Psychology Research Digest
Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice - Vol 15, Iss 3
Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice is a scholarly journal publishing peer-reviewed papers representing the science and practice of family psychology. The journal is the official publication of the Society for Couple and Family Psychology and is intended to be a forum for scholarly dialogue regarding the most important emerging issues in the field, a primary outlet for research particularly as it impacts practice and for papers regarding education, public policy and the identity of the profession of family psychology.
A pilot study of a culturally tailored online intervention for same-gender couples.
Same-gender couples face unique stressors that can impact relationship functioning, underscoring the need for culturally tailored, accessible interventions for this population. This study developed and tested a culturally adapted version of the evidence-based online OurRelationship program for relationally distressed same-gender couples. The tailored program included core activities from the OurRelationship program designed to address underlying relationship processes, enhanced with content addressing minority stressors, promoting relationship strengths unique to same-gender couples, and increasing representation of same-gender couples in program materials. The results showed significant within-group improvements over treatment in relationship satisfaction, emotional intimacy, communication during conflict, intimacy associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identity, and several mental health symptoms (Cohen’s d = |0.41–1.07|), with a trend toward increased relationship confidence. No significant differences in treatment outcomes were found when compared to a matched subsample of mixed-gender couples who received the original, heteronormative version of the OurRelationship program in a previous study. Findings suggest that this adapted version is a promising and flexible intervention for distressed same-gender couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>Partner gender and relationship satisfaction among transgender and nonbinary adults: The indirect effect of partner affirmation.
The present study evaluated if transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults in intimate relationships with other TNB partners (referred to as “transgender-for-transgender” or “T4T” relationships) have higher relationship satisfaction compared to TNB adults in relationships with cisgender partners (“TNB-cis” relationships) through the indirect pathway of partner gender affirmation. We recruited 256 TNB adults who were in relationships of at least 6 months. Approximately 55% of participants had cisgender partners, while 45% of participants had TNB partners. We utilized Hayes PROCESS models to assess the indirect effect of partner gender (cisgender vs. TNB) on relationship satisfaction through partner affirmation. All hypotheses were supported, demonstrating that TNB adults in T4T relationships reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction compared to TNB adults in TNB-cis relationships and preliminary evidence that this relationship functioned through the indirect pathway of higher reports of gender affirmation from their partners. Results suggest that T4T relationships may offer some strengths, on average, compared to TNB-cis relationships. Clinical implications include that partner gender affirmation may be a potential treatment target to improve relationship satisfaction in intimate relationships with one or more TNB partners. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>Associations between dyadic coping, depressive symptoms, and romantic relationship satisfaction among Asian American adults.
Depression is associated with decreased relationship satisfaction, and identifying what may moderate this association is important for informing clinical interventions for individuals in romantic relationships and suffering from depression. Dyadic coping, how couples manage stress together, has been demonstrated to have strong associations with relationship satisfaction. Most past research on dyadic coping, however, has been conducted with predominantly White samples. To extend these findings, we conducted a study examining the associations between depressive symptoms, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction among Asian American individuals. We hypothesized that dyadic coping from a partner, particularly in the form of supportive dyadic coping (i.e., providing emotional or problem-focused support) and joint dyadic coping (i.e., both partners trying to manage stress and cope together), would moderate the association between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction. We found that supportive dyadic coping attenuated the relationship between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction, such that the negative association between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction was stronger when supportive dyadic coping was low and weaker when supportive dyadic coping was high. Supportive dyadic coping may be particularly beneficial for Asian American adults in romantic relationships with elevated depressive symptoms. This is important insofar as Asian Americans may be less likely than their White counterparts to adopt supportive dyadic coping. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>Understanding infidelity among young heterosexual college students in Bogotá, Colombia: Implications for relationship education.
This study sought to understand the psychological and relational impact of infidelity in a sample of Colombian college students, their understanding of how this happened in their relationships, and how they coped with the aftermath. Participants were 16 women and five men (Mage = 21.5 years, SD = 2.0). The analytic method was thematic analysis, facilitating the identification of patterns (themes) within the data. Narratives about the relationship before the infidelity revealed patterns of conflict avoidance and gender-based inequality. In their explanations of the context of the infidelity, participants referred to relationship difficulties, gender-based social expectations, double standards about fidelity, and partners’ individual characteristics. Coping responses included both proactive efforts to maintain their well-being (taking care of own needs, seeking friends’ social support) and strategies to avoid dealing with emotions (drug abuse and casual sex). The implications of these findings for college-based relationship education programs are presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>Associations between anger reductions and functional improvements among veterans in brief cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD.
Anger is a significant problem for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Interventions designed to treat PTSD have been shown to decrease anger, which may be associated with improvements in psychosocial functioning. Couple-based PTSD treatments, which target both PTSD and relationship functioning, may be particularly useful for improving anger and associated psychosocial functioning. Thus, the present study sought to examine whether decreases in veterans’ and partners’ anger following participation in a brief couple-based treatment for PTSD (brief cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD) are associated with improvements in psychosocial impairment and relationship satisfaction, in addition to decreases in suicidal ideation. The sample included 184 veterans and their intimate partners (92 dyads). Each partner completed measures assessing several aspects of anger (angry temperament, angry reaction, and psychological aggression). Veterans also completed measures assessing their psychosocial impairment, relationship satisfaction, and suicidality. Latent growth curve models tested whether changes in anger over the course of treatment were associated with corresponding changes in veterans’ functional outcomes at the within-person and between-person levels. Findings showed that improvements in veterans’ anger were associated with improvements in their psychosocial impairment and relationship satisfaction over time. Partners’ psychological aggression was also associated with improvements in veterans’ psychosocial impairment over time. Neither veterans’ nor partners’ anger was associated with veterans’ suicidality. Findings add to the literature demonstrating that improvements in anger for both veterans and their partners in the context of PTSD treatment may be associated with improvements in broader psychosocial functioning for veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>Comorbid psychopathology symptoms and relationship functioning among post-9/11 veterans: A latent profile analysis.
Many studies have shown high rates of psychiatric comorbidity among post-9/11 veterans and highlighted the important role of intimate relationships in their functioning. However, none have identified (a) the degree of heterogeneity among profiles of veterans’ comorbid psychopathology symptoms and relationship satisfaction or (b) the predictors of which profile the veterans ultimately express. To examine this question, we used self-report survey data from 485 U.S. veterans in committed relationships across two timepoints (at baseline and 10-year follow-up) as part of the Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 Post-Deployment Mental Health Study. We conducted a latent profile analysis to examine (a) concurrent symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use and (b) relationship satisfaction at follow-up. Profiles were compared on military, psychological, physical, and contextual factors at each timepoint to determine which risk and protective factors predicted profile membership over time. A three-class solution identified a healthy group with minimal symptoms and higher relationship satisfaction (62.5%), a distressed group with clinically significant depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and lower relationship satisfaction (31.75%), and a mixed group with clinically significant depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use and higher relationship satisfaction (6%). Veterans with higher levels of social support between baseline and the 10-year follow-up were more likely to be in the healthy group. Those in the mixed group were more likely to report higher lifetime trauma exposure and physical health symptoms over time. Ultimately, treatments for U.S. veterans should continue to consider comorbid symptom presentations, social support, and the integration of partners in health care as important clinical targets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>Involving intimate partners in trauma-focused treatment: Veteran and intimate partner perspectives.
Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their intimate partners often express a desire for partner involvement (e.g., communication with therapists) in veterans’ trauma-focused treatment, which can enhance treatment engagement and response. Although relationship satisfaction and PTSD symptoms in both partners may impact their interest in treatment involvement, there is a dearth of literature investigating these influences dyadically. The present study is a secondary analysis of data from veterans and their partners who completed a mailed survey as the veteran was beginning trauma-focused treatment through the Veterans Affairs (n = 211 dyads). We conducted an actor–partner interdependence model to examine the influence of veterans’ and partners’ relationship satisfaction, PTSD symptoms, and their interactions on each of their interest in having the partner talk with the therapist. Veterans were more interested in therapists speaking with their intimate partners when they experienced greater relationship satisfaction (β = .23, SE = 0.07) and when their partner had less relationship satisfaction and lower PTSD symptoms (B = −0.38, SE = 0.13). Intimate partners were more interested in speaking with the therapist when their own PTSD symptom severity was higher (β = .19, SE = 0.07) and when they experienced less relationship satisfaction and the veterans’ PTSD severity was high (B = −0.28, SE = 0.11). Results suggest the importance of considering interconnections between veterans’ and their partners’ PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction when determining when and how to encourage partner–therapist discussions during veterans’ trauma-focused treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>Mindful parenting and behavioral parent training: Mapping construct and treatment content toward theoretical clarity.
Behavioral parent training (BPT) is the gold standard treatment for behavior problems, but not all families benefit. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether adaptations to BPT such as mindfulness lead to improved outcomes. Separately from BPT, mindful parenting programs (MPPs) have been implemented with parents of children with problem behaviors. However, research examining BPT and MPP together is limited. This comparative account detailed the conceptual basis for these treatments, including their purported mechanisms, and compared elements in BPT and MPP protocols to identify unique and shared elements. Four shared elements in BPT and MPP were identified, while three MPP elements and one BPT element were identified as unique. This review considered limitations in the literature and suggested future directions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>The influence of racial socialization competency on parental discrimination experiences and child behavioral problems.
Parents of Black youth face numerous challenges when raising their children, such as promoting racial pride and preparing children for a racialized society. Racial socialization (RS) competency seeks to complement parents’ messaging by examining three distinct areas: skills, confidence, and stress. The current cross-sectional study explores how discrimination experienced by parents influences child behavioral outcomes and whether the relationship is moderated by RS competency. A sample of 359 Black parents from across the United States (Mage = 37.8) were asked questions regarding their oldest child under the age of 18 (Mage = 9.5). Black parents completed an online questionnaire that assessed their competency in RS conversations, experiences with racial discrimination, and perception of their child’s internalizing (i.e., feelings of sadness and unworthiness) and externalizing (i.e., aggression and combativeness) behaviors. Moderation analyses found that greater racial discrimination experienced by parents was associated with more child behavioral problems when parents’ RS stress was high and when RS confidence was low. Further resources should be directed toward parents who have experienced more frequent racial encounters, especially those who lack confidence in conveying RS messages. Future studies should investigate whether clinical interventions could increase parental RS competency and protect against negative child behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication date: Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Access the article >>