The Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy Training on Cognitive Processes of Emotional Processing, Marital Adjustment, and Sexual Well-Being in Couples
Keywords:
Gottman Couple Therapy, Emotional Processing, Marital Adjustment, Sexual Well-Being, CouplesAbstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Gottman couple therapy training on emotional processing, marital adjustment, and sexual well-being among couples. This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of married couples aged 25–35 years living in Qom, Iran, in 2025. Thirty participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The experimental group received eight weekly 60-minute sessions of Gottman couple therapy training, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), the Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment Test, and the Nobre Sexual Well-Being Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA and ANCOVA). The multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant overall effect of the intervention on the dependent variables (Wilks’ Lambda=0.097, F=71.46, p<0.001, η²=0.903). Univariate ANCOVA results demonstrated significant improvements in emotional processing (F=151.11, p<0.001, η²=0.838), marital adjustment (F=98.85, p<0.001, η²=0.818), and sexual well-being (F=8.14, p=0.008, η²=0.232) among participants in the experimental group compared with those in the control group. The findings indicate that Gottman couple therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing emotional processing, improving marital adjustment, and promoting sexual well-being among couples. By strengthening communication skills, emotional regulation, conflict-management abilities, and emotional intimacy, this approach can serve as a valuable therapeutic strategy in family counseling and marital enrichment programs
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