نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 دانشجوی دکتری، گروه مشاوره، پردیس بینالمللی ارس، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران.
2 استادیار، گروه روانشناسی تربیتی و مشاوره، دانشکده روانشناسی و علوم تربیتی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران.
3 دانشیار، گروه مشاوره، دانشکده علوم انسانی و اجتماعی، دانشگاه اردکان، اردکان، ایران.
4 استادیار، گروه مشاوره، دانشکده علوم تربیتی و روانشناسی، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی، تهران، ایران.
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Introduction: This research aims to compare the effectiveness of wisdom-focused couple therapy with emotion-focused couple therapy in enhancing the sense of coherence among couples experiencing marital conflicts.
Method: This study employed a semi-experimental design featuring pre-test and post-test assessments, along with a two-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all couples experiencing marital conflicts who sought assistance at the Maks, Behrozan, and Behsa counseling centers in Tehran during the summer and fall of 2023. In the initial stage, 24 couples with scores of 115 or higher on the marital conflict questionnaire were selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (each consisting of 8 couples) and one control group (also comprising 8 couples). The experimental groups participated in wisdom-focused couple therapy and emotion-focused couple therapy, while the control group received no therapy and remained on a waiting list. Data collection involved the use of the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ) and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOCQ). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-28 software, employing analysis of variance with repeated measures and the Bonferroni test.
Results: The results indicated that both wisdom-focused couple therapy and emotion-focused couple therapy had a significant effect on comprehensibility (F = 33.83, p < 0.001), manageability (F = 39.58, p < 0.001), meaning (F = 23.65, p < 0.001), and the overall score of sense of coherence (F = 102.11, p < 0.001) among couples experiencing marital conflicts (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results of the Bonferroni post hoc test demonstrated that emotion-focused couple therapy is more effective (p < 0.05).
Discussion and conclusion: Based on this, it can be concluded that, in addition to the effectiveness of both therapies, the priority for use in the treatment of couples with marital conflicts should be given to emotion-focused couple therapy.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Marital life is a source of numerous positive emotions and productive outcomes for couples; however, this familial foundation can sometimes face threats that jeopardize the stability of married life. One of the dangers that married life faces is marital conflict. Marital conflict is a common issue among couples, often arising from inconsistencies in their demands and expectations, as well as differences in irresponsible behaviors and attitudes toward their relationship and marriage. Conflicts between couples are a phenomenon that not only threatens the quality of life for both partners and causes emotional distress, but also poses a serious threat to the father-child and mother-child relationships, as well as the overall well-being of children. When considering the logical and scientific reasons for comparing different couples therapies, it can be stated that it is essential to identify a therapy that is more effective than others among the various approaches and interventions, based on empirical studies. Identifying key factors can assist family therapists who specialize in addressing marital conflicts among couples. By utilizing the findings from this research, therapists can determine which type of couple therapy is most effective. Consequently, this research holds practical implications for psychologists and family therapists in their practice. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of wisdom-focused couple therapy with emotional-focused couple therapy on the sense of coherence in couples experiencing marital conflicts.
Method
The methodology of this quasi-experimental study, which employed a pre-test and post-test design, involved an unequal control group. The statistical population consisted of all couples experiencing marital conflicts who sought assistance at the Maks, Behrozan, and Behsa counseling centers in Tehran during the summer and fall of 2023. In order to select the sample, the meeting announcement and initial registration criteria were communicated to clients and the consultant's colleagues for reference. After registration, applicants were chosen through preliminary interviews with eligible couples. To assess marital conflicts, each couple completed a marital conflicts questionnaire. Using purposive sampling, 24 couples (48 individuals) who scored 115 or above were selected for the study. They were selected as qualified individuals, and in the second step, eight couples were assigned to each group using a simple random sampling method. In this study, the names of the couples were placed in a bag, and 8 couples were randomly selected for each group through a lottery process. Since the recommended size for each group in the experimental research was 15 participants, this study adjusted the group size to 8 couples, totaling 16 individuals. Consequently, in the experimental group, 8 couples received wisdom-focused couple therapy, while another 8 couples underwent emotion-focused couple therapy. Additionally, 8 couples were assigned to the control group. Data has been collected from the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ) by Sanaizakir et al. and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOCQ) by Flensborg-Madsen. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28, employing analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni correction.
Results
Based on the results, the mean and standard deviation of the age for the emotional-focused couple therapy group were 31.31 and 4.08, respectively. In comparison, the mean and standard deviation of the age for the wisdom-focused couple therapy group were 33.44 and 4.68, while the control group had a mean age of 34.06 and a standard deviation of 3.62. The F statistic derived from comparing the means of the three groups for the age variable is F = 1.93, which is not statistically significant (p = 0.157). This indicates that the three groups are equivalent in terms of age. The Chi-Square analysis comparing the frequency and percentage of three groups in the education variable yielded a Chi-Square value of 1.53, which is not statistically significant (p = 0.992). This indicates that the three groups are equivalent in terms of academic performance. Additionally, the study results demonstrated that both interventions had a significant effect on the sense of coherence (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the Bonferroni post hoc test results revealed that emotion-focused couples therapy is more effective (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The results indicated that emotion-focused couple therapy is more effective than insight-focused couple therapy in enhancing the sense of coherence among couples experiencing marital conflicts. In explaining the obtained results, it can be stated that emotion-focused couple therapy positively influences the communication styles of couples. This therapy familiarizes them with their interaction cycles, fosters emotional bonds, and helps identify their fears, beliefs, and attachment histories. Additionally, it encourages couples to recognize their emotions and understand the relationships between their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and attachment needs. The therapy also aids in creating realistic expectations about married life, teaches responsible partnership, and emphasizes the importance of intimacy, particularly following marital conflicts. Ultimately, these elements promote a sense of connection and enhance intimacy between couples. Emotional-focused couple therapy enhances emotional skills, which are defined as the ability to recognize and express emotions, as well as the capacity to empathize with others. These skills foster intimacy and a sense of security while reducing criticism in a constructive manner. This therapeutic approach not only aids individuals in restoring peace in their lives amid marital conflicts but also supports the maintenance and continuity of the marital relationship. Furthermore, emotional-focused couple therapy assists couples in reconnecting with one another and alleviating confusion by intervening at the emotional level. This intervention improves close interactions, leading to increased interest, intimacy, and a stronger sense of connection between spouses experiencing marital conflicts. It can be concluded that, in addition to the effectiveness of both therapies, the priority for treating couples with marital conflicts lies with emotion-focused couples therapy.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with Ethical Guidelines: Compliance with ethical guidelines: In the present study, the ethical approval of research, including secrecy, confidentiality, and privacy of individuals, was observed, and participation in the research did not cause any possible harm to the participants.
Funding: The study was conducted without the funding of any institution or organization
Authors’ Contribution: The first author is the main researcher of this study. The second and third authors are the supervisors and the fourth author served as advisor. This article is taken from a doctoral thesis of the first author in counseling, Aras International Campus, University of Tehran.
Conflict of Interest: According to the authors, this article has no funding or conflict of interest.
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