The effectiveness of training emotion management strategies based on emotion-oriented couple therapy approach on improving family functioning and marital satisfaction

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of teaching emotion management strategies based on emotion-oriented couple therapy approach on improving family functioning and marital satisfaction.

The present study was a quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest with two-month control and follow-up group; The statistical population of the study was 47 conflicting couples who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 1400. After screening with the Maxmaster Family Performance Questionnaire (1950) and Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (1998), 32 couples were selected by convenience sampling method and in the experimental group (16 couples). ) And the control group (16 pairs) were randomly replaced. The experimental group underwent eight 90-minute sessions of emotion management strategies based on Johnson (2004) emotion-focused couple therapy approach and the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures mixed variance analysis.

The results indicate the effect of intervention of emotion management strategies based on emotion-oriented couple therapy approach on family performance score (F = 15.78, P = 0.001) and marital satisfaction (F = 15.16, P = 0.001). And the stability of this effect was in the follow-up phase.

The results of the study suggest evidence that the intervention of emotion management strategies based on the emotion-oriented couple therapy approach is an appropriate method to increase marital satisfaction and improve family functioning in couples with marital conflict.