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Abstract
Hold Me Tight: Conversations for Connection (HMT; Johnson, 2008) is a newly developed research-based program to enhance relationship satisfaction. The preliminary study describes the effectiveness of this intervention as it pertains to college student couples. The study included 28 self-selected college participants (14 couples) who were pretested to determine level of relationship distress (DAS), trust between partners (RTS), and symptoms of depression (BDI-II) prior to completing the 8-week education program. Pre- and post-changes were examined for statistical and clinical significance. Results indicated that there was a statistically significant change over time on all measures and that the DAS showed a greater degree of change for the women. The DAS showed significant clinical change for the majority of female and half of male participants. The RTS showed relatively little change that could not be due to random variability. Two of three women and three of four men with mild or worse depression symptoms at pretest showed clinically meaningful improvement on the BDI-II. Student debriefing sessions provided positive feedback regarding group content and structure. Implications for relationship education as it pertains to college couples are discussed.