Comparing the effectiveness of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) and Affective Reconstructive Couple Therapy (ARCT) on couples marital conventionalization and global distress

In recent years, researchers have attempted to assess the effectiveness of couple therapies. This research aimed to evaluate the Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) and Affective Reconstructive Couple Therapy (ARCT) as treatments for marital conventionalization and global distress.

The statistical population of the present study consisted of couples referring to counseling centers in district 3 of Tehran in 2017. The sampling method of this study was purposeful. Twenty-four couples divided into two experimental groups and one control group. They completed Marriage Satisfaction Questionnaire-Revised Snyder (1979). The experimental groups received 12 ninety-minute sessions of IBCT or ARCT, whereas the control group received no interventions. Data analyzed through MANCOVA test with repeated measures, and SPSS software version 24.

The findings indicated that integrative behavior therapy significantly affected marital conventionalization and global distress (F= 23.361, P< 0.001). Also, affective reconstructive couple therapy had significant effects on marital conventionalization (F= 13.566, P< 0.001) and global distress (F= 10.267, P< 0.003). In addition, both therapies have been effective one-month follow-ups.

The study found that integrative behavioral couple therapy and affective reconstructive couple therapy are effective to increase marital conventionalization and reduce global distress. Teaching integrative behavior couple therapy and affective reconstructive couple therapy can be effective for psychologists, health professionals, couple therapists, and family counselors to improve marital satisfaction.