Comparison of the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based Couple Therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy on unadjusted couples' attachment styles

Document Type : Original

Authors

1 PhD Student, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Depatment of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Bourjard Branch, Iran

4 assessment & Measurement Dep., Psychology & Education Faculty, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Two couple therapy approaches based on acceptance and commitment and emotionally focused couple therapy are valuable and evidence-based approaches that have been supported by a great deal of research. Purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of acceptance and commitment-based couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy on unadjusted couples' attachment styles. The statistical population of the study included all couples who referred to Sina Family Counseling Center in Dezful in 1397. The research sample was selected by purposeful sampling. Subjects included 6 couples (n= 12) who referred to this clinic and were classified as unadjusted couples according to the score of marital adjustment questionnaire. In this study, a single case design of asynchronous multiple baseline type was used. Acceptance and commitment-based couple therapy and emotionally focused protocols were administered in three baselines and 12 sessions (90 minutes) and two months' follow-ups. Subjects responded to the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) Spanier (1976) and the Adult Attachment Style (RAAS) Collins and Reed (1990). Data were analyzed using visual charting, reliable change index and percent improvement formula. Findings showed that in the group whose therapy was based on acceptance and commitment level of improvement after treatment and follow-up, respectively, secured attachment (20.38%, 19.69%), avoidant attachment (27.30%, 28.49%), anxiety attachment (25.98%, 26.47%) and in the emotionally focused couples group, the level of improvement after treatment and follow up were respectively for secure attachment (33.93%, 36.32%) and avoidance attachment (37%, 40.36%), Anxiety attachment (35.97%, 33.67%). Therefore, the results show that acceptance and commitment-based couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy are both effective in reducing avoidant attachment styles and anxiety attachment. However, only emotionally focused couple therapy is effective in increasing couples' secure attachment.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 September 2019
  • Revise Date: 06 March 2020
  • Accept Date: 16 February 2020

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