Resources

The research and reading behind Hear Me™.

Research

• The Power of Listening in Couples
  Kuhn et al., Journal of Family Psychology, 2018.
  Couples who listen well during stressful conversations report stronger relationships. Hear Me™ creates that structure by giving each person dedicated time to speak and be heard.
• Listening and Perceived Partner Responsiveness
  Reis & Itzchakov, Current Opinion in Psychology, 2023.
  When people feel truly listened to, they feel more understood and closer to their partner. The reflect step in Hear Me™ is designed to create exactly that feeling.
• Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy
  Davoodvandi et al., Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 2018.
  Couples using the Gottman method showed real improvements in closeness and satisfaction. Hear Me™ is built on the same core principles of mirroring, validation, and empathy.
• Effects of Briefly Interrupting Marital Conflict
  Gottman & Tabares, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2018.
  Taking structured pauses during disagreements helps couples stay calmer and more connected. Hear Me™ builds in those pauses through turn-taking and reflection.
• Gottman Seven Principles: In-Person vs. Online
  Zahl-Olsen et al., Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2024.
  Digital tools can deliver Gottman-based exercises just as effectively as in-person therapy. This supports the idea that an app like Hear Me™ can make a real difference at home.

Further Reading

• The Gottman Institute
  Research-based tools for strengthening relationships.
• Gottman Method Research
  Summary of the evidence behind the Gottman approach.
• How to Listen Without Getting Defensive
  Eight research-based strategies for better listening from the Gottman blog.
• Why It's So Important to Listen to Your Partner
  Psychology Today on how perceived listening strengthens relationships.

Recommended Book

• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman and Nan Silver. Based on 14 years of research with over 650 couples.