We are seeking couples for a research study at The Family Institute at Northwestern University who are looking to learn ways to strengthen their relationship in various areas, including:

  • Trust and emotional closeness
  • Maintaining a satisfying sex life over time
  • Supporting each other in hard times
  • Maintaining respect and acceptance over time
  • Establishing strong conflict management and recovery skills

Couples will participate in two appointments with our research team to discuss your relationship and receive feedback about strengths and challenges. You will then attend a workshop with other couples to learn new relationships skills. Along the way, we will ask you to complete questionnaires for compensation.

The relationship assessment and workshops are free. Compensation of up to $100 per couple will be provided for completing questionnaires while participating in workshops.

The study involves attending 5 appointments – two for the initial assessment and feedback, two workshop sessions, and one coaching session. The workshop component includes 6 hours of content delivered in 2 weekly appointments plus one coaching session, all over three weeks.

Appointments and workshops will be held either online or at one of two locations of The Family Institute at (Evanston or Millennium Park), depending on which is most accessible to you! Participant preferences will be taken into account.

This is a great opportunity to enhance your relationship with skills based on the latest research!

To be eligible for this study, you must be 18 years of age or older, fluent in reading and speaking English, living in the U.S., and in a committed romantic relationship for a period of 1-5 years.

If you are interested in participating, please email TFIRelationshipSkills@gmail.com with the following information:

  • Names (both partners must be willing to attend all stages)
  • Emails, phone numbers, and preferred method of contact
  • General availability to attend workshops (days vs. evenings, weekends vs. weekdays)
  • Location preferences

You may also express interest in our study by completing an initial online screening survey using this link: https://northwestern.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cuAba1p3rQV0WjQ

Principal Investigator: Erika Lawrence, Ph.D.

Northwestern University Study ID #: STU00211712