Influence of a Statewide Marriage Initiative on Clergy Involvement in Marriage Preparation |
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| Authors: | Joe D. Wilmoth Samantha L. Smyser Tabitha Staier Tommy M. Phillips |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA jwilmoth@humansci.msstate.edu;3. School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA;4. Child Guidance Center , Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
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| Abstract: | Although government-funded community healthy marriage initiatives (CHMIs) often focus on clergy-provided premarital education, little is known about the influence of a statewide initiative on clergy attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors. The purpose of this study was to compare Oklahoma clergy over time and Oklahoma clergy with clergy from other states. The findings suggest that the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative (OMI), one of the earliest and largest CHMIs, has influenced clergy attitudes and perceived effectiveness but has had a limited effect on clergy behaviors. In addition, the findings suggest that Oklahoma clergy did not significantly differ from other clergy in the United States regarding premarital education attitudes and behaviors despite the efforts of the OMI. Based on these findings, policymakers should reevaluate approaches to clergy involvement in CHMIs. |
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| Keywords: | clergy evaluation marriage initiatives premarital education |
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