Comparing the Efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress and Psychopathological Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 120
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Change in Relationship Satisfaction (DAS-32)
研究概览
简要总结
This study compares the effects of two different couple therapy approaches-Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)-on reducing relationship problems and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Many couples struggle with emotional distance, repeated arguments, and dissatisfaction in their relationships. While EFT is a widely used and research-supported therapy that focuses on rebuilding emotional bonds, BPCT is a less-studied method that aims to help couples understand how early relationship experiences and unconscious patterns affect their current interactions.
The purpose of this study is to find out whether one of these therapies is more effective than the other in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing emotional distress. The study also looks at changes in how people regulate their emotions and how secure they feel in their relationships after therapy.
In this randomized controlled trial, 60 heterosexual couples experiencing relationship distress and symptoms of anxiety or depression will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:
BPCT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on deep emotional and psychological patterns in their relationship.
EFT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on emotional connection and improving communication.
Waitlist control group - couples do not receive therapy during the study but will be offered therapy afterward.
Each therapy lasts 12 weeks, and follow-up assessments will be conducted up to 6 months after therapy ends. Data will be collected before, during, and after treatment using questionnaires that measure relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and attachment style.
The results of this study will help determine which type of therapy is more beneficial for couples experiencing emotional and relational difficulties and may provide important insights for mental health professionals working with distressed couples.
详细描述
This study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the clinical efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in reducing relationship distress and associated psychopathological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. The study also explores secondary outcomes such as changes in adult attachment styles and emotion regulation strategies over time.
While EFT has an established empirical base and is commonly used in clinical practice, BPCT remains underexplored despite its longstanding clinical application. BPCT draws on psychoanalytic principles and focuses on unconscious relational dynamics, early attachment schemas, and defense mechanisms such as projection and transference. EFT, in contrast, is rooted in attachment theory and experiential therapy, emphasizing emotional expression and restructuring maladaptive interaction cycles between partners.
A total of 60 heterosexual couples (n = 120 individuals) experiencing moderate to severe relationship distress-as measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32)-and reporting clinically relevant levels of depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three arms:
BPCT group (n = 20 couples) - 12 weekly online sessions, each lasting 50 minutes, conducted by trained psychodynamic couple therapists. The focus will be on interpretation of unconscious conflict, symbolic meaning of relational behaviors, and insight into early object relations as they manifest in the couple dynamic.
EFT group (n = 20 couples) - 12 weekly online sessions, also 50 minutes each, delivered by certified EFT therapists. Sessions will center on emotional accessibility, bonding conversations, and reshaping negative emotional cycles.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 24 Years 至 65 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Heterosexual couples (both partners must participate)
- •Age between 24 and 65 years
- •Minimum 2 years of relationship duration
- •At least one partner scoring ≤ 30 on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32), indicating clinically significant relationship distress
- •At least one partner scoring in the mild, moderate, or severe range on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) or Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
排除标准
- •Current participation in individual or couple psychotherapy
- •Use of psychiatric medication during the past 3 months
- •Presence of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder)
- •History or presence of physical or severe psychological partner violence, assessed via Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2)
- •Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
结局指标
主要结局
Change in Relationship Satisfaction (DAS-32)
时间窗: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Dyadic Adjustment Scale-32 (DAS-32) is a 32-item self-report measure of relationship adjustment. It assesses four subscales: dyadic consensus, satisfaction, cohesion, and affectional expression. Scores range from 0 to 151, with higher scores indicating better relationship quality. A score below 100 indicates relationship distress. Changes will be assessed across the four time points to evaluate therapeutic impact.
Change in Depressive Symptoms (BDI-II)
时间窗: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is a 21-item self-report questionnaire measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63. Scores between 14-19 reflect mild depression, 20-28 moderate, and 29-63 severe. Higher scores indicate greater severity. The change in BDI-II scores will be used to assess symptom improvement.
Change in Anxiety Symptoms (BAI)
时间窗: Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a 21-item self-report inventory that measures the severity of anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63, with scores above 16 indicating clinically significant anxiety. Higher scores indicate more severe anxiety. Changes in BAI scores will track anxiety symptom reduction.
Change in Emotion Dysregulation (DERS)
时间窗: Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up
The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is a 36-item measure assessing six dimensions of emotion regulation: nonacceptance, goals, impulse, awareness, strategies, and clarity. Total scores range from 36 to 180, with higher scores indicating more difficulties in emotion regulation. Changes in total scores across time points will be evaluated.
次要结局
- Change in Adult Attachment Style (AAS)(Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up)
研究者
Eda Yilmazer
Principal Investigator
Beykoz University