A Mixed-Methods Instrumental Collective Case Study of the OurRelationship Program

Romantic relationship distress impacts the physical and mental health of couples. While couple therapy is effective, many barriers limit its accessibility. Online programs offer a broader reach but may lack personalized depth. The OurRelationship (OR) program—a coach-assisted, online adaptation of Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy—circumvents those barriers. The present study employs an instrumental collective case study approach to elucidate how the OR program can be adapted for diverse populations to address unique couple dynamics and improve program outcomes. Four couples represented populations accessing OR: low-income, racial minority, same- and mixed-gender, military-affiliated, were M = 37.5 years old and had at least some college education. Couples were White, non-Hispanic (50%), African American or Black, non-Hispanic (37.5%), and mixed race (12.5%). They were selected based on varying presenting problems, population representation, program outcomes, and the availability of recorded coach interactions. Reliable change results indicated all participants improved, but 50% of individuals showed statistically reliable change. During coach appointments, participants praised the program’s safe environment for expressing emotions and breaking longstanding barriers. This case study illustrates the flexibility and impacts of coach-level interventions to enhance emotional connection and understanding of issues that couples experience in the OR program.