Evaluating a Partner Schema Clarification Intervention on Attribution Bias and Conflict Sensitivity

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Partner Schema Clarification Intervention (PSCI) in reducing attribution bias and conflict sensitivity among married individuals. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 married participants from Baghdad, Iraq, who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention group received a six-session PSCI program over six weeks, focusing on identifying and restructuring maladaptive partner-related schemas, while the control group was waitlisted. Both groups completed standardized assessments of attribution bias and conflict sensitivity at three time points: pretest, posttest, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni post-hoc tests conducted to examine pairwise differences over time. SPSS-27 was used for all statistical analyses. Results indicated significant time × group interaction effects for both attribution bias (F(2, 54) = 38.49, p < .001, η² = .598) and conflict sensitivity (F(2, 54) = 33.90, p < .001, η² = .557), suggesting that the intervention group improved significantly over time compared to the control group. Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed statistically significant reductions in both variables from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up in the intervention group (p < .001), with no significant changes between posttest and follow-up, indicating sustained treatment effects. The Partner Schema Clarification Intervention was effective in reducing attribution bias and conflict sensitivity in marital relationships, with improvements maintained at follow-up. These findings support the application of schema-focused, cognitive-emotional interventions in couple therapy settings to enhance relational perception and emotional regulation.