A landmark study from the University of Chicago’s Relationship Science Center has identified a remarkably simple yet powerful practice that significantly boosts marital mental health: the 6-minute daily check-in. Couples who implemented this structured, brief daily connection reported 47% lower rates of anxiety and depression related to their marriage compared to control groups. The practice involves three components: two minutes of active listening about each partner’s emotional state, one minute of physical connection (holding hands or hugging), and one minute of expressing gratitude for something about the other person.
Neuroscience explains why this works. MRI scans showed that couples practicing daily check-ins had increased activity in brain regions associated with emotional regulation and decreased activity in threat response areas. “This tiny investment yields massive returns because it creates a foundation of safety and connection,” explains lead researcher Dr. Amanda Pierce. “It’s like daily maintenance for marital mental health.”
The study followed 1,200 couples for 18 months, with check-in practitioners showing not just improved individual mental health but greater relationship satisfaction.
Real-world results have been striking. Sarah and Michael T., married 11 years, credit the practice with saving their marriage. “We were stuck in constant bickering and resentment,” Sarah shares. “These six minutes forced us to actually hear each other. Within weeks, we felt like teammates again.”
Therapists are now incorporating the technique into treatment for everything from postpartum marital strain to retirement transition challenges. Free check-in guides have been downloaded over 500,000 times since the study’s release, suggesting many couples are hungry for simple, evidence-based tools to protect their marital wellbeing.
