Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Hope and Family Cohesion in Incompatible Couples

Akram  Ghassemy; Azam Fattahi Andabil; Farideh  Dokanehi Fard

Authors

Akram Ghassemy Department of Counseling, Ki.c., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8321-725X
Azam Fattahi Andabil Counseling Department, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran. Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9984-9535
Farideh Dokanehi Fard Department of Psychology, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5922-3119

Keywords:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Hope, Family Cohesion, Incompatible Couples

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and emotion-focused therapy on hope and family cohesion among incompatible couples attending counseling centers in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: This applied research utilized a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a three-month follow-up phase and a control group. The statistical population comprised incompatible couples visiting Tehran counseling centers in 1403. A sample of 45 couples was selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three equal groups: ACT, emotion-focused therapy, and a control group. The experimental groups received 12 structured therapeutic sessions based on their respective approaches, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using standard hope and family cohesion questionnaires across the three assessment phases.

Findings: Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and post-hoc follow-up tests. Statistical results revealed significant time and group effects with strong effect sizes. Both ACT and emotion-focused interventions significantly increased hope and family cohesion in incompatible couples compared to the control group ( ). Between-group comparisons indicated that ACT was significantly more effective than emotion-focused therapy in enhancing hope. Furthermore, while emotion-focused therapy successfully improved family cohesion, its overall impact was statistically weaker than that of the ACT intervention.

Conclusion: Both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and emotion-focused therapy are highly effective evidence-based interventions for mitigating psychological challenges, enhancing hope, and strengthening family cohesion in incompatible couples. The therapeutic improvements, particularly the superior impact of ACT on the cognitive components of hope, remained stable throughout the three-month follow-up.

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