ePREP for Community Couples

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of ePREP when it is administered to couples. More specifically, investigators will test whether--compared to placebo controls--participants who receive ePREP will experience better outcomes for relationship relevant variables.

Official Title
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ePREP for Community Couples

Conditions
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Intimate Partner Violence

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: ePREP
* Behavioral: Placebo Control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Only those who are married or who have been in a committed romantic relationship for six months or longer will be invited to participate. Exclusion Criteria: The only exclusionary criteria were inability to read study questionnaires and unwillingness to access the internet to receive e-mail instructions on weekly homework assignments.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo Control<br>Participants in the control condition will view a presentation that teaches inert information about anxiety, depression, and relationships such as definitions, prevalence rates, common problems associated with these conditions and available forms of treatment. This presentation was used initially in Cuckrowicz & Joiner (2007) and has since been shown to be effective as a placebo in two previous ePREP studies (Braithwaite & Fincham, 2007; Braithwaite & Fincham, 2008). This presentation is identical to the ePREP intervention in its set up, the only difference being, there is no information included in this presentation that teaches specific skills or strategies for improving relationships, depression or anxiety. | Behavioral: Placebo Control<br>* Participants in the control condition will view a presentation that teaches inert information about anxiety, depression, and relationships such as definitions, prevalence rates, common problems associated with these conditions and available forms of treatment. This presentation was used initially in Cuckrowicz & Joiner (2007) and has since been shown to be effective as a placebo in two previous ePREP studies (Braithwaite & Fincham, 2007; Braithwaite & Fincham, 2008). This presentation is identical to the ePREP intervention in its set up, the only difference being, there is no information included in this presentation that teaches specific skills or strategies for improving relationships, depression or anxiety.<br>|
| Active Comparator: ePREP<br>The ePREP intervention teaches individuals how to recognize and combat dynamic risk factors that lead to relationship distress. | Behavioral: ePREP<br>* The ePREP intervention teaches individuals how to recognize and combat dynamic risk factors that lead to relationship distress. Specifically, it teaches communication techniques and problem-solving skills that help couples to effectively deal with conflict. It also teaches couples how to enhance positive aspects of their relationship by fostering fun and friendship.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) |  | Change across three time-points: baseline, 6-week follow up and 1-year follow up | 
| Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ) |  | Change across three time-points: baseline, 6-week follow up and 1-year follow up | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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intimate partner violence