Ethics code: IR.IAU.TON.REC.1403.013
1- To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
3- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
3- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran
Abstract: (23 Views)
Background and Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFCT) on dysfunctional communication patterns and fear of intimacy in conflicting couples. Marriage, as a long-term commitment, plays a fundamental role in ensuring individuals’ psychological and social well-being. However, the complexities of marital relationships can lead to conflict, especially when individual differences in perspectives and needs emerge. These conflicts often manifest as anger, frustration, and dissatisfaction, and may eventually result in marital disharmony. Unresolved conflicts not only affect individual and family dynamics but are also linked to cultural and social factors and may contribute to the rising divorce rates in recent years. In this context, effective communication, as one of the key pillars of marital stability, plays a vital role in maintaining intimacy, trust, and satisfaction. Constructive communication patterns enhance the quality of interactions, and couples who engage in open and supportive dialogue tend to cope more successfully with challenges; in contrast, dysfunctional patterns foster misunderstandings, reduce intimacy, and intensify conflicts. Therefore, identifying and modifying such patterns is a major priority in psychological interventions with couples.
Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included conflicting couples who visited Misagh and Afaq Counseling Centers in Rasht during In December 2023 and January 2024. Purposeful sampling was conducted, and 34 couples (68 individuals) were selected. Inclusion criteria consisted of obtaining a score above 105 on the Marital Conflict Questionnaire, having at least a high school diploma, being over 25 years old, and having a minimum of two years of shared life. Exclusion criteria included substance or alcohol addiction, psychiatric medication use, history of infidelity, and incompatibility with the research objectives. Couples were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (17 couples) and control (17 couples). The experimental group participated in eight sessions of EFCT based on Johnson’s (2004) protocol. The sessions focused on building a therapeutic alliance, identifying negative interactions, processing underlying emotions, restructuring conflict cycles, fostering mutual acceptance, and generating new solutions. The control group did not receive any intervention. For data collection, Christensen and Sullaway (1984), and the Fear of Intimacy Scale by Descutner and Thelen (1991) were used. A follow-up stage was conducted two months after the completion of the therapy sessions. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26. To test the hypotheses, Repeated Measures of ANOVA were employed. The level of significance was set at 0.010 in this study.
Results: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between groups over time in the variables of dysfunctional communication patterns (P < 0.001, η = 0.23) and fear of intimacy (P < 0.001, η= 0.21). Moreover, a significant interaction effect of time and group was observed in dysfunctional communication patterns (P<0.001, η = 0.20) and fear of intimacy (P < 0.001, η = 0.25). Moreover, the changes in the experimental group from the post-test stage to the follow-up remained stable in the variables of dysfunctional communication patterns (P=1.000) and fear of intimacy (P=0.720).
Conclusion:
The findings demonstrated that EFCT can sustainably reduce dysfunctional patterns and fear of intimacy. By creating a safe and supportive environment, EFCT transforms cycles of avoidance and hostility into positive and empathetic interactions. Couples, through recognizing suppressed emotions, fostering mutual acceptance, and restructuring interactions, were able to experience healthier communication. One of the most notable outcomes was the reduction of fear of intimacy, which led to increased self-disclosure and emotional closeness. EFCT successfully interrupted negative cycles and fostered healthier relationships among conflicting couples. By focusing on emotions and affective interactions, EFCT contributed to both improved communication quality and enhanced intimacy. Through strengthening positive emotions, reconstructing interactions, and deepening closeness, EFCT significantly and sustainably reduced dysfunctional communication patterns and fear of intimacy in conflicting couples. Accordingly, EFCT is a valuable tool for counselors and therapists that can enhance the quality of marital relationships. Given that the results persisted through follow-up, EFCT can be recommended as an effective and sustainable therapeutic method in counseling centers for reducing marital conflicts.
Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included conflicting couples who visited Misagh and Afaq Counseling Centers in Rasht during In December 2023 and January 2024. Purposeful sampling was conducted, and 34 couples (68 individuals) were selected. Inclusion criteria consisted of obtaining a score above 105 on the Marital Conflict Questionnaire, having at least a high school diploma, being over 25 years old, and having a minimum of two years of shared life. Exclusion criteria included substance or alcohol addiction, psychiatric medication use, history of infidelity, and incompatibility with the research objectives. Couples were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (17 couples) and control (17 couples). The experimental group participated in eight sessions of EFCT based on Johnson’s (2004) protocol. The sessions focused on building a therapeutic alliance, identifying negative interactions, processing underlying emotions, restructuring conflict cycles, fostering mutual acceptance, and generating new solutions. The control group did not receive any intervention. For data collection, Christensen and Sullaway (1984), and the Fear of Intimacy Scale by Descutner and Thelen (1991) were used. A follow-up stage was conducted two months after the completion of the therapy sessions. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26. To test the hypotheses, Repeated Measures of ANOVA were employed. The level of significance was set at 0.010 in this study.
Results: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between groups over time in the variables of dysfunctional communication patterns (P < 0.001, η = 0.23) and fear of intimacy (P < 0.001, η= 0.21). Moreover, a significant interaction effect of time and group was observed in dysfunctional communication patterns (P<0.001, η = 0.20) and fear of intimacy (P < 0.001, η = 0.25). Moreover, the changes in the experimental group from the post-test stage to the follow-up remained stable in the variables of dysfunctional communication patterns (P=1.000) and fear of intimacy (P=0.720).
Conclusion:
The findings demonstrated that EFCT can sustainably reduce dysfunctional patterns and fear of intimacy. By creating a safe and supportive environment, EFCT transforms cycles of avoidance and hostility into positive and empathetic interactions. Couples, through recognizing suppressed emotions, fostering mutual acceptance, and restructuring interactions, were able to experience healthier communication. One of the most notable outcomes was the reduction of fear of intimacy, which led to increased self-disclosure and emotional closeness. EFCT successfully interrupted negative cycles and fostered healthier relationships among conflicting couples. By focusing on emotions and affective interactions, EFCT contributed to both improved communication quality and enhanced intimacy. Through strengthening positive emotions, reconstructing interactions, and deepening closeness, EFCT significantly and sustainably reduced dysfunctional communication patterns and fear of intimacy in conflicting couples. Accordingly, EFCT is a valuable tool for counselors and therapists that can enhance the quality of marital relationships. Given that the results persisted through follow-up, EFCT can be recommended as an effective and sustainable therapeutic method in counseling centers for reducing marital conflicts.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Counseling
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