A systematic review of iranian studies related to the effect of couple therapy methods on relationship disengagement

Relationship disengagement is the first step in the process that eventually leads to marital dissolution and is related to marital distress, poor communication, and mental health such as depression. Despite most of studies conducted regarding the effectiveness of couple therapy methods on emotional disengagement in Iran, a coherent summary and analysis of the types of couple therapy effective methods on relationship disengagement are not available.

This study aimed to investigate couple therapy methods on relationship disengagement for Iranian studies.

This study was descriptive and is a systematic review study according to the implementation method. The statistical population was all studies related to the purpose of the study published from 2003 to 2022. Out of 90 studies that were identified after searching and screening, 23 studies were evaluated for data extraction. This review study searched for Iranian studies using the keywords "couple therapy, marriage, effectiveness, couple, clinical trial, emotional divorce, couple burnout, marital disaffection, and marital frustration" and the multiple databases SID, and MagIran were screened. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage.

After checking the quality of the articles and considering the inclusion criteria, 23 eligible articles were reviewed in line with the objectives of the present study. The results of the studies showed that couple therapy was effective in relationship disengagement (p< 0.05). Most of the studies were related to the effect of couple therapy based on reality therapy, emotion-focused couple therapy, cognitive-behavioral couple therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Based on research findings, the results of these review studies showed that couples therapy interventions have a significant effect on relationship disengagement.