half day workshop

A BRIEF, ASSESSMENT-BASED, STEPPED DELIVERY, COUPLE INTERVENTION:  THE RELATE COUPLECARE PROGRAM
Thomas Holman, Brigham Young University,  USA and Kiethia Wilson, Griffith University, Oueensland, Australia

CCIB Room: 219/20

There is growing consensus that if couple psycho-educational interventions are to reach more couples, particularly high risk couples, the interventions need to be more accessible, more flexible in delivery, and more tailored to the unique needs of couples (Halford, 2004). The RELATionship Evaluation (RELATE), an online assessment questionnaire, and Couple CARE, a flexible-delivery relationship educational intervention, have teamed up to create such a intervention.  The RELATE questionnaire is a comprehensive, and empirically validated relationship assessment designed for couples in committed relationships.  After completing RELATE online, two printable reports are available to couples summarizing their unique strengths and work areas in personality, family background, and couple communication/conflict management skills. CoupleCARE is a 6-unit, evidence-based program that is completed at home.  Couples first watch a 12-15 minute segment on DVD that introduces key concepts and models relationship skills.  Second, they complete individual and conjoint tasks in the guidebook to prompt relationship and self-change goal setting.  Third, the couple shares a 30-40 minute telephone call with a trained professional who helps the couple implement a self-change plan.  RELATE is used to tailor the pace, areas of emphasis,  and order of the six units of CoupleCARE.  RELATE and CoupleCARE will soon be available in both English and Spanish.

Thomas B. Holman, Ph.D.& Jeffry H. Larson, PhD, both Professors, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University. Keithia L. Wilson, Ph.D. Associate Professor, School of Psychology, Griffith University

Key References:
Busby, D. M., Holman, T. B., & Taneguchi, N. (2001). RELATE: relationship evaluation of the individual, family, cultural and couple context.  Family Relations, 50, 308-317.
Halford, W. K., Moore, E., Wilson, K. L., Farrugia, C., & Dyer, C. (2004). Benefits of flexible delivery relationship education: An evaluation of the CoupleCARE program, Family Relations, 53, 469-476. Halford, W. K. (2004). The future of couple relationship education: Suggestions on how it can make a difference. Family Relations, 53, 559-566. The RELATE Institute website (www.relate-institute.org) and the CoupleCARE website (www.couplecare.info) .