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Inclusion of Sexuality in Relationship Education Programs

Child and Family Psychological Services

Rachel B. Tambling

University of Georgia, tambling @uga.edu

Gary H. Bischof

Western Michigan University

Nikita Murry

Western Michigan University

Physical affection and sexual relations are important aspects of most couple relationships. This article examines the extent to which physical intimacy and sexuality are addressed in prominent premarital and relationship education programs in the United States. The six programs reviewed are Premarital Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), Couples Communication (CC), The Marriage Survival Kit, Relationship Enhancement (RE), PREPARE/ENRICH, and Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS). Brief summaries of each program's attention to sexuality are provided. The authors offer recommendations for the inclusion of sexuality in relationship education programs, with particular focus on more specific attention to sexuality, and expanded consideration of sexuality for diverse forms of couples, such as same-sex or cohabitating couples.

Key Words: physical intimacy • premarital education • relationship education • sexuality

References

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The Family Journal, Vol. 15, No. 4, 374-380 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1066480707304948


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Lieser, M. L. Articles by Murry, N. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?