(PS4-30) Supporting Loved Ones: Evaluating a Novel DBT Intervention for Couples Facing Emotion Dysregulation, Suicidality, and Self-Injurious Behavior

Abstract Text: Suicidal behavior, self-harm, emotion dysregulation, and impulsivity not only impact individual quality of life, but can also impose strain on relationship functioning and well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an effective treatment for improving relationship functioning among couples with high emotion dysregulation; however, this body of literature remains limited, and current research has not yet evaluated perceptions of DBT couples interventions. This study evaluated treatment efficacy and perceptions of a tiered DBT couples intervention using quantitative and qualitative methods. Twelve participants were included in the study, with four completing the first tier of the intervention, which focused on skills acquisition and identification of problematic patterns. Paired samples t-tests compared pre- and post-intervention scores on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), but no statistically significant differences were found, likely due to the small sample size (N=4). However, positive correlations emerged between baseline DAS scores and participants’ expectations of intervention effectiveness (r = .67, p<.05), suggesting that those with greater relationship difficulties had lower initial expectations. Qualitative analysis revealed that couples primarily sought to improve communication and understanding (n=10), with many also expecting to acquire relationship skills (n=5). While no significant improvement was observed after the first tier, qualitative findings suggest participant engagement and hopefulness. As the study progresses and the sample size increases, more meaningful insights may emerge, supporting the need for an extended intervention. Implications for DBT for couples in outpatient settings, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.