The literature on marriage supports teaching essential skills to enhance relationship quality and prevent divorce. However, limited marriage and relationship curricula tailored for African cultures, especially within the South African context, are currently available. This study aimed to redress gaps in literature and practice, outlining elements for inclusion into a marriage enrichment program (MEP) grounded on PREP 8.0 (Prevention and Relationship Education Program) and current baseline research conducted in South Africa. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was utilized, using face-to-face interviews with leaders and social services practitioners (SSPs) and a pilot study with couples, all sampled purposively. Findings show that (1) Black Africans are in high need of MEPs, revealed through intense gratitude and (2) a prerequisite for positive outcomes is the integration of equally necessary traditional contextual components with modern practices, elucidated by practical recommendations. A contextual and culturally relevant MEP is a systematic attempt to improve the functioning of marriage through education, effectively supporting Black Africans to cultivate healthy, stable family relationships.
Keywords: culturally relevant; healthy relationships; marriage and relationship education; marriage enrichment program; preventative intervention; stable families.
© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.