Automated & Coached Web-based Programs to Improve and Strengthen Romantic Relationships

Nationwide, lower-income (LI) couples (those with household incomes <200% of the federal
poverty level) - many of whom are also African American, Hispanic/Latino, or rural couples -
face numerous challenges to their relationships. Chief amongst those challenges are: 1)
higher risk of relationship problems and 2) lack of access to effective relationship services
to prevent or intervene with relationship distress. Compared to higher-income couples, LI
married and cohabiting couples are significantly more likely to divorce or separate and
report lower relationship quality. Unfortunately, LI couples are least likely to receive
interventions to prevent or solve relationship problems. To overcome these barriers, we
propose to test the effectiveness of two effective web-based curricula - OurRelationship and
PREP Online.

A total of 1,246 LI couples will be recruited nationwide and randomly assigned to the ePREP
program, the OurRelationship program, the ePREP program plus a coach, the OurRelationship
program plus a coach, or a wait-list control group and followed for six months. Once randomly
assigned to group, couples will be assessed at one month, two months, four months, and six
months following randomization. After couples randomized to the wait-list control group
finish their waiting period, they will be able to select the program they would like to
complete (OurRelationship or ePREP) but will not complete research assessments during or
following their participation in the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. They are married, engaged, or have been cohabiting with their partner for at least six
months

2. They are both located in the United States

3. Both partners are willing to participate in the study

4. Both partners are between the ages of 18 and 64 (inclusive)

5. Couples report a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe domestic violence

2. Inadequate internet connection

3. Previous participation in OR, PREP-O, in-person PREP, or its variants

4. Current participation in other relationship programs

5. Current participation in an evaluation funded by Administration for Children and
Families