Volume 13, Issue 4 (Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry 2026)
Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry 2026, 13(4): 432-443 |
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zarei H, sadriDemirchi E, akhavisamorin Z. The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Emotion Regulation Strategies, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Marital Disaffection in Women Affected by Marital Infidelity. , Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry. 2026; 13 (4) :432-443
URL: http://shenakht.muk.ac.ir/article-1-2874-en.html
URL: http://shenakht.muk.ac.ir/article-1-2874-en.html
1- M.A. Student in Family Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2- Professor of Counseling, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran ,e.sadri@uma.ac.ir
3- Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2- Professor of Counseling, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran ,
3- Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Abstract: (43 Views)
Background and Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) on emotion regulation strategies, post-traumatic stress, and marital burnout among women affected by marital infidelity.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of all women affected by marital infidelity who had been referred to counseling centers in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2025. Using convenience sampling, 30 participants who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Data were collected using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003), the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL; Weathers et al., 1992), and the Couple Burnout Measure (CBM; Pines, 1996). The intervention was implemented based on the Emotion-Focused Therapy protocol developed by Greenberg and Johnson (1988). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: Compared to the control group, participants in the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in cognitive reappraisal and significant reductions in expressive suppression, post-traumatic stress, and marital burnout (P < .05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that Emotion-Focused Therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing adaptive emotion regulation and reducing the psychological consequences of marital infidelity. It may therefore be considered a valuable therapeutic approach for women affected by spousal infidelity.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of all women affected by marital infidelity who had been referred to counseling centers in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2025. Using convenience sampling, 30 participants who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Data were collected using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003), the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL; Weathers et al., 1992), and the Couple Burnout Measure (CBM; Pines, 1996). The intervention was implemented based on the Emotion-Focused Therapy protocol developed by Greenberg and Johnson (1988). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: Compared to the control group, participants in the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in cognitive reappraisal and significant reductions in expressive suppression, post-traumatic stress, and marital burnout (P < .05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that Emotion-Focused Therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing adaptive emotion regulation and reducing the psychological consequences of marital infidelity. It may therefore be considered a valuable therapeutic approach for women affected by spousal infidelity.
Keywords: Emotion regulation strategies, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Marital burnout, Marital infidelity, Post-traumatic stress
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/06/20 | Accepted: 2026/08/18 | Published: 2026/11/10
Received: 2026/06/20 | Accepted: 2026/08/18 | Published: 2026/11/10
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