A brief web-based romantic attachment psychoeducational intervention for emerging adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective: We present a pilot RCT of a web-based romantic attachment psychoeducational intervention (Healthy Emotional Attachment Lifestyle [HEAL]). The HEAL program educates on romantic attachment orientations (anxiety and avoidance), how they present during relationship initiation and maintenance, and how to use attachment-related knowledge and communication skills to make better relationship choices and resolve conflicts more constructively. Methods: Emerging adult college students (N = 416; 80.6% women) watched either HEAL or a time-matched control video in the laboratory. They completed a follow-up survey two weeks later (77.4% follow-up rate). Results: HEAL participants found the program acceptable. At follow-up, HEAL participants reported greater confidence in relationship decision-making, an effect mediated by attachment-related knowledge and confidence in effective communication (general). HEAL participants in relationships reported improved communication, mediated by relationship-related attachment knowledge and confidence effectively communicating (partner-specific). Conclusions: Findings provide preliminary support that the HEAL program is feasible, acceptable, and helpful to emerging adults.