Abstract
Examining the Feasibility of Real-world Implementation of a Self-help Program for Couples
During the last decade, research on the effect of online self-help programs targeting couples’ relationship distress has expanded rapidly. However, independent from research or educational environments little is known about the implementation of self-help programs in real-world settings. During the years 2019-2021, the OurRelationship program (OurR) was implemented in a Danish clinical setting with positive effects for a diverse sample of couples. Using planned quantitative and qualitative methods, this feasibility study reports client evaluation (N = 40) of the OurR, as well as practical implications of implementing the program. Couples who completed the OurR (92.5%) reported high satisfaction with the program (M = 24.84, SD = 5.09 on the Client-evaluation of Services Questionnaire) and 66% felt that “all or the majority of their needs for help” had been met. The OurR seemed cost beneficial as it reached more couples without a correspondingly higher workload and cost to the organization, i.e., professional time use per couple summed to 5 hours and the costs of supplying OurR was 226 EUR per couple. Potential barriers to further implementation of the OurR in clinical settings was the need for specialized technical and IT support as to hosting, maintaining, and updating of the functionality and security of the program. Furthermore, a cultural adaptation of the video material, as well as a strategic integration of the OurR with existing services would be necessary. Overall, OurR seems to be a relevant, attractive, and acceptable couple intervention due to the relatively low price, convenient logistics, and reduction of the stigma often attached to conventional “therapy”.
During the last decade, research on the effect of online self-help programs targeting couples’ relationship distress has expanded rapidly. However, independent from research or educational environments little is known about the implementation of self-help programs in real-world settings. During the years 2019-2021, the OurRelationship program (OurR) was implemented in a Danish clinical setting with positive effects for a diverse sample of couples. Using planned quantitative and qualitative methods, this feasibility study reports client evaluation (N = 40) of the OurR, as well as practical implications of implementing the program. Couples who completed the OurR (92.5%) reported high satisfaction with the program (M = 24.84, SD = 5.09 on the Client-evaluation of Services Questionnaire) and 66% felt that “all or the majority of their needs for help” had been met. The OurR seemed cost beneficial as it reached more couples without a correspondingly higher workload and cost to the organization, i.e., professional time use per couple summed to 5 hours and the costs of supplying OurR was 226 EUR per couple. Potential barriers to further implementation of the OurR in clinical settings was the need for specialized technical and IT support as to hosting, maintaining, and updating of the functionality and security of the program. Furthermore, a cultural adaptation of the video material, as well as a strategic integration of the OurR with existing services would be necessary. Overall, OurR seems to be a relevant, attractive, and acceptable couple intervention due to the relatively low price, convenient logistics, and reduction of the stigma often attached to conventional “therapy”.
| Translated title of the contribution | Et feasibility studie af et online selvhjælpsprogram for par |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Publication date | Feb 2023 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2023 |
| Event | The European Society on Family Relations - RUC, Roskilde, Denmark Duration: 14 Jun 2023 → 17 Jun 2023 Conference number: 11 |
Conference
| Conference | The European Society on Family Relations |
|---|---|
| Number | 11 |
| Location | RUC |
| Country/Territory | Denmark |
| City | Roskilde |
| Period | 14/06/2023 → 17/06/2023 |