Couples needed for communication study

Couples needed for communication study

A University of Queensland researcher wants to contact couples of any age group who have been together for between 6 to 18 months.

PhD student in the School of Psychology Steven Bradford is investigating the role of communication in close relationships.

Mr Bradford said the project, supervised by Dr Judith Feeney, investigated how couples shared information about themselves and their relationship with each other.

"In particular, the study examines the way people manage the disclosure of information in order to balance their need for autonomy and their need for connection to their partner," he said.

"A further aim is to investigate the links between communication and relationship."

Mr Bradford said he hoped the findings could be used to improve strategies for counselling couples.

Volunteers will be required to attend a three-hour session at the University's St Lucia campus, including filling out questionnaires and taking part in a videotaped discussion. They also need to fill out a diary for about 10 minutes a day for seven days. In return, they will receive feedback on the research progress and outcomes.

For more information or to participate in this study, contact Mr Bradford at the School of Psychology, University of Queensland, (telephone 3365 6427 (office), 3844 9257 (A/H), or 0412 270 264 (mobile). Email: Steveb@psy.uq.edu.au).