From Serodiscordant to Magnetic: The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Pilot Psychoeducational Group Intervention Designed to Improve Relationship Quality |
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| Authors: | Andrew D. Eaton Jessica S. Cattaneo Jocelyn M. Watchorn Celeste Bilbao-Joseph Scott Bowler Michael Hazelton |
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| Affiliation: | 1. AIDS Committee of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;2. Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canadaaeaton@actoronto.org;4. Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;5. Centre for the Spanish Speaking Peoples, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;6. Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;7. David Kelley Services, Family Service Association of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Serodiscordant or magnetic couples experience HIV-related issues that can compound daily stressors. Psychoeducational couples group interventions can build coping skills and increase relationship satisfaction. Throughout Summer 2014, 6 gay male magnetic couples (n = 12) collaboratively designed and participated in an 8-session psychoeducational support group. The intervention was feasible (i.e., recruitment was <2 weeks, it was easy to coordinate) and acceptable (i.e., each session was consistently rated very good or outstanding). Relationship quality improved significantly in all couples regardless of whether couples agreed on how to manage HIV within their relationship. Implementation of this model is encouraged to fully evaluate this promising intervention. |
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| Keywords: | Serodiscordant couples HIV/AIDS psychoeducational group proof-of-concept relationship quality |
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