Comparison Emotion-focused Couple Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Distress Tolerance in Healthcare Workers Affected by Marital Infidelity During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) based on the Attachment Injury Model and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on distress tolerance among healthcare workers in Lorestan Province who experienced marital infidelity during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The study population included all female healthcare workers in Lorestan Province who sought counseling services due to marital infidelity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using non-random convenience sampling, 30 participants were selected and assigned to two intervention groups (EFCT and ACT) and a control group. Additionally, 15 women without a history of marital infidelity were selected as the control group. The study employed a pretest-posttest design, and data were collected using Simmons and Gaher’s (2005) Distress Tolerance Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 24).Results: Most participants were under 30 years old, with a small proportion over 40 years old, and the majority held a Bachelor’s degree. The mean distress tolerance scores were 3.480±0.661 for the EFCT group, 5.121±0.565 for the ACT group, and 3.813±0.631 for the control group. ACT had a greater impact on distress tolerance than EFCT, with an effect size of 0.772.Conclusion: The results indicated that, compared to EFCT, ACT significantly improved distress tolerance among participants. ACT, as a therapeutic approach, influenced individuals’ internal motivation, thought patterns, and perceived control, fostering hope and goal-directed behavior. This approach was effective in enhancing distress tolerance among healthcare workers, who were affected by marital infidelity during the COVID-19 pandemic.