RelationshipRESET: Evaluation of an online program targeting the couple relationship

OurRelationship is an online program designed to help couples uncover, understand and solve their relationship issues. The program includes includes 8-10 hours of tailored content and activities and, when completed with a coach, the program includes up to four 15-20-minute video or phone calls. Coaching calls are utilised to monitor progress, address participants’ general questions about the program, and help tailor the program to meet participant needs. The online program is comprised of eleven modules containing a series of interactive lessons that each take between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete, so the total time for program completion is no more than eight hours. Participants complete between one and two modules per week and are provided with a scheduled plan for completion of the program within 6-8 weeks. The program content is derived from Integrative Behavioural Couple Therapy (IBCT; Christensen & Doss, 2017; Christensen & Jacobson, 1998). The OurRelationship intervention helps individuals identify a central problem in their relationship, develop a comprehensive and balanced understanding of that problem, and then work to solve the problem through activities designed to promote emotional acceptance, constructive communication, and develop lasting patterns of change (Roddy et al., 2021). The OurRelationship program is divided into three sections: (1) Observe, (2) Understand, and (3) Respond (OUR). The Observe section allows individuals to answer questions and receive personalised feedback on the current state of their relationship, aspects of their personality, and activities to assist them in identifying core issues of concern. The Understand section leads individuals through a series of activities to achieve a more accurate understanding of their relationship. This section focuses on helping the individual understand the differences and similarities between themselves and their partner, how they experience and manage their emotions, how external stressors impact their relationship, and how patterns of communication affect relationship interactions and conflict management. The Respond section teaches individuals strategies on how to respond during conflict and in recovering from conflict. These strategies focus on balancing acceptance with self-change and developing more effective communication strategies within their relationship. The program uses an adaptive learning management system so that it is tailored to each participant’s relationship issues, and the program provides feedback based on participants’ responses to surveys, scenarios, and free-text responses. The program concludes by providing the participants with tailored feedback that directly relates to their situation as well as improvements that they have made since beginning the program. The program was adapted for this trial to allow couples to select goals and treatment targets relating to drug and alcohol use (e.g., "argue less about issues related to alcohol or substance use") and by incorporating videos focused on relationship issues relating to drug or alcohol use. OurRelationship participants are exposed to the same online content. Following each appointment, coaches report adherence to the call script. With participants permission, coach calls are recorded to assess fidelity. Coaches are provided with regular supervision.