Relationship Distress in Couples With and Without Reported Existing Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Making a Case for Relationship Education (RE)

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, costing billions of dollars per year in direct and indirect costs, and its prevalence is projected to increase exponentially over the next 15 years. Additionally, low-income and ethnic minority populations are especially at risk for CVD and CVD-related adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the influence of a 12-hr, evidence-based relationship education (RE) program, Within Our Reach (WOR), on relational distress and satisfaction in participants with and without CVD risk factors. Findings indicated that participants significantly improved in their relationship satisfaction following the RE intervention with the female group improving in their relationship satisfaction at an amount significantly greater than the male group. However, no differences were found between CVD risk factor group and non-CVD risk factor group on their relationship satisfaction either before or after the RE intervention. Clinical implications and future directions for research in this area are also discussed.