Abstract
This study explored whether Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training (RC-CPT) improved perceived marital attachment, communication, and psychosocial well-being in couples impacted by aphasia. A quasi-experimental design was implemented to assess the impact of RC-CPT on various marital outcomes. Twelve married couples participated in the study, with each couple including one spouse with post-stroke aphasia. The Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Engagement Scale (BARE) was used as the primary outcome for this study, assessing attachment behaviors within couples. Secondary outcome measures included the Loneliness Scale Questionnaire, the Relationship Questionnaire, the Conflict and Conflict Resolution Questionnaire, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Rating Scale. Pre-testing consisted of two sessions, followed by six treatment sessions and three post-testing sessions across different time points. Treatment focused on education, counseling, strategy training, setting goals within the marital relationship, and consistent follow-up. Dependent variables related to marital attachment, communication, and psychosocial well-being were evaluated by comparing mean change in scores from pre- to post-intervention using paired-sample t-tests. Clinical significance was evaluated using Cohen's d, with statistical significance set at an alpha level of .05. Post-treatment outcomes demonstrated improvements in responsiveness, marital communication, and psychological distress. Preliminary results indicate that (a) RC-CPT improves marital communication and responsiveness for both the PWA and their spouses, (b) RC-CPT lessens psychological distress for both PWA and their spouses, and (c) RC-CPT does not improve engagement or loneliness. These findings suggest the RC-CPT has the potential to improve marital satisfaction in married couples impacted by aphasia.
Degree
MS
College and Department
David O. McKay School of Education; Communication Disorders
Rights
https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Laws, Sarah Janalee, "Does Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training Improve Perceived Marital Attachment, Communication, and Psychosocial Well-Being in Couples Impacted by Aphasia?" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 11286.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/11286
Date Submitted
2026-05-19
Document Type
Thesis
Permanent Link
https://arks.lib.byu.edu/ark:/34234/q2aa7141cb
Keywords
aphasia, marriage, relationships, psychosocial factors, communication, marital attachment
Language
english