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"Mechanisms of change in a brief, online relationship intervention": Correction to Roddy et al. (2019)
Abstract:
Reports an error in "Mechanisms of change in a brief, online relationship intervention" by McKenzie K. Roddy, Caitlin A. Stamatis, Karen Rothman and Brian D. Doss (Journal of Family Psychology, Advanced Online Publication, Aug 05, 2019, np). In the article, the effect sizes listed in the "Mech. slope→CSI slope" and "Indirect effect of treatment" columns of Table 2 were calculated incorrectly and mistakenly reported as Cohen's d values. These errors do not change any of the conclusions of the study. However, the correct values, column heads, and associated footnote are presented in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2019-44071-001.) Internet delivery of couple interventions is becoming increasingly popular; however, little is known about mechanisms of change during these interventions. One online, self-help relationship intervention-the OurRelationship program-has been shown to improve relationship satisfaction (Doss et al., 2016) during the intervention and to maintain gains through 12-months follow-up (Doss, Roddy, Nowlan, Rothman, & Christensen, 2019). This study seeks to understand mechanisms during and following this program using the same sample of 300 couples (600 individuals) randomly assigned to the program or a waitlist control group. Results from the bivariate growth curves revealed that greater increases in relationship satisfaction during the intervention were explained by improvements in negative communication, emotional intimacy, as well as target problem confidence and severity. However, changes in acceptance of targeted relationship problems, positive communication, and self-protective orientation were not related to changes in satisfaction during the intervention. Additionally, in a multivariate model, relationship target problem severity alone remained significant in the presence of other mechanisms. Improvements in positive and negative communication during the intervention and level of negative communication at the end of the intervention predicted maintenance of gains in satisfaction over 12-month follow-up. Results replicate previous findings that communication (Doss, Thum, Sevier, Atkins, & Christensen, 2005) and emotional intimacy (Doss et al., 2005; Hawrilenko, Gray, & Córdova, 2016) are key components in initial decreases in relationship distress. Furthermore, results suggest that improvements in communication may help couples more effectively navigate problems following the intervention-above and beyond its associations with prepost improvements in satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Insights
This study on online relationship interventions found that improvements in communication and emotional intimacy during the program significantly boosted relationship satisfaction. These communication gains also helped couples maintain improvements long-term.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Psychology
Background:
- Online relationship interventions are growing in popularity.
- Understanding the mechanisms of change in these interventions is crucial.
- The OurRelationship program has demonstrated effectiveness in improving relationship satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of change during and after a brief, online relationship intervention.
- To identify specific factors that contribute to improvements in relationship satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a sample of 300 couples randomly assigned to an online intervention or a waitlist control group.
- Employed bivariate growth curves and multivariate models to analyze changes in relationship satisfaction and related mechanisms.
- Assessed communication, emotional intimacy, and problem severity as potential mediators of change.
Main Results:
- Increased relationship satisfaction during the intervention was linked to improvements in negative communication, emotional intimacy, and problem severity.
- Relationship problem severity was a significant predictor of satisfaction changes.
- Improvements in positive and negative communication predicted the maintenance of satisfaction gains over 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Communication and emotional intimacy are key to reducing relationship distress.
- Improvements in communication facilitate long-term relationship problem navigation.
- The findings support the role of specific mechanisms in the efficacy of online relationship interventions.
