Supporting mental wellbeing in couples: Study examines stress transmission and the effects of training

Mental health conditions are among the most common health problems in Europe: more than one in three people are affected over the course of a year. In addition to the individual suffering, this is accompanied by considerable social and economic burdens. Stress is a key factor in the development and progression of affective disorders – particularly depressive disorders. However, stress does not arise solely ‘within the individual’, but is often embedded in social contexts. Partnerships play a particular role here: they can cushion the impact of stress, but can also contribute to the transmission of stress and negative moods between partners.

In this context, a research project is seeking couples to participate in a study that has two objectives: (1) to investigate how stressful events continue to affect relationships (“stress transmission”), and (2) to examine whether mental well-being and stress resilience can be specifically supported through two different training approaches.

© Philipp Kanske

“In preliminary studies, we have developed training programs aimed at improving social interaction and reducing stress in social relationships. These have shown positive effects in people without a mental health condition. We have now adapted these training programs for people with depression and their partners,” explains Philipp Kanske, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience at Dresden University of Technology. The study is a collaborative project with Professor Nina Alexander from the University of Marburg and Dr Elisabeth Leehr from the University of Münster.

Study procedure:

As part of a laboratory assessment, couples participate together to record their experience of stress within the partnership. In addition, neural processes are analysed whilst the participants listen to reports from other people. This is followed by an eight-week online training program in which – depending on the study conditions – either both partners or just one person takes part. The aim of the training is to strengthen stress resilience and promote mental health and social skills, for example through stress reduction, increased clarity, greater life satisfaction and improved perspective-taking.

Who can take part? (Inclusion criteria):

We are looking for couples aged between 18 and 56, specifically:

•    Couples in which one partner has previously suffered from depression, and

•    Couples in which neither partner has previously suffered from depression.

Interest / Contact (no obligation):
If you are interested in taking part or would like to clarify any questions first, you can complete an online screening here and arrange an appointment for a brief telephone conversation: https://tud.link/gt5h44. Alternatively, you can email us at

The project is part of a globally unique, large-scale study investigating the course of affective disorders (SFB-TRR393) and is being conducted by the Universities of Marburg, Dresden and Münster. Information on this collaborative project can be found here: https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/trr-393

Contact:

Prof. Philipp Kanske
Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
TU Dresden
Email:
Tel. +49 351 463-42225