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A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials Evaluating Interventions Following Non-Marital Relationship Separation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 March 2017

Dominique Kazan ,
Alison L. Calear  and
Philip J. Batterham
Dominique Kazan*
Affiliation:
Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Alison L. Calear
Affiliation:
Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Philip J. Batterham
Affiliation:
Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
*
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Dominique Kazan, The Australian National University, 63 Eggleston Road, Acton ACT 2601Australia. Email: dominique.kazan@anu.edu.au
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Abstract

The effect of a relationship separation on wellbeing is substantial. However, without divorce parameters, individuals in dating or cohabiting relationships may struggle to access support mechanisms. A systematic review was conducted to identify controlled trials of interventions targeting individuals who have experienced a non-marital relationship separation, to supplement the divorce literature. The aim of the review was to assess the impact of these interventions on mental health. Five articles were identified through PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and Medline databases. Overall, two of the trials reported a significant improvement in specific mental health outcomes at post-test and/or follow-up. Of the two trials demonstrating efficacy in mental health outcomes, one used a weekly, forgiveness-based group intervention and the other was a writing-based, self-initiated intervention. A lack of trials testing theory-driven interventions for relationship separation is of particular concern. Limitations of the existing literature and corresponding directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords

relationship separationmental healthbreakupnon-maritalsystematic reviewintervention
Type
Review Article
Information
Journal of Relationships Research , Volume 8 , 2017 , e6
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2017 

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