Effectiveness of Imago Therapy-Based Couples Therapy on the Improvement of Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, and Sensitivity to Rejection among Couples

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Imago therapy-based couples therapy on improving communication skills, conflict resolution, and sensitivity to rejection among couples attending counseling centers in Masjed Soleyman. Methods: This quasi-experimental research was conducted with a pre-test, post-test, control group design, and follow-up. The population of this study included all couples visiting counseling centers in Masjed Soleyman in 2019, with twenty couples (40 individuals) randomly divided into experimental and control groups (10 couples per group). Participants in the experimental group underwent ten two-hour training sessions, while the control group did not receive any training. Participants were assessed using the Quinndom Communication Skills questionnaire, the Sanayi Zaker et al.'s Standard Sensitivity to Rejection, and the Downey and Feldman Marital Conflict questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance via SPSS software version 22. Findings: The results showed that training based on Imago therapy significantly altered the experimental group's communication skills, conflict resolution, and sensitivity to rejection compared to the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, Imago therapy training can be considered an effective method for improving communication skills, conflict resolution, and sensitivity to rejection among couples.