Date of Award
May 2020
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Design
Advisor(s)
Donald W. Carr
Keywords
Couple’s relationship, Gamification design, Professional couples counseling, Self-Reporting, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, UI design
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities
Abstract
Given the high divorce rate in America, the purpose of this thesis is to explore and design tools for newlyweds, unmarried, and married couples which focus on how to maintain a healthy and stable relationship by receiving professional counseling; all the while increasing the awareness of damaging unnoticed variables and issues that lead to an unhealthy relationship between couples. Through a literature review, Dr. Gottman’s The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work method and other research has shown that relationship satisfaction has a massive impact on health and happiness between the partners, and their relationship can be strengthened. Moreover, when people have relationship issues, the best choice is to seek professional help at the very beginning. Timing is an essential aspect of couples counseling. Content analysis indicates there are few if any existing tools that combine both professional counseling and relationship coaching for couples. By conducting consultations with experts, focus groups, and user testing, this paper demonstrates that professional counseling is necessary for maintaining stable and healthy relationships, especially in the early stages of issues and conflicts amongst couples.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
ZHANG, RAN, "Tools to Support Professional Couples Counseling and Help Maintain Healthy and Robust Relationships" (2020). Theses - ALL. 417.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/417
