(PS10-A4) Inclusive Adaptations of the Relationship Checkup to Meet the Needs of Sexual Minority Couples

Sexual minority couples face significant stressors and discrimination that both impact mental and physical health as well as create barriers to accessing relational healthcare (Pepping et al, 2017). There is a significant need for inclusive, accessible, and affirmative interventions to meet the needs of LGBTQ couples. This poster will present data from an Adaptation of the Relationship Checkup specifically designed to increase access. The current adaptation of the Relationship Checkup requires a significantly lower time commitment than traditional couple therapies (two sessions). In addition, the Checkup was offered to LGBTQ couples either via telehealth or in person to further lower barriers to participation. The Checkup then underwent several protocol revisions in the service of being more inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ relationships. Primary protocol revisions included: 1) inviting couples to share how they identify as individuals and as a couple at the outset of the first session (Cobin & Angello, 2012; Goldberg et al., 2018); 2) asking about the impact of living in a heterocentric society on the relationship (Cobin & Angello, 2012; Iasenza, 2004), 3) inviting couples to share about the positive components of their identity (Riggle & Rostosky, 2017); 4) assessing the couple’s support system (Pepping & Halford, 2014); and 5) inviting the couple to discuss their sexual relationship directly, if they do not bring it up spontaneously during assessment of strengths and concerns (Grove & Blasby, 2009). Eighteen couples participated in the study and reported high satisfaction with both the Checkup itself and their therapist. Additionally, couples overwhelmingly reported finding the LGBTQ-RC to be an affirmative intervention (M = 4.57 (out of 5) SD = 0.50) and 100% of participants stated they would recommend the LGBTQ-RC to other couples.  Participant responses to the RC Evaluation indicated benefits of the LGBTQ-RC including: improving understanding of relationship strengths (M = 4.81, SD  = 0.53), concerns (M = 4.56, SD  = 0.65), and conflicts, (M = 4.42, SD  = 0.55); learning strategies to improve relationship health (M = 4.53, SD  = 0.51); and increasing feelings of closeness (M = 4.50, SD  = 0.61), commitment (M = 4.31, SD  = 0.86), relationship satisfaction (M = 4.33, SD  = 0.68), and overall relationship health (M = 4.22, SD  = 0.68).