Behavioral Couples Therapy Research Articles

Enhancing Interpersonal Communication in Couples With Special Needs Children: An Examination of Behavioral Couple Therapy Interventions

This case report aims to report the handling of cases of ineffective communication between husband and wife in families who have children with special needs. The problem that arises in this family is the problem of ineffective communication. This problem causes disharmony within the family which has an impact on children with special needs. Participants were husband and wife who had been married for 40 years. The husband works as a casual laborer and the wife is a housewife. The methods used are interviews and observation as an assessment as well as behavioral couple therapy intervention with behavior exchange techniques and communication skills training as an effort to overcome husband–wife communication problems. The results of the intervention showed that previously ineffective communication had changed to become more effective. Changes in communication make husband and wife closer. Wives begin to serve their husbands, such as preparing food and other household needs as well as dividing the tasks of caring for children. Husbands also started to work more diligently, and wanted to eat their wives’ cooking which they previously didn’t want to do. In conclusion, behavioral couples therapy can overcome the problem of ineffective communication between husband and wife. This finding is interesting because post-covid family problems are still common and can reduce the quality of a couple’s relationship.
 Keywords: aversive communication, behavoral couple therapy, couple

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: reliable clinical change analysis

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy: reliable clinical change analysis

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Integrated Behavioral Couple Therapy and Schema-Focused Couple Therapy on Conflict Resolution Styles in Conflicting Couples

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Integrated Behavioral Couple Therapy and Schema-Focused Couple Therapy on Conflict Resolution Styles in Conflicting Couples

The Effects of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy on Emotion Regulation and Cognitive Flexibility of Emotionally Divorced Couples

Background: The upward trends in divorce and the conflicts and distress in couples’ relationships made researchers seek cost-effective interventions to reduce marital problems. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) on emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility among emotionally divorced couples (EDCs). Methods: The study was conducted on 20-50-year-old EDCs visiting Ramshir counseling centers in Iran in 2022. The purposive sampling method was used to select 12 couples (24 individuals). This experimental research adopted a pretest-posttest design with follow-up. The experimental group received ten 90-minute IBCT sessions. The research instruments included the Gottman Emotional Divorce Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory—the repeated measures ANOVA was then used for data analysis in SPSS software version 27. Results: The mean (± SD) of emotion regulation was 80.25 ± 7.92 on the pretest, whereas it was 124.88 ± 11.63 and 120.88 ± 8.70 on the posttest and follow-up. Moreover, the mean (± SD) of cognitive flexibility was 60.50 ± 5.70 on the pretest, while it was 100.46 ± 6.33 and 97.13 ± 4.47 on the posttest and follow-up. The results indicated that IBCT improved emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility in EDCs (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results, IBCT can enhance emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility in couples experiencing marital conflicts and emotional divorce. Couples therapists should hold IBCT training workshops to improve emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility in EDCs.

A Study on the Effect of Acceptance of Differences on Marital Satisfaction in Newlywed Couples: Focusing on the Perspective of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy

본 연구의 목적은 신혼기 부부의 차이 수용 태도가 결혼만족도에 미치는 영향을 확인함으로써 부부상담 현장에 필요한 기초자료를 축적하는 것이다. 본 연구에서는 신혼기 부부 160쌍을 모집하여 쌍자료를 수집한 후 자기-상대방 상호의존 모델 분석을 통해 자기효과와 상대방효과를 분석하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 차이 수용 태도 및 결혼만족도에서 남녀 간의 유의미한 차이가 있었다. 둘째, 부부의 차이 수용 태도는 결혼만족도에 대한 자기효과를 나타냈다. 셋째, 차이 수용 태도와 결혼만족도의 관계에서 상대방효과는 아내에게서만 유의하였다. 이러한 연구 결과를 통해 본 연구에서는 국내에서도 수용을 중점적으로 다루고 있는 인지행동 커플치료에 조금 더 주목할 필요가 있으며, 부부상담 전문가들이 신혼기 부부, 특히 아내의 차이 수용 태도를 촉진하는 데 유용한 전략 및 기법을 계획하고 사용할 필요성을 시사하였다.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the acceptance of differences on marital satisfaction in newlywed couples. Methods: To achieve this purpose, 160 couples were recruited, and an online survey was conducted using ADCRS and K-CSI. The collected dyadic data were analyzed using APIM to calculate actor effects and partner effects. Results: First, a significant difference was found between men and women in the acceptance of differences and marital satisfaction. Second, the acceptance of differences of newlywed couples had an actor effect on marital satisfaction. Third, the partner effect was significant only in women for the relationship between the acceptance of differences and marital satisfaction. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that it is more effective to focus on enhancing each spouse's acceptance of differences, especially the wife's acceptance of differences during couple therapy. Therefore, it is expected that relationship education and couple therapy experts will plan and use strategies and techniques to promote acceptance of differences between newlyweds.

Comparative efficacy of psychosocial interventions for opioid-dependent people receiving methadone maintenance treatment: A network meta-analysis.

To estimate the efficacy of multiple psychosocial interventions for opioid-dependent people receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effect of psychosocial intervention for opioid-dependent people receiving MMT in outpatient clinics. We searched multiple data sources (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library) from inception to January 2022, finding 21 RCTs evaluating a total of 2862 people with opioid dependence receiving MMT. The primary outcome was the opioid-positive rate (assessed by urinalysis) and the secondary outcome was treatment discontinuation (the number of patients who terminated the study for any reason). We performed random-effects Bayesian meta-analysis. We used relative ranking using surface under the cumulative ranking method and certainty of evidence using grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) [odds ratio (OR) =0.66, 95% credible interval (CI) =0.66-0.96; low certainty] and educational and behavioral counseling (EBC) (OR =0.28, 95% CI =0.12-0.25; high certainty) were more effective than treatment as usual (TAU) in efficacy. In terms of treatment discontinuation, at the end of the follow-up period there was no statistical significance among psychosocial interventions. According to the ranking probabilities, EBC might be the most effective treatment and behavioral couples' therapy (BCT) might be the best discontinuation treatment. Educational and behavioral counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy appear to be the most effective psychosocial interventions for opioid-dependent people receiving methadone maintenance treatment.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Couple Therapy in the Way of Psychodrama and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) on Improving Conflict Resolution Tactics in Contradictory Couples

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Psychodrama Couple Therapy and Integrated Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) on improving conflict resolution tactics of contradictory couples. Method: The method of this semi-experimental study is pre-test/post-test with a control group and a follow-up phase. The statistical population included all conflicting couples who referred to Dramatherapy Center of Iran in 2019. The sample of this study includes 36 persons (18 couples) who referred to Dramatherapy Center of Iran who were selected by the available sampling method. Then they were assigned in 3 groups of 12 persons including two experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group underwent 12 sessions of Psychodrama Couple Therapy by Moreno (1969) and the second experimental group underwent 12 sessions of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy by Christensen et al. (2014). Data were obtained by using Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) by Straus (1996) and analyzed by methods of repeated measure analysis of variance using spss22 software. Results: The results of this study showed that Psychodrama Couple Therapy reduced physical assault (F=11.52 and p=0.001) and psychological violence (F=12.74 and p=0.001) and increased non-violent negotiation (F=58.84 and p=0.001) in the victim form and respectively physical assault (F=17.96 and p=0.001), psychological violence (F=17.08 and p=0.001) and non-violent negotiation (F=89.45 and p=0.001) in the aggressive form. Conclusion: The results indicated the effectiveness of Psychodrama Couple Therapy on reducing physical assault and psychological violence and increasing non-violent negotiation in conflicting couples and its durability over time. Therefore, health professionals and therapists can use Psychodrama Couple Therapy along with other treatment methods to improve couples' conflict resolution tactics.

Behavioral couples therapy for brain injury: single case methodology with bi-phasic design

ABSTRACT Objectives To explore the outcomes of Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) for couples with brain injury. Background Brain injury can result in communication, emotional and behavioral disturbances, leading to higher levels of depression, anxiety and relationship distress. Currently, no study has explored the outcomes of BCT in couples impacted by brain injury. Method Four heterosexual couples living with brain injury were seen at a specialist outpatient service, and attended an average of 13 (range 8–25) BCT sessions. Participants with brain injury and their partners completed weekly measures of depression, anxiety, and couple satisfaction throughout baseline, assessment, intervention, and follow-up phases. Data were visually analyzed, and effects examined using reliable change analysis, and between-phase comparison conducted using Tau-U. Results Tau-U analysis demonstrated that both the patient and partner groups experienced significant overall improvement in relationship satisfaction and anxiety. Partners also reported significant reduction in depression scores overall. Reliable change analysis indicated improvement for some individual patients and partners, with effects maintained at follow-up in some cases. Conclusions The results offer promising results regarding the use of BCT for brain injury in increasing relationship satisfaction and reducing psychological distress. Further investigation is warranted.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Integrative Couple Therapy and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy on Increasing Emotional and Sexual Intimacy of Couples Traumatized by Infidelity

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of integrative couple therapy and integrative behavioral couple therapy on increasing the emotional and sexual intimacy of couples affected by infidelity in Shahriar (Andishe city in Iran).
 Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included couples whose male partner had cheated, and were referred to counseling centers of Andishe city in 2018. Twenty four couples were selected through convenient sampling and randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group (8 couples in each group). The subjects in the two experimental groups attended 10 couple therapy sessions, whereas no intervention was carried out for the control group. The subjects responed to the Marital Intimacy Needs Questionnaire (Bagarozzi, 2001).
 Results: The results of analysis of covariance and block analysis of variance showed that integrative behavioral couple therapy and integrative couple therapy had a significant effect on the component of satisfaction with confrontation in the dimension of sexual intimacy )p<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the two approaches. Integrative behavioral couple therapy was also effective in increasing emotional intimacy in all components, but this effectiveness was not achieved in integrative couple therapy.
 Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of integrative couple therapy and integrative behavioral couple therapy on the component of satisfaction with confrontation in sexual intimacy, the use of these approaches in promoting sexual intimacy of couples affected by infidelity may be effective. Also, considering the effectiveness of integrative behavioral couple therapy in increasing emotional and sexual intimacy, this approach can be used by couple therapists.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Integrative Couple Therapy and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy on Increasing Emotional and Sexual Intimacy of Couples Traumatized by Infidelity

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of integrative couple therapy and integrative behavioral couple therapy on increasing the emotional and sexual intimacy of couples affected by infidelity in Shahriar (Andishe city in Iran).
 Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included couples whose male partner had cheated, and were referred to counseling centers of Andishe city in 2018. Twenty four couples were selected through convenient sampling and randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group (8 couples in each group). The subjects in the two experimental groups attended 10 couple therapy sessions, whereas no intervention was carried out for the control group. The subjects responed to the Marital Intimacy Needs Questionnaire (Bagarozzi, 2001).
 Results: The results of analysis of covariance and block analysis of variance showed that integrative behavioral couple therapy and integrative couple therapy had a significant effect on the component of satisfaction with confrontation in the dimension of sexual intimacy )p<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the two approaches. Integrative behavioral couple therapy was also effective in increasing emotional intimacy in all components, but this effectiveness was not achieved in integrative couple therapy.
 Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of integrative couple therapy and integrative behavioral couple therapy on the component of satisfaction with confrontation in sexual intimacy, the use of these approaches in promoting sexual intimacy of couples affected by infidelity may be effective. Also, considering the effectiveness of integrative behavioral couple therapy in increasing emotional and sexual intimacy, this approach can be used by couple therapists.

Behavioral Couples Therapy untuk memperbaiki pola komunikasi pada pasangan suami istri

The family is the smallest unit of society that lives under one roof and is interdependent physically, psychologically and socially. In the family there are problems that can develop from the relationship between husband and wife. One of the problems that often arise in husband-wife relationships is communication patterns that hurt each other.Negative communication patterns that are repeated in everyday life form a person's assessment of others to become increasingly negative. If the negative communication pattern is maintained, the more severe the problems will be faced so that it can affect marital satisfaction in the household. Subjects are husband and wife who have problems with negative communication patterns. Data was collected using interviews, observations and the ENRICH marital satisfaction scale. Problems with negative communication patterns can be corrected with behavioral couples therapy (BCT).Interventions were carried out to improve communication patterns that were originally aversive and hurt each other to become more positive, thereby increasing marital satisfaction. BCT consists of 6 sessions. The results of the intervention show that the problem of negative communication patterns can be overcome effectively using behavioral couple therapy. Communication skills improve negative communication in partners. While the behavior exchange technique is effective in overcoming problems in interaction.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy on Intimacy and Family Functioning in Divorce-seeking Couples

Background: Dysfunctional families suffer from poor communication, negative relationships, and countless conflicts. Achieving goals is challenging in such families and requires significant energy. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and integrated behavioral couples therapy (IBCT) in improving intimacy and family functioning in divorce-seeking couples in Bushehr City, Iran in 2020. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study based on a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The study population consisted of all married couples applying for a divorce in Bushehr City, Iran. A total of 45 couples were selected as the sample through convenience sampling and were randomly and equally assigned to three groups. The research instruments included, Walker and Thompson intimacy scale, and the McMaster family assessment device. The data were statistically analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance via SPSS software. The Bonferroni post hoc test was used to determine the mean difference between the groups. Results: The results showed a significant difference between ACT and IBCT groups with the control group in the posttest scores for intimacy and family functioning (P<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference between ACT and IBCT in improving intimacy and family functioning in divorce-seeking couples. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, both ACT and IBCT can be used for improving intimacy and family functioning between divorce-seeking couples.

Recent Trends in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Couple and Family Therapeutic Implications -Focusing on Acceptance-Commitment Therapy and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy-

본 연구의 목적은 수용전념치료(ACT)와 통합적 행동 부부치료(IBCT)를 중심으로, 인지행동치료의 최근 동향에서 나타나고 있는 변화가 국내 부부․가족치료에 시사하는 함의를 도출하고자 하는 것이다. 이 두 치료모델은 인지행동치료의 ‘제3의 흐름’으로 부각되고 있으며, 인지행동 접근과 수용 접근을 결합함으로써 미국의 부부․가족치료에서 부상하고 있는 추세이다. 본 연구에서는 심리치료 분야에서의 인지행동 접근의 변화 동향을 살펴보고, 수용전념치료 모델과 통합적 행동 부부치료 모델을 이론적으로 고찰한 다음, 두 모델들의 전제와 특성의 파악, 그리고 비교를 통해 국내 부부․가족치료에 활용될 수 있는 가능성과 시사점을 탐색해 보고자 하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 수용-전념치료와 통합적 행동 부부치료는 기존의 인지행동치료를 바탕으로 마음챙김이나 수용을 강조하고 통합적 성격을 지니면서 새로운 인지행동치료의 흐름 속에 중심적 위치를 차지하고 있다. 둘째, 수용-전념치료는 심리적 유연성의 증가, 통합적 행동 부부치료는 차이의 수용을 통한 갈등 해결과 변화를 목표로 하며, 국내에서 이 모델들에 대한 개인치료에서의 관심은 고조되고 있지만 부부․가족치료에서의 활용은 아직 활성화되고 있지 않다. 셋째, 두 모델은 수용중심적 접근이라는 공통점을 지니고 있으며 처치의 과정에서 차이가 있기는 하지만, 통합적 성격과 근거기반 실천 모델을 중심으로 심리치료 분야에서 개인뿐만 아니라 관계에서도 효과적으로 적용될 가능성이 높다. 본 연구에서는 두 모델의 부부․가족치료에서의 적용 가능성 탐색과 논의를 통해, 국내 인지행동 부부 및 가족치료 연구의 활성화와 상담기법의 다양화, 그리고 가족치료 현장에서 적용되는 치료모델의 확장과 심화를 위한 기초자료 축적에 기여하고자 하였다.

Mechanisms and moderators of behavioural couples therapy for alcohol and substance use disorders: an updated review of the literature.

Behavioural couples therapy (BCT) and alcohol behavioural couples therapy (ABCT) are couples-based interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) that have been deemed a 'gold standard' treatment. Despite the substantial amount of promising research, there is a lack of research on the active components of treatment and treatment mechanisms and moderators. Since the most recent meta-analysis, a number of studies have been conducted that advance our understanding of the efficacy of BCT and ABCT. The purpose of the present review was to provide an update on the current knowledge of these treatments and to investigate mediators and moderators of treatment. A systematic search strategy of relevant databases from 2008 to 2021 identified 20 relevant articles that were coded for relevant information including study design, treatment, outcomes, as well as mechanisms and moderators. The results indicated that BCT and ABCT are successful in reducing alcohol and substance use for both male and female clients, dual problem couples, and for reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms and intimate partner violence. The reviewed studies discussed a number of treatment mechanisms, with the most studied mechanism being relationship functioning. Moderators included relationship functioning and patient gender. The results point to the need for additional research on active treatment components, mechanisms and moderators, in order to provide a more efficient and cost-effective treatment.

Supplemental Material for Sexual Communication Mediates Cognitive–Behavioral Couple Therapy Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial for Provoked Vestibulodynia

Supplemental Material for Sexual Communication Mediates Cognitive–Behavioral Couple Therapy Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial for Provoked Vestibulodynia

A review of the research during 2010-2019 on evidence-based treatments for couple relationship distress.

The current article presents a review of the published research from 2010 to 2019 on the treatment of couple relationship distress; 37studies met all criteria for inclusion. Behavioral Couple Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy meet criteria as "well-established" approaches, Insight-Oriented Couple Therapy is a "possibly efficacious" approach, and several other others are "experimental" treatments for treating couple relationship distress (Southam-Gerow & Prinstein, 2014). Furthermore, several less-intensive interventions-the Marriage Check-up, OurRelationship, and Hold Me Tight programs-have generated substantial support for their ability to improve relationships and are classified as "well-established" or "probably efficacious" interventions. We recommend that future research focus on expanding the reach of evidence-based interventions across a range of settings and populations, deepening our understanding of the mechanisms of change and underlying factors in the change process across approaches, and improving treatment success through treatment matching and progress monitoring.

The Effectiveness of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) on Family Function of the Couples: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The Effectiveness of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) on Family Function of the Couples: A Randomized Clinical Trial

An Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)-Based Conflict Prevention Program: A Pre-Pilot Study with Non-Clinical Couples.

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) has demonstrated its efficacy treating severe couple conflict. Nevertheless, its capacity to prevent such conflicts before they appear has not been analyzed. The following empirical study examines the effectiveness of a conflict prevention program based on IBCT’s main therapeutic strategies (empathic joining, unified detachment). A sample of 12 individuals (six couples) from the Community of Madrid completed the DAS (Spanier, 1976; Martín-Lanas et al., 2017), IBCTQ (Barraca et al., 2017), and ASPA-A (Carrasco, 1996) pre-treatment, posttreatment, and at a three-year follow up. Three of these couples were randomly assigned to the experimental group, in which they received five, 120-minute sessions of an IBCT-based conflict prevention program. The three remaining couples were assigned to a control group and received no treatment. Results indicated that the experimental couples grew in their acceptance of differences and significantly improved their level of empathic joining and unified detachment; they also manifested greater satisfaction in their total DAS score. At the three-year follow up, neither group showed significant changes with regard to their posttreatment scores. Although the data are based on a small number of couples and should be replicated, the results suggest that a program based on IBCT strategies can help prevent couple conflict up to three years after its application.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy and EIS Model on Sexual Function, Among Pregnant Women

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy and EIS Model on Sexual Function, Among Pregnant Women

A comparison of psychosocial adjustment among children of women who received behavioral couples therapy versus individually based therapy for substance use disorder

BackgroundChildren of women with substance use disorder (SUD) exhibit elevated risk for psychosocial adjustment problems. However, little research has examined whether women's SUD treatment is beneficial for their children. In comparison to individually based therapy (IBT), behavioral couples therapy (BCT) is superior for reducing women's SUD problems and improving their intimate partner relationships. The current study sought to examine whether BCT is more efficacious than 12-step-oriented IBT for reducing psychosocial adjustment problems among the children of women with SUD. MethodsThe study obtained the data from two larger randomized clinical trials, both of which compared BCT plus IBT versus IBT alone for women with SUD. Participants were women (N = 75) and their male partners who had an identified target child between the ages of 6 and 16 years old (M = 10.63). Most (62%) were the biological child of both partners, and 92% lived with the couple. Both partners completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in relation to the target child at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up. ResultsComparisons of CBCL scores from baseline to following treatment mostly showed significant improvement in BCT + IBT but not IBT. Generalized estimating equations, which controlled for baseline CBCL, showed better retainment of treatment gains for mother-reported internalizing CBCL scores in BCT + IBT, but the study found no other between treatment differences. ConclusionThese findings suggest that BCT + IBT produces more consistent improvements for children of women with SUD versus IBT.