Self-helpinterventions for Parenting Couples With Couple Distress.
Self-help Interventions for Parenting Couples Experiencing Couple Distress: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
University of Aarhus
700 participants
Apr 9, 2024
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Children whose parents experience high levels of couple distress are at greater risk for emotional, behavioral, and academic problems. This study tests two types of self-help for parenting couples: the OurRelationship program (OR), an online guided program, and couple-focused bibliotherapy (BT), a book-based self-help approach. The investigators will compare these interventions with a waitlist (WL) control group to see which is most effective at reducing communication conflict between partners. They will also examine whether the interventions improve child well-being when problems are present at the start of the study. A total of 350 parenting couples in Denmark will take part. Eligible couples have at least one child under 18 living at home and report high levels of conflict or relationship distress. Couples will be randomly assigned to OR, BT, or WL. Questionnaires will be completed online before the program, after the program (10 weeks later), and at 3- and 12-month follow-ups.
Eligibility
Exclusion Criteria12
- Both partners are at least 18 years old.
- Cohabiting.
- Have at least one child under 18 living at home.
- Reside in a participating Danish municipality.
- Completed the baseline survey.
- Able to read and understand Danish.
- Have internet access and a compatible device (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
- Agree not to engage in couple therapy prior to the 3-month follow-up.
- Current plans to divorce or separate.
- Ongoing affair.
- Moderate to severe suicidal ideation.
- Recent incident of intimate partner violence resulting in physical injury or fear for the safety or well-being of oneself or one's children.
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Interventions
A guided self-help program for couples delivered online over 10 weeks. Participants complete structured learning modules and engage in planned couple conversations focused on improving communication, problem-solving, and emotional connection. Each couple receives support from a trained coach through five scheduled telephone or video calls. The program is designed to be flexible and completed at the couple's own pace within the 10-week period.
An unguided self-help program for couples using the Danish book "Take Care of Your Relationship" \[Pas på Parforholdet\] and an accompanying reading guide. Couples are encouraged to read assigned sections, engage in planned couple conversations, and apply strategies for improving relationship functioning. The intervention is self-paced and completed over 10 weeks without guidance from a coach or therapist.
Locations(1)
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NCT07125118