Self-helpinterventions for Parenting Couples With Couple Distress.
Self-help Interventions for Parenting Couples Experiencing Couple Distress: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
2 other identifiers
interventional
700
1 country
1
Brief Summary
Children whose parents experience high levels of couple distress are at greater risk for emotional, behavioral, and academic problems. This study tests two types of self-help for parenting couples: the OurRelationship program (OR), an online guided program, and couple-focused bibliotherapy (BT), a book-based self-help approach. The investigators will compare these interventions with a waitlist (WL) control group to see which is most effective at reducing communication conflict between partners. They will also examine whether the interventions improve child well-being when problems are present at the start of the study. A total of 350 parenting couples in Denmark will take part. Eligible couples have at least one child under 18 living at home and report high levels of conflict or relationship distress. Couples will be randomly assigned to OR, BT, or WL. Questionnaires will be completed online before the program, after the program (10 weeks later), and at 3- and 12-month follow-ups.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P75+ for not_applicable
Started Apr 2024
Longer than P75 for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
April 9, 2024
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
July 12, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
August 15, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
October 9, 2026
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
October 9, 2027
August 15, 2025
August 1, 2025
2.5 years
July 12, 2025
August 8, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Communication Conflict Scale
A 7-item self-report measure assessing how couples handle conflict (e.g., "Small issues suddenly became big arguments"), scored from 1 (Often) to 4 (Never), with higher scores indicating better conflict management. Developed for the Administration for Children and Families Supporting Healthy Marriage Initiative
Pre-assessment (T1) to Post Intervention at Week 10 (T2)
Secondary Outcomes (1)
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) - impact score
Baseline (T1) to Post-intervention at Week 10 (T2)
Other Outcomes (12)
Couple Satisfaction Index-4
Baseline (T1) to Post-intervention at Week 10 (T2)
Responsive Attention Scale
Baseline (T1) to Post-intervention at Week 10 (T2)
Intimate Safety Questionnaire
Baseline (T1) to Post-intervention at Week 10 (T2)
- +9 more other outcomes
Study Arms (3)
The OurRelationship Program
EXPERIMENTALParticipants assigned to this arm complete a guided self-help program for couples that includes online learning modules, structured couple conversations, and support from a trained coach through five scheduled calls.
Bibliotherapy
EXPERIMENTALParticipants assigned to this arm complete an unguided self-help program for couples using the book "Take Care of Your Relationship" \[Pas på Parforholdet\] and a reading guide, with planned couple conversations.
Waitlist
NO INTERVENTIONParticipants receive no intervention during the study period and are offered access to the OurRelationship Program or Bibliotherapy after the follow-up assessment.
Interventions
A guided self-help program for couples delivered online over 10 weeks. Participants complete structured learning modules and engage in planned couple conversations focused on improving communication, problem-solving, and emotional connection. Each couple receives support from a trained coach through five scheduled telephone or video calls. The program is designed to be flexible and completed at the couple's own pace within the 10-week period.
An unguided self-help program for couples using the Danish book "Take Care of Your Relationship" \[Pas på Parforholdet\] and an accompanying reading guide. Couples are encouraged to read assigned sections, engage in planned couple conversations, and apply strategies for improving relationship functioning. The intervention is self-paced and completed over 10 weeks without guidance from a coach or therapist.
Eligibility Criteria
You may not qualify if:
- Both partners are at least 18 years old.
- Cohabiting.
- Have at least one child under 18 living at home.
- Reside in a participating Danish municipality.
- Completed the baseline survey.
- Able to read and understand Danish.
- Have internet access and a compatible device (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
- Agree not to engage in couple therapy prior to the 3-month follow-up.
- Current plans to divorce or separate.
- Ongoing affair.
- Moderate to severe suicidal ideation.
- Recent incident of intimate partner violence resulting in physical injury or fear for the safety or well-being of oneself or one's children.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Aarhus University
Aarhus, Region Midt, 8000, Denmark
Related Publications (1)
Trillingsgaard T, Lassen NF, Baucom KJW, Svare LT, Hansen FG, Fentz HN. Self-help interventions for parenting couples experiencing conflict or relationship distress: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2026 Jan 13. doi: 10.1186/s13063-026-09428-6. Online ahead of print.
PMID: 41530873DERIVED
Related Links
MeSH Terms
Interventions
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Tea Trillingsgaard, Ph.D
University of Aarhus
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Associate Professor
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
July 12, 2025
First Posted
August 15, 2025
Study Start
April 9, 2024
Primary Completion (Estimated)
October 9, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
October 9, 2027
Last Updated
August 15, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-08
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share
The datasets collected for this study are not publicly available due to institutional restrictions at Aarhus University. However, data may be accessed through collaboration with the principal investigator, provided that the researcher is affiliated with a Danish research institution. All analytic scripts and code used in the study will be made available by the authors upon request to facilitate replication.