OurRelationship-S: A Digital Relationship-Strengthening Program for Couples Experiencing Substance Misuse
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorOurRelationship
About this trial
This study tests the effectiveness of an online relationship program that has been tailored for couples in which one or both members are in recovery from substance misuse. The purpose of this program is to strengthen the romantic relationship and improve individual functioning. Couples participate in approximately 8 hours of digital content (on their phone or computer) and have a total of five calls with a project coach. Couples will be asked to complete online surveys before and after the program and are paid $200 per couple ($100 per individual) for doing so.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
in a romantic relationship and married, engaged, cohabiting, or dating exclusively for >6mo;
Age 18+
Both partners are willing to participate in the study
Both partners are fluent readers of the English language and
Disqualifiers
Severe domestic violence: We will utilize exclusion criteria for domestic violence that we have used for the last seven years of OurRelationship services with low-income and military couples. These criteria were developed in consultation with CEO of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and several members of the Domestic Violence Hotline. Through these conversations, we concluded it would be appropriate if couples were excluded from OurRelationship services if either person reports in the past 6 months that their partner: 1) Choked me 2) Repeatedly punched me during a fight or beat me up 3) Threatened me with (or used) a gun or knife, or 4) Physically forced me to have sex when I didn't want to. Finally, couples will be excluded if either person reports in the past 6 months that: 5) he/she was "quite afraid", "very afraid", or "extremely afraid" that their partners would physically hurt them during an argument.
Inadequate internet connection. To ensure that the program can function properly, participants will be required to have access to high-speed internet in their homes or on their smartphones (with regular wireless/hotspot or a minimum 4G cellular connection).
Have already decided to end the relationship. Because the tested programs are designed to help couples improve their relationships (rather than deal with a separation or divorce), couples will be excluded if either partner endorses that they "will probably end my relationship even if it does get better" or that they "have already made the decision to end my relationship."
Trial design
Design model
Single group
Treatments tested in this trial
Online Couple Intervention
BehavioralThe OurRelationship program is approximately 8-10 hours of online content and will delivered over the course of 5-8 weeks. For the current study, we have tailored the general OurRelationship content for couples in recovery from substance misuse. For example, all users receive informational material on the nature of addition and recovery. All of the videos in the adapted program depict couples struggling with recovery-related issues. Additionally, the assessments and feedback content has been tailored. In addition to the online content, couples receive up to 100 minutes of scheduled coach Zoom calls (up to five 20-minute calls).
Treatment groups
120 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment groupGroup A: InterventionExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Relationship satisfaction
Global relationship satisfaction, measured by the 8-item version of the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-8) will be used to assess changes during the program. Scores range from 0-41, with higher scores indicating more satisfaction
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of the program (or point of dropout) - approximately 8 weeks later.2
Relationship conflict
This 5-item measure captures the frequency of arguments, criticism, and disrespectful behavior in the previous month on a Likert scale. Scores range from 5-20, with higher scores indicating more conflict.
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of the program (or point of dropout) - approximately 8 weeks later.Secondary outcomes
1
Emotional trust
This 5-item, Likert-scale subscale has been shown in our studies to mediate subsequent improvements in relationship satisfaction. Scores range from 5-20, with higher scores indicating more trust.
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of the program (or point of dropout) - approximately 8 weeks later.2
Relational recovery capital
The 10-item Social Support subscale of the Assessment of Recovery Capital (ARC) will be used to determine whether effects generalize to friends and family. Scores range from 10-60, with higher scores indicating more social support.
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of the program (or point of dropout) - approximately 8 weeks later.3
Program Evaluation
The 8-item Client Evaluation of Services Questionnaire has been administered in previous studies of OurRelationship and BCT, providing a useful comparison. Scores range from 8-32, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction with services.
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of the program (or point of dropout) - approximately 8 weeks later.Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
OurRelationship
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov