The Illinois Strong Couples project: A proof of concept for sustainable, effective couples' programming

Objective: This proof-of-concept study presents findings from the Illinois Strong Couples project, a statewide initiative to disseminate an efficacious couple relationship education (CRE) program through a state Cooperative Extension System. Background: Among family scholars, federally funded initiatives to disseminate CRE programming to couples have received strong support as well as equally strong opposition. The current study describes and evaluates a new dissemination approach designed to satisfy concerns from both sides of this debate. Method: The sample comprised 340 individuals (170 couples) who participated in the online ePREP program with remote coaching and completed three survey assessments over 6 months. Results: Significant short- and long-term improvements were observed in multiple dimensions of relationship functioning (e.g., declines in communication conflict, relationship instability concerns) and individual functioning (e.g., declines in psychological distress, sleep problems). Effect sizes, in general, were medium for relationship outcomes and small for individual outcomes. Greater attendance forecasted greater gains in relationship outcomes, particularly for men. Changes over time were generally similar irrespective of household income and, when evident, indicated greater improvement for lower-income women compared to higher income. Conclusion: Findings highlight the ability to disseminate effectively an evidence-based CRE program within a state Extension system. Implications: This project illustrates a sustainable and potentially scalable strategy to disseminate CRE programming that can complement other approaches for CRE dissemination as a means to promote relationship and individual well-being among help-seeking couples.