Key Points
Rationale
Intimate relationship distress negatively impacts physical and mental health, but effective couple therapy is underutilized due to barriers like cost, stigma, and scheduling difficulties (Robles et al., 2014; Whisman, 2007).
Digital health interventions like online programs and mobile apps can improve access and convenience while providing standardized, evidence-based help (Bakker et al., 2016; Fortney et al., 2011).
This paper reviews the current state of digital couples interventions (DCIs) to inform future research priorities and clinical implementation.
Method
Sample
Statistical Analysis
Results
OurRelationship
ePREP
RELATE
Other programs had limited or no outcome data, prohibiting detailed results analysis.
Insight
Strengths
Limitations
Implications
Conclusions
References
Primary paper
Knopp, K., Schnitzer, J. S., Khalifian, C., Grubbs, K., Morland, L. A., & Depp, C. (2023). Digital interventions for couples: State of the field and future directions.Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 12(4), 201–217.https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000213
Other references
Bakker, D., Kazantzis, N., Rickwood, D., & Rickard, N. (2016). Mental health smartphone apps: Review and evidence-based recommendations for future developments. JMIR mental health, 3(1), e7.
Fortney, J. C., Burgess, J. F., Bosworth, H. B., Booth, B. M., & Kaboli, P. J. (2011). A reconceptualization of access for 21st century healthcare.Journal of General Internal Medicine, 26(2), 639-647.
Robles, T. F., Slatcher, R. B., Trombello, J. M., & McGinn, M. M. (2014). Marital quality and health: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 140(1), 140–187.https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031859
Whisman, M. A. (2007). Marital distress and DSM-IV psychiatric disorders in a population-based national survey.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 116(3), 638–643.https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.116.3.638
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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
