Comparison of the Three Methods of Psychotherapy on Marital Satisfaction and Intimacy in Married Women

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;">Marital satisfaction and intimacy are influential factors in psychological well-being. Psychotherapy can be effective in promoting them. This study aimed to compare the effect of three methods of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy on Marital Satisfaction and Intimacy in married women. This is a semi-experimental study in which three groups of women took part. Thirty-nine married women completed the study (Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy: 14, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): 14, and Imago Relationship Therapy: 11). Data were collected using ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale and Intimacy Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 22 via one-way ANOVA and t-tests. The findings indicated the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy (3.37&plusmn;1.27 vs. 4.79&plusmn;0.68), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (3.35&plusmn;0.35 vs. 4.19&plusmn;0.16), and Imago Relationship Therapy (3.52&plusmn;0.15 vs. 4.17&plusmn;0.16) on intimacy (p=0.001, Partial Eta Squared=0.30); and effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy (203.70&plusmn;14.88 vs. 273.33&plusmn;8.26), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (202.11&plusmn;16.29 vs. 208.71&plusmn;13.66), and Imago Relationship Therapy (200.08&plusmn;7.51 vs. 438.01&plusmn;17.82) on marital satisfaction (p=0.001, Partial Eta Squared=0.98). Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy had a large effect size on the intimacy and marital satisfaction of married women. Imago Relationship Therapy was clinically the most effective therapy.</p>