RecruitingNot Applicable

Couples' Affect in Relationships Study

United States2,000 participantsStarted 2026-08-04

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Primary Participant-Rated Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16)

Timeframe: Baseline, Week 4, 3-Month Follow-Up, 1-Year Follow-Up, 2-Year Follow-Up

Change in Second-Person PHQ-9 Rating of Primary Participant

Timeframe: Baseline, Week 4, 3-Month Follow-Up, 1-Year Follow-Up, 2-Year Follow-Up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06907654

SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-12

Contact for this trial

Lily Smith

cares@chm.wisc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depression Disorders trials