Web-based Better Together Program for Female Same-Sex couples in rural Appalachia

Sharon Rostosky, Professor of Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Sarah Whitton, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Cincinnati, and Keisa Fallin-Bennett, MD, Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kentucky, are collaborating in the first pilot study and evaluation of a culturally appropriate web-based relationship education program that specifically targets health-related coping behaviors in rural female same-sex couples, a stigmatized, high-risk, under-researched and under-resourced population.

Better Together is a web-based adaptation of Dr. Whitton’s Strengthening Same Sex Relationships program. It consists of six accessible, relatable, and self-paced online modules (plus Welcome and Wrap Up modules) that teach and demonstrate positive communication and coping skills that support individual and couple health and well-being. The research team is in the process of conducting a randomized wait-list control trial of the program with a sample of 40 female same-sex couples.

If you are a woman in a relationship with another woman and are interested in participating, please contact Dr. Rostosky here.