Couples needed for UQ study

Participants are needed for a University of Queensland study of communication between married and dating couples.

Researcher Dr Judith Feeney from UQ's School of Psychology said people were often hurt by things their partners said or did or by the things they neglected to say or do.

'This study examines why it is that we sometimes fail to notice or understand each other's hurt feelings and how couples can get past these experiences and maintain their relationships,' Dr Feeney said.

'We believe couples are the experts on their relationships so we are asking them to help by becoming involved in the project.

'In the past, couples have found participating in similar projects beneficial, as they have the opportunity to discuss important aspects of their relationship in a safe and confidential setting.'

Couples need to be over the age of 18 and either dating for between six and 12 months or married for any length of time.

Participation has two parts: attending a three-hour research session at UQ's St Lucia campus; and filling out a simple diary for 10 couple interactions.

'During the research session, couples will be videotaped discussing a topic then answer questions related to this interaction,' Dr Feeney said. Couples are paid $30 for their participation, she said.

For more information or to schedule a session, please contact Steve Bradford (telephone 07 3365 7427 or email steveb@psy.uq.edu.au), Tracey Keegan (telephone 07 3365 6257 or email keegan@psy.uq.edu.au) or Dr Judith Feeney (telephone 07 3365 6412 or email judy@psy.uq.edu.au).

Media contact: Dr Judith Feeney (telephone 07 3365 6412) or Shirley Glaister at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2339).