Comparison of the effectiveness of integrative couple therapy and integrative behavioral couple therapy on increasing the resilience of couples affected by infidelity

Abstract

Introduction: Marital infidelity is the most harmful act in a relationship, destroys the trust of the injured spouse, it reduces resilience and has unfortunate consequences. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of integrative couple therapy and integrative behavioral couple therapy on increasing the resilience of couples affected by infidelity. Method: The present study is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the study includes couples who committed adultery and have referred to counseling centers in Andishe city in 2018. 24 couples were randomly assigned to three groups (two experimental groups and one control group) by available sampling. The Subjects answered Connor and Davidson resilience questionnaire. Univariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that integrative couple therapy (F=13/489, 𝝶2=0/325) and integrative behavioral couple therapy (F=31/988, 𝝶2= 0/533) re effective in increasing the resilience of couples affected by infidelity. Subjects scores in the post-test Connor and Davidson resilience scale had a significant increase compared to the pre-test scores (p <0.05). Conclusion: Marital infidelity is a multi-causal phenomenon and since no single theory has a path to reality, considering the extent of harms and consequences of infidelity, based on the findings; it is suggested to use effective interventions of integrative approaches.

Keywords

• integrative couple therapy
• integrative behavioral couple therapy
• resilience
• infidelity