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Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran , gandomheydari1374@gmail.com
Abstract: (10 Views)
Background: Given the rising rates of divorce and the critical role of marital quality and emotional intimacy in sustaining relationships, it is essential to identify the most effective therapeutic approaches to improve these factors. Comparing the effectiveness of the Gottman method and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy can provide valuable guidance for selecting efficient interventions for couples at risk of divorce.
Aims: This study was conducted with the objective. It employed a quasi-experimental design, including a pre-test, post-test, and a three-month follow-up, along with a control group.
Methods: This study was conducted with a specific purpose and employed a quasi-experimental design, including a pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up, with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all couples who sought psychological services at counseling centers in Shiraz in 2024. Among couples at risk of divorce, 24 couples were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Data were collected using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Busby et al., 1995) and the Emotional Intimacy Scale (Walker & Thompson, 1983). The two experimental groups received eight sessions of Gottman couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT), respectively, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures in SPSS version 27.
Results: The results showed that both Gottman couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy are effective in improving the marital quality of life among couples (P ≤ 0.05). Post hoc Bonferroni tests revealed a significant difference in the mean scores of marital quality of life between the Gottman Method and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy groups compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the mean scores of marital quality of life and emotional intimacy between the Gottman and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy groups (P>0.05). The follow-up phase results demonstrated that the stability of the interventions on marital quality of life was maintained over time. Moreover, the findings indicated that neither the Gottman Method nor Cognitive-Behavioral Couples Therapy had a significant effect on the emotional intimacy of couples (P≥0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that both Gottman couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy can improve marital quality and emotional intimacy in couples at risk of divorce. Therefore, the use of these approaches is recommended for family counselors to enhance couples’ relationships and prevent divorce.
Aims: This study was conducted with the objective. It employed a quasi-experimental design, including a pre-test, post-test, and a three-month follow-up, along with a control group.
Methods: This study was conducted with a specific purpose and employed a quasi-experimental design, including a pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up, with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all couples who sought psychological services at counseling centers in Shiraz in 2024. Among couples at risk of divorce, 24 couples were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Data were collected using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Busby et al., 1995) and the Emotional Intimacy Scale (Walker & Thompson, 1983). The two experimental groups received eight sessions of Gottman couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT), respectively, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures in SPSS version 27.
Results: The results showed that both Gottman couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy are effective in improving the marital quality of life among couples (P ≤ 0.05). Post hoc Bonferroni tests revealed a significant difference in the mean scores of marital quality of life between the Gottman Method and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy groups compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the mean scores of marital quality of life and emotional intimacy between the Gottman and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy groups (P>0.05). The follow-up phase results demonstrated that the stability of the interventions on marital quality of life was maintained over time. Moreover, the findings indicated that neither the Gottman Method nor Cognitive-Behavioral Couples Therapy had a significant effect on the emotional intimacy of couples (P≥0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that both Gottman couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy can improve marital quality and emotional intimacy in couples at risk of divorce. Therefore, the use of these approaches is recommended for family counselors to enhance couples’ relationships and prevent divorce.
Article number: 15
Keywords: marital quality, Gottman Couple Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT), emotional intimacy, divorce.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/07/18 | Accepted: 2026/02/17 | Published: 2026/07/23
Received: 2025/07/18 | Accepted: 2026/02/17 | Published: 2026/07/23
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