FOCCUS is a 156-item
instrument (with an
additional 33 optional items
for interfaith couples,
cohabiting couples and
couples in which one or both
partners are remarrying)
that was developed in
1984-86, updated with
cohabiting couple items in
1997 and revised in 2000
with new research based
items in the areas related
to spirituality and
religion. All editions have
strong psychometric
characteristics of
reliability, content,
construct and predictive
validity.
FOCCUS is a self diagnostic
inventory designed to help
couples learn more about
themselves and their unique
relationship. It is not a
test nor meant as a
predictor of success or
failure. It is a tool to
help couples identify and
work through issues before
marriage. Although used by
many educators and
counselors, FOCCUS is not
primarily a counseling nor
teaching tool. It is a
discussion instrument
intended to maximize the
total marriage preparation
by tailoring it to the
individual couple and by
providing comprehensive
content and process that
best serves the couple
preparing for marriage and
those working with them.
FOCCUS is designed to be
used at three levels.
The 1st level initiates
individual and couple
awareness and discussion of
issues. It begins when each
partner responds
independently to the
inventory items (45 to 60
minutes) and is then
encouraged to explore
thoughts and responses with
the other even before
reviewing their FOCCUS
REPORT with a coach.
The 2nd level involves
facilitation of the couple’s
discussion and problem
solving around patterns
identified within categories
in their FOCCUS REPORT.
FOCCUS coaches make use of a
Facilitator Manual that
includes explanation of all
patterns and hundreds of
additional resource
questions. FOCCUS is
designed for use by both
professional coaches and
trained lay coaches. At the
completion of the discussion
of the FOCCUS REPORT, both
partners complete a form
called FOCCUS for the
Future, which helps them
consolidate what they have
learned about their
relationship and plan how to
use this in their future.
The
3rd level involves three
kinds of referrals. The
first kind is not needed by
every couple and is for
specialized assistance
(e.g., domestic violence,
alcoholism, sexual
dysfunction). The second
referral is to various
resources, e.g., books,
videos, magazines, etc. The
third referral is to
educational or skill
training programs, i.e.,
Discovery Weekend,
PreCana,
Special PreCana,
Marrying with Stepchildren
PreCana,
PreCana in Polish,
PreCaná Hispana
or
PreCaná Hispana Especial.
Instructions for taking
FOCCUS (Click here)
|
