A Preliminary Evaluation of a Relationship Education Program for Male Same-Sex Couples

Same-sex couples are exposed to intense, and sometimes unique, risk factors for relationship dissolution and distress. Relationship education programs, developed to prevent relationship distress and break-up, are generally designed for heterosexual couples and may not meet the needs of same-sex couples. This project involved the initial evaluation of a new group-based relationship education program for male same-sex couples. This program, designed to be free of heterosexist assumptions/biases, included adaptations of commonly used relationship education content to build core relationship skills (e.g., communication skills training) and newly developed modules to address the unique challenges same-sex couples may face (e.g., discrimination). Twelve married or engaged male same-sex couples were randomized to either an immediate intervention (N = 7) or wait-list (delayed intervention; N = 5) condition. Those completing the intervention participated in immediate posttreatment and 3-month follow-up assessments (N = 11). Results indicated that the intervention, compared with wait-list, was associated with improvements in both hypothesized mechanisms of change (i.e., positive communication, problem solving, negative communication, perceived stress, social support, and relationship support) and relationship functioning (i.e., quality, satisfaction, and confidence). Intervention effects were generally maintained 3 months posttreatment, suggesting that this program may result in lasting improvements in individual and relational outcomes. Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the intervention, especially its clear focus on male same-sex couples. Qualitative feedback (e.g., to increase content on maintaining sexual connection) may help guide general relationship education efforts with male same-sex couples.