OurRelationship Program for Relationship Distress
(VA-OR Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on relationship distress and does not mention medication requirements.
What data supports the effectiveness of the OurRelationship treatment for relationship distress?
Research shows that the OurRelationship program, including its online version, can improve quality of life, work functioning, and perceived health for individuals experiencing relationship distress. Additionally, the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), a component of the treatment, has been effective in improving communication skills and reducing marital distress.12345
Is the OurRelationship Program safe for participants?
The OurRelationship Program and similar relationship education programs like PREP and Within My Reach have been studied for their effects on relationship skills and outcomes. Participants generally report high satisfaction and improvements in communication and relationship quality, with no significant safety concerns noted in the studies.23567
How is the OurRelationship treatment different from other treatments for relationship distress?
The OurRelationship treatment is unique because it focuses on teaching couples skills like conflict resolution and communication to prevent and manage relationship distress, rather than just treating it after it occurs. It emphasizes building intimacy, commitment, and friendship, which can help protect against future crises and improve relationship satisfaction over time.35689
What is the purpose of this trial?
Access to a flexible spectrum of family-based VA mental health care for Veterans is mandated by law. Research shows that relationship distress harms Veterans' mental health, physical health, and mortality, while healthy relationships provide resilience and facilitate recovery from illness. However, there are many barriers to accessing couple and family care within VA, including system-level barriers such as insufficient access to specialty providers and couple-level barriers such as difficulty coordinating schedules and finding childcare. OurRelationship is an evidence-based, coached online intervention for couples that provides flexible, accessible, and scalable treatment to improve relationship functioning. This proposed CDA-2 project will test whether OurRelationship is effective for improving Veterans' intimate relationships and supporting their rehabilitation. This study supports the mission of the 2018-2024 Strategic Plan of the Department of Veterans Affairs by improving Veterans' relationship functioning to enhance their overall quality of life.
Research Team
Kayla C. Knopp, PhD
Principal Investigator
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for Veteran couples experiencing relationship distress. Eligible participants are Veterans and their partners who have been together for at least a year, speak English, and report significant relationship issues. They must have internet access and be willing to participate in online sessions. Couples with recent substance abuse, severe mental health disorders, cognitive impairments, or high-risk suicidal behavior are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Waitlist Control
Couples assigned to the Waitlist Control condition will begin the OurRelationship program following a 2-month delay after random assignment
Treatment
Participants receive the OurRelationship program, which includes eight hours of a self-paced online couples' program with three 20-minute telehealth coaching sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for relationship and individual functioning improvements, with data collected at baseline, mid-program, post-program, and a 6-month follow-up
Treatment Details
Interventions
- OurRelationship
OurRelationship is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Marriage and relationship education/skills
- Marriage enhancement
- Divorce reduction
- Job and career advancement
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor