Tests of the Necessity of Coach Support for Low-Income Couples
From 2018-2020, we enrolled over 1,500 couples into a randomized controlled trial of the OurRelationship and ePREP programs for low-income couples (whose household income falls within 200% of the federal poverty line). This study examined the role of coach support in couples’ motivation to complete online couple interventions and in their effectiveness. In this project, approximately one fifth of couples were initially randomized to one of five conditions: 1) the OurRelationship program with ongoing coach support; 2) the OurRelationship program with only initial coach support; 3) the ePREP program with ongoing coach support; 4) the ePREP program with only initial coach support; or 5) a 6-month waitlist control group. In a limited SMART design, if couples without ongoing coach support experienced difficulty completing the online materials, they were re-randomized to either receive a coach or continue without coach support. This study was funded by a federal grant from the Administration of Children and Families.
Effectiveness of Online Programs for Low-Income Couples
From 2016-2018, we enrolled 742 couples into a randomized controlled trial of the OurRelationship and ePREP programs for low-income couples who fell within 200% of the federal poverty line (approximately equivalent to a household income of $50k for a two-parent family with two children). Couples were randomly assigned to receive the OurRelationship program, the ePREP program, or a 6-month waitlist control. In addition to receiving the program, couples also had four 15-minute calls with a graduate level relationship coach over the duration of the program. While study outcomes are still being analyzed, initial results suggest that both programs were effective in improving relationship satisfaction, relationship conflict, communication skills, and relationship knowledge, with few significant between-program differences. This study was funded by a federal grant from the Administration of Children and Families.
Nationwide Trial of the Effectiveness of Online Programs for Distressed Couples
Between 2013-2016, we enrolled a nationally representative sample of 300 heterosexual, relationally distressed couples into a randomized controlled trial of the web-based OurRelationship program in an effort to increase the reach and accessibility of services for distressed couples. Couples were randomly assigned to begin the program immediately or to a 2-month waitlist control group. In addition to receiving the program, couples also had four 15-minute calls with a graduate level relationship coach over the duration of the program. Results supported that, compared to the waitlist control group, the OurRelationship program was effective in significantly improving both relationship functioning (relationship satisfaction [Cohen’s d = 0.69], relationship confidence [d = 0.47], and negative relationship quality [d = 0.57]) and individual functioning (depressive [d = 0.71] and anxious symptoms [d = 0.94], perceived health [d = 0.51], work functioning [d = 0.57], and quality of life [d = 0.44]). Together, our findings suggest that the OurRelationship program can serve as a low-cost alternative to couple therapy. This study was funded by a federal grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Initial outcome study- A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Web-Based OurRelationship Program: Effects on Relationship and Individual Functioning
1-yr Follow up study- Maintenance of Gains in Relationship and Individual Functioning Following the Online OurRelationship Program
