A research study from the Department of Psychology at Western University is focusing on daily life of couples in which at least one partner is experiencing depressive symptoms.
The study hopes to better understand how “support exchanges” might be associated with immediate and long-term mental and relationship well-being, said the researcher who designed it.
“There is a lot of research that shows us how depression is impacting both members of the couple, and we’re also seeing a lot of couples in qualitative interviews and clinical work telling us, ‘I don’t know how to help my partner,'” said Gabriela Murphy, who is also a PhD candidate at Western.
Her team is looking for couples willing to participate.
Participating couples are to fill out an initial survey, then complete daily surveys over a two-week period. The surveys are to be completed independently by both partners and will document the “support exchanges” between the couple that occurred that day. Couples will then be followed up to complete surveys three to six months later.
“Really, we’re looking for anything that someone is considering to be support,” said Murphy, adding the definition of “support” is intentionally broad because everybody experiences support in different ways.
By gathering these daily and long-term surveys, the research team will be able to see how smaller daily interactions can lead to longer term outcomes, Murphy said.
This research will help inform clinical and practical guidance for partners to better support each other in their everyday lives, Murphy said.
Emma Cripps, a student at Fanshawe College, said she was dealing with depressive symptoms late last year. She credits her boyfriend for supporting her through those times.
“He will call every night and talk through stuff, if I ever get in my head he’ll call me, honestly it’s such a vital support system for me now,” said Cripps.
If you meet the criteria and might be interested in participating in the study, contact couplestudy@uwo.ca.
