Family Strengthening Programming is not Inherently More Effective for Military or Veteran Couples

Background: Previous research has shown that family strengthening programs (FSP) reduced divorce among military personnel. When similar programs were examined across the United States, protective effects were not found. Therefore, it is possible that either attributes of the military program or implementation in the military may increase effectiveness FSP. Purpose: The current study re-analyzed the Supporting Healthy Marriage study to determine whether this program was more effective for veterans and military couples. Materials and Methods: Of the 4813 couples included, 534 (11.1%) included at least one service member or veteran. Interactions between program enrollment and military status predicting divorce/separation at the 30-month follow-up were examined with logistic regression. Results: No significant interaction was found to indicate that the impact of FSP differed by military or veteran status. Examined categorically, no group had significantly altered risk of divorce. However, risk of divorce for military (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = [0.65, 1.90]) and veteran (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = [0.99, 2.09]) couples was non-significantly elevated in the experimental condition. Conclusion: FSP are not inherently more effective for veterans and military couples. Future research should examine FSPs delivered by a chaplaincy among civilians and veterans.