Pilot test of JUNTOS EN PAREJA: Enhancing relationship and financial well-being in Latine couples

Abstract

Latine couples, particularly those who are low-income and immigrant, often face significant challenges in relationship and financial functioning, areas in which they are frequently underserved by existing programs. This article aimed to test Juntos en Pareja (JEP), a linguistic and cultural adaptation of the TOGETHER program for Latine couples. JEP is a 20-h, evidence-based psychoeducational curriculum integrating relationship and financial education. This study assessed its acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness. Self-report data from 23 Latine low-income, immigrant, heterosexual, Spanish-speaking couples in the Washington, D.C., area were collected in 2019–2020 before (T1) and after program participation (T2) and at 3-month follow-up (T3). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were used to analyze changes across time in relationship and financial functioning using self-report instruments and observable data from three 8-min discussions. Results indicate that the JEP program is successful in reducing Latine partners’ financial stress and emotional dysregulation and improving their financial management abilities, relationship satisfaction, and dyadic coping, but with some important gender differences. JEP is a beneficial program for Latine couples, improving relationship and financial functioning and ultimately fostering greater equity and stability in areas where this population is often underserved.