In most technologically advanced countries unprecedented change in once stable life styles is affecting the family's ability to fulfill its basic function. A preventive model of family life education which promotes the acquisition of fundamental competencies necessary for personal and family living has the potential to fill such a need. Data concerning philosophy, curriculum and educational practices of family life education were collected in Austria, Germany, Denmark and Sweden through tape-recorded interviews and on-site visits with counselors, family life educators, and couples. Differences in life style and educational methods outnumbered similarities. However, most persons agreed that the two basic family functions were meeting the emotional needs of members and socializing the children. The public was generally unaware of the holistic concept of family life education, and considered it to be vocational rather than general education. The findings suggest that family life education needs an integrated core of study. (Author/JAC)