NCT06907654 · University of Wisconsin, Madison
Couples' Affect in Relationships Study
(Cares)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether learning about well-being impacts the thoughts and feelings of romantic couples. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does gaining knowledge about well-being positively impact individuals and their romantic relationships? Participants will complete online surveys about their thoughts and feelings.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether learning about well-being impacts the thoughts and feelings of romantic couples. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does gaining knowledge about well-being positively impact individuals and their romantic relationships? Participants will complete online surveys about their thoughts and feelings.
Interventions
DEVICE
well-being app
The HMP app is a meditation-based smartphone app designed to promote and protect psychological well-being through sustainable skills training. The program is grounded in constituents of psychological well-being identified in empirical literature. HMP provides core content, with instruction administered through a curriculum of guided practices. HMP has guided audio practices that address 4 constituents of well-being: awareness, connection, insight, and purpose.
BEHAVIORAL
List of well-being resources
Participants will be given a list of resources that promote well-being.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Primary Participant-Rated Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, 3-Month Follow-Up, 1-Year Follow-Up, 2-Year Follow-Up
CSI-16 scores can range from 0 to 81. Higher scores indicate higher levels of relationship satisfaction. CSI-16 scores falling below 51.5 suggest notable relationship dissatisfaction.
Change in Second-Person PHQ-9 Rating of Primary Participant
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, 3-Month Follow-Up, 1-Year Follow-Up, 2-Year Follow-Up
Second-Person PHQ-9 as assessed by the partner participant. PHQ-9 is a 9 item survey about how often in the past 2 weeks their partner were bothered by specific problems. It is scored on a 4-point Likert scale, where 0=not at all and 4=nearly every day. Scores range from 0-36, where higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Be either married, living together, OR in a dating relationship for at least 12 months
- Proficiency in English
- US citizen or permanent resident
- If non-monogamous, must be able to enroll in the study with a primary partner with whom they spend the majority of their time.
- Use of a smartphone (primary participant only)
- Phone able to receive SMS text messages
- Depression symptoms (≥ 5 on PHQ-9; primary participant only)
Exclusion criteria
- Severe physical or sexual relationship aggression during the past 6 months (any item endorsement on 5-item severe IPV screener)
- Endorsement of active suicidality
- History of psychosis or mania
- Prior use of the Healthy Minds Program app
- Prior significant experience with meditation
- Severe hearing impairment that would interfere with the use of an audio-based intervention (primary participant only)
Where
- Madison, Wisconsin
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations