The effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy on couple's functional flexibility and distress tolerance

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy on couple's functional flexibility and distress tolerance. Method: The present study was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test and control group with quarterly follow-up; The statistical population were couples referring to Avae Daroon, Rahnama Counseling Centers, and Mehr Shahr Hospital Counseling Center in Tehran in the period from May to June 2018 that 60 couples volunteered to participate in the study answered to Connor and Davidson functional Flexibility Questionnaire (2003) and Simons and Gaher Distress Tolerance Scale (2005). After the screening, 30 couples were selected and randomly assigned to the emotionally focused experimental group (15 couples) and the control group (15 couples). The experimental group underwent Johnson's (2012) emotionally focused intervention for eight sessions of 90 minutes and the data were analyzed using repeated measures mixed variance analysis. Results: The results showed the effect of emotionally focused intervention on functional flexibility (F = 29.75, P = 0.001) and distress tolerance (F = 12.14, P = .004) and the stability of this effect in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: This intervention caused couples to shift focus from their spouse's behavior and focus on their own behavior, thus stopping the use of these communication barriers and while increasing tolerance, by learning the right communication program, we were able to improve their relationship and flexibility; Therefore, this is an effective intervention for the treatment of functional flexibility and distress tolerance of couples.