereas another (Baltimore) negativeeffects.Theremainingsixsitesrevealed littleevidenceofprogrameffects.Theevaluation also found which both partners African American (but not from other racial ethnic groups) appeared benefit participation.The results 36-month MPR comparable; over- stability, although some observed one (Oklahoma), negative (Florida). general benefits at dissipated by time follow-up Killewald, Monahan, 2012).These findings have contributed debate researchers practitioners effectiveness marriage low-income populations. Some observers argued financial problems everyday stress overwhelm any potentially outcomes (e.g., Johnson, 2012; Karney Bradbury, 2005). Other acknowledged goals are difficult achieve Nevertheless, they claim existing shown enough evidence success (albeit modest) warrant continuing Hawkins Fackrell, 2010; et al., 2013).These disagreements assume socially economically disadvantaged respond less positively do advantaged - an assumption has rarely been tested. In fact, many authors recommended estimating subgroups par- ticipants defined pretreatment characteristics (Bloom Michalopoulos, 2013; Gibson, 2003). For example, answer question ''What works best whom?'' welfare-to-work programs, Michalopoulos (2004) created summary disadvantage index based three variables: educational attainment, welfare history, earnings year prior random assignment. His assessment indicated components differentially beneficial individuals different levels disadvantage. job search assistance education) produced most gains group. value this approach seems clear; is, would effective if services could targeted likely benefit.This study involved reanalysis data evaluation. …