Examining the Impact of Couples Therapy on Improving Emotional and Social Communication Among Couples

Abstract

 This study aimed to investigate the impact of couples therapy on improving emotional and social relationships between partners. The research sought to evaluate the effectiveness of couples therapy interventions in increasing intimacy, improving communication, reducing conflicts, and strengthening emotional bonds between couples by utilizing scientific and empirical findings. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and a control group. The statistical population comprised couples who had sought counseling services due to emotional and relational issues. A sample of 60 couples was selected using convenience sampling and was randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Data were collected using three standardized questionnaires: the Adult Attachment Questionnaire, the Social Skills Questionnaire, and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, all of which had confirmed validity and reliability. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), whereas the control group received no intervention. Data analysis was conducted using independent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results of independent t-tests and ANCOVA indicated a significant positive effect of couples therapy on various dimensions of attachment, social skills, and marital satisfaction. The experimental group showed significant changes in secure attachment (t = 4.80, p < 0.0001), avoidant attachment (t = 4.95, p < 0.0001), and aspects of social skills such as verbal communication (t = 4.85, p < 0.0001) and empathy (t = 5.25, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in marital satisfaction dimensions, including emotional connection (t = 5.00, p < 0.0001) and conflict resolution (t = 4.85, p < 0.0001). ANCOVA also confirmed the significant effect of the intervention on mean changes, particularly in secure attachment (F = 15.23, p = 0.001), avoidant attachment (F = 12.45, p = 0.002), and verbal communication (F = 18.32, p = 0.000). The findings demonstrated that couples therapy plays a crucial role in improving relationship quality, increasing empathy, enhancing communication skills, and reducing conflicts.