Participant Perceptions of Relationship Education Programs Adapted for Same-Sex Couples

Whitton, Sarah W.; Scott, Shelby B.; Weitbrecht, Eliza M.

doi:10.1080/15332691.2017.1372835

Cited by 16 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Few studies have adapted relationship interventions for FSG couples. The Strengthening Same-Sex Relationships (SSSR) program for female couples—which focused primarily on reducing negative, destructive communication patterns—was successful in improving relationship quality among participants (Whitton, Scott, & Weitbrecht, 2017). The current study builds theoretical support for why these programs may have positive effects on relationship outcomes (Whitton, Scott, & Dyar et al, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These expressed preferences for sharing vulnerable emotions and positive exchanges were incorporated into a recent relationship education program specifically designed for and successfully piloted on a sample of FSG couples (Whitton, Scott, Dyar, et al, 2017). In qualitative follow-up interviews and program satisfaction questionnaires, participants reported these adaptations to communication skills units were affirming and helpful (Whitton, Scott, & Weitbrecht, 2017) and give reason to question whether the negativity effect will function similarly in FSG relationships, or alternatively, may suggest that there could be a positivity effect in this population. Quantitative, observational studies are necessary to more thoroughly evaluate how communication patterns manifest in these relationships and their subsequent association with relationship quality outcomes.…”

Section: Communication In Fsg Couplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Observed communication and relationship quality in female same-gender couples.

Scott

Rhoades

Markman

2019

Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice

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Relationship interventions typically focus on reducing destructive communication patterns between partners. However, a dearth of research exists regarding communication dynamics within female same-gender (FSG) couples. The current study sought to expand basic science on communication dynamics within FSG couples with the overarching goal of informing relationship interventions. Participants included 102 adult FSG couples who provided self-report data and participated in observational communication tasks. Actor-partner interdependence models (Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006) were used for analyses predicting relationship adjustment, dedication, and psychological aggression. Findings suggest that actors' negative and positive communication patterns were associated with relationship quality outcomes. Negative communication demonstrated stronger associations with relationship quality and psychological aggression compared with positive communication, and partner's positive communication was associated with psychological aggression. Overall, results suggest that communication processes traditionally addressed by relationship interventions would likely be beneficial to focus on with FSG couples. Clinical implications are discussed, including how to incorporate cultural competence into relationship interventions for FSG couples.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Communication In Fsg Couplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Observed communication and relationship quality in female same-gender couples.

Scott

Rhoades

Markman

2019

Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…In contrast, the lowest ratings were for the units on building social support and sex. Accordingly, we have begun refining these content areas, informed by qualitative feedback from participants (described in Whitton, Scott, & Weitbrecht, 2017). We added more specific, detailed information and skills to the building support unit, including lists of local LGBT-friendly gathering places, organizations, religious institutions, and social events.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Piloting relationship education for female same-sex couples: Results of a small randomized waitlist-control trial.

Whitton

Scott

Dyar

et al. 2017

Journal of Family Psychology

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Relationship education represents a promising, nonstigmatizing approach to promoting the health and stability of same-sex couples. A new culturally sensitive adaptation of relationship education was developed specifically for female same-sex couples (The Strengthening Same-Sex Relationships Program, Female version; SSSR-F). SSSR-F includes adaptations of evidence-based strategies to build core relationship skills (e.g., communication skills training) as well as new content to address unique challenges faced by this population (e.g., discrimination; low social support). A small randomized waitlist-control trial (N = 37 couples) was conducted to evaluate program feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. Three proximal outcomes targeted by SSSR-F (communication, perceived stress, social support) and 3 distal outcomes (global relationship satisfaction, instability, and confidence) were assessed at pre- and posttreatment and 3-month follow-up. Results of multilevel models accounting for nonindependence in dyadic data indicated statistically significant program effects on positive and negative couple communication, relationship satisfaction, and relationship confidence and small, nonsignificant program effects on stress, social support, and relationship instability. Analyses of follow-up data suggest maintenance of effects on the proximal but not the distal outcomes. Ratings of program satisfaction were high. Overall, findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of SSSR-F, highlighting the potential value of culturally sensitive relationship education for same-sex couples. Continued efforts are needed to increase sustainability of program effects on global relationship quality over time. (PsycINFO Database Record

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“…The gains in increased positive and decreased negative communication were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Program satisfaction ratings were high with participants reporting appreciation that the program was designed for same-sex couples and citing preference for continued specialized programming for SM women and SM men, respectively (Whitton, Scott, & Weitbrecht, 2018). In sum, although there is a paucity of research in tailoring couple therapy for same-sex couples, emerging research from relationship education programs suggests that culturally tailored couple care is feasible, acceptable, and desired by couples.…”

Section: Initial Findings From Same-sex Relationship Programsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy for same‐sex female couples: A pilot study

et al. 2021

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Despite comparable levels of relationship satisfaction and intimacy, same-sex couples break up faster and more often than different-sex couples highlighting a need for quality couple therapy. Research suggests that culturally tailored services are desired by same-sex couples and may be more effective and better received. Although efficacious couple therapies exist to treat relationship distress, they have been overwhelmingly studied with different-sex couples. Sexual minority (SM) affirming couple therapies have not been systematically developed or evaluated. The current study involved developing and pilot testing a tailored couple therapy for distressed same-sex female couples. This treatment integrates the empirically-supported cognitive-behavioral couple therapy framework and SM stress model. Doctoral student therapists delivered the treatment in an open-trial format to a pilot sample of 11 same-sex female couples experiencing relationship distress and SM stress. Treatment was delivered with high adherence to the treatment manual. Participants reported high treatment satisfaction. As hypothesized, participants experienced significant decreases in relationship distress and improvements in couple coping with SM stress from pre-to post-treatment. The small sample size and floor effects precluded clear conclusions regarding anticipated improvements in individual mental health. Participants experienced comparable or stronger improvements in relationship functioning compared to couples in a similar benchmark study. Given this

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Participant Perceptions of Relationship Education Programs Adapted for Same-Sex Couples

Cited by 16 publications

References 14 publications

Observed communication and relationship quality in female same-gender couples.

Observed communication and relationship quality in female same-gender couples.

Piloting relationship education for female same-sex couples: Results of a small randomized waitlist-control trial.

Cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy for same‐sex female couples: A pilot study

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