“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
— Dr. Seuss
About this Activity
This is for those who are married and wish to improve their relationship and commitment. You’ll commit to working through an online resource over six weeks. Each week, you’ll check back in to reflect upon and write about your experiences.
Marriage and marriage quality is an important determinant of happiness in life and many other aspects of human flourishing. Over the last decade, research on relationship education and marriage counseling has become increasingly based on evidence as to what actually improves relationship quality. Some of this evidence has been incorporated into marriage counseling practices. However, many couples may feel that they lack the money, time, resources, motivation, or need, to see a counselor.
The Practice
Getting Started
The first thing that we recommend is to select the day (or days) of the week on which you want to do this activity. It's best to write down the days or add them to your calendar. A core aspect of these activities is writting down your thoughts. If you are doing the activity in the app, we provide forms to write and save your thoughts. If you are doing the exercise on your own, it is best to have a notebook or word document dedicated to this activity.
Instructions
This activity is focused on strengthening your marriage and is aimed at those who are already married. Over the course of the next six weeks, you'll commit to working through the online site OurRelationship that has proven effective in increasing marriage wellbeing. The first step is to create an account at the OurRelationship website. If you have not already created an account, please make sure to do so after finishing the next series of screens.
First Entry
There is no specific base entry. Just need to buy the book/sign up for the website.
Weekly Practice
You've committed to working through the online resource "OurRelationship.com". As part of your commitment, you opted to come back to this app today and complete a weekly short writing exercise. Take a few moments to clear your mind. When you are ready, think about any new insights you have had? Have you been able to transfer those insights into actions in your marriage? If not, how might you plan to do so in the future? When you are ready, please briefly write about them.
The Science
This exercise is grounded in research on relational well-being. Regular practice has been shown to increase positive emotion, enhance resilience, and deepen your sense of connection.
Key References
- Doss, B. D., Cicila, L. N., Georgia, E. J., Roddy, M. K., Nowlan, K. M., Benson, L. A., & Christensen, A. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of the web-based OurRelationship program: Effects on relationship and individual functioning. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 84:285-296.
- Manzoli, L., Villari, P., Pirone, G. M., & Boccia, A. (2007). Marital Status and Mortality in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Social Science & Medicine, 64,77-94.