Online intervention for improving relationships among Veteran couples
Clinical Trial of OurRelationship, a Scalable Digital Intervention for Veteran Couples
This study tests an online program to help Veterans and their partners improve their relationships and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05136651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project tests the effectiveness of OurRelationship, an evidence-based online intervention designed for couples, particularly Veterans and their partners, who are experiencing relationship distress. The intervention aims to provide flexible and accessible support to improve relationship functioning, which is crucial for the mental and physical health of Veterans. By addressing barriers such as scheduling conflicts and childcare, the program seeks to enhance the overall well-being of couples through telehealth coaching sessions. The study aligns with the Department of Veterans Affairs' strategic plan to improve access to mental health care for Veterans and their families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veteran couples experiencing clinically significant relationship distress who have been together for at least 12 months.
Not a fit: Patients with active substance use disorders or uncontrolled symptoms of psychotic or bipolar disorders may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of relationships for Veterans, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using online interventions for relationship improvement, making this approach both relevant and potentially effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be couples consisting of a Veteran referred from a mental health care clinic at VA San Diego Healthcare System and their spouse or romantic partner who is willing to participate * Couples must: * both speak, read, and write English * be married, living together, or in a relationship for at least 12 months * endorse clinically significant relationship distress by one or both partner's reports (i.e., \< 104.5 on the Couples Satisfaction Index-32) * have internet access sufficient to complete the online program and attend telehealth visits * be willing to have telehealth coach sessions audio-recorded Exclusion Criteria: * Couples will be excluded if either partner reports * an active substance use disorder within the past three months (i.e., 2+ on the TAPS screening tool for a single substance followed by positive diagnosis in clinical interview) * a diagnosis of a psychotic or bipolar disorder with current uncontrolled symptoms (by self-report) * a diagnosis of severe cognitive impairment or intellectual disability (by self-report) * severe physical or sexual relationship aggression during the past 12 months (i.e., 10+ on the Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream \[HITS\] screening tool followed by clinical interview) * current suicidal ideation or behavior determined to be high-risk according to current VA clinical assessment protocols (i.e., "yes" on any high-risk items on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) * suicide-related hospitalizations within the past 12 months (by self-report)
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kayla C. Knopp, PhD — VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
- Study coordinator: Kayla C Knopp, PhD
- Email: Kayla.Knopp@va.gov
- Phone: (858) 642-1094
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.