Promoting Conflict Reappraisal in Parenting Couples: A Feasibility Study and Preliminary Evaluation of a Brief Writing Intervention

Parenting couples with young children are at risk for relationship problems, which was exacerbated during the pandemic. The current study examines the use of a brief, low-intensity writing intervention that promotes conflict reappraisal strategies to enhance relationship quality. We examine feasibility metrics (i.e., recruitment, eligibility criteria, demographics, retention, adherence, uptake, and acceptability) and pre-post change in couple and family outcomes, with the goal of informing future program iterations. Fifteen couples (n = 30), at elevated risk for relationship difficulties due to their developmental stage (i.e., couples with children <6 years old) and the context (i.e., COVID-19 pandemic), took part in a single-arm, pre-test/post-test study in August – October 2021. Following the completion of baseline surveys, couples independently took part in three conflict reappraisal writing sessions over the course of five weeks. Subsequently, they completed post-test surveys. The sample was diverse: 60.0% of participants identified as being part of a racially minoritized group; 40.0% reported being born outside of Canada; and 13.3% self-identified as LGBTQIA2S+. Adherence, retention, and uptake were good, as was intervention acceptability. Positive change was evident in couple outcomes (relationship quality and responsiveness), in expected directions, with less support for change in family outcomes (parenting and parent mental health). Findings justify a future evaluative randomized controlled trial. In the future, we will aim to increase recruitment efforts and expand participant diversity, with some planned program changes. Clinicaltrials.gov Registration (retroactive): NCT05143437.