زهرا افتخار سعدی

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Imago therapy-based couples therapy on improving communication skills, conflict resolution, and sensitivity to rejection among couples attending counseling centers in Masjed Soleyman. Methods: This quasi-experimental research was conducted with a pre-test, post-test, control group design, and follow-up. The population of this study included all couples visiting counseling centers in Masjed Soleyman in 2019, with twenty couples (40 individuals) randomly divided into experimental and control groups (10 couples per group). Participants in the experimental group underwent ten two-hour training sessions, while the control group did not receive any training. Participants were assessed using the Quinndom Communication Skills questionnaire, the Sanayi Zaker et al.'s Standard Sensitivity to Rejection, and the Downey and Feldman Marital Conflict questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance via SPSS software version 22. Findings: The results showed that training based on Imago therapy significantly altered the experimental group's communication skills, conflict resolution, and sensitivity to rejection compared to the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, Imago therapy training can be considered an effective method for improving communication skills, conflict resolution, and sensitivity to rejection among couples.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Bowen family systems therapy and couple therapy based on integrated behavioral systems on marital intimacy and family functions in couples attending counseling centers in Mahshahr county. Method: This study was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group. The population of this study consisted of all couples who referred to counseling centers in Mahshahr city due to marital problems. Out of the population, 30 couples were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups. The instruments used in this study were Bowen family systems therapy, couple therapy based on integrated behavioral systems, the Marital Intimacy Questionnaire (2006), and the Epstein, Baldwin, and Bishop (1983) Family Functioning Questionnaire. Data processing was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics (covariance analysis). Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the three groups in the variables of marital intimacy and family function. This means that Bowen family systems therapy and couple therapy based on integrated behavioral systems have a significant effect on these variables. Conclusion: Bowen family systems therapy and couple therapy based on integrated behavioral systems did not differ in their effectiveness on marital intimacy and family functions.