Promoting Positive Relationship Dynamics During COVID-19: A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Conflict Reappraisal Intervention for Couples with Young Children

Authors: Veronica Benyamin, Gillian Shoychet, Amy Muise, Heather Prime

Presented at Harvard University, York University

Abstract

COVID-related stressors (i.e., financial strain, social isolation, etc.) are risk factors for lower relationship quality and greater conflict among romantic couples. This relationship may be more pronounced for couples with young children, given the challenges associated with the transition to parenthood. However, perceived partner responsiveness – the degree to which people believe their partners validate, care, and understand them – may protect against this risk. The current study is part of a larger feasibility pilot of the Love Together, Parent Together program (L2P2), which is a low-intensity, brief intervention for couples with young children designed to enhance partner responsiveness by addressing conflict dynamics. This study will recruit 20 couples with young children (n = 40) via three community organizations. Over a six-week period, couples will complete pre- and post-intervention surveys and participate in three biweekly writing intervention sessions encouraging conflict reappraisal. Data collection will be completed by November 2021. The proposed poster will examine pre-post change in partner responsiveness and perceived partner responsiveness using multilevel modelling to account for nested data (individuals within couples). Findings may shed light on the role of conflict reappraisal in couples’ responsiveness dynamics and will inform the parameters of a future definitive randomized controlled trial.