کامران پورمحمد قوچانی

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) in improving communication patterns among couples affected by domestic violence. Methods and Materials: The study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of couples affected by domestic violence who referred to counseling centers in Tehran. A total of 45 participants were selected using simple random sampling and assigned to two experimental groups (Schema Therapy and CBCT) and one control group, each containing 15 participants. Data were collected using the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Christensen & Salavy, 1984) and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test with SPSS version 26. Each intervention included 10 weekly sessions tailored to the specific therapeutic model. Findings: The MANCOVA results indicated statistically significant differences between groups in all three communication pattern dimensions: mutual constructive communication (F = 8.043, p < .01), mutual avoidant communication (F = 2.222, p < .05), and demand/withdraw communication (F = 1.068, p < .05). Tukey’s post hoc test revealed that Schema Therapy was significantly more effective than CBCT in improving mutual constructive communication (mean difference = 2.40, p = .006), reducing mutual avoidance (mean difference = 0.13, p = .000), and decreasing demand/withdraw patterns (mean difference = -1.00, p = .000). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Schema Therapy may offer deeper and more sustainable improvements in relational functioning by targeting underlying maladaptive schemas contributing to dysfunctional communication.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on differentiation of self and the reduction of intolerance of uncertainty in couples seeking divorce. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest–posttest control group design. The statistical population consisted of couples seeking divorce in Tehran, from which 30 couples were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent a 10-session EFCT intervention, each session lasting 90 minutes, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Findings: Findings showed that Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy significantly increased differentiation of self and reduced intolerance of uncertainty in couples seeking divorce. Conclusion: These results suggest that by focusing on core emotions and emotional interactions, it is possible to improve interpersonal relationships and facilitate more informed decision-making in marital relationships. Accordingly, the use of EFCT is recommended in psychological interventions related to divorce crises.