(PS8-3) Analyzing the Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of a Spiritually Integrated Relationship Checkup

The health of intimate relationships is profoundly intertwined with the well-being of individuals, families, and society (Amato, 2001; Robles, 2014), yet many distressed couples do not seek couple therapy (Hubbard & Harris, 2020). This pattern is in part due to various barriers, including stigma, lack of trust, lack of accessibility and awareness of resources (Hubbard & Anderson, 2022). Research suggests that religious couples, especially those who are African American or Latinx, commonly seek religiously mediated help for their relationships (Hurt et al., 2012; Moreno & Cardemil, 2013; Vaterlaus et al., 2015). The current study evaluates a recently developed faith-integrated adaptation of the Relationship Checkup, an empirically supported, proactive, two-session intervention for relationship health, to further mitigate therapy barriers for religious couples (Córdova et al., 2014).

This faith-integrated intervention expands on the Relationship Checkup by tapping into the intrinsic significance of relationships within the Christian tradition, drawing on principles from spiritually integrated psychotherapies to address couples' concerns while fostering a sense of relationship sanctification (Mahoney, 2009). Christian pastors have implemented the Relationship Checkup for Christian Churches (RC-C), and research suggests that pastors find the adapted checkup highly relevant and acceptable (York, 2023). The current study assesses couples’ experiences with and perceptions of the Relationship Checkup for Christian Churches.

We evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, satisfaction, and effectiveness of the RC-C in improving relationship and spiritual health outcomes among Christian couples. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to assess the intervention's impact comprehensively. We will examine pre- and post-intervention differences in outcome measures representing relationship health (i.e., relationship satisfaction, acceptance, and intimacy) and spiritual health (i.e., spiritual well-being and relationship sanctification) using a linear mixed-effects model. Additionally, one-month follow-up assessments will evaluate the sustainability of intervention effects. Reflexive thematic analysis will highlight participants' experiences, perceptions of faith integration, and suggestions for improvement.

Findings offer rich data illuminating the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of spiritually integrated interventions in religious settings. This research contributes to developing empirically tested, spiritually informed therapeutic approaches tailored to specific religious identities, with implications for enhancing relationship support through partnerships with religious communities. Results will inform future efforts to enhance the accessibility of relationship healthcare for diverse populations.