Evaluating the Impact of Family-Centered Problem-Solving Training on Couple Differentiation

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, cognitive-behavioral approaches, including problem-solving methods, are used to enhance the quality of life of family members and achieve differentiation, especially among couples. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of family-centered problem-solving training on couple differentiation.Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest and a control group. The statistical population comprised married individuals who were referred to the counseling center at the Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah branch. Initially, 30 couples who visited the center to resolve their marital issues were selected and randomly divided into experimental (15 couples) and control (15 couples) groups. Subsequently, the experimental group underwent family-oriented problem-solving training in ten face-to-face sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Data were collected using the Skowron & Friedlander Self-Differentiation Scale (1998) and analyzed statistically in SPSS version 22 using covariance analysis after the post-test.Results: Family-oriented problem-solving training significantly increased the differentiation of couples in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to the research findings, utilizing the family-oriented problem-solving training program as part of comprehensive educational plans to enhance couple differentiation is feasible.

Keywords

• problem-solving
• differentiation
• family characteristics
• family conflict
• marriage