Couple Therapy Research Articles

Effect of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy on Affective Temperaments in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Effect of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy on Affective Temperaments in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Design and Development of a Mobile Application for Marriage Counseling and Divorce Mediation at KUA Medan Tuntungan

Marriage counseling is an effort that can be aimed at preparing prospective couples to establish a more serious relationship. Good communication involvement between the two prospective couples is one factor in building a solid foundation in marriage. Life after marriage has a big role and responsibility. Divorce can occur due to lack of readiness between the two prospective couples, so marriage counseling is very important so that prospective brides and grooms can prepare carefully for the relationship that will be carried out in the future. Therefore, this study builds a marriage counseling mobile application aimed at understanding the roles and responsibilities of marriage. This study itself uses a qualitative method by collecting, analyzing and reviewing valid data and information regarding marriage counseling for prospective couples. The waterfall method is used in this study as a system design where the waterfall is considered adaptable in the development of a marriage counseling mobile application accompanied by Unified Modeling Language (UML) modeling.

High schoolers and dating issues: examining the effectiveness of an app-based mindfulness intervention

ABSTRACT This article reports a study comparing the impact of a mindfulness app in mitigating dating anxieties and promoting self-esteem, healthy relationships and school satisfaction among high schoolers vis-à-vis a relationship advice app. A pre- and post-test-design study was conducted with high schoolers in two South Asian cities. Participants of the relationship advice app cohort reported no significant changes in post-test outcomes. Participants of the mindfulness app cohort reported significantly lower post-test dating anxiety scores and higher self-esteem, perceived support and school satisfaction scores. Particularly, the mindfulness app was more effective for high school girls, Christians, middle class students, high schoolers with mothers as primary caregivers, participants whose primary caregivers had postgraduate and higher qualifications, who lived in standard family set-ups with parents and siblings, and who were regular in reading mindfulness posts and doing the recommended homework. Intervention compliance mediated the association between significant socio-demographic predictors and gains/changes in outcomes.

Exploratory Factor Model of Perceived Violence in the COVID-19 Era

Aims: This study aims to interpret the knowledge networks of students regarding dating violence, marital therapy and expectation of the relationship. Background: From the review of the theories of the cycle of violence, gender violence and the social construction of masculine and feminine identities, carried out a non - experimental, exploratory and descriptive study with a nonrandom selection of students a public university to establish a balance and a prospective expectation of violence. Methodology: They conducted interviews in the department of psychology at the public university. Participants are guaranteed the confidentiality of information and were informed that the study results do not directly or indirectly affect their academic status as only sought to investigate some related to the experience of living with parents’ speeches separately or together. Results: The results show that synaptic weights are explained by incoming, and outgoing latent layers on the pre-contemplation of violence, contemplation of aggressive relationships and personal change. Lines alluding to the kind of relationship research, negotiation and consensus decision making to warn couple conflicts.

The "Fact of the Matter": A Model for Working with Activated Internal Object Relations in Psychodynamic Couple Therapy.

Extensive clinical scholarship has described the application of object-relational principles, particularly the operation of projective identification, to psychodynamic psychotherapy with couples. The author explores the way in which a more complete depiction of projective processes, one that incorporates each partner's intrapersonal management of multiple internal object relations, interacting interpersonally in the couple therapy process, can explain the escalating cycles of conflict between couples that are elaborated in the family-systems literature, and be helpful in understanding the object-relational substrate of chronic conflict in couples more generally. A description of how to map each partner's internal object world through the identification of these cycles in the early couple therapy process is elaborated in a theoretical model and illustrated with case material.

Religiosity and the Marital Satisfaction of Malaysian Christians: A Pilot Study

Amid the challenges experienced by married couples and families, the need to examine the factors associated with marital satisfaction is recognised across various communities and backgrounds. Nevertheless, research on Malaysian Christians remains limited, especially concerning religiosity and marital satisfaction. Therefore, this study provides a deeper understanding of marital satisfaction among Malaysian Christians, focusing on its association with the factor of religiosity. 62 participants responded to self-report scales – including the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale and the Religious Commitment Inventory-10 – and open-ended questions on marital satisfaction experience and marital views, values, and attitudes development. A one-sample t-test analysed the marital satisfaction level of Malaysian Christians and some amount of marital distress was indicated. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis established that religiosity significantly predicted marital satisfaction. The open-ended responses were analysed thematically and the identified themes pertaining to how married Malaysian Christians experience marital satisfaction and religiosity complemented the quantitative findings. These findings could inform the development of programmes on marriage and family life and assist marriage counsellors, family therapists and other mental health professionals to work more effectively with the Malaysian community. Couples and families may also gain awareness, insights and inspiration towards enriching their experiences within marriage and family life.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Couple Therapy and Integrative Couple Therapy in Improving Marital Satisfaction and Intimacy of Couples With Marital Discord

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Couple Therapy and Integrative Couple Therapy in Improving Marital Satisfaction and Intimacy of Couples With Marital Discord

Consanguineous marriage and associated diseases among their children and grandchildren in India: evidence from large-scale data.

Worldwide, more than 130 million infants are born each year and a considerable number of 13.5 million of these children have inbred parents. The present study aimed to investigate the association between parents' consanguinity and chronic illness among their children and grandchildren in India. The nationally representative data, Longitudinal Aging Study in India, 2017-2018, Wave 1 was used for the present study. Bivariate analysis, a probit model, and propensity score estimation were employed to conduct the study. The study observed the highest prevalence of consanguinity marriage in the state of Andhra Pradesh (28%) and the lowest in Kerala (5%) among the south Indian States. People who lived in rural areas, belonged to the richer wealth quintile and Hindu religion were the significant predictors of consanguinity marriage in India. For individuals who were in consanguineous marriages, there was 0.85%, 0.84%, 1.57% 0.43%, 0.34%, and 0.14% chances of their children and grandchildren developing psychotic disorders, heart disease, hypertension stroke, cancer, and diabetes, respectively. Moreover, around 4.55% of the individuals have a history of birth defects or congenital disorders. To address the risk of complicated illnesses due to the consanguinity of marriage, medical, genetic, and social counselling services are required.

Psychosocial correlates in cases of marital discord: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundMarital discord is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes not just for the couple but also for their children. Identifying psychosocial risk factors can help devise targeted interventions. This study aimed to determine the psychosocial correlates of marital discord through a cross-sectional design. MethodsFifty married couples presenting with marital discord were recruited through purposive sampling. Self-reported data were gathered using standardized questionnaires on marital adjustment, intimacy, psychological distress, alcohol abuse, and internet addiction. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine correlations between these psychosocial variables and the degree of marital discord. ResultsA higher number of females (90%) compared to men (72%) had poor marital adjustment. Couples valued emotional and recreational intimacy the most. There was a negative correlation between marital adjustment with psychological distress and alcohol abuse. ConclusionThe findings that highlight intimacy in all domains is essential for marital satisfaction, and a significantly positive correlation exists between the experience of intimacy and marital satisfaction. Clinicians need to screen for these psychosocial variables and address them through targeted marital counseling programs focusing on improving intimacy, addressing psychological distress, and dealing with alcohol abuse among discordant couples.

Effectiveness of Compassion-based Couple Therapy in Family Functioning and Marital Life Quality of Couples with Spouses Suffering from Breast Cancer

Effectiveness of Compassion-based Couple Therapy in Family Functioning and Marital Life Quality of Couples with Spouses Suffering from Breast Cancer

Bimbingan Perkawinan Ditinjau Dari Teori Sadd Adzariah

This study examines the role of marriage guidance in preventing household conflict in the KUA of Padangsidimpuan Utara District in terms of the sadd adzariah theory. The type of research used in this study was field research (Field Research), using a qualitative approach, primary data sources, namely KUA employees in Padang Sidempuan Utara District, bridal couples who conducted marriage guidance at KUA in Padangsidimpuan Utara District, a total of 2 people, the Koran and the fiqh proposal book written by Amir Syarifuddin while the secondary data in this study are books related to sadd adzariah, journals, regulations of the director general of bimas and various other sources. Data collection techniques in this study consisted of interviews, observation and documentation. The data analysis technique in this research is descriptive qualitative. The conclusion of this research is that the implementation of marriage guidance is carried out at the KUA, Padang Sidempuan Utara District, prospective brides who have fulfilled the documents requested by the KUA and have registered to get married will be summoned by the KUA to carry out marriage guidance, the guidance process is carried out routinely every Wednesday and Thursday at 09.00-11.00 guidance is carried out using the lecture method. The material given is about marriage according to Islam, marriage laws, rights and obligations of husband and wife and dealing with problems in the household. Furthermore, marriage counseling held at the KUA of Padangsidimpuan Utara District is one of the efforts to prevent household conflicts after marriage later through material delivered during guidance as well as Sadd Adzariah's theory, namely efforts to inhibit all roads that lead to damage or prevention.

Islamic Law Practice among East Javanesse Chinese Muslims; PITI’s Contribution on Its Enforcement

This qualitative research explores the practice of Islamic law among Chinese Muslims in Indonesia, focusing on the contribution of the Indonesian Chinese Islamic Association, or Persatuan Islam Tionghoa Indonesia (PITI) in East Java in three aspects; translating the Qur’an into Mandarin, organizing marriage guidance and religious consultation, and facilitating ḥalāl food industry. The primary data collection method involves in-depth interviews with Islamic leaders within the community, particularly those affiliated with PITI. Secondary data is gathered through an extensive review of literature comprising documents, books, news, and articles related to Islamic law practices among Indonesian Chinese Muslims. Data analysis employs a spiral approach, encompassing content analysis, contextual examination, and critical evaluation. The results of this research show that, specifically, PITI East Java is focused on three areas: arranging marriage counseling, translating the Qur'an into Mandarin, and developing a mentoring program for ḥalāl products. Besides, PITI uses a cultural approach to help Chinese Muslims comprehend and follow Islamic precepts while also taking into account their unique background and characteristics. As a result, the Chinese heritage has been influenced by Indonesian and Islamic traditions. This practice is dynamic and still proceeding in the new horizon that needs support from all stakeholders, the government, and other Muslim communities in Indonesia.

Navigating the complexity and challenges of dual-career, highly mobile couples using Emotion-focused Therapy for Couples

ABSTRACT This article begins with a summary of the particularities of working with dual career, expatriate couples who undergo frequent geographical relocations related to work assignments. These couples must initially decide whose career will be prioritized (i.e. the lead spouse) and then they must manage the challenges of this power imbalance in the relationship. Leaving their country of origin brings with it numerous losses and challenges for these couples, in particular for the accompanying spouse, who in many cases experiences a loss in status and professional identity during these frequent moves. Not surprisingly, this context can accentuate existing tensions in the relationship, often giving rise to unresolved feelings of anger and pain, in particular on the side of the accompanying spouse whose pain is often unseen or invalidated by the lead spouse. This causes damage to the intimate relationship bond between the partners, and interferes with closeness, representing a type of emotional injury. Based on clinical experience using Emotion-focused therapy for Couples (EFT-C), we outline a series of suggestions for clinical practice aimed at helping the accompanying partner express their unseen pain and at helping the leading spouse empathize with this pain. We conclude with a clinical vignette.

Menemukan Solusi Cerdas: Merumuskan Strategi Peningkatan Kinerja Karyawan KUA Berdasarkan Kajian Sistematis Literatur Review

This systematic literature review research explains the leadership and motivation of employee performance in KUA. As a technical implementation unit under the directorate general of Islamic community guidance as stated in PMA 34 of 2016, KUA has served the daily lives of Indonesian people such as marriage, marriage guidance and zakat waqf. However, the performance of KUA employees is often faced with various challenges, such as lack of leadership and motivation. Optimal performance of KUA employees is the key to providing quality services to the community. This study aims to find smart solutions in formulating strategies to improve the performance of KUA employees based on a systematic review of leadership and motivation review literature. The study was conducted by collecting and analyzing literature related to factors that affect the performance of KUA employees, as well as effective strategies to improve the performance of the State civil apparatus (ASN) in the religious affairs office. The results showed that there are several factors that affect the performance of KUA employees, namely transformational leadership, charismatic leadership, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation. These factors are interrelated and can be optimized to improve the performance of KUA employees.

Factors Influencing Relationship Disengagement in Married Couples: A Qualitative Study

Background: Relationship disengagement is one of the most common reasons reported by couples when explaining the distress and dissolution of the marriage. The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting relationship disengagement in Iranian couples. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach. The participants were 24 Iranian married couples (in Mashhad) who were selected using non-random and purposive sampling. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the couples and the interviews continued until data saturation. The collected were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis method. Results: Data analysis revealed three themes (each with some categories): (1) Interpersonal factors (problems related to the family of origin, conflict in couple interactions, distancing behaviors, and ineffective spouse selection), (2) individual-personality factors (emotional instability and character traits), and (3) socioeconomic factors (financial and vocational issues and perceived fairness and inequality). Conclusion: The findings indicated that marital relationship disengagement leads to emotional apathy and dissolution of marital relationships. Couples therapy approaches should target the causes of relationship disengagement to increase the quality of couples’ relationships and prevent divorce. The insights from this study can be used for formulating treatment and preventive approaches to prevent couple relationship disengagement.

Tuan Guru and the Efforts to Prevent Early Marriage Among Sasak Tribe

Early marriage is still a problem in developing countries, including Indonesia. one of the areas with a high rate of child marriage is West Nusa Tenggara. This study aims to explore the implementation of the Marriage Law Number 16 of 2019 in Rembiga Subdistrict, Mataram City, focusing on the role of Tuan Guru in reducing early marriage cases. While national trends indicate a decline, local data shows a significant increase in early marriage cases, particularly in some Indonesian provinces. The study utilised empirical legal field research and qualitative methods, involving profound observations and interviews with fourteen informants. It identified obstacles in the application of the law, including premarital pregnancy, family conflicts, economic factors, promiscuous behaviour, normative conflicts, and suboptimal socialisation. In this context, Tuan Guru plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and compliance with the law in the Sasak Rembiga community through religious studies and marriage counselling. This strategy highlights the importance of integrating religious, cultural, and legal values to minimise early marriages and calls for cross-sector collaboration for sustained effectiveness.

The Therapist’s Use of Self: Being the Catalyst for Change in Couple and Family Therapy by Matthew D Selekman

The Therapist’s Use of Self: Being the Catalyst for Change in Couple and Family Therapy by Matthew D Selekman

Perceived overlap and therapy outcomes among couple clients.

This article explores couples' perceptions and expectations of closeness in a clinical setting, and how relationship perceptions and expectations are associated with treatment outcomes. Bowen's theory of differentiation suggests that healthy relationships require a balance of autonomy and connection. However, some research suggests that contemporary societal expectations are pushing couples to expect greater degrees of closeness and less autonomy. Utilizing a clinical sample of 185 couples from an on-campus Couple and Family Therapy training clinic, this article explores couples' perceptions and expectations of relationship closeness utilizing graphics of overlapping circles. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify three different profile groups based on perceptions and expectations. Wald tests for significant mean differences among the profiles were performed. Results identified significant differences between the three groups for satisfaction and separateness and connectedness variables, number of sessions and termination.

Spirituality in marriage, couple, and family counseling programs

Spirituality in marriage, couple, and family counseling programs

The Association Between Safety, Forgiveness, and Bonding Among Incarcerated Men and Their Partners

The ripple effect of incarceration on incarcerated loved ones is multifaceted. Studies show imprisonment impacts the well-being of intimate and extended familial relationships, parental involvement, and financial support. Using data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering, this study examined male responses. The findings revealed an association between bonding, forgiveness, and safety. Further, the results of this study contribute to the growing body of couples research that focuses on romantic relationships that involve incarcerated loved ones. We include clinical implications that suggest integrating forgiveness and safety into bonding techniques used in family and marriage counseling. Future studies should consider that data is disproportionate regarding underrepresentation of racially and ethnically minoritized groups.