2 - (SYM 19) an Instrumental Collective Case Study: Employing a Qualitative Examination of the Ourrelationship Program

Introduction: Romantic relationship distress - extremely prevalent among couples in the United States has been exacerbated by recent years’ stressors of COVID-19, political instability, worsening mental health crisis, and discrimination of marginalized groups. While couple therapy is effective, many barriers limit its accessibility. The OurRelationship (OR) program - a coach-assisted, online adaptation of Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy - circumvents those barriers. The present instrumental collective case study provides qualitative description and support to the existing 35+ quantitative articles supporting the use of the OR program with diverse populations.

Method: Four couples representing populations accessing OR (low-income, racial minority, same- and opposite-gender, military-affiliated) were M = 36.75 years old and had at least some college education. Couples were White, non-Hispanic (75%), and African American or Black/Mixed race (25%). They were selected based on varying presenting problems, population representation, and the availability of recorded coach interactions. Couples’ responses to the program content and coach appointments were examined and summarized.
Results: Couples' presenting problems included communication, intimacy, and rebuilding trust following an affair. Emotional reactivity, spending habits, and emotional expressiveness were identified as differences impacting presenting problems. Hidden emotions (e.g., shame, rejection) and external stressors (e.g., relocating, finances) were also identified. During coach appointments, couples reported “I felt safe, I can express my thoughts and emotions, without judgment” and “[we’re] finally breaking down walls from years of dealing with this.”

Discussion: Qualitative findings of this case study illustrate the unique details leading to improved emotional connection and enhanced understanding of issues couples experienced in the OR program. This case study provides the first qualitative description of OR, bolstering support of its accessibility and ability to facilitate alleviation of couple distress. Descriptions of the methods coaches use to tailor couples' appointments, to encourage couples to persevere, as well as bring about moments of joy and hope returning to the relationship will also be presented.