Fostering healthy relationships: A preliminary investigation of relationship education

Abstract

AbstractRobust and healthy relationships are pivotal for overall well‐being and wellness. Social support, the reduction of stigma, and the cultivation of quality time are critical elements in establishing and nurturing a healthy relationship as they bolster emotional well‐being, enhance communication, and alleviate stress. The aim of this research study was to investigate the associations between quality time, social support, and self‐stigma among couples (N = 518 dyads) engaged in a randomized controlled relationship education intervention, whether online or face to face. Longitudinal Actor–Partner Interdependence Models (L‐APIM) were employed to investigate the dyadic correlations and the influence of the intervention's modality on the three outcomes observed at the 1‐month postintervention follow‐up. Results indicated that individuals tend to exhibit consistent perceptions of quality time, social support, self‐stigma related to help‐seeking, and threats to self‐confidence regarding help‐seeking, both at baseline and the subsequent 1‐month follow‐up. Results and implications are discussed.