When couples participate in relationship counseling, it can improve both their partnership and their individual health. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explored which aspects of a widely used intervention program had the most impact on personal outcomes like mental health, sleep quality, and substance use.
"Past research has looked at different factors that might explain why these programs are helping couples' relationships. But we thought it was remarkable that relationship education also benefits people's individual health, and we wanted to find out what might explain this," said lead author Noah Larsen, a graduate student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Illinois. The study's co-author is Allen Barton, an Illinois Extension specialist and assistant professor in HDFS.
The research focused on individuals who took part in the Strong Couples Project. This program is available free to couples across the United States and covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, commitment, and friendship. It uses online modules and video calls with a coach. Participants included people who were married, engaged, or living together. They completed surveys before starting the program, right after finishing it, and again six months later.
Larsen and Barton analyzed three main components of the program: partner support, improved communication skills, and increased confidence in one’s relationship. Their findings showed that while all three areas were important for positive changes in participants’ lives, gains in relationship confidence had the strongest effect on personal well-being—including better mental health outcomes, improved sleep habits, and lower substance use.
"Relationship confidence involves the belief that my partner and I can handle whatever challenges come our way and build a lasting future together. It involves trusting that our relationship will continue and feeling assured that we have the skills to manage conflicts and keep the relationship strong," Larsen explained.
According to Larsen, communication skills and partner support are vital for daily interactions between partners; however, having strong confidence about a couple’s ability to maintain their relationship over time may offer special advantages for each person’s mental health.
He suggested that couples work intentionally to build or sustain this sense of assurance by reflecting on shared strengths or recalling past difficulties they have overcome together.
Counselors working with couples can assist them by teaching strategies for managing difficult situations as well as encouraging conversations about future plans so they feel united as a team.
The study found these benefits applied regardless of participants’ age group, education level, income bracket or gender identity. However, married participants saw larger increases in their sense of relationship confidence after completing the program.
"Marriage often comes with a long-term commitment to the relationship. When couples reflect on that commitment and their shared future, it can strengthen their confidence in the relationship even more," Larsen said.
The Strong Couples Project is run through Illinois Extension under Barton’s direction; it remains open at no cost nationwide for eligible participants.
