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

Abstract

The OurRelationship Program is an 8-h web-based program for distressed couples adapted from Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we aimed to replicate results from the founders and test feasibility criteria for program implementation across cultures. We randomized 39 Danish, opposite-sex, distressed, parenting couples to either the OurRelationship program or self-guided bibliotherapy (a self-help book with a reading guide). Results showed significant within-group changes in couple and individual functioning; for the OurRelationship, small-to-large effect sizes (d = 0.46-1.35 for relationship functioning, d = 0.29-0.80 for individual functioning), and for Bibliotherapy, small-to-moderate changes (d = 0.49-0.75 for relationship functioning, d = 0.28-0.45 for individual functioning). Differences between conditions were insignificant, except for moderate differences in reductions of communication conflict (d = 0.79) and relationship negatives (d = 0.43) in favor of OurRelationship. While feasibility results were positive, a sustainable implementation requires a resourceful organization and large-scale delivery.