Effectiveness of a Mentalization-Based Relationship Enrichment Package Compared to Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy on Anxiety Sensitivity, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Anger Control in Infertile Couples
Keywords:
Mentalization-Based Relationship Enrichment, Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy, Anxiety Sensitivity, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Anger Control, Infertile CouplesAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to develop a Mentalization-Based Relationship Enrichment (MBRE) package and compare its effectiveness with Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and anger control among infertile couples.
Methods and Materials: This research employed a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with infertile couples and experts, along with thematic analysis, were used to develop the MBRE package. Content validity was confirmed using CVR and CVI indices. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group and three-month follow-up was conducted. Thirty-six infertile couples were selected purposively and randomly assigned to an MBRE group, an EFCT group, or a control group. Data were collected using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), and Novaco Anger Scale, and analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.
Findings: Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant group × time interaction effects for all three variables (p < .001), indicating differential changes over time across conditions. Both MBRE and EFCT produced significant reductions in anxiety sensitivity and significant improvements in intolerance of uncertainty and anger control compared to the control group (p < .001). Bonferroni comparisons revealed that EFCT had a stronger effect than MBRE on reducing anxiety sensitivity at posttest and follow-up (p < .001). Both interventions maintained their beneficial effects at the three-month follow-up, demonstrating treatment stability over time (p < .001).
Conclusion: Both MBRE and EFCT effectively reduced anxiety sensitivity and improved intolerance of uncertainty and anger control in infertile couples, with EFCT showing greater impact on anxiety sensitivity. The newly developed MBRE package presents a promising relational and emotional intervention for couples experiencing infertility-related distress.
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References
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