Transferable principles from a formative evaluation of a couples' empathy program

Sixteen individuals took part in a 12-hour empathy training program for married couples. The purpose of the current paper was to demonstrate the unique and beneficial information that comes from formative assessments, and provide an expanded and updated description of an empathy program. The information derived from formative evaluation was useful in making changes in session presentations, and demonstrating whether or not the objectives of each session were met. To date, the marital enrichment literature lacks examples of formative evaluations of relationship education programs. This study has implications for relationship educators and expands the current thinking that only outcome assessments need to be done in relationship education programs.