On-Demand vs In-Person Relationship Education for Couples

Overseen By Michelle Jackson, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Midwest Evaluation & Research

Disqualifiers: Minor, Not incarcerated, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 5 weeks

1658 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study uses an RCT design with repeated measures to test the impact of two different delivery formats for the TYRO Couples curriculum. Eligible study participants are males or females who are at least 18 years of age and within 9 months of release from incarceration. Incarcerated participants randomly assigned to the treatment group receive the TYRO Couples curriculum in-person, whereas those assigned to the comparison group experience an on-demand format. Study results that show no discernable differences in outcomes between groups will make it easier to serve more participants because service delivery formats can accommodate different life circumstances and preferences.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment TYRO Couples curriculum, TYRO Couples Project, TYRO Couples Program?

Research on online and in-person education shows that both methods can be equally effective for learning, as seen in studies about medical education and weight management programs. This suggests that the TYRO Couples curriculum could be effective whether delivered online or in-person. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the TYRO Couples curriculum safe for participants?

The research on online relationship education programs, including those similar to the TYRO Couples curriculum, shows they are generally safe and can improve individual and relationship well-being without significant safety concerns. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the TYRO Couples curriculum treatment different from other relationship education treatments?

The TYRO Couples curriculum offers a unique approach by providing relationship education both on-demand and in-person, which can be more flexible and accessible compared to traditional in-person classes. This treatment is particularly beneficial for low-income couples, as it combines web-based education with individualized coaching, potentially leading to more meaningful improvements in relationship satisfaction and communication. ^{6 8 10 11 12}

Research Team

Matt D Shepherd, PhD

Principal Investigator

Midwest Evaluation & Research

Eligibility Criteria

The TYRO Couples Project Study is for adult men and women (18 years or older) who are currently incarcerated but within 9 months of being released in Ohio. It's not open to those who aren't close to release, minors, or people not in incarceration.

Inclusion Criteria

I am an adult inmate in OH, within 9 months of my release date.

Exclusion Criteria

Not incarcerated

I am under 18 years old.

Incarcerated but not within 9 months of release in OH

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the TYRO Couples curriculum in either an on-demand or live format over five 2-hour weekly sessions

5 weeks

5 visits (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in employment, financial, and partner relationship attitudes and behaviors

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• TYRO Couples curriculum

Trial Overview This study compares two ways of delivering the TYRO Couples curriculum: one group gets it in-person while they're still inside (treatment group), and another gets it on-demand after release (control group). The goal is to see if there's a difference between these methods.

Participant Groups

Group I: Treatment-On Demand Format Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Treatment group participants receive TYRO Couples curriculum in an on-demand format that is delivered in five 2-hour weekly sessions for a total of 10 hours.

Group II: Control-Virtual or In-Person Format Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Control group participants receive TYRO Couples curriculum in a live format (virtual or in-person) that is delivered in five 2-hour weekly sessions for a total of 10 hours.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Midwest Evaluation & Research

Lead Sponsor

Trials

11

Recruited

11,700+

The RIDGE Project

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,700+

Findings from Research

A study involving three cohorts of third-year medical students found that team-based learning (TBL) in clinical reasoning and decision-making was equally effective whether delivered in-person or online, suggesting flexibility in teaching methods can be maintained without compromising learning outcomes.

Students consistently performed better in group assessments (GRAT) compared to individual assessments (IRAT), but there were no significant differences in performance between the in-person and online formats, indicating that both modes can effectively support student learning in family medicine clerkships.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In-Person or Online? The Effect of Delivery Mode on Team-Based Learning of Clinical Reasoning in a Family Medicine Clerkship. Babenko, O., Ding, M., Lee, AS.[2022]

Participants in the online weight management program (n = 398) experienced greater reductions in BMI, weight, and waist circumference compared to those in the in-person program (n = 1,313), indicating that online delivery can be highly effective for weight management.

While online participants showed significant improvements in physical metrics, in-person participants reported greater increases in confidence regarding physical activity, suggesting that while online programs are effective, they may not fully replicate the motivational benefits of face-to-face interaction.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using synchronous distance-education technology to deliver a weight management intervention. Dunn, C., Whetstone, LM., Kolasa, KM., et al.[2014]

The master's program in Multiple Sclerosis Management at Dresden International University successfully adapted to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a cloud-based digital hub that enhanced learning and interaction between students and lecturers.

Student evaluations of the program were highly positive, indicating effective knowledge transfer and engagement, suggesting that digital learning tools will play a significant role in future educational formats alongside in-person events.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Innovation in Digital Education: Lessons Learned from the Multiple Sclerosis Management Master's Program. Voigt, I., Stadelmann, C., Meuth, SG., et al.[2021]

An Internet-based ambulatory care curriculum was successfully developed and implemented, with 24 internal medicine residency programs participating.

The curriculum led to significant improvements in test scores on the content, and program directors expressed strong approval for the online features, indicating its effectiveness and value in medical education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of an Internet-based curriculum on postgraduate education. A multicenter intervention. Sisson, SD., Hughes, MT., Levine, D., et al.[2022]

The Web-based pediatric radiology curriculum was highly effective, showing an average improvement of 16.45% in test scores across approximately 17,000 completed modules, with first-year residents experiencing the greatest improvement of 18.15%.

The curriculum was well-received globally, with users from 53 countries, and it was particularly beneficial for smaller programs, indicating its broad appeal and effectiveness in enhancing learning in pediatric radiology.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Worldwide utilization of a web-based learning tool for pediatric radiology. Chudakoff, JH., Obuchowski, NA., Mehta, N., et al.[2022]

A study involving 1248 couples aimed to determine the optimal level of coach contact needed for effective web-based relationship education, highlighting the potential for tailored interventions to improve relationship satisfaction.

The research seeks to identify key predictors of adherence and relationship gains, which could help social service programs enhance the delivery of evidence-based relationship health interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Optimizing Coaching During Web-Based Relationship Education for Low-Income Couples: Protocol for Precision Medicine Research. Hatch, SG., Lobaina, D., Doss, BD.[2021]

The expansion of public funding for Couple and Relationship Education programs has led to an increase in attendance from more distressed couples, highlighting a shift in the demographic served by these programs.

This shift necessitates a reevaluation of program practices, including the need for better screening for domestic violence and the integration of therapeutic services to better support the needs of these couples.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

If We Build It, They Will Come: Exploring Policy and Practice Implications of Public Support for Couple and Relationship Education for Lower Income and Relationally Distressed Couples. Bradford, AB., Hawkins, AJ., Acker, J.[2015]

A meta-analysis of 12 studies showed that online relationship education programs significantly improve relationship satisfaction, communication skills, and relationship confidence, while also reducing negative relationship qualities.

At the individual level, these programs help decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, and enhance overall health satisfaction and quality of life, with no significant differences based on gender or relationship distress levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Online relationship education programs improve individual and relationship functioning: A meta-analytic review. Spencer, CM., Anderson, JR.[2021]

The paper emphasizes the need for Couples Relationship Education (CRE) programs to incorporate minimal screening for issues like couple violence while maintaining their educational focus, to better support distressed couples seeking help.

It recommends training leaders with essential skills to manage various couple dynamics and suggests providing additional clinical services as options rather than integrating them into the CRE model, ensuring that the core prevention and education principles remain intact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couples Relationship Education and Couples Therapy: Healthy Marriage or Strange Bedfellows? Markman, HJ., Ritchie, LL.[2016]

Online relationship education programs have been shown to be effective alternatives to traditional marriage education, with studies involving over 2,000 couples demonstrating improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication, and reduced conflict.

The review highlighted two evidence-based programs, ePREP and OurRelationship, which showed significant positive outcomes in both relational and individual functioning, suggesting that online interventions can be a valuable resource for distressed couples.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How Effective is Online Couple Relationship Education? A Systematic Meta-Content Review. Megale, A., Peterson, E., Friedlander, ML.[2022]

Couples who participated in the RELATE + Couple CARE program showed greater improvements in communication and relationship satisfaction over 12 months compared to those who only received the RELATE assessment.

While women benefited more from the additional Couple CARE training, men maintained similar levels of relationship satisfaction in both programs, indicating that skill training can enhance outcomes for couples.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couple relationship education at home: does skill training enhance relationship assessment and feedback? Halford, WK., Wilson, K., Watson, B., et al.[2015]

Couples who participated in the EPL (Ein Partnerschaftliches Lernprogramm für Paare) relationship education program had significantly lower divorce rates (27.5%) compared to those who did not participate (52.6%) after 11 years, indicating the program's long-term effectiveness in promoting relationship stability.

Among couples who remained together, 80% reported being happy in their relationships at the follow-up, although only about 55% remembered at least one communication skill taught, suggesting that while the program is effective, retention of specific skills may vary.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prevention of marital instability and distress. Results of an 11-year longitudinal follow-up study. Hahlweg, K., Richter, D.[2019]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In-Person or Online? The Effect of Delivery Mode on Team-Based Learning of Clinical Reasoning in a Family Medicine Clerkship. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using synchronous distance-education technology to deliver a weight management intervention. [2014]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Innovation in Digital Education: Lessons Learned from the Multiple Sclerosis Management Master's Program. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of an Internet-based curriculum on postgraduate education. A multicenter intervention. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Worldwide utilization of a web-based learning tool for pediatric radiology. [2022]

6. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Optimizing Coaching During Web-Based Relationship Education for Low-Income Couples: Protocol for Precision Medicine Research. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

If We Build It, They Will Come: Exploring Policy and Practice Implications of Public Support for Couple and Relationship Education for Lower Income and Relationally Distressed Couples. [2015]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Online relationship education programs improve individual and relationship functioning: A meta-analytic review. [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couples Relationship Education and Couples Therapy: Healthy Marriage or Strange Bedfellows? [2016]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How Effective is Online Couple Relationship Education? A Systematic Meta-Content Review. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couple relationship education at home: does skill training enhance relationship assessment and feedback? [2015]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prevention of marital instability and distress. Results of an 11-year longitudinal follow-up study. [2019]