The efficacy of Systemic- Behavioral Couple Therapy in improvement of family functioning and Self- esteem in women with dysthymia disorder

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of Systemic- Behavioral Couple Therapy (SBCT) on family functioning and self- esteem in women with dysthymia disorder. An experimental design with repeated measures was applied in this study. The sample was selected from 78 married depressed women, referred to some of the psychiatric and consulting centers in Tehran; from them 39 couples met the criteria, 20 couples were randomly selected, and assigned to couple therapy or medication groups. The women in couple therapy group participated in a 10-weekly sessions of systemic-behavioral couple therapy together with their husbands. The women of pharmaco therapy group were put on antidepressant drugs prescribed by psychiatrist. Assessment instruments were Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Participants in both groups were tested before treatment, just before the sixth session, after tenth session, and two months after termination. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the systemic-behavioral couple therapy was significantly effective in improving family functioning, and increased self- esteem in women with dysthymia disorder. The results suggest that SBCT, in addition to increased marital satisfaction, is a useful intervention for improvement of family functioning and self- esteem in depressed women. Theoretical and clinical implications will be discussed.