Abstract

Background and objectives: Nowadays, less attention has been paid to the mental health and educational needs among couples. The present study set out to test a modern approach to determine the impact of marriage enrichment program via distance learning on mental health and its dimensions. Method: To this aim, 80 couples who enjoyed criteria to enter the study were selected by using simple random method and were divided into two experimental (n=40couple) and control (n=40couple) groups. Distance intervention was conducted for the experimental group in 6 topics over 12 weeks. Data were collected by using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and analyzed by using t-test (independent and paired samples) and AVCOVA test at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: After intervention, a significant improvement was observed in the level of mental health and its dimension (Anxiety and sleep disorder, somatic symptoms, and social function) in the experimental group, compared to the control group (p<0.001), which was maintained over a 6-month follow-up. However, no significant effect was observed in depression symptoms. Discussion and conclusion: Distance intervention led to an improvement in mental health level and its dimension among the selected couples. It seems that marriage enrichment via distance learning especially using social networks can be an effective way to improve the mental health among couples and families.