TYRO Couples: Family, Relationship, and Marriage Education Works - Adults (FRAMEWorks) Study

This study was in response to Grant Number HHS-2020-ACF-OFA-ZB-1817 from the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

A randomized control trial (RCT) study was used to estimate impacts of curriculum delivery. Primary research questions focused on whether program participants who were randomly assigned to the TYRO Couples Curriculum through an on-demand format would derive more benefits compared to those who were assigned to the TYRO Couples curriculum in a standard, in-person format. Participants were randomly assigned to the on-demand (treatment) group (n=403) and in-person (control) group (n=417) after informed consent. Participants completed the curriculum in person or on tablets. Evaluators then estimated the impact of delivery mode on employment and financial attitudes six months after program enrollment. Secondary research questions focused on behavioral changes six months after program enrollment, and relationship attitudinal changes immediately following program completion for couples.

Study enrollment began on April 11, 2023, and continued through November 30, 2024.

The study had the following primary research questions:
What is the impact of the on-demand delivery (treatment) compared to the in-person delivery (counterfactual) of the TYRO Couples curriculum on employment attitudes six months after program enrollment?

What is the impact of the on-demand delivery (treatment) compared to the in-person delivery (counterfactual) of the TYRO Couples curriculum on financial attitudes six months after program enrollment?

The study had the following secondary research questions:
For participants who report being in a relationship, what is the impact of the on-demand delivery (treatment) compared to the in-person delivery (counterfactual) of the TYRO Couples curriculum on marriage/intimate partner relationship behaviors six months after program enrollment?

For participants who report being in a relationship, what is the impact of the on-demand delivery (treatment) compared to the standard in-person delivery (counterfactual) of the TYRO Couples curriculum on marriage/intimate partner relationship attitudes after program completion?

The focal population for the study was incarcerated males and females who are at least 18 years of age and within nine months of release from prison in six central Ohio facilities: Ohio Reformatory for Women, Richland Correctional Institution, Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility, Lorain Correctional, North Central Correctional, and the Worth Center (for women). These facilities are located in central, north central, northeastern, and northwestern Ohio.

Across all four primary and secondary outcomes, participants assigned to the tablet-based delivery reported slightly higher average scores than their in-person counterparts. However, none of the treatment effects reached statistical significance. The regression model for financial attitudes was statistically significant overall (F(12, 197) = 4.619, p < .001; R² = 0.220), but treatment assignment did not predict outcomes (β = –0.121, p = 0.164). Employment attitudes results were similar, with no significant treatment effect (β = 0.011, p = 0.894). Secondary outcomes (relationship behaviors and attitudes) showed consistent patterns, with no meaningful differences between delivery modes. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of findings under alternative model specifications.