The Effectiveness of Healthy Human Theory-based training and Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy

Subject Areas : Islamic-Iranian Family Studies Journal

Mehrdad Dashti ¹ , Zohreh Latifi ² , zahra yousefi ³

1 - 1. PhD Student in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 - Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
3 - دانشکده علوم تربیتی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد خوراسگان

Received: 2024-12-27 Accepted : 2026-03-17 Published : 2025-08-20

Keywords: Humanistic theory, Emotionally-focused couple therapy, Existential training based on Iranian-Islamic culture, Coping strategies, Emotional capital, Incompatible couples,

Abstract :

A deficiency in positive emotional and communicative interactions between spouses is significantly associated with a reduction in relationship satisfaction, and this communication weakness can be an influential factor in increasing divorce rates. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of training based on humanistic theory-based training and existential training rooted in Iranian-Islamic culture on couples' coping strategies and emotional capital. The research employed a semi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest follow-up control group design. The statistical population included all married couples aged 25 to 45 from Isfahan city, referred to family counseling centers in 2024, from which 45 participants were conveniently sampled. After selecting eligible participants and randomly assigning them to experimental and control groups (each comprising 15 individuals), the experimental groups received training based on humanistic theory-based training and existential training rooted in Iranian-Islamic culture; the control group was placed on a waitlist. Data collection was conducted using Lazarus and Folkman’s (1988) questionnaires and the Emotional Capital Scale (Golparvar, 2016). The data were analyzed using repeated measures statistical tests. Results indicated that all three interventions the humanistic theory-based training, emotion-focused couples therapy, and Iranian-Islamic existential training were effective in improving coping strategies. .

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