Objective: Couples connected to the Reserve Component face significant challenges attributed to military service including prolonged separation, stressful life events, and increased mental health rates including increased suicide risk. Although existing studies document these challenges and clinical approaches to mitigate them, few studies have documented how relationship education will improve the psychological and family health of these reserve component couples. Informed by cognitive behavioral and social learning theories, this study documents the use and effectiveness of using the electronic Prevention and Relationship Education Program (ePREP) tool to strengthen psychological and family health in a cohort of currently serving Guardsmen and their significant others.Method: A total of 11 National Guard connected couples (N = 24 participants, 11 men, 13 women) completed an online relationship education program called ePREP. They were assessed for base line relationship and psychological health and completed follow-up assessments post treatment and focus groups following training.Results: Results indicated that participants who received the training improved pre to post assessment in the domains of communication and worry for both men and women, as well as depression, and alcohol use behaviors for women, all with large effects. Thematic analysis indicated several factors that led participants to attend, challenges in attending, their experiences with the curriculum as well as with a couple coach, differences between in-person and online delivery of the same curriculum, and a gendered difference centered on safety.Conclusion: Relationship education delivered online with coaching is an innovative may be an effective way to improve relationship functioning and psychological health for National Guard connected couples. Implications for funding and policy are discussed.
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