The Effectiveness of Marital Therapy based on Acceptance and Commitment on Couples' Marital Satisfaction and Quality of Life
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Background: The present study assessed the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for couples on couples’ quality of life (QOL), emotional regulation, marital satisfaction, general health, and mindfulness.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was performed on 50 couples selected from among 150 couples referring to Zehn Agah Clinic, Bonyad-e Shahid Centre, and the counseling center of Kargarnezhad Hospital in Kashan, Iran, in 2015. The subjects were divided into 2 equal groups including ACT and treatment as usual (TAU). The first group received psychological treatment while the second did not receive any intervention. QOL was assessed in both groups using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the ENRICH marital satisfaction questionnaire during pretest and posttest.
Results: A significant differences was observed in the mean scores of marital satisfaction and QOL
between the two groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that ACT for couples can enhance marital satisfaction and QOL. It
appears that ACT for couples is an effective intervention for the treatment of clients with marital problems.
Keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Marital satisfaction, Quality of life (QOL)
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