Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:41
Assessment of Social Interaction Behaviors
Published on: February 25, 2011
Behaviors Associated With Improved Relationship Satisfaction: Examining Change in the Relationship Checkup.
Erica A Mitchell1, Patricia N E Roberson2, Desirée S Woodle3
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, USA.
Family Process
|June 20, 2026
Summary
The Relationship Checkup intervention improved relationship quality for the requesting partner (Partner A), positively impacting both partners' satisfaction. Improvements were maintained for aggression but decelerated for communication and safety over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Relationship distress affects one-third of US couples, with barriers limiting access to traditional couple therapy.
- The Relationship Checkup offers a brief, evidence-based intervention to address specific couple concerns.
- Home visitation delivery of the Relationship Checkup was utilized in the Southeastern US.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between short-term changes in relationship quality indicators and longer-term relationship satisfaction.
- To investigate how changes in relationship quality influence an individual's and their partner's satisfaction.
- To assess the maintenance of intervention effects on relationship satisfaction, constructive communication, intimate safety, and relationship aggression.
Main Methods:
- Dyadic Latent Growth Curve models were employed with a sample of 649 couples (1298 individuals).
- Short-term change (pre- to 1-month post-intervention) in relationship quality was assessed.
- Longer-term change (pre- to 6-months post-intervention) in relationship satisfaction was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Short-term improvements in relationship quality by Partner A (requesting partner) were linked to longer-term satisfaction changes for both self and partner.
- Partner B's short-term relationship quality changes were associated with their own longer-term satisfaction but not their partner's.
- Improvements in relationship aggression were generally maintained, while gains in intimate safety and constructive communication showed deceleration.
Conclusions:
- Focusing on the requesting partner's concerns in couple interventions may enhance effectiveness.
- The study highlights the differential impact of each partner's short-term relationship quality changes on long-term satisfaction.
- Intervention effects on relationship quality indicators vary over time, suggesting potential need for booster sessions or tailored approaches.
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