Research and Practice in Couple Therapy

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Couple Therapy (SFCT) on hope, dyadic coping, and relationship resilience among couples experiencing economic stress. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and two-month follow-up assessments using a control group. The statistical population consisted of married couples experiencing significant economic stress in Toronto, Canada. Forty couples (80 individuals) meeting the inclusion criteria were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (20 couples) and a control group (20 couples). The experimental group participated in eight weekly 90-minute sessions of Solution-Focused Couple Therapy, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Adult Hope Scale, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, and the Relationship Resilience Assessment Scale. Data analysis was conducted using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS version 29. The results of repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant effects of time, group, and Time × Group interaction for all dependent variables. For hope, significant effects were observed for time (F = 51.84, p < .001), group (F = 42.27, p < .001), and Time × Group interaction (F = 64.18, p < .001, η² = .451). Dyadic coping also demonstrated significant time (F = 58.73, p < .001), group (F = 47.91, p < .001), and interaction effects (F = 71.26, p < .001, η² = .477). Similarly, relationship resilience showed significant effects for time (F = 62.54, p < .001), group (F = 50.16, p < .001), and Time × Group interaction (F = 75.83, p < .001, η² = .493). Bonferroni comparisons indicated significant improvements from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up for all variables (p < .001), while no significant differences were found between posttest and follow-up assessments (p > .05), indicating maintenance of treatment gains over time. The findings demonstrate that Solution-Focused Couple Therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing hope, dyadic coping, and relationship resilience among couples facing economic stress. By emphasizing strengths, future-oriented goals, and collaborative problem-solving, the intervention enabled couples to develop adaptive psychological and relational resources that persisted beyond the treatment period. These results support the application of solution-focused approaches as an evidence-based strategy for promoting relational well-being and resilience among couples confronted with financial adversity.

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Narrative Couple Therapy on relational identity reconstruction, marital meaning-making, and post-conflict reconciliation among married couples experiencing relationship distress in Canada. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up assessments using a control group. The statistical population consisted of married couples who sought services from counseling centers and family therapy clinics in Canada during 2025. Following eligibility screening, 60 couples (120 individuals) were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (30 couples) and a control group (30 couples). The experimental group participated in a 12-session Narrative Couple Therapy program conducted weekly, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Relational Identity Reconstruction Scale, the Marital Meaning-Making Questionnaire, and the Post-Conflict Reconciliation Inventory. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons in SPSS version 29. The results revealed significant time, group, and time-by-group interaction effects for all study variables. For relational identity reconstruction, a significant interaction effect was observed, F(2,116) = 61.84, p < .001, η² = .52. Marital meaning-making also demonstrated a significant interaction effect, F(2,116) = 72.57, p < .001, η² = .56. Similarly, post-conflict reconciliation showed a significant interaction effect, F(2,116) = 69.44, p < .001, η² = .55. Bonferroni pairwise comparisons indicated significant improvements from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up across all outcome variables (p < .001). No significant differences were found between posttest and follow-up scores, indicating that treatment gains were maintained over time. The findings indicate that Narrative Couple Therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing relational identity reconstruction, strengthening marital meaning-making, and improving post-conflict reconciliation among married couples. By facilitating the reconstruction of relational narratives and promoting collaborative meaning-making processes, this therapeutic approach contributes to enduring improvements in relationship functioning and emotional connection. The stability of treatment effects at follow-up further supports the utility of Narrative Couple Therapy as a sustainable and evidence-based intervention for couples experiencing relational difficulties.

The present study aimed to examine the structural relationships among differentiation of self, conflict resolution styles, emotional intimacy, and marital stability and to investigate the direct and indirect pathways through which these variables influence marital stability among married adults. This study employed a cross-sectional correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The participants consisted of 642 married adults residing in the United States who were selected through online and community-based recruitment methods. Data were collected using the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised (DSI-R), the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI), the Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIS), and the Marital Instability Index (MII). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were conducted using SPSS 29 and AMOS 29. Model fit was evaluated using multiple goodness-of-fit indices, and indirect effects were tested through bootstrapping procedures with 5,000 resamples. The proposed structural model demonstrated satisfactory fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.57, CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.942, GFI = 0.918, AGFI = 0.904, RMSEA = 0.050, SRMR = 0.047). Differentiation of self positively predicted positive problem-solving conflict resolution (β = 0.58, p < .001), emotional intimacy (β = 0.41, p < .001), and marital stability (β = 0.24, p < .001), while negatively predicting conflict engagement (β = -0.49, p < .001) and withdrawal (β = -0.53, p < .001). Positive problem solving positively predicted emotional intimacy (β = 0.36, p < .001), whereas conflict engagement (β = -0.21, p < .001) and withdrawal (β = -0.25, p < .001) negatively predicted emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy emerged as the strongest predictor of marital stability (β = 0.57, p < .001). Significant indirect effects were observed between differentiation of self and marital stability through conflict resolution styles and emotional intimacy (β = 0.33, p < .001). The model explained 58% of the variance in emotional intimacy and 67% of the variance in marital stability. The findings indicate that differentiation of self contributes significantly to marital stability both directly and indirectly through constructive conflict resolution styles and enhanced emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy functions as a central mechanism linking individual psychological functioning and interpersonal relationship processes to marital stability. Interventions designed to strengthen self-differentiation, improve conflict management skills, and foster emotional intimacy may be effective strategies for promoting stable and satisfying marital relationships.

The present study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of childhood emotional neglect on adult romantic relationship quality through the mediating roles of attachment avoidance and emotional intimacy among adults involved in committed romantic relationships. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 524 adults residing in Canada who were currently involved in committed romantic relationships. Participants were recruited from major Canadian urban centers through online platforms, community organizations, and university research networks. Data were collected using the Emotional Neglect subscale of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Avoidance dimension of the Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised Questionnaire (ECR-R), the Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIS), and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the hypothesized relationships among childhood emotional neglect, attachment avoidance, emotional intimacy, and romantic relationship quality. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the measurement model, and mediation effects were assessed using a bias-corrected bootstrap procedure with 5,000 resamples. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 29 and AMOS version 29. The structural equation model demonstrated excellent fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.08, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, GFI = 0.92, AGFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR = 0.046). Childhood emotional neglect significantly predicted attachment avoidance (β = 0.61, p < .001), emotional intimacy (β = -0.18, p < .001), and romantic relationship quality (β = -0.15, p < .001). Attachment avoidance significantly predicted emotional intimacy (β = -0.63, p < .001) and relationship quality (β = -0.36, p < .001). Emotional intimacy positively predicted romantic relationship quality (β = 0.54, p < .001). Bootstrap analyses revealed significant indirect effects of childhood emotional neglect on emotional intimacy through attachment avoidance (β = -0.38, p < .001) and on relationship quality through both attachment avoidance and emotional intimacy (β = -0.21, p < .001). The model explained 37% of the variance in attachment avoidance, 54% of the variance in emotional intimacy, and 69% of the variance in romantic relationship quality. The findings indicate that childhood emotional neglect exerts enduring negative effects on adult romantic relationship quality both directly and indirectly through increased attachment avoidance and reduced emotional intimacy. Attachment avoidance emerged as a key developmental mechanism linking early emotional deprivation to difficulties in emotional closeness and relationship functioning. Emotional intimacy served as a significant protective factor associated with higher relationship quality. These results highlight the importance of attachment-based and intimacy-focused interventions for individuals with histories of childhood emotional neglect and contribute to a deeper understanding of the developmental pathways connecting early adverse experiences to adult romantic relationship outcomes.

The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of dyadic coping in the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and marital satisfaction among married adults in Canada using structural equation modeling. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 642 married adults residing in various provinces of Canada. Participants were recruited through community organizations, counseling centers, and online platforms using voluntary participation procedures. Data were collected using the Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale (PPRS), the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed using SPSS 29 and AMOS 29. The measurement model was evaluated through multiple goodness-of-fit indices, and mediation effects were tested using bootstrap procedures with 5,000 resamples and bias-corrected confidence intervals. The results demonstrated significant positive associations among all study variables. Perceived partner responsiveness was positively associated with dyadic coping (β = 0.72, p < .001) and marital satisfaction (β = 0.27, p < .001). Dyadic coping was also positively associated with marital satisfaction (β = 0.58, p < .001). The structural model demonstrated excellent fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.13, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, IFI = .96, GFI = .92, RMSEA = .042, SRMR = .046). Bootstrap analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of perceived partner responsiveness on marital satisfaction through dyadic coping (β = 0.42, p < .001), confirming partial mediation. The final model explained 52% of the variance in dyadic coping and 68% of the variance in marital satisfaction, indicating substantial explanatory power. The findings indicate that perceived partner responsiveness contributes significantly to marital satisfaction both directly and indirectly through dyadic coping. Couples who perceive greater understanding, validation, and emotional support from their partners are more likely to engage in adaptive collaborative coping processes, which in turn enhance marital satisfaction. These results support contemporary relational theories emphasizing the importance of interpersonal responsiveness and dyadic adaptation in marital functioning and suggest that interventions targeting responsive communication and dyadic coping skills may promote healthier and more satisfying marital relationships.

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on attachment injuries, dyadic trust, and marital forgiveness among couples experiencing distress related to emotional or sexual infidelity. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up assessments using an experimental and a waitlist control group. The population consisted of couples seeking counseling services for infidelity-related relationship problems in Canada during 2025–2026. Following screening procedures, 60 couples (120 individuals) who met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (30 couples) or the control group (30 couples). Participants in the experimental group received twelve weekly 90-minute sessions of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, whereas the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Attachment Injury Resolution Scale, the Dyadic Trust Scale, and the Marital Forgiveness Scale. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons in SPSS version 29. The results of repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant effects of time, group, and Time × Group interaction for all dependent variables. Significant interaction effects were found for attachment injuries (F = 103.84, p < .001, η² = .66), dyadic trust (F = 95.76, p < .001, η² = .62), and marital forgiveness (F = 129.86, p < .001, η² = .72), indicating that participants receiving EFCT experienced significantly greater improvements than those in the control group. Bonferroni pairwise comparisons demonstrated significant reductions in attachment injuries and significant increases in dyadic trust and marital forgiveness from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between posttest and follow-up scores, indicating maintenance of treatment gains across the follow-up period. The findings indicate that Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy is an effective intervention for couples experiencing infidelity-related distress. By addressing attachment-related vulnerabilities and promoting emotionally corrective interactions, EFCT significantly reduced attachment injuries while enhancing dyadic trust and marital forgiveness. The sustained improvements observed at follow-up suggest that the intervention facilitates enduring changes in relational functioning and supports long-term recovery following experiences of betrayal.

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on attachment injuries, dyadic trust, and marital forgiveness among couples experiencing distress related to emotional or sexual infidelity. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up assessments using an experimental and a waitlist control group. The population consisted of couples seeking counseling services for infidelity-related relationship problems in Canada during 2025–2026. Following screening procedures, 60 couples (120 individuals) who met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (30 couples) or the control group (30 couples). Participants in the experimental group received twelve weekly 90-minute sessions of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, whereas the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Attachment Injury Resolution Scale, the Dyadic Trust Scale, and the Marital Forgiveness Scale. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons in SPSS version 29. The results of repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant effects of time, group, and Time × Group interaction for all dependent variables. Significant interaction effects were found for attachment injuries (F = 103.84, p < .001, η² = .66), dyadic trust (F = 95.76, p < .001, η² = .62), and marital forgiveness (F = 129.86, p < .001, η² = .72), indicating that participants receiving EFCT experienced significantly greater improvements than those in the control group. Bonferroni pairwise comparisons demonstrated significant reductions in attachment injuries and significant increases in dyadic trust and marital forgiveness from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between posttest and follow-up scores, indicating maintenance of treatment gains across the follow-up period. The findings indicate that Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy is an effective intervention for couples experiencing infidelity-related distress. By addressing attachment-related vulnerabilities and promoting emotionally corrective interactions, EFCT significantly reduced attachment injuries while enhancing dyadic trust and marital forgiveness. The sustained improvements observed at follow-up suggest that the intervention facilitates enduring changes in relational functioning and supports long-term recovery following experiences of betrayal.

The present study aimed to predict work–family conflict and marital satisfaction among married employees using machine learning algorithms based on job stress, emotional exhaustion, dyadic coping, and partner support. This cross-sectional predictive study was conducted among 584 married employees recruited from governmental and private organizations in Tehran, Iran, through multistage cluster sampling. Participants completed the Work–Family Conflict Scale, Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Job Stress Scale, Emotional Exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Dyadic Coping Inventory, and Spousal Support Scale. Following data preprocessing, normalization, and missing-value treatment, the dataset was divided into training (80%) and testing (20%) subsets. Several machine learning algorithms, including Multiple Linear Regression, Support Vector Regression, Random Forest Regression, Gradient Boosting Regression, Artificial Neural Networks, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were implemented. Model performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R²), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Feature importance analyses were conducted using permutation importance and SHAP techniques. Correlation analyses revealed that work–family conflict was positively associated with job stress (r = 0.68, p < .001) and emotional exhaustion (r = 0.64, p < .001), while negatively associated with dyadic coping (r = -0.49, p < .001), partner support (r = -0.56, p < .001), and marital satisfaction (r = -0.62, p < .001). Marital satisfaction demonstrated significant positive relationships with dyadic coping (r = 0.73, p < .001) and partner support (r = 0.76, p < .001). Among all predictive models, XGBoost demonstrated the highest accuracy. The optimal model explained 81% of the variance in work–family conflict (R² = 0.81, RMSE = 5.14) and 84% of the variance in marital satisfaction (R² = 0.84, RMSE = 4.37). Feature importance analyses indicated that job stress and emotional exhaustion were the strongest predictors of work–family conflict, whereas partner support and dyadic coping emerged as the most influential predictors of marital satisfaction. The findings demonstrate that machine learning approaches can accurately predict work–family conflict and marital satisfaction using a combination of occupational and relational variables. Job stress and emotional exhaustion substantially increase vulnerability to work–family conflict, whereas dyadic coping and partner support function as powerful protective factors that enhance marital satisfaction. These results underscore the importance of strengthening both workplace well-being and couple-based coping resources to promote healthier marital relationships and better adaptation to work–family demands.