Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Couple Therapy and Integrative Couple Therapy in Improving Marital Satisfaction and Intimacy of Couples With Marital Discord

Objectives The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) and integrative couple therapy (ICT) in improving marital satisfaction and intimacy of couples with marital discord. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test/post-test design. The study population included all couples with marital discord referred to the counseling centers in Tabriz, Iran in 2023. Among them, 45 couples were selected using a purposive sampling method and based on the entry and exit criteria. They were randomly divided into CBCT (n=15), ICT (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Data collection tools were Bagarozzi's marital intimacy needs questionnaire (MINQ) and the ENRICH marital satisfaction scale. The CBCT was provided at 10 sessions and ICT was provided at 16 sessions. To test the hypotheses, univariate and multivariate analysis of variance methods were used. Results Both CBCT and ICT significantly improved marital satisfaction and marital intimacy scores. The ICT was more effective in improving intimacy and marital satisfaction components than CBCT, and this difference was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion Although both CBCT and ICT are effective in improving marital satisfaction and intimacy of couples with marital discord, the ICT is more effective, may be because it helps couples to express their emotions and thus change the rules that prevent the establishment of emotional relationships.