The effectiveness of narrative counseling based on love story on Couples Communication Patterns

Abstract

Aim: The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of narrative counseling based on love stories on couples' communication patterns. Method: This was a semi-experimental research with a pre-test, post-test with a control group and a follow-up phase. The statistical population of the research was all the couples who referred to one of the welfare counseling centers in Mashhad. The statistical sample was non-random and available, and the assignment was random, so that 32 people (16 couples) were randomly placed in two experimental and control groups. The data collection tool was Christensen-Salawi's Couple Communication Patterns Questionnaire (1984), which was completed by the couples of both groups before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures variance test.. Results: The results showed that narrative therapy based on love stories affected the couple's communication patterns (P≤0.01) and increased the mutually constructive communication pattern (F=5.99, P=0.018) and decreased avoidance patterns. Reciprocity (F=5.45, P=0.028) and expectation/withdrawal (F=6.23, P=0.014) have been found in couple relationships. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it is suggested that this approach should be taken into consideration and used in marriage counseling and interventions in order to improve couples' communication and reduce inefficient and destructive communication patterns.