Automated & Coached Web-based Programs to Improve and Strengthen Romantic Relationships

Web-based Marriage Preparation/Enrichment and Divorce Prevention for Low-Income Couples

This study investigates the effectiveness of self-help, web-based programs to improve romantic relationships and related outcomes. Couples will be randomly assigned to complete the OurRelationship program, the ePREP program, the OurRelationship program with the addition of a coach, the ePREP program with the addition of a coach, or a wait-list control group and followed for six months.

Nationwide, lower-income (LI) couples (those with household incomes <200% of the federal poverty level) - many of whom are also African American, Hispanic/Latino, or rural couples - face numerous challenges to their relationships. Chief amongst those challenges are: 1) higher risk of relationship problems and 2) lack of access to effective relationship services to prevent or intervene with relationship distress. Compared to higher-income couples, LI married and cohabiting couples are significantly more likely to divorce or separate and report lower relationship quality. Unfortunately, LI couples are least likely to receive interventions to prevent or solve relationship problems. To overcome these barriers, we propose to test the effectiveness of two effective web-based curricula - OurRelationship and PREP Online.

A total of 1,246 LI couples will be recruited nationwide and randomly assigned to the ePREP program, the OurRelationship program, the ePREP program plus a coach, the OurRelationship program plus a coach, or a wait-list control group and followed for six months. Once randomly assigned to group, couples will be assessed at one month, two months, four months, and six months following randomization. After couples randomized to the wait-list control group finish their waiting period, they will be able to select the program they would like to complete (OurRelationship or ePREP) but will not complete research assessments during or following their participation in the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. They are married, engaged, or have been cohabiting with their partner for at least six months
2. They are both located in the United States
3. Both partners are willing to participate in the study
4. Both partners are between the ages of 18 and 64 (inclusive)
5. Couples report a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe domestic violence
2. Inadequate internet connection
3. Previous participation in OR, PREP-O, in-person PREP, or its variants
4. Current participation in other relationship programs
5. Current participation in an evaluation funded by Administration for Children and Families