The Effectiveness of Affective-reconstructive Couple Therapy in Increasing the Trust and Marital Satisfaction of Couples With Remarriage

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of affective-reconstructive couple therapy in increasing the trust in close relationships and marital satisfaction of couples with remarriage and divorce experience. Methods: This is a single-case experimental study with a non-concurrent multiple baseline design. Three distressed couples were selected from among couples with remarriage and divorce experience referred to private and government counseling centers in Ahvaz, Iran, based on inclusion/exclusion criteria using purposive sampling method during September-December 2018, They participated at eight sessions of affective-reconstructive couple therapy, once a week each 90 minutes. They completed the Trust in Close Interpersonal Relationships Questionnaire and Marital Satisfaction Scale before and after treatment, and at the follow-up period. The data analysis was conducted by using visual analysis (graph drawing), reliable change index, recovery rate formula (increase rate), and normative comparison methods. Results: Affective-reconstructive couple therapy increased the trust in close relationships and marital satisfaction in couples after treatment and at the follow-up period. Conclusion: Affective-reconstructive couple therapy, due to special attention to the couples’ past relationships and increasing their insight into the causes of distress development in relationship can increase the trust in close relationships and marital satisfaction in remarried couples with divorce experience.