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TB 2025, 24(1): 84-100 |
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yosefzadeh khanghah Z, Khakpour R, Vatankhah H. Investigating the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Cognitive Therapy on Marital Conflict and Attachment Styles in Women Seeking Divorce. TB 2025; 24 (1) :84-100
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3747-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3747-en.html
Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Tehran, Iran , Reza_kohkpour@gmail.com
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Investigating the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Cognitive Therapy on Marital Conflict and Attachment Styles in Women Seeking Divorce
zahra yosefzadeh khanghah(M.A.)1, Reza Khakpour(Ph.D.)2, Hamidreza Vatankhah(Ph.D.)3
1.M.A. Clinical Psychology, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2.Assistant Professor, Counseling Department, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Tehran, Iran Email: rezakhakpour43@gmail.com Tel: +989125933343
3.Assistant Professor Department of Psychology, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Marital conflicts and insecure attachment styles are among the effective factors in increasing divorce rate. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused cognitive therapy in reducing marital conflict and improving attachment styles in women seeking divorce.
Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental one with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. A total of 30 women seeking divorce who referred to counseling centers in District 5 of Tehran in the year 2023 were selected using convenience sampling, and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group(15 people in each group). The intervention group received eight 90-minute sessions of compassion-focused cognitive therapy training. The data collection tools were the Marital Conflict Questionnaire by Barati and Sanaei(1996) and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire by Collins and Reed(1990). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance in SPSS version 26 software.
Results: The results of the analysis of covariance test showed that in the experimental group, after the intervention, the scores of marital conflict(p<0/001) , avoidant attachment style(p<0/001) and anxious attachment style(p<0/001) decreased significantly compared to the pre-test, and the scores of secure attachment style(p<0/001) showed a significant increase. However, in the control group, no significant difference was observed in any of the variables (p>0/001).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that compassion-focused cognitive therapy has a positive effect on marital conflict and attachment styles. This type of therapy can be used as an effective strategy for improving marital conflict and attachment styles among women who are seeking divorce.
Keywords: Compassion-Focused Therapy, Divorce, Family Conflict, Object Attachment, Women
Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
1-Shifaw G. Marital communication as moderators of the relationship between marital conflict resolution and marital satisfaction. The American Journal of Family Therapy. 2024;52(3):249-260.
2-Lyman EM, Marks LD, Dollahite DC & et al. How Do Religious Women Cope with Marital Conflict and Hardship?. Psychology International. 2024;6(4):1013-1027.
3-Abedi G, Ataeifar R, Ghamari M. The Effectiveness of Group Marital Conflict Resolution Training Based on Choice Theory on Emotional Divorce and Hope for Life in Married Women. International Journal of Education and Cognitive Sciences. 2024;5(3):136-146.[Persian]
4-Moradi M, Bakhshipour Joybari B, Emadian SO. The Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Training on Feelings of Shame in Children of Divorce. TB. 2024;23(2):16-32.[Persian]
5-Guyette E, Harris SM. The impact of divorce education programs on co‐parental conflict: Review of programs with parent follow‐up reports. Family Court Review. 2024;62(3):542-561.
6-Rajaei R, Neshatdoost HT, Aghaei Khajeh Langi H. The effectiveness of compassion-based therapy on marital conflicts in women seeking divorce referred to counseling centers in Isfahan. Research in Behavioral Sciences. 2022;20(2):255-266.[Persian]
7-Afkhmi Postchi M, Ali Doosti F. The role of conflict resolution styles as moderators in the relationship between marital conflicts and emotional divorce. Iranian Islamic Studies Family. 2022;4(2):1-18.[Persian]
8-Zahed Babolan A, Hosseini Shoorabeh M, Piri Kamrani M & et al. Comparison of marital satisfaction, marital conflict, and forgiveness in ordinary couples and those undergoing divorce. Family Pathology. 2015;1(2):74-84.[Persian]
9-Kharal QA, Rani U. The Role of Personality Types in the Conflict between the Iconic Couple, Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A MBTI Analysis. Social Science Review Archives. 2024;2(2):971-982.
10-Schünke LK, Falcke D, Mosmann CP. Structural model of money management, conflict resolution strategies and marital adjustment. Journal of Family and Economic Issues. 2023;44(3):523-535.
11-Brieger SA, Sonbol D, De Clercq D. Gender differences in entrepreneurs’ work–family conflict and well-being during COVID-19: Moderating effects of gender-egalitarian contexts. Journal of Small Business Management. 2024;62(5):2322-2363.
12-Sarkar A, KG VB. Adult Attachment Styles and Conflict Resolution Strategies Among Romantic Relationships. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. 2024.
13-Adel Parvar E, Safaei Rad I, Erfani N & et al. Modeling marital conflicts based on attachment styles: The mediating role of early maladaptive schemas in women on the verge of divorce. Journal of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. 2022;65(1):203-217.[Persian]
14-Marín-Cavestany M, De la Cruz MÁ, Durán JI & et al. Influence of Therapist Attachment Style on the Working Alliance in Individual Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2025;32(1):e70025.
15-Nielsen SKK, Stuart AC, Winding C & et al. Adult Attachment Style, Emotion Regulation and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder—A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Mediational Investigation of an Attachment-Based Model. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2025;32(1):e70031.
16-Tabar FS, Sooreshjani MA, Forouzesh M & et al. Attachment Style Changes in Iranian Women under Domestic Violence, Subject to Divorce and High Marital Satisfaction. International Journal of Psychological Studies. 2025;17(1):1-20.[Persian]
17-Derikvandi A, Esfahani Asl M. The effectiveness of compassion-focused couple therapy on marital attachment and emotional intimacy in incompatible couples. Journal of Psychological Studies. 2024;23(133):250-233.[Persian]
18-Amari N, Martin T, Mahoney A & et al. Exploring the relationship between compassion and attachment in individuals with mental health difficulties: A systematic review. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. 2023;53(3):245-256.
19-Faryabi Z, Khayatan F, Manshaee G. The Effect of Forgiveness-Based Compassion Therapy Package Training and Forgiveness Therapy on Anger Management, Marital Adjustment, and Frequency of Love in Women with Marital Conflict. TB. 2021;19(6):77-94.[Persian]
20-Mohammadi M, Rezaeisharif A, Sheykholeslami A & et al. Investigating the problems of women with veteran spouses and Examining the effectiveness of Compassion-focused therapy on their psychological-marital problems. Journal of Applied Psychological Research. 2024;15(2):95-112.[Persian]
21-Ghavvasi Heris M, Smkhani Akbarinejhad H. Effectiveness of Compassion-based Couple Therapy in Family Functioning and Marital Life Quality of Couples with Spouses Suffering from Breast Cancer. Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases. 2024;17(3):16-32.[Persian]
22-Navarro-Gil M, Lopez-del-Hoyo Y, Modrego-Alarcón M & et al. Effects of attachment-based compassion therapy(ABCT) on self-compassion and attachment style in healthy people. Mindfulness. 2020;11:51-62.
23-Matin H, Etemadi A. The impact of compassion-focused therapy on attachment styles in couples with marital conflicts. Clinical Psychology Studies. 2021;12(42):1-22.[Persian]
24-Mostajeran M, Jazayeri RS, Fathi Zadeh M. The effect of integrated compassion and emotion-focused therapy on marital conflict in married women. Family Counseling and Psychotherapy. 2021;11(2):263-302.[Persian]
25-Gilbert P. An introduction to compassion focused therapy in cognitive behavior therapy. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy. 2010;3(2):97-112.
26-Sanaei B, Alaqband S, Falahati Sh & et al. Family and Marriage Assessment Scales. Tehran: Bessat Publications; 1996.[Persian]
27-Farhmandi MH, Bakhshipour A, Jajarmi M. The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on family functioning and marital satisfaction in couples with marital conflicts. Journal of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. 2023;66(4):256-279.[Persian]
28-Collins NL, Read SJ. Adult attachment, working models, and relationship quality in dating couples. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1990;58(4):644–663.
29-Rajaei AR, Nayeri M, Sedaghati Sh. Attachment styles and marital satisfaction. Developmental Psychology(Journal of Iranian Psychologists). 2007;3(12):347–356.[Persian]
30-Kaya F, Uluman OT, Sukut O & et al. The predictive effect of self-compassion on relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution styles in romantic relationships in nursing students. Nursing Forum. 2022;57(4):608-614.
31-Tashakori A, Sedrpoushan N. Compilation of an Integrated Therapy Model Based on Compassion-Focused Therapy, Integrated Islamic Therapy and Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment and Its Effectiveness on Life Satisfaction of Depressed Married Women in Yazd City. TB. 2023;22(5):121-140.[Persian]
32-Aguilar-Raab C, Winter F, Warth M & et al. A compassion-based treatment for couples with the female partner suffering from current depressive disorder: A randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2023;342:127-138.
zahra yosefzadeh khanghah(M.A.)1, Reza Khakpour(Ph.D.)2, Hamidreza Vatankhah(Ph.D.)3
1.M.A. Clinical Psychology, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2.Assistant Professor, Counseling Department, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Tehran, Iran Email: rezakhakpour43@gmail.com Tel: +989125933343
3.Assistant Professor Department of Psychology, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Marital conflicts and insecure attachment styles are among the effective factors in increasing divorce rate. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused cognitive therapy in reducing marital conflict and improving attachment styles in women seeking divorce.
Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental one with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. A total of 30 women seeking divorce who referred to counseling centers in District 5 of Tehran in the year 2023 were selected using convenience sampling, and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group(15 people in each group). The intervention group received eight 90-minute sessions of compassion-focused cognitive therapy training. The data collection tools were the Marital Conflict Questionnaire by Barati and Sanaei(1996) and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire by Collins and Reed(1990). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance in SPSS version 26 software.
Results: The results of the analysis of covariance test showed that in the experimental group, after the intervention, the scores of marital conflict(p<0/001) , avoidant attachment style(p<0/001) and anxious attachment style(p<0/001) decreased significantly compared to the pre-test, and the scores of secure attachment style(p<0/001) showed a significant increase. However, in the control group, no significant difference was observed in any of the variables (p>0/001).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that compassion-focused cognitive therapy has a positive effect on marital conflict and attachment styles. This type of therapy can be used as an effective strategy for improving marital conflict and attachment styles among women who are seeking divorce.
Keywords: Compassion-Focused Therapy, Divorce, Family Conflict, Object Attachment, Women
Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
1-Shifaw G. Marital communication as moderators of the relationship between marital conflict resolution and marital satisfaction. The American Journal of Family Therapy. 2024;52(3):249-260.
2-Lyman EM, Marks LD, Dollahite DC & et al. How Do Religious Women Cope with Marital Conflict and Hardship?. Psychology International. 2024;6(4):1013-1027.
3-Abedi G, Ataeifar R, Ghamari M. The Effectiveness of Group Marital Conflict Resolution Training Based on Choice Theory on Emotional Divorce and Hope for Life in Married Women. International Journal of Education and Cognitive Sciences. 2024;5(3):136-146.[Persian]
4-Moradi M, Bakhshipour Joybari B, Emadian SO. The Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Training on Feelings of Shame in Children of Divorce. TB. 2024;23(2):16-32.[Persian]
5-Guyette E, Harris SM. The impact of divorce education programs on co‐parental conflict: Review of programs with parent follow‐up reports. Family Court Review. 2024;62(3):542-561.
6-Rajaei R, Neshatdoost HT, Aghaei Khajeh Langi H. The effectiveness of compassion-based therapy on marital conflicts in women seeking divorce referred to counseling centers in Isfahan. Research in Behavioral Sciences. 2022;20(2):255-266.[Persian]
7-Afkhmi Postchi M, Ali Doosti F. The role of conflict resolution styles as moderators in the relationship between marital conflicts and emotional divorce. Iranian Islamic Studies Family. 2022;4(2):1-18.[Persian]
8-Zahed Babolan A, Hosseini Shoorabeh M, Piri Kamrani M & et al. Comparison of marital satisfaction, marital conflict, and forgiveness in ordinary couples and those undergoing divorce. Family Pathology. 2015;1(2):74-84.[Persian]
9-Kharal QA, Rani U. The Role of Personality Types in the Conflict between the Iconic Couple, Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A MBTI Analysis. Social Science Review Archives. 2024;2(2):971-982.
10-Schünke LK, Falcke D, Mosmann CP. Structural model of money management, conflict resolution strategies and marital adjustment. Journal of Family and Economic Issues. 2023;44(3):523-535.
11-Brieger SA, Sonbol D, De Clercq D. Gender differences in entrepreneurs’ work–family conflict and well-being during COVID-19: Moderating effects of gender-egalitarian contexts. Journal of Small Business Management. 2024;62(5):2322-2363.
12-Sarkar A, KG VB. Adult Attachment Styles and Conflict Resolution Strategies Among Romantic Relationships. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. 2024.
13-Adel Parvar E, Safaei Rad I, Erfani N & et al. Modeling marital conflicts based on attachment styles: The mediating role of early maladaptive schemas in women on the verge of divorce. Journal of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. 2022;65(1):203-217.[Persian]
14-Marín-Cavestany M, De la Cruz MÁ, Durán JI & et al. Influence of Therapist Attachment Style on the Working Alliance in Individual Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2025;32(1):e70025.
15-Nielsen SKK, Stuart AC, Winding C & et al. Adult Attachment Style, Emotion Regulation and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder—A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Mediational Investigation of an Attachment-Based Model. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2025;32(1):e70031.
16-Tabar FS, Sooreshjani MA, Forouzesh M & et al. Attachment Style Changes in Iranian Women under Domestic Violence, Subject to Divorce and High Marital Satisfaction. International Journal of Psychological Studies. 2025;17(1):1-20.[Persian]
17-Derikvandi A, Esfahani Asl M. The effectiveness of compassion-focused couple therapy on marital attachment and emotional intimacy in incompatible couples. Journal of Psychological Studies. 2024;23(133):250-233.[Persian]
18-Amari N, Martin T, Mahoney A & et al. Exploring the relationship between compassion and attachment in individuals with mental health difficulties: A systematic review. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. 2023;53(3):245-256.
19-Faryabi Z, Khayatan F, Manshaee G. The Effect of Forgiveness-Based Compassion Therapy Package Training and Forgiveness Therapy on Anger Management, Marital Adjustment, and Frequency of Love in Women with Marital Conflict. TB. 2021;19(6):77-94.[Persian]
20-Mohammadi M, Rezaeisharif A, Sheykholeslami A & et al. Investigating the problems of women with veteran spouses and Examining the effectiveness of Compassion-focused therapy on their psychological-marital problems. Journal of Applied Psychological Research. 2024;15(2):95-112.[Persian]
21-Ghavvasi Heris M, Smkhani Akbarinejhad H. Effectiveness of Compassion-based Couple Therapy in Family Functioning and Marital Life Quality of Couples with Spouses Suffering from Breast Cancer. Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases. 2024;17(3):16-32.[Persian]
22-Navarro-Gil M, Lopez-del-Hoyo Y, Modrego-Alarcón M & et al. Effects of attachment-based compassion therapy(ABCT) on self-compassion and attachment style in healthy people. Mindfulness. 2020;11:51-62.
23-Matin H, Etemadi A. The impact of compassion-focused therapy on attachment styles in couples with marital conflicts. Clinical Psychology Studies. 2021;12(42):1-22.[Persian]
24-Mostajeran M, Jazayeri RS, Fathi Zadeh M. The effect of integrated compassion and emotion-focused therapy on marital conflict in married women. Family Counseling and Psychotherapy. 2021;11(2):263-302.[Persian]
25-Gilbert P. An introduction to compassion focused therapy in cognitive behavior therapy. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy. 2010;3(2):97-112.
26-Sanaei B, Alaqband S, Falahati Sh & et al. Family and Marriage Assessment Scales. Tehran: Bessat Publications; 1996.[Persian]
27-Farhmandi MH, Bakhshipour A, Jajarmi M. The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on family functioning and marital satisfaction in couples with marital conflicts. Journal of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. 2023;66(4):256-279.[Persian]
28-Collins NL, Read SJ. Adult attachment, working models, and relationship quality in dating couples. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1990;58(4):644–663.
29-Rajaei AR, Nayeri M, Sedaghati Sh. Attachment styles and marital satisfaction. Developmental Psychology(Journal of Iranian Psychologists). 2007;3(12):347–356.[Persian]
30-Kaya F, Uluman OT, Sukut O & et al. The predictive effect of self-compassion on relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution styles in romantic relationships in nursing students. Nursing Forum. 2022;57(4):608-614.
31-Tashakori A, Sedrpoushan N. Compilation of an Integrated Therapy Model Based on Compassion-Focused Therapy, Integrated Islamic Therapy and Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment and Its Effectiveness on Life Satisfaction of Depressed Married Women in Yazd City. TB. 2023;22(5):121-140.[Persian]
32-Aguilar-Raab C, Winter F, Warth M & et al. A compassion-based treatment for couples with the female partner suffering from current depressive disorder: A randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2023;342:127-138.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychology
Received: 2025/01/20 | Accepted: 2025/03/12 | Published: 2025/05/19
Received: 2025/01/20 | Accepted: 2025/03/12 | Published: 2025/05/19
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