Improving family communication through solution-focused therapy: A case study on enhancing parenting effectiveness

Effective communication among family members plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony and collaborative parenting. This case study explores the application of Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to improve communication between a married couple experiencing persistent conflicts that impacted their co-parenting. The participants were a couple who voluntarily sought psychological counseling services at RSU Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang due to communication difficulties. The intervention followed a six-session structured approach focusing on goal-setting, behavioral modification, and enhancing solution-oriented dialogue. To assess the effectiveness of SFT, both quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. The Couple Communication Satisfaction Scale (CCSS) was used to measure changes in communication satisfaction, while semi-structured interviews and observational assessments provided deeper insights into behavioral shifts. A Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was performed, revealing an increase in CCSS scores (wife: 24 to 44, husband: 30 to 40), but the changes were not statistically significant (p = 0.180). However, qualitative data indicated meaningful improvements in active listening, emotional openness, and conflict resolution. These findings highlight SFT’s potential in enhancing marital communication by fostering structured, solution-focused interactions. The study suggests that integrating SFT-based communication strategies into therapy sessions and psychoeducational programs can benefit couples struggling with communication issues. Further research with larger sample sizes, control groups, and long-term follow-up assessments is needed to validate its broader applicability in family therapy.