RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL

EFCT vs. BCT for Depression and Anxiety in Married Couples

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy and Behavioral Couples Therapy in Reducing Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Married Couples

About This Trial

This study compares the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in married couples. A total of 150 married couples aged 18-65 will be screened, and 60 couples with high depression and anxiety levels will be selected. These couples will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: EFCT, BCT, or a control group. Therapy sessions will be conducted weekly for 12 weeks, with assessments before therapy, after the 6th and 12th sessions, and at a 3-month follow-up. The study aims to determine which therapy is more effective in improving mental health outcomes in couples.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - Married couples aged between 18 and 65 years - Married for at least one year - No current psychiatric diagnosis or history of psychiatric treatment - Not receiving any form of psychological therapy at the time of recruitment - Ability to provide willing to sign a consent form - Willingness to participate in all therapy sessions and assessments Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - Current or past psychiatric diagnosis (excluding mild transient conditions) - Ongoing psychological therapy or psychiatric treatment - Severe mental health disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), Substance abuse or dependency - Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation - Refusal to participate in follow-up assessments Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language

Inclusion Criteria: * Married couples aged between 18 and 65 years * Married for at least one year * No current psychiatric diagnosis or history of psychiatric treatment * Not receiving any form of psychological therapy at the time of recruitment * Ability to provide informed consent * Willingness to participate in all therapy sessions and assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Current or past psychiatric diagnosis (excluding mild transient conditions) * Ongoing psychological therapy or psychiatric treatment * Severe mental health disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), Substance abuse or dependency * Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation * Refusal to participate in follow-up assessments

Treatments Being Tested

BEHAVIORAL

Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)

EFCT is a structured approach to couples therapy that focuses on helping partners understand and express their emotions, address attachment insecurities, and strengthen their emotional connection.

BEHAVIORAL

Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT)

BCT is a form of therapy that aims to improve relationship satisfaction through behavioral change, communication training, and problem-solving techniques.

Locations (1)

Beykoz University

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)