TOGETHER: A Couple's Model to Enhance Relationships and Economic Stability

Study Summary

The current study sought to evaluate an intervention to promote healthy couple relationships and economic stability and mobility for low-income couples living in Northern Virginia (VA) and Montgomery and Prince George's Counties (MD). The approach proposed integrated two components:(1) a 20-hour evidence-informed couple group workshop called TOGETHER that integrates relationship and financial education, followed by an optional three-hour booster session three months after TOGETHER workshop and (2) case management (assessment of participant needs, development of Individual and Couple Development Plan(ICDP), referrals for social and mental health services, and referrals and coordination with job and career enhancement services, linking and coordination of all services as needed). The 20-hour workshop was offered in 8 sessions facilitated by couple and financial experts. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated through a randomized control trial in which couples were randomly assigned to a control group (n=147) or an intervention group (n=145). The control group received no intervention but a three-hour financial workshop after the last assessment was completed whereas the intervention couples participated in the 20-hour interventions and received case management. An independent local evaluator(AVAR, Consulting) participated in the design, implementation, and most of the data analysis. Participants had to be at least 18 years-old, living together for at least a year, and had no severe domestic violence issues, or untreated substance abuse or severe psychiatric disorders. If both partners were retired, couples were excluded from participation. Couples participated in an intake and enrollment meeting and were randomly assigned by a computer generated system to either the intervention or control group. Couples in both groups completed three sets of self-report measures: (1)Pre-test in first workshop session or at intake for control couples, (2)post-test in the last

Primary Outcome

nFORM survey was developed by Mathematica. Subscales: Depression (4 items; Range: 4-20); Anxiety (2 items; Range: 2-10); Positive conflict management (7 items; Range: 7-28); Negative conflict management (5 items; Rrange: 5-20); Emotional abuse (2 items; Range: 2-8); Conflict management Satisfaction (1 item; Range: 1-3); Relationship quality (5 items; Range:5-20); Time with partner (3 items; Range: 3-12); Relationship Satisfaction (1 item; Range: 1-3); Parenting stress (1 item; Scale range: 1-4);

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Connection to community services through case management
• BEHAVIORAL TOGETHER Workshop
• BEHAVIORAL Employment Support Services