Single-Day Couples Intervention for Veterans and Their Romantic Partners: A Pilot Feasibility Trial

Separation and divorce are associated with deterioration of mental and physical health. Veterans are >60% more likely to experience separation/divorce compared to non-Veterans. Access to couple-based treatment is limited due to shortage of trained therapists, high costs, travel burdens, and stigma-challenges commonly exacerbated in rural settings.

This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a single-day, 6-h group workshop delivered virtually for rural Veterans and their romantic partners. The goal was to improve relationship quality and expand care access. Veterans and their partners completed measures of individual and relationship functioning before and 3 months post-workshop. Qualitative interviews were conducted 3 months post-workshop.

A total of 62 Veteran-partner couples participated (42% rural). Workshop completion (98%) and retention at the 3-month follow-up for Veterans (90%) and partners (79%) were high. Qualitatively, participants found the workshop helpful, engaging, and interactive. Many reported applying learned communication skills, viewed the workshop as a catalyst for improving their relationship, and said they would recommend it to others. From pre-workshop to 3 months post-workshop, Veterans reported reductions in trauma-related symptoms (ES = -0.23) and improvements in mental health functioning (ES = 0.22). Partners also showed improvements in overall functioning (ES = 0.27). No changes in relationship satisfaction were observed.

The workshop was feasible to implement and well-received by Veterans and their partners. Preliminary outcomes suggest the intervention may be effective in improving individual well-being. Single-day group workshops-particularly when delivered via telehealth-hold promise as a scalable approach to increase access to relationship support for rural Veterans.