Effectiveness of Cognitive Self-Compassion Training on Reduction of Marital Conflicts among Divorce Applicant Couples

Abstract

Aim and Backgrounds : This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Cognitive Self-Compassion Training on Reduction of Marital Conflicts among couples who were seeking divorce. Material and Methods : Research method was semi-experimental using pretest, posttest and quarterly follow up with control group .Statistical population consisted of all the couples seeking divorce who were referred to the counseling centers of “ Welfare Organization” “Family Court” and private centers in Shahreza city since April to October 2017 (N=300 couples). Of these, 30 couples were selected using available sampling. Selection was based on couple’s voluntary agreement to participate in the study, considering the entry indicators and exit criteria. Participants were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=15). Then Cognitive Self-Compassion Training Program was performed for 10 sessions of 90 minutes twice a week on experimental group. Research instrument was Sanai Martial Conflict Questionnaire Revise (2009). Data were analyzed by mixed analysis variance. Findings : Results indicated that Cognitive Self-Compassion Training significantly decreased marital conflicts of couples in experimental group in comparison of the control group (F=110.108, P=0.001) and this effectiveness has remained stable over the course of the quarterly follow-up (F= 39.40, P= 0.001). Conclusion : Therefore, it can be suggested that applying this intervention can be verified as an effective strategy to reduce the marital conflicts of couples seeking divorce in other counseling centers.

Keywords

• divorce
• hetrosexual couple
• marital conflict