Harnessing technology to provide online couple interventions

Brian D Doss; Stephen Gabe Hatch

doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.014

Harnessing technology to provide online couple interventions

Curr Opin Psychol. 2022 Feb;43:114-118. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.014. Epub 2021 Jun 29.

Authors

Brian D Doss¹, Stephen Gabe Hatch²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Miami, PO Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0751, USA. Electronic address: bdoss@miami.edu.
² Department of Psychology, University of Miami, PO Box 248185, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0751, USA.

PMID: 34352723
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.014

Abstract

The logistical, financial, and attitudinal barriers to in-person treatments for relationship distress become even more formidable during periods of social isolation and physical separation. Digital couple interventions are a way to overcome these barriers to work with distressed couples in a remote and asynchronous fashion. We present the OurRelationship program as an example of such approach and detail its significant effects on relationship functioning, mental health, health behaviors, coparenting, and child adjustment across several randomized controlled trials. Notably, the program is more effective (and more likely to be completed) when it is provided with a coach and with the romantic partner-illustrating the importance of social connection even when treatments cannot be provided in person.

Keywords: Digital Couple Intervention; Internet; OurRelationship; Relationship Education.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Child
Couples Therapy*
Emotions
Humans
Internet-Based Intervention*
Mental Health
Technology