Affirmative Adaptations of the Relationship Checkup to Meet the Needs of LGBTQ Couples

Sexual Minority couples, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or other (LGBTQ), have voiced a desire for LGBTQ-affirmative couple interventions, and researchers have suggested theoretical adaptations to address this need. However, to date no LGBTQ-affirmative adaptations of general couple interventions have been developed and assessed. The present study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an LGBTQ-affirmative adaptation of a preventive, two-session relationship intervention, The Relationship Checkup (RC). In this pilot study, adaptations were made based on recommendations from existing literature, consultation with experts in the field, and conversations with LGBTQ-identified individuals. Data from eighteen couples who completed the intervention suggest that the LGBTQ-RC is feasible and acceptable to participants. Results indicate that the LGBTQ-RC improved both individual and relationship well-being and was viewed by participants as LGBTQ-affirmative. These findings support the effectiveness of utilizing an affirmative stance and addressing LGBTQ-specific issues in couple interventions. © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

The Path of emotional least resistance: Developing theory based on the self-reported strengths of happy and distressed couples in the marriage checkup

This study examined the qualitative differences between the types of strengths identified by satisfied versus distressed couples seeking a Marriage Checkup. We hypothesised that distressed couples would nominate less intimate strengths, while satisfied couples would nominate more intimate strengths. We found that distressed partners were significantly more likely to nominate items from a Parallel Support category, whereas satisfied women, but not men, were significantly more likely to nominate items from an Intimate/Affectionate category. These findings suggest that an indicator of developing couple distress is the point where couples begin to focus their attention on less emotionally vulnerable relationship aspects