Comparing the OurRelationship Program and Bibliotherapy for Parents Experiencing Couple Distress: A Randomized Pilot

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Family Psychology

Background:

• Distressed couples often seek accessible interventions.
• Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) provides a foundation for effective couple interventions.
• Web-based programs offer scalable solutions for relationship support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test the OurRelationship Program, an 8-hour web-based intervention.
• To replicate findings from the program's founders.
• To assess the feasibility of cross-cultural implementation.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 39 Danish couples.
• Comparison between the OurRelationship Program and self-guided bibliotherapy.
• Assessment of couple and individual functioning using effect sizes.

Main Results:

• Both interventions showed significant within-group improvements in relationship and individual functioning.
• The OurRelationship Program demonstrated moderate effect sizes favoring reductions in communication conflict and relationship negatives.
• Feasibility criteria for program implementation were met positively.

Conclusions:

• The OurRelationship Program is a feasible web-based intervention for distressed couples.
• While showing promise, sustainable implementation requires organizational resources and large-scale delivery.
• Further research can explore broader cultural adaptations and efficacy.