Resources

The research and reading behind Riparo.

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. Riparo 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 Riparo 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. Riparo 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. Riparo 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 Riparo 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.