Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Reality Therapy on Family Boundaries and Differentiation of Self

AmirReza Kargaran

Authors

AmirReza Kargaran M.Sc. in Family Counseling, Ma.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6367-7033

Keywords:

Cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy, family boundaries, differentiation of self, family functioning, marital counseling

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy on family boundaries and differentiation of self among married individuals in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest–posttest design with a control group and follow-up phase. The statistical population included married individuals living in Tehran who had referred to counseling and psychological service centers because of marital or family-related difficulties. A total of 45 eligible participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three equal groups: cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy, and control, with 15 participants in each group. The cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy groups each received eight weekly 90-minute group intervention sessions, while the control group remained on the waiting list and received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Family Relational Boundaries Questionnaire and the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Findings: The results showed that the main effect of time was significant for family boundaries, F(2, 84) = 68.42, p < 0.001, η² = 0.620, and differentiation of self, F(2, 84) = 80.54, p < 0.001, η² = 0.657. The group effect was also significant for family boundaries, F(2, 42) = 17.96, p < 0.001, η² = 0.461, and differentiation of self, F(2, 42) = 18.74, p < 0.001, η² = 0.472. The time × group interaction was significant for family boundaries, F(4, 84) = 24.80, p < 0.001, η² = 0.542, and differentiation of self, F(4, 84) = 29.21, p < 0.001, η² = 0.582. Bonferroni comparisons indicated that both interventions were significantly more effective than the control condition, and cognitive behavioral therapy was significantly more effective than reality therapy.

Conclusion: The findings indicated that both cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy improved family boundaries and differentiation of self, but cognitive behavioral therapy produced stronger and more stable effects.

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