Online programs improve relationship functioning for distressed low-income couples: Results from a nationwide randomized controlled trial.
Year: 2020
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Although low-income couples experience greater relationship challenges, they have limited access to effective relationship interventions. Furthermore, most previous efforts to improve low-income couples' relationships have yielded very small effects (Hawkins & Erickson, 2015). In an effort to overcome these limitations, this study investigated the effectiveness of 2 web-based interventions for low-income couples. METHOD: ] annual household income = $27,000) were recruited nationally and randomized to the OurRelationship program, the ePREP program, or a waitlist control group. Couples were repeatedly assessed for 6 months using self-report measures of relationship satisfaction, communication conflict, intimate partner violence, emotional support, and breakup potential. Relationship status was assessed at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that brief, web-based interventions can serve a central role in delivering effective services to low-income couples. Additionally, the general equivalence of the two interventions indicates that both communication-focused and problem-focused interventions can be successful in improving the relationship functioning of low-income couples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000479
Authors: Brian D. Doss, Kayla Knopp, McKenzie K. Roddy, Karen Rothman, S. Gabe Hatch, Galena K. Rhoades
Institutions: University of Miami, University of Denver
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G6185158717
OpenAlex ID: W3009101736