OKDHS December Lecture Examines Issue of Marriage Education

OKLAHOMA CITY-- Imagine going to work in a career in which you had no formal education or training.  The likelihood of success would be rather slim, yet according to researchers many will enter into relationships that are destined to fail simply because of a lack of education.

“Does Marriage Education Work?” is the topic in the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Practice and Policy Lecture Series.  It will be held Monday, Dec. 10, from Noon until 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

“The truth is that most of what goes wrong in our significant relationships has to do with never having learned the skills and principles associated with successful relationships,” said Dr. Scott Stanley, research professor and co-director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver.  “Ultimately, when our relationships are healthy, we are more productive and more satisfied in all areas of life,” he added.

Stanley will discuss the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), and the skills and strategies that are critical in sustaining healthy relationships.  He has been involved in PREP research for more than 30 years, and has published various works related to commitment, communication, conflict, confidence, risk factors for divorce, prevention of marital distress as well as couple development.

Stanley received his Ph.D. from the University of Denver in 1986. His professional experience includes serving as the senior advisor to the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative since 2000. As a research professor, he has specialized in research on commitment and couple development, including research on cohabitation dynamics; and prevention of marital distress and divorce.

The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the OKDHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn. 

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552. View the complete lecture series lineup on the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website (Link opens in new window).

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