Dealing with couple infidelity in romantic relationships: A group intervention feasibility study.

The extent to which group therapy benefits individuals who have experienced couple infidelity remains unexamined. In this study, a brief group intervention for individuals who experienced couple infidelity was designed, and the feasibility of the intervention was evaluated (i.e., acceptability; implementation; measurements' performance and, limited-efficacy testing). The final sample was composed of 20 women and 4 men (M = 29.95 years, SD = 12.3). Twenty-four completed pre and post assessments and 20 of these completed the follow-up assessment. At pre, post, and follow-up, participants responded to a questionnaire packet that included measures of depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, relationship self-efficacy, centrality of event, cognitive fusion, and decision to forgive. Also, follow-up interviews were conducted. The closed group intervention consisted of eight 90-min weekly sessions. The group therapy process component was based on solution-focused therapy. Psychoeducation component included mindfulness, reflection on personal values, factors that contribute to infidelity, and forgiveness. Session rating scores indicated an overall high acceptance of the intervention, its contents, and goals. Interview reports showed that dealing with thoughts and emotions, understanding infidelity, and forgiveness were the most helpful contents. Group support and processes were also positively valued. Repeated-measures MANOVA results indicated statistically significant decrease in symptoms, cognitive fusion, and importance of the event, as well as an increase in self-efficacy. Measurement instruments showed adequate reliability. These results indicate that a group treatment may be an alternative format to help individuals deal with psychological consequences of couple infidelity, when couple therapy is not possible.

Comparative efficacy of the relationship checkup for same-gender couples.

Same-gender couples face unique sexual minority stressors that significantly impact individual and relationship health. This impact may be even greater among same-gender couples living in regions where there are pervasive social and legal biases that affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) community (e.g., south central Appalachia). Brief relationship interventions, like the relationship checkup, are effective at improving relationship health and can be widely disseminated due to the brief and flexible nature of the program. Yet, this program was developed for different-gender couples and, as a result, may lack specific intervention for the unique stressors of same-gender couples. While many skills delivered in relationship interventions, including the relationship checkup, are applicable to all couples, untailored interventions for same-gender couples may result in less impactful outcomes. The present study examined whether the relationship checkup, in its original, unadapted format, is as effective for same-gender couples as it is for different-gender couples. Using a subsample from the larger relationship checkup study (N = 656 couples), the present sample included 64 committed couples (same-gender = 32; different-gender = 32). We used propensity score matching to match different-gender participants to the same-gender participants based on racial minority status, poverty status, marital status, and parenting status. Results revealed that same-gender couples presented similarly to different-gender couples on baseline relationship functioning and changed similarly on all relationship functioning outcomes through 1-month postintervention. Same-gender couples also reported similar degrees of satisfaction with and perceived helpfulness of the relationship checkup. The relationship checkup appears to be equally effective and acceptable for same-gender and different-gender couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Improvements in depressive symptoms following a brief relationship intervention.

In the United States, 21 million adults are diagnosed with depression. Couple therapy effectively treats depression, however, couples encounter access barriers. The Relationship Checkup is an assessment and feedback intervention delivered in participants' homes. The current study examines changes in relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms, and moderators and mechanisms of change in a community sample (N = 85 couples). Changes in depressive symptoms and satisfaction, and the association between changes in satisfaction and depressive symptoms were examined with multilevel modeling. Depressive symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.36) and satisfaction (d = 1.43) improved from baseline to 1-month follow-up, with greater declines in depression (d = 0.44) for those with more severe symptoms. Increases in satisfaction were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms (d = 0.23), and decreases in depressive symptoms were associated with increases in satisfaction (d = 0.33). Individuals with depression and relationship distress may be well served by this intervention.

Implementing One-at-a-Time Therapy in community addiction and mental health centres: a retrospective exploration of the implementation process and initial outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The Department of Health of the Government of New Brunswick and Regional Health Authorities elected to implement Stepped Care 2.0 (SC2.0) in 2021, and began with One-at-a-Time (OAAT) therapy in Community Addiction and Mental Health Centres (CAMHCs) to facilitate rapid access to addiction and mental healthcare. This study: 1) explicated the process of implementing OAAT therapy as it aligned to evidence-based implementation frameworks and strategies; 2) assessed readiness for change among providers during the implementation; and 3) evaluated initial client and system outcomes. METHODS: The process of implementing OAAT therapy within CAMHCs was documented and retrospectively aligned with the Active Implementation Frameworks-Stages of Implementation, Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, and incorporated strategies endorsed by the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change. Providers working in CAMHCs completed online asynchronous courses in OAAT therapy and SC2.0, and were recruited to participate in research on perceptions of organizational readiness. Initial outcomes of the implementation were evaluated through client satisfaction surveys administered in CAMHCs and system performance indicators. RESULTS: Aligning with implementation stages, key strategies included: 1) continuously monitoring readiness and soliciting stakeholder feedback for iterative improvement; 2) building a representative implementation team with engaged leaders; 3) creating a comprehensive implementation plan on staff training, communication, and system changes; and 4) supporting sustainability. Providers who participated in research (N = 170, ~ 50% response rate) agreed that their organization was ready for implementation, and that OAAT therapy delivered within a SC2.0 framework was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. More than 3,600 OAAT therapy sessions were delivered during the initial implementation stage, and waitlists were reduced by 64.1%. The majority of clients who completed surveys (N = 1240, ~ 35% response rate) reported that their OAAT therapy session was helpful, with a minority reporting that additional intervention was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Thoughtful planning and execution, aligned with evidence-based implementation frameworks and strategies, played an important role in this provincial change initiative. Implementation steps outlined can help inform others looking to enact large-scale change.

The Head, the Heart, and the Community: Piloting a Brief Home-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Couples With Low Income.

Although mindfulness is documented to reduce both individual and relationship stress and has the flexibility to be taught anywhere (e.g., at home, clinic setting, etc.), research examining mindfulness interventions among individuals with low income and economic marginalization (LIEM; APA, 2019), or persons whose economic position negatively impacts their health or well-being due to factors such as access to healthcare, is limited. To address this gap, the author and colleagues used Community Based Participatory Research methods to develop a brief, couple-based, mindfulness intervention tailored for communities with LIEM (see Lenger et al., 2022). The present study tested this newly developed brief, couple-based, mindfulness intervention's effectiveness in improving individual and relationship health through 1- and 2-months post-intervention. The intervention was piloted on a sample of 39 couples with an overrepresentation of couples with LIEM. To improve access to care, couples could participate in their home or a variety of local clinics. Thirty-nine couples received the intervention and completed assessments on mindfulness, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship satisfaction, and communication at baseline, 1-month, and 2-months post-intervention. Results revealed that mindfulness, depression, and relationship satisfaction improved from baseline to 1-month post-intervention. Mindfulness improved at a greater rate for couples with LIEM relative to couples with higher incomes. From baseline to 2-months post-intervention, depression and stress significantly improved at similar rates for couples with higher income and couples with LIEM. Thus, this study indicates that mindfulness can be taught in a brief, two-session format, and can have favorable outcomes on individual and relationship functioning.

A special section: Recruiting and retaining couples from underrepresented backgrounds in intervention research.

This special section represents a collection of papers on recruitment and retention of couples from underrepresented backgrounds in couple intervention research. Research shows that couples from underrepresented backgrounds tend to be missing from intervention research. This gap is concerning; conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions are not being drawn from diverse and representative samples and it may be that scholars are inadvertently creating inappropriate and inaccessible services for these couples. Recruiting and retaining these couples require specialized efforts and attention. In this summary paper, we describe (a) the origins of this special section, (b) the existing research on recruitment and retention in couple intervention research, (c) an overview of the papers in this special section, and (d) future recommendations and directions for this aspect of methodology in couple research. This collection of papers elevates the need to involve community members from the beginning, reduce barriers to access, and create recruitment materials and a service delivery environment that is specific for the target population.

University-church partnerships: A mechanism to enhance relationship health.

Romantic relationship distress leads to decreased satisfaction and dissolution. While therapy is effective for helping distressed couples, it is often inaccessible due to cost, time, and childcare barriers. Churches are often able to offer lower-cost services and provide childcare. In partnership with a network of local churches, university staff trained lay leaders to deliver an evidence-based relationship education program and collected data from 97 couples to evaluate pre- to post-workshop changes in couple functioning. Multilevel modeling was used to examine changes from pre- to post-workshop and thematic analysis was used to analyze open-ended feedback responses. Results showed improvements in communication, relationship satisfaction, commitment, and intimacy safety, with the largest effect found for communication. Participants also reported improved communication skills were one of the most beneficial parts of the program. Through the partnership with a university, churches can offer and rigorously evaluate evidence-based programs to strengthen couple relationships in their communities.

Is mindfulness one-size-fits-all?: Consulting community members and stakeholders to adapt mindfulness for communities with low-income and economic marginalization.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although stress is pertinent to all people, individuals with low-income and economic marginalization (LIEM) tend to experience greater psychosocial stressors as well as different relationship stressors than individuals with higher income. While mindfulness may be a particularly useful tool for individuals with LIEM, it has yet to be adapted for this community. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the present study conducted focus groups with community members with LIEM to identify effective dissemination strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen individuals with LIEM were recruited to participate in one of two focus groups. The focus groups collected information on how individuals with LIEM cope with stress, how these individuals perceive mindfulness, and how to reduce barriers to participating in a brief mindfulness intervention for stress. Focus groups were transcribed and coded by four coders using thematic analysis within a grounded theory framework. RESULTS: Twelve themes were identified: movement-based coping, behavioral/tactile coping, interest in mindfulness, familiarity with mindfulness, tangible mindfulness, narrow understanding of practicing mindfulness, relaxing, affiliation, alliance with healthcare facility, storytelling, breaking bread, and mental health treatment stigma. CONCLUSION: Themes derived from the focus groups were discussed with community stakeholders. Findings from this study informed clinical considerations for using mindfulness with individuals with LIEM.

Couple variables predicting retention in a brief intervention and research.

Therapy is an effective form of treatment for couple distress; yet, research shows that 20%-60% of couples terminate treatment prematurely. Predictors of couple retention in therapy and research are unclear, particularly for couples from marginalized populations, which has important implications for the quality and generalizability of research results, and the benefits derived from therapy are limited when participants are not retained. The purpose of this study (N = 1310) was to identify couple-level variables that predict (1) retention in a brief, two-session couple intervention (The Relationship Checkup) delivered as a home visitation program and (2) retention in research participation at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Hypotheses were tested using a two-level multi-level model. Couples are significantly less likely to be retained in the brief intervention if (1) at least one partner identifies as Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native American, (2) at least one partner identifies as Hispanic/Latinx, or (3) both partners report mental or emotional health as a concern in their relationship. Couples are significantly less likely to be retained in research if (1) at least one partner identifies as Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native American (1 month only), (2) at least one partner identifies as Hispanic/Latinx (1 and 6 months), (3) if either partner reports clinically significant relationship distress at baseline (1 and 6 months), or (4) if either partner reports relationship aggression at baseline (6 months only). These findings are discussed with relevance to clinicians and researchers to recruit and retain more diverse and marginalized participants in couple interventions and follow-up research.

Diversity in the prevalence and correlates of extramarital sex in a probability sample of Latino adults.

Individuals from different Spanish-speaking countries are often combined into a single Latino group. However, this group is diverse, with immigrants and naturalized citizens coming from multiple countries. The present study was conducted to (a) examine potential differences in the annual prevalence of extramarital sex as a function of cultural group (Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, or other Latino) and nativity (born inside or outside the United States) and (b) identify explanations for any observed differences in the prevalence of extramarital sex, drawing on known correlates of extramarital sex and other psychosocial constructs that may be associated with cultural group or nativity that could account for such associations. Results from the National Latino and Asian American Study, a probability sample of Latinos in the United States, indicated that the annual prevalence of extramarital sex was significantly higher among (a) Puerto Ricans relative to Mexicans and (b) foreign-born individuals relative to those born in the United States. Probability of extramarital sex was significantly associated with marital satisfaction and frequency of religious attendance, but these variables did not account for the subgroup differences in the prevalence of extramarital sex. Marital adjustment, acculturation (English proficiency and use), enculturation (ethnic identity), and family cohesion were not significantly associated with probability of extramarital sex. Results underscore the need for continued research on understanding subgroup differences in the prevalence of extramarital sex within the diverse Latino community and identifying characteristics that account for such differences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Smarthealth technology study protocol to improve relationships between older adults with dementia and family caregivers.

AIM: The aim of this study is to develop a Smarthealth system of monitoring, modelling, and interactive recommendation solutions (for caregivers) for in-home dementia patient care that focuses on caregiver-patient relationships. DESIGN: This descriptive study employs a single-group, non-randomized trial to examine functionality, effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of the novel Smarthealth system. METHODS: Thirty persons with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia and their family caregivers (N = 30 dyads) will receive and install Smarthealth technology in their home. There will be a 1-month observation phase for collecting baseline mood states and a 2-month implementation phase when caregivers will receive stress management techniques for each detected, negative mood state. Caregivers will report technique implementation and usefulness, sent via Ecological Momentary Assessment system to the study-provided smartphone. Caregivers will provide daily, self-reported mood and health ratings. Instruments measuring caregiver assessment of disruptive behaviours and their effect on caregivers; caregiver depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress; caregiver strain; and family functioning will be completed at baseline and 3 months. The study received funding in 2018 and ethics board approval in 2019. DISCUSSION: This study will develop and test novel in-home technology to improve family caregiving relationships. Results from this study will help develop and improve the Smarthealth recommendation system and determine its usefulness, feasibility, and acceptability for persons with dementia and their family caregiver. IMPACT: The Smarthealth technology discussed will provide in-home stress reduction resources at a time when older adults may be experiencing increasingly high rates of isolation and anxiety and caregiver dyads may be experiencing high levels of relationship strain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with Clinical Trials.gov (Identifier NCT04536701).

Infidelity in the Time of COVID-19.

Infidelity occurs in approximately 25% of marriages and is associated with various negative consequences for individuals (e.g., depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress), the couple relationship (e.g., financial loss, increased conflict, and aggression), and the couple's children (e.g., internalizing and externalizing behaviors). Infidelity is also one of the most frequently cited reasons for divorce. The increased stress brought on by the pandemic may be putting couples at an increased risk for experiencing infidelity, and data collected during the pandemic have shown that people across the United States are engaging in behaviors that are associated with a high likelihood of experiencing infidelity. The negative consequences of infidelity are also likely to be exacerbated for couples during the pandemic due to the intersection with the social, emotional, and financial consequences of COVID-19. Furthermore, couples are likely to experience disruptions and delays to the affair recovery process during the pandemic, which can negatively impact their ability to heal. Therefore, recommendations for navigating affair recovery during the pandemic, including adaptations for therapy, are also discussed.

La infidelidad se da en aproximadamente el 25 % de los matrimonios y está asociada con varias consecuencias negativas en las personas (p. ej.: depresión, ansiedad, estrés postraumático), la relación de pareja (p. ej.: pérdida económica, aumento de conflictos y agresiones) y los hijos de la pareja (p. ej.: comportamientos de internalización y de externalización). La infidelidad también es uno de los motivos de divorcio más frecuentes. El aumento del estrés que genera la pandemia puede aumentar el riesgo de las parejas de ser infieles, y los datos recogidos durante la pandemia han demostrado que las personas de los Estados Unidos están teniendo conductas asociadas con una alta probabilidad de ser infieles. Además, durante la pandemia, las consecuencias negativas de la infidelidad tienden a exacerbarse en las parejas debido a la combinación con las consecuencias sociales, emocionales y económicas de la COVID-19. Asimismo, el proceso de recuperación de la aventura amorosa tiende a interrumpirse y retrasarse durante la pandemia, lo cual puede influir negativamente en la capacidad de sanar de las parejas. Por lo tanto, también se dan recomendaciones para orientarse en el proceso de recuperación de la aventura amorosa durante la pandemia, por ejemplo, adaptaciones relacionadas con la terapia.

Are marital relationships a barrier to health care utilization in Southern Appalachia?: A dyadic examination of the link between marital quality and individual health care usage.

INTRODUCTION: There are substantial health disparities in Appalachia partially due to the poor access and utilization of health care. Social support, especially in Appalachia, is consistently linked to the utilization of available health care. The present study aims to identify how on aspect of social support, relationship functioning, are associated with health care utilization for couples in Southern Appalachian. METHOD: Individual and couple data (N = 147, individuals; n = 76, couples) were collected from participants interested in a brief couple interventions. Individuals and Dyadic Path analyses were conducted in Mplus using methods to account for the dependence in the data. RESULTS: Relational aggression was the only marital factor linked to health care utilization in multivariate analyses while constructive communication was only linked to health care utilization in bivariate correlations, r = .24, p < .05. Dyadic results indicate that men's health care utilization may benefit from partner's relational aggression while women's utilization may be negatively influenced by her own self-reported relational aggression. DISCUSSION: An individual's social context must be considered in order to completely understand barriers to health care utilization. Further, the inclusion of couple/dyadic level interventions should be considered in order to improve health care utilization in the Appalachian region and similarly rural regions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Dyadic latent profile analyses and multilevel modeling to examine differential response to couple relationship education.

There are mixed evaluations of couple relationship education indicating that these types of interventions may be more or less effective depending on the couple type and demographic differences. However, this ambiguity requires more investigation with advanced statistical analyses that use a person-centered approach such as mixture modeling. We tested this hypothesis with a sample of different-sex couples (N = 455 couples) who participated in a brief in-home couple intervention. We used dyadic latent profile analysis to determine possible relationship health typologies (RHTs) of presenting couples and multilevel models to examine differential intervention effectiveness between these RHTs. Results indicated there were 3 RHT: Partners Below Average with Wife Much Lower RHT (18%), Partners Below Average with Men Slightly Lower RHT (26%), and Partner Both Above Average RHT, (56%). RHTs did not differ by demographics. Below Average and Wife Lower RHTs responded the best to the brief couple intervention. In sum, we find that a brief intervention that targets the specific concerns of the couples may improve outcomes for multiple RHT. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

A Longitudinal Investigation on the Relation between Self-Compassion and Alcohol Use in a Treatment Sample: A Brief Report.

Alcohol misuse is often a chronic problem such that relapses following treatment are common. One potential protective factor for alcohol misuse is self-compassion, which includes self-kindness, feelings of common humanity, and mindfulness when faced with personal suffering and hardships. This study tested the hypothesis that self-compassion, and specifically self-compassion promoting facets including self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, were longitudinally associated with reduced alcohol use among a sample of men and women in substance use disorder treatment (N = 62). Results partially supported the hypothesis, in that only the mindfulness facet of self-compassion was associated with decreased alcohol use over time. Sex and age differences as they related to the positive facets of self-compassion and alcohol use emerged. These findings suggest that positive facets of self-compassion may be beneficial factors to cultivate in alcohol treatment programs.

Your place or mine?: Examining the accessibility and efficacy of a brief, home-based, couple intervention.

Interventions for couples that can be flexibly delivered (e.g., home) are gaining traction in the field of couple therapy, particularly for underserved couples who experience barriers to accessing traditional methods of care. However, questions remain regarding what types of couples prefer the home over traditional clinic settings and whether there are differences in treatment effectiveness in the home versus a clinic setting. The present study sought to address these gaps in the literature. Using a secondary data analysis approach, data from 339 couples who participated in a brief, relationship intervention were examined. Couples were able to select where they wanted to participate (i.e., their home or a local clinic). Logistic regression analyses revealed that parents were significantly more likely to choose to participate in the intervention at their home relative to nonparents. No differences in intervention setting emerged as a function of marital status, racial/ethnic minority status, or poverty status. Three 2-level multilevel models indicated that, at baseline, couples presented with similar attitudes toward relationship help seeking and relationship satisfaction across settings as well as established a similar alliance with the facilitator at 1 month after the intervention. Additionally, a series of 3-level multilevel models found that rates of change did not significantly differ between groups on attitudes toward relationship help seeking and relationship satisfaction across the intervention. Thus, despite the potential chaos of the home, home settings appear to be an equally effective delivery setting relative to traditional settings for this brief relationship intervention and may be particularly useful for reaching parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Consensus and relationship distress before and after a brief couples' intervention.

Understanding how partners' perceptions of their relationships predict couple distress and treatment outcomes can inform relationship interventions, because consensus on pretreatment relationship concerns has previously been related to better treatment outcomes. However, whether consensus specifically about relationship concerns is beneficial, or whether consensus more generally (e.g., about couples' strengths) is also related to distress and treatment outcomes, is unknown. Therefore, to replicate and extend previous findings, the present study examined how 740 couples' consensus regarding their relationship strengths and concerns was associated with their relationship distress and satisfaction from pre- to postintervention after completing the Relationship Checkup (an adaptation of the Marriage Checkup). Couples who presented with greater initial consensus on relationship concerns were less likely to be clinically distressed pre- and postintervention. Broadly, there were similar significant gains in relationship satisfaction from pre- to postintervention regardless of couples' initial level of consensus on concerns. However, when distress was modeled categorically, couples with lower initial consensus on concerns showed greater improvement in distress levels than did those with higher consensus. There were no associations between partners' consensus on strengths and their distress or satisfaction pre- or postintervention. Results indicate that a brief integrative relationship intervention can decrease relationship distress, even for couples that present with very different opinions about their relationship concerns. Implications of brief and acceptance-based models in couple education and therapy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

The Co-occurrence of Daily Smoking, Binge Drinking and IPV Among Latino Expectant Fathers.

Many Latino men have multiple risk factors that predispose them to chronic disease morbidity and mortality, yet few have examined patterns in this population. We describe the co-occurrence of daily smoking, binge drinking, and intimate partner violence (IPV) behaviors among Latino expectant fathers and examine factors associated with the co-occurrence of these behaviors. We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline data from the Parejas Trial, a randomized controlled trial testing a culturally tailored couples-based smoking cessation intervention. We used Kruskal-Wallis test statistics to explore the relationship of the co-occurring behavior and demographic and cultural factors. All participants smoked as was a requirement of being in the trial, but only 39% smoked daily. Forty three percent of the participants engaged in one behavior, 32% engaged in two behaviors, and 5% engaged in three behaviors, with binge drinking being the most common co-occurring behavior. In the bivariate analysis, higher stress (p = 0.01) and having more children (p = 0.003) were found to be positively significantly associated with the number of behaviors. Helping Latino expectant fathers manage with their stress may serve as tailoring points for future interventions to reduce risk behaviors.

An Implementation Study of Relationship Checkups as Home Visitations for Low-Income At-Risk Couples.

Couples with the greatest need for relationship health maintenance and intervention are often least able to afford and access it; therefore, accessible, affordable, effective, and brief interventions are needed to improve relationship health for those who need it most. Consequently, this paper examined whether a brief relationship intervention could be effectively implemented with a low-income, underserved population. All enrolled participants (N = 1,312) received the Relationship Checkup, which consists of an assessment and a feedback session delivered in their homes or at a local clinic at their request. Measures assessed relationship satisfaction, communication, psychological and physical aggression, and intimacy at baseline and 1-month follow-up, and program and relationship satisfaction at 6-month follow-up. All participants reported significant improvements on all outcomes with small effect sizes. However, moderation analyses suggested that distressed couples reported significantly larger effects across the board. Overall, participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the intervention both immediately after its delivery and 6 months later. Findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of this brief checkup and point to the utility of offering these kinds of low-cost brief interventions in flexible formats for those who might have the most difficulty accessing them.

Las parejas más necesitadas de mantenimiento e intervención para la salud de sus relaciones son con frecuencia las menos equipadas para costear y obtenerlos; por lo tanto, las intervenciones accesibles, asequibles, efectivas y breves son necesarias para mejorar la salud de las relaciones de aquéllos que más lo necesitan. Por consiguiente, este artículo examinó si sería posible implementar una intervención breve para relaciones con una población subatendida de bajo ingreso. Todos los participantes inscritos (N = 1312) recibieron un Control de Relación, que consiste en una evaluación y una sesión de comentarios realizadas en sus hogares o en una clínica local a petición de ellos. Las medidas evaluaron la satisfacción en la relación, comunicación, agresión psicológica y física, e intimidad en la línea de base y en un seguimiento después de un mes, así como satisfacción con el programa y con la relación en un seguimiento después de seis meses. Todos los participantes informaron mejoras sustanciales en todos los resultados con tamaños de efecto pequeños. Sin embargo, análisis de moderación sugirieron que las parejas angustiadas informaron efectos considerablemente mayores en todos los renglones. En general, los participantes informaron que estaban sumamente satisfechos con la intervención tanto inmediatamente después de realizarse como seis meses después. Los hallazgos proporcionan apoyo preliminar a la efectividad de este control breve y señalan la utilidad de ofrecer estos tipos de intervenciones breves de bajo costo en formatos flexibles para aquéllos que podrían tener mayores dificultades para obtenerlos.

The Effects of a Couples-Based Health Behavior Intervention During Pregnancy on Latino Couples' Dyadic Satisfaction Postpartum.

Many couples tend to report steadily decreasing relationship quality following the birth of a child. However, little is known about the postpartum period for Latino couples, a rapidly growing ethnic group who are notably underserved by mental and physical health caregivers in the United States. Thus, this study investigated whether a brief couples' intervention focused on helping couples support each other while increasing healthy behaviors might improve dyadic functioning postpartum. This study presents secondary analyses of data regarding couple functioning from a larger randomized controlled trial with 348 Latino couples to promote smoking cessation. Portions of the intervention taught the couple communication and problem-solving skills to increase healthy behavior. Couples participated in four face-to-face assessments across 1 year starting at the end of the first trimester. Latent growth curve analyses revealed that the treatment group reported an increase in relationship satisfaction and constructive communication after the intervention, which diminished by 1-year follow-up, returning couples to their baseline levels of satisfaction. Results suggest that incorporating a brief couple intervention as part of a larger health intervention for Latinos may prevent postpartum decreases in relationship satisfaction.