Title: Assess personal readiness and responsibilities for partnerships (e.g., marriage, family life).
Course: Life Planning (19257-36) > Section: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Assessment should include

- the degree of relative independence from parents or guardians
- emotional and intellectual maturity
- economic independence
- desire to commit to and accept responsibilities associated with a long-term relationship with another person.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What factors influence a decision as to whether and how to form one’s own family?
- What criteria should be used to weigh the importance of each of these factors?
- What is the relationship between educational and career goals and marriage and family life?
- What does it mean to be in a long-term relationship?
- How does a breakdown in a long-term or marital relationship affect family members?

Communication

- What questions should be asked to determine readiness and desire for marriage and family life?
- What is the role of communication in making decisions regarding family life?

Leadership

- What ethical standards will guide you in considering your readiness and desire for marriage and family life?
- What might be the consequences of unrealistic expectations regarding family?
- What leadership abilities are needed to make responsible decisions?

Management

- What are some favorable and unfavorable factors to consider in predicting marital happiness?
- What resources are available to help evaluate personal factors regarding desire and readiness for marriage and family life?
- What management skills can help with decision making?