Comparing the effectiveness of premarital education based on the model of building a lasting connection and the SYMBIS model on the adjustment of newly married couples and couple candidates

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of premarital education based on the "Building a Lasting Connection" model and the "SYMBIS" model on the marital adjustment of newly married couples and couple candidates. The research method employed was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group, including a three-month follow-up. The statistical population included couples on the verge of marriage or married in 2023 who sought services at the center in Mashhad. A purposeful selection led to 24 couples, who were then randomly divided into three groups (8 couples in each group). The research tool used was the Marital Adjustment Scale (DAS) by Spinner (1976). In one weekly session, one experimental group received the "Building a Lasting Connection" model in 6 sessions lasting 2 hours, while the other experimental group received the SYMBIS model intervention in the form of 8 sessions lasting 90 minutes each. Data analysis was conducted using mixed variance analysis. Results indicated that, except for the satisfaction component (P<0.05), the SYMBIS group had a significant and stable effect on the components of solidarity, affection, and agreement (P<0.01). The "Building a Lasting Connection" group also had a significant and stable effect on all four components of marital adjustment (P<0.01). In comparison to SYMBIS, the "Building a Lasting Connection" model demonstrated more effectiveness in affection and agreement (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results suggest that the "Building a Lasting Connection" model may be a more efficient treatment compared to the SYMBIS model in improving the marital compatibility of newly married couples and couple candidates.