Effectiveness of a Communication Skills Training Protocol on  Improving Marital Burnout

Vida Yousefi; Siamak Samani; Mahmoud Goudarzi; Mahmoud Goudarzi

doi:10.61838/kman.aftj.5.3.16

Authors

Vida Yousefi PhD Student, Counseling Department, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2342-0502
Siamak Samani Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6945-6263
Mahmoud Goudarzi Department of Family Counseling, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7376-9476
Mahmoud Goudarzi Department of Family Counseling, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7376-9476

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.5.3.16

Keywords:

Married couples, Marital burnout, Communication skills

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate marital burnout and to determine the effectiveness of a communication skills training protocol.

Methods: The experimental method employed was a single-subject design with multiple baselines, involving couples seeking counseling at the Raz City Clinic in Shiraz and the Clinic of the General Directorate of Exceptional Education in Fars Province, during the autumn of 2021. Among these couples, three pairs exhibiting the highest levels of marital burnout were selected using a purposive sampling method. The therapeutic program of the communication skills training protocol was conducted by the researcher over 10 sessions, followed by a follow-up in two stages, one month apart. The participants responded to the Marital Burnout Scale at the baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up stages. Data were analyzed using visual analysis methods, the recovery percentage formula, and the reliable change index.

Findings: Findings indicated that the communication skills training protocol enhanced marital quality and reduced marital burnout, with these effects being maintained during the follow-up phase.

Conclusion: The treatment protocol proved to be effective, and couple therapists can utilize these communication skills in their work with couples to reduce marital burnout and enhance marital quality, particularly during the early years of marriage, where it can have a significant impact.