You need to have things go smoothly instead of having all these little fights. Critics, however, suggest such courses may be only marginally useful. She is also concerned that teachers who may be given no training at all may not be prepared to deal with possible emotional fallout. Although there is much positive, anecdotal feedback from teachers and students, Diane Sollee says as yet there is little scientific research supporting skills-based marital and relationships training in schools. Some discouraging news came recently from pioneering researcher John Gottman, who found that in the middle of an argument even happily married couples cannot always use techniques for fighting fair.
Some analysis is on the way.
California State University San Bernardino and South Dakota State University will independently evaluate results of the Connections program, now used in 20 states. Sollee stresses that most courses have nothing to do with sex education and are nonsectarian. The courses can be used, of course, in many places that feature religion, including church and community groups. Most in the relationships movement say that what they teach is more relevant than many current courses. These interpersonal skills they will use for the rest of their lives.