Comparison of the Effectiveness of Self Regulation-Attachment Couple Therapy and Systemic-Behavioral Couple Therapy on the Family Function in Women with Substance-Dependent Spouse

The present research aimed to compare the effectiveness of self regulation-attachment couple therapy and systemic-behavioral couple therapy on the family function in women with substance-dependent spouse.

The present research was quasi-experimental using pretest, post-test and follow-up with control group. The statistical population was women with substance-dependent spouse referred to the special counseling center for women in the city of Sanandaj. Among them, 45 women were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group. The Family Assessment Device (FAD) was used to collect data. One the experimental groups received self regulation-attachment couple therapy and another experimental group received systemic-behavioral couple therapy. Data were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance.

Results showed that both approaches were effective on the family function. This effect was stable at the follow-up stage. The comparison results also showed that there were significant differences between couple therapy groups. Systemic-behavioral couple therapy was more effective in improving family function than self regulation-attachment couple therapy.

In couple relationships, systemic-behavioral therapy techniques can cover various dimensions and strongly affect relationships by affecting emotional regulation.