Relationship Confidence Boosts Personal Well-being

Study finds relationship education programs improve individual mental health, sleep, and substance use.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines how a popular relationship education program, the Strong Couples Project, affected individual outcomes such as mental health, sleep, and substance use. The researchers found that improvements in relationship confidence had the biggest impact on these individual outcomes, more so than better communication or partner support.

Why it matters

The study highlights the broader benefits of relationship counseling beyond just improving the partnership itself. By boosting relationship confidence, these programs can have a positive ripple effect on an individual's overall well-being and health.

The details

The study included individuals who participated in the Strong Couples Project, a research-based relationship education program available at no cost to couples in the U.S. The program covers topics such as communication, conflict, problem-solving, commitment, and friendship. Researchers focused on three program components - partner support, better communication, and increased relationship confidence - and found that improvements in relationship confidence had the biggest impact on individual outcomes.

  • The study participants completed surveys prior to the intervention, immediately after its conclusion, and six months later.

The players

Noah Larsen

A graduate student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and lead author of the study.

Allen Barton

An Illinois Extension specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and co-author of the study.

Strong Couples Project

A research-based relationship education program available at no cost to couples in the U.S., offered through Illinois Extension and directed by Allen Barton.

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What they’re saying

“Relationship confidence involves the belief that my partner and I can handle whatever challenges come our way and build a lasting future together. It involves trusting that our relationship will continue and feeling assured that we have the skills to manage conflicts and keep the relationship strong.”

— Noah Larsen, Graduate student (Journal of Marital and Family Therapy)

“Marriage often comes with a long-term commitment to the relationship. When couples reflect on that commitment and their shared future, it can strengthen their confidence in the relationship even more.”

— Noah Larsen, Graduate student (Journal of Marital and Family Therapy)

What’s next

The Strong Couples Project is available free of charge to qualifying participants nationwide through Illinois Extension.

The takeaway

This study shows that by boosting relationship confidence, couple relationship education programs can have a positive impact on an individual's mental health, sleep, and substance use, highlighting the broader benefits of this type of counseling beyond just improving the partnership itself.