BIU Couples Support and EA Study, 2013

This is a multi-method longitudinal dyadic study of cohabiting romantic couples, aimed at examining dyadic support and empathic accuracy. Data were collected between June 2012-July 2013. We recruited 86 heterosexual couples (mean age 26.7 [SD=3.9] and 29.3 [SD=4.4], for women and men respectively). These couples were in romantic relationships for an average of 4.6 years (SD=2.9) and were cohabiting for an average of 3.0 (SD=2.5). In their first lab visit, couples completed background questionnaires and were instructed in the use of a web-based diary. Then, each evening, for 35 days, they were asked to fill out the diary questionnaire. The retention and adherence rates obtained in the main study were exceptionally high (only 6 couples dropped out, and participates completed an average of 34.6 diary entries, of which an average of 29.7 entries were fully compliant with our scheduling requests). Four and twelve months after the completion of the diary period, they were emailed a link to a follow up questionnaire (86.25% and 75.6% of individuals completed the first and second follow-ups, respectively).