Couples Research Program
We aim to better understand what makes couple relationships satisfying for heterosexual and LGBTIQ couples, and to develop interventions to enhance couple relationships.
We are currently engaged in several projects.
Relationship enhancement for same-sex couples
In collaboration with the University of Queensland, we are providing free relationship enhancement for same-sex couples. Chief Investigators Dr Chris Pepping, Professor Kim Halford, and Dr Anthony Lyons research couple relationships and gay and lesbian relationships, and are currently evaluating a relationship enhancement program specifically for same-sex couples. By taking part in this study, you will receive a newly developed relationship enhancement program, Rainbow CoupleCARE.
If you would like more information about our future programs, please register your interest. We will then contact you to answer any questions you may have, and determine whether this program might be suitable for your needs. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will help to inform future research and enhance relationship services for lesbians and gay men.
Singles Study
Very little is known about why some people remain single for long periods of time, despite expressing a desire to enter into a romantic relationship.
This research program aims to better understand the various reasons people remain single, and identify determinants of well-being in people who remain long-term single.
Same-Sex Couple Relationships
The goal of this program of research is to understand determinants of couple outcomes in same-sex couples, such as predictors of relationship satisfaction and stability, and processes that assist couples to have the best relationships they can.
This work can inform interventions to help couples have strong relationships.
Well-Being and Access to Services in the LGBT population
This research assesses the well-being of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals, and seeks to understand their experiences when accessing health services including couple services and mental health services. It also seeks to understand preferences when accessing interventions, such as useful content and delivery of services.
This research is one of the first studies to examine the needs of LGBT individuals for such interventions and will be able to inform future research and interventions.
Contact us
To find out more about these projects, please contact Dr Chris Pepping.