Research and Practice in Couple Therapy

This study aimed to explore the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components that contribute to marital cohesion among Malaysian couples. Using a qualitative multiple case study design, this research involved 23 participants (12 married couples and one widowed individual) residing in Malaysia. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on minimum criteria of five years of marital experience. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. NVivo 12 software was used to manage data coding. Theoretical saturation was achieved, and trustworthiness was enhanced through member checking, peer debriefing, and reflexive memoing. Three overarching domains of marital cohesion were identified: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. Cognitive cohesion included shared meaning of marriage, cognitive commitment, conflict attribution styles, trust in partner’s judgment, and rational decision-making. Affective cohesion encompassed emotional intimacy, love and affection, emotional support, forgiveness, emotional presence, and emotional boundary-setting. Behavioral cohesion involved shared daily routines, conflict management behaviors, expressions of care, sexual and physical intimacy, joint decision-making, role participation, and marital rituals. The findings revealed that these dimensions interact dynamically and are shaped by contextual, cultural, and relational factors. Participant narratives highlighted the compensatory roles among domains and the impact of digital behaviors, gender roles, and financial collaboration on cohesion. Marital cohesion is a multifaceted construct shaped by the interaction of cognitive beliefs, emotional dynamics, and behavioral practices. Effective marital functioning requires alignment across these domains, but cohesion can also be sustained through compensatory strengths in one area when others are lacking. The findings underscore the importance of culturally informed, multidimensional approaches in marital assessment and intervention.

This study aimed to examine the effect of psychological distress on sexual satisfaction in married adults, with communication avoidance explored as a mediating variable. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, and a sample of 330 married individuals from Qatar was selected using Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size determination table. Participants completed three standardized instruments: the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Communication Patterns Questionnaire – Short Form (CPQ-SF), and the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive and correlational statistics, and AMOS-21 was used to test the structural equation model (SEM). Model fit was evaluated using indices such as χ²/df, CFI, TLI, GFI, AGFI, and RMSEA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that psychological distress was significantly negatively correlated with sexual satisfaction (r = –.52, p < .001) and positively correlated with communication avoidance (r = .47, p < .001). Communication avoidance also had a significant negative correlation with sexual satisfaction (r = –.45, p < .001). SEM results confirmed a good model fit (χ²/df = 2.11; CFI = .96; RMSEA = .057). Psychological distress had a significant direct effect on sexual satisfaction (β = –0.38, p < .001) and an indirect effect through communication avoidance (β = –0.15, p < .001), confirming the partial mediating role of communication avoidance. The findings suggest that psychological distress undermines sexual satisfaction both directly and indirectly by fostering communication avoidance in intimate relationships. Interventions targeting emotional regulation and open communication may help improve sexual and relational outcomes among distressed couples, particularly in culturally conservative contexts.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of ruminative thinking on marital anxiety and to examine the mediating role of conflict sensitivity in this relationship. A descriptive correlational research design was employed using a sample of 366 married individuals from Turkey, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Data were collected using standard questionnaires for Ruminative Thinking, Conflict Sensitivity, and Marital Anxiety. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 to assess relationships among variables, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied using AMOS-21 to test the hypothesized mediation model. Assumptions of normality, linearity, and multicollinearity were checked and confirmed prior to analysis. The results showed that ruminative thinking had a significant positive correlation with both conflict sensitivity (r = .51, p < .001) and marital anxiety (r = .59, p < .001). Conflict sensitivity was also significantly correlated with marital anxiety (r = .54, p < .001). The SEM analysis revealed that ruminative thinking significantly predicted marital anxiety both directly (β = 0.37, p < .001) and indirectly through conflict sensitivity (β = 0.14, p < .001), with a total effect of β = 0.51 (p < .001). Model fit indices indicated a good fit (χ²/df = 2.39, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.061), confirming the partial mediating role of conflict sensitivity. The findings suggest that individuals with high ruminative thinking are more likely to experience marital anxiety, and that conflict sensitivity exacerbates this effect. Addressing both cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities may be essential in interventions aimed at reducing marital distress and enhancing relationship stability.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a Reflective Dialogue Intervention on enhancing marital metacognition and reducing marital conflicts among married individuals in Nigeria. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 married participants (15 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group) selected from community centers in Nigeria. Participants in the intervention group underwent eight 75–90 minute sessions of reflective dialogue training over an eight-week period, while the control group received no intervention during the study. Data were collected at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Standardized tools were used to assess marital metacognition and marital conflict. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27, with significance set at p < .05. Results showed a significant main effect of time and group, as well as a significant interaction effect for both marital metacognition (F(2,54) = 26.91, p < .001, η² = .51) and marital conflict (F(2,54) = 28.74, p < .001, η² = .50). Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons indicated significant improvements in marital metacognition and reductions in marital conflict from pre-test to post-test (p < .001), with no significant regression at follow-up (p > .05), confirming the sustained impact of the intervention. The Reflective Dialogue Intervention proved effective in significantly enhancing marital metacognitive awareness and reducing conflict intensity over time. These findings suggest that fostering reflective communication and cognitive-emotional insight within couples can lead to lasting improvements in relationship quality, particularly in culturally diverse contexts such as Nigeria.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a PTSD-focused marital skills training intervention in improving trust restoration and emotional regulation among trauma-affected couples. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants (15 couples) from Gonbad-e Kavus city, randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention group received a structured 10-session marital training program focused on trauma-informed trust building and emotional regulation techniques, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Standardized measures were used to assess trust (Dyadic Trust Scale) and emotional regulation (DERS) at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27. Significant main effects of time, group, and time × group interactions were found for both trust restoration (F = 41.52, p < .001, η² = .597) and emotional regulation (F = 28.67, p < .001, η² = .493). Post-hoc comparisons revealed significant improvements in trust and emotion regulation from pre-test to post-test (p < .001) and maintained at follow-up (p < .001) in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in the control group across time points. The PTSD-focused marital skills training was effective in enhancing both trust restoration and emotional regulation among couples affected by trauma. These effects were sustained over a five-month period, indicating the intervention's potential for long-term relational and psychological benefit. The findings underscore the value of integrating trauma-informed, couple-based approaches in clinical practice.

This study aimed to explore how unresolved trauma from the family of origin contributes to vulnerability in adult marital relationships, as narrated by individuals with early adverse experiences. Using a qualitative narrative research design, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 22 adult participants (12 women, 10 men) residing in Canada, all of whom self-identified as having experienced significant trauma in their family of origin. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in marital status and background. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved and were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic narrative analysis. NVivo software was used to facilitate coding and pattern recognition across transcripts. Analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) Emotional Echoes of the Past, including internalized shame, hypervigilance, and emotional disconnection; (2) Intergenerational Transmission of Dysfunction, encompassing the repetition of conflict patterns, projection onto partners, and distorted marital roles; and (3) Struggles Toward Healing and Relational Resilience, characterized by efforts to break cycles, rebuild emotional literacy, and reprocess family narratives. Participants' stories illustrated how unresolved trauma shaped emotional regulation, attachment, and relational roles, while also highlighting transformative strategies employed to foster marital growth and stability. Unresolved family-of-origin trauma significantly influences marital vulnerability through embedded emotional and behavioral patterns. However, individuals are also capable of relational healing through narrative reconstruction, boundary-setting, and conscious re-engagement with emotional intimacy. The findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed approaches in marital therapy and advocate for deeper clinical attention to clients’ family histories and narrative frameworks.

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of hypervigilance in the relationship between post-traumatic stress and marital insecurity among married adults. A descriptive correlational design was employed with a sample of 409 married individuals from Kenya, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table. Participants completed standardized self-report instruments measuring post-traumatic stress, hypervigilance, and marital insecurity. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation via SPSS-27 and structural equation modeling (SEM) via AMOS-24 to assess the direct, indirect, and total effects among variables. Model fit indices were calculated to evaluate the adequacy of the hypothesized model. Pearson correlations revealed significant positive associations among post-traumatic stress, hypervigilance, and marital insecurity (p < .001). Structural equation modeling results indicated that post-traumatic stress significantly predicted hypervigilance (β = .58, p < .001), which in turn significantly predicted marital insecurity (β = .53, p < .001). A direct effect of post-traumatic stress on marital insecurity was also observed (β = .27, p < .001), alongside a significant indirect effect via hypervigilance (β = .31, p < .001), supporting partial mediation. The model demonstrated good fit indices (χ²/df = 2.44, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.058). These findings suggest that hypervigilance serves as a critical psychological mechanism linking post-traumatic stress to marital insecurity. Addressing hypervigilant thought patterns in trauma-exposed individuals may be essential for improving relational stability and emotional security within intimate partnerships.

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between core beliefs about love and communication effectiveness in romantic relationships. The research employed a descriptive correlational design with a sample of 385 adult participants from Iraq, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table. Participants completed three standardized instruments: the Love Attitudes Scale (LAS), the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), and the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients, and AMOS-24 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Model fit was assessed using indices such as CFI, TLI, RMSEA, GFI, and χ²/df. Results indicated a significant negative correlation between core beliefs about love and communication effectiveness (r = -0.47, p < .001), and between core beliefs and cognitive flexibility (r = -0.42, p < .001). A significant positive correlation was found between cognitive flexibility and communication effectiveness (r = 0.52, p < .001). SEM results showed an acceptable model fit (χ²/df = 2.02, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.052). Path analysis revealed that core beliefs significantly predicted both cognitive flexibility (β = -0.42, p < .001) and communication effectiveness directly (β = -0.29, p < .001), as well as indirectly through cognitive flexibility (indirect effect B = -0.32, p < .001). The total effect of core beliefs on communication effectiveness was β = -0.52. The findings support the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the association between core beliefs about love and communication effectiveness. Enhancing cognitive flexibility may mitigate the adverse effects of rigid love schemas and improve relational communication, particularly in culturally conservative contexts.