Relational and psychological mediators of change in low‐income couples' perceived health

Experimental tests of the association between relationship functioning and physical health are limited. Although associations are hypothesized to be partially mediated through improved psychological functioning, tests are mostly limited to lab‐based studies. The present study evaluated relational and psychological mediators of change in perceived health in a sample of 742 low‐income couples (1,484 individuals) who participated in a randomized controlled trial of two online relationship education programs and a waitlist control group. Results partially supported the Strengths and Strains Model of Relationships and Physical Health. Relationship functioning and some psychological functioning were mediators of change in perceived health. Future research is needed to understand how relationship functioning improved perceived health through mediators other than psychological functioning tested here.     

PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTION AS A SOURCE OF GAIN IN COUNSELOR COMMUNICATION

This study investigated the effectiveness of programmed materials in interpersonal relations in improving the facilitation levels of counselor communication. Thirty Employment Service counselors were pre-tested by assessing response levels to representative client stimuli expression. The subjects were then given 10 hours of written, programmed instruction. Post-test scores indicated that statistically significant gains were realized in the communication of empathy and respect.