The effectiveness of McMaster's systemic couple therapy on self-differentiation and marital boredom and intimacy of couples with emotional divorce

Abstract

 Objective: In the field of counseling and family psychology, various approaches have been created with the aim of reducing conflicts and communication disturbances between couples. The purpose of the present study was the effectiveness of McMaster's systemic couple therapy on self-differentiation and marital boredom and intimacy of couples with emotional divorce. Methods and Materials: In terms of the purpose, the present research is part of applied research, and in terms of method, it is a semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The research population consisted of all the couples who referred to counseling centers in Shiraz in 2021-22, from which 24 couples with emotional divorce were selected as a sample. The tools of the current research included self-differentiation questionnaire, marital boredom, and couples' intimacy. McMaster's systemic couple therapy intervention was performed during 10 sessions of 1.5 hours; But the control group did not receive any intervention. The research data was analyzed by multi-way covariance analysis. Findings: The findings showed that McMaster's family therapy is effective on self-differentiation, marital boredom and intimacy of couples with emotional divorce (P<0.05). Conclusion:  It can be concluded that McMaster's couple therapy is effective on self-differentiation and marital boredom and intimacy of couples with emotional divorce.