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

Abstract

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±1.27 vs. 4.79±0.68), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (3.35±0.35 vs. 4.19±0.16), and Imago Relationship Therapy (3.52±0.15 vs. 4.17±0.16) on intimacy (p=0.001, Partial Eta Squared=0.30); and effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy (203.70±14.88 vs. 273.33±8.26), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (202.11±16.29 vs. 208.71±13.66), and Imago Relationship Therapy (200.08±7.51 vs. 438.01±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.