Couple Checkup FAQs

1. How long will it take me to take this assessment?
There are 110-130 questions, based on you particular life stage of marriage. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

2. What do I do with the results?
Your results are only seen by you. After you receive the results and feedback, you will have the opportunity to review and discuss the results together. If you prefer, you can discuss the results with a pastor or counselor. In addition, Focus on the Family will provide you a list of resources to help you in each specific area as well as a biblical guide for reference. Or, you could contact Focus on the Family for guidance in seeking a counselor. See FAQ #17.

3. How will Focus on the Family help after I get the results?
In the feedback report we will recommend biblically based resources corresponding to each discussion topic. We also offer a free counseling referral service for a Focus-screened Licensed Therapist in your area. If you have more questions or would like further help, please call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

4. Does a portion of this money go to Focus?
Yes. A percentage of every assessment purchased goes to Focus on the Family.

5. Who is going to have access and be able to see our test results?
The results are sent directly to you. No one but you will see your results.

6. Will I be put on a spam list?
No. Focus on the Family does not sell names to any companies.

7. What if I can't afford it?
Focus on the Family incurs expense for each assessment taken, so if you believe that this assessment will strengthen your marriage we encourage you to find a way to pay. However, if you simply cannot find a way, please contact Focus on the Family to find out what options are available to you.

8. Why is it for sale and not a donation?
Focus on the Family partnered with Life Innovations to develop this assessment, and our partnership agreement stipulates that this product be sold for $29.95.

9. What is this? A survey? Quiz? Test? Assessment?
This is an assessment. It is an in-depth set of questions based on 20-plus years of research. It is much more insightful and reliable than a quick quiz you may find in a magazine or on some Web sites.

10. How is this different from PREPARE/ENRICH's version?
Focus on the Family has customized PREPARE/ENRICH's original version to reflect an explicitly biblical view of marriage. Obvious differences include Spiritual Belief scales and a Biblical References Guide.

11. Why isn't a trained counselor required?
The Couple Checkup has been packaged in a user-friendly format with questions that are appropriate and feedback that is understandable for couples to discuss on their own. If your results suggest you are in a conflicted relationship, the feedback report will encourage you to work with a trained counselor.

12. What does it mean that this is "Focusized/Christianized"?
See FAQ #10.

13. How will this improve my relationship?
This assessment can give you specific insight into not only your growth areas, but also your strengths. The checkup will provide discussion starters and guidelines to follow. The feedback section is designed to help you discuss each area. The resource section is designed to provide additional recommendations and help.

14. Does this address blended families?
Yes. When entering your information at the beginning before starting the assessment, the system will recognize you as a blended family and will add the relevant questions specifically for your marriage.

15. Is this assessment relevant for all stages of marriage?
Whether you are newly married, re-married, or have been married for 50+ years, this assessment will be helpful in finding the strengths in your marriage and the areas that may need more strengthening.

16. What if my spouse doesn't want to take it?
This assessment is set up as such that both spouses need to complete it. If your spouse does not want to take it, encourage him/her that it is not a "test" or "quiz" that one can pass or fail. This checkup is a tool that will show areas in your marriage that are strong and areas that need growing. It is informational — not critical.

17. What if I already know my marriage is in trouble?
We encourage you to call our Counseling Department. They will offer a consult over the phone to help steer you in the right direction. They are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MST). Due to periodic high call volumes, you may be asked to leave your contact information so that a counselor can call you back. Our number is (719) 531-3400 ext. 7700.

18. Will this tool be useful even though I'm already in trouble?
It can be. This assessment was not created to only point out the areas in your marriage that need help. It shows the areas you are strong in as well. It may be encouraging to you and your spouse to see the strong areas in your marriage. If you do however, feel that your marriage is in trouble, then please call our Counseling Department. See the above FAQ #17 for their contact information.

19. Why should I take this?
It can provide a unique snapshot of your marriage and provide new understanding that can take your marriage to the next level. The checkup is useful for couples who may be experiencing some challenges in their marriage but it is also useful for couples who want to "checkup" on their marriage and make it stronger than ever before.

20. When should I take it?
You and your spouse may take it at your convenience. It is designed for one spouse to take first, and then the other. If you are interrupted and need to complete it at a later time, you may do so by logging back in with your account number and password.