Symposia
Couples / Close Relationships
Tatiana D. Gray, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Springfield College
Worcester, Massachusetts
Rhea Bhatia, M.S.
Doctoral Student
Springfield College
Springfield, Massachusetts
Zev Spiegel, B.S.
Doctoral Student
Springfield College
Springfield, Massachusetts
Grayson Stevens, B.S.
Doctoral Student
Springfield College
Springfield, Massachusetts
Taylor Dovala, Ph.D.
Post Doctoral Fellow
Framework Associates
Los Angeles, California
Clinical research suggests that LGBTQ couples do seek out therapy, but that their needs are often not being effectively met (Grove & Blasby, 2009; Pepping et al., 2017). Sexual minority couples also face significant stigma, discrimination, and stressors that increase their risk of relationship dissolution (Khaddouma et al., 2015) and contribute to poorer health outcomes (Meyer 2003). While the need for LGBTQ affirmative couple interventions is clear, research has lagged behind with a disproportionate focus on heteronormative relationships (Spitalnick & McNair, 2015). 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; e.g., Cordova et al. 2014). 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. The study utilized virtual telehealth as an option for couples to participate in the Relationship Checkup, further lowering barriers to access for this traditionally underserved population.
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. Specifically, data supported a significant increase from baseline intimacy to intimacy post Checkup, with a small to medium effect (d = 0.32). In addition, there was a trend toward a significant (d = 0.18; p = 0.18) reduction in depressive symptoms from baseline to feedback, that crossed the threshold for statistical significance at one-month follow-up (d = 0.30; p = 0.03), indicating that symptoms of depression began to decrease and continued to improve up to one-month post-Checkup. Additionally, participants reported that they found the LGBTQ-RC to be affirmative (M = 4.57 (out of 5), SD = 0.50) and that they formed a strong alliance with their therapist (4.5 out of 5; SD = 0.55), both contributing to acceptability and feasibility. These findings support the effectiveness of utilizing an affirmative stance and addressing LGBTQ-specific issues in couple interventions.