Objective

Although relationship distress is strongly associated with mental health problems, poorer social functioning and lower quality of life, only a minority of distressed couples engage in effective couples therapy. Common barriers are the financial burden, fear of being stigmatized, long waitlists and logistical concerns, such as the difficulty in scheduling appointments. Therefore, more accessible help for relationship distress is needed, such as internet-based interventions.

Method

This study evaluates the efficacy of the German web-based PaarBalance program, an 18-sessions online program for couples and individuals in an intimate relationship. Participants with relationship distress recruited via the internet had access to the unguided self-help program for twelve weeks. A total of 117 individuals (N = 60 participated as couples, N = 57 participated without a partner) were randomly assigned to begin the intervention immediately or to a 12-week waitlist control group. The primary outcome was relationship satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Results

The intervention group showed significant improvement in relationship satisfaction (Cohen's d =0.77) compared with the waitlist control group. Small to medium effect sizes in favor of the intervention group, but no statistically significant differences were found regarding depression (d = 0.43) and anxiety (d = 0.45).

Conclusion

PaarBalance seems to be an effective self-guided intervention to improve relationship satisfaction in people with relationship problems.

中文翻译：

---

基于网络的 PaarBalance 计划对关系满意度、抑郁和焦虑的功效——一项随机对照试验

客观的

尽管关系困扰与心理健康问题、较差的社会功能和较低的生活质量密切相关，但只有少数困扰的夫妇参与了有效的夫妻治疗。常见的障碍是经济负担、害怕被污名化、等候名单长和后勤问题，例如难以安排约会。因此，需要更容易获得的关系困扰帮助，例如基于互联网的干预。

方法

这项研究评估了德国基于网络的 PaarBalance 计划的功效，这是一个针对处于亲密关系中的夫妻和个人的 18 节在线计划。通过互联网招募的有关系困扰的参与者可以参加为期 12 周的无指导自助计划。共有 117 人（N = 60 人作为夫妻参与，N = 57 人没有伴侣参与）被随机分配立即开始干预或进入 12 周的候补名单对照组。主要结果是关系满意度。次要结局包括抑郁和焦虑症状。

结果

与候补名单对照组相比，干预组的关系满意度（Cohen's d = 0.77）有显着改善。有利于干预组的小到中等效应量，但在抑郁症（ d = 0.43）和焦虑症（d = 0.45）方面没有发现统计学上的显着差异。

结论

PaarBalance 似乎是一种有效的自我引导干预措施，可以提高有关系问题的人的关系满意度。