Khosro Behrang - Department of Counseling, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Amin Koraei - Department of Counseling, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Masoud Shahbazi - Department of Counseling, Masjed Soleiman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Masjed Soleiman, Iran
Zabihollah Abbaspour - Department of Counseling, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran- Department of Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Background: Dissatisfaction with marital relations and an emotional breach between couples increase the risk of divorce. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of emotionally-focused couples therapy on the marital intimacy and harmony of maladjusted couples in Behbahan, Iran. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The sample population included the maladjusted couples vising the counseling centers in Behbahan in ۲۰۲۰. Via convenience sampling, ۳۰ couples were selectedandrandomly divided into two groups of experimentalandcontrol (n = ۱۵ couples per group). Data were collected using the personal assessment of intimacy in relationships and the Marital Harmony Questionnaire. The experimental group received nine sessions of emotionally-focused couples therapy (۹۰-minute sessions, twice a week), andthe control group receivednointervention. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version ۲۵. Results: The mean posttest scores of marital intimacy and harmony were ۱۱۵.۶۳ ۱۰.۲۲ and ۳۱.۶۶ ۲.۲۱ in the experimental group and ۹۱.۳۹ ۹.۰۴ and ۲۲.۹۳ ۲.۱۹ in the control group, respectively. A significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of marital intimacy and harmony (P < ۰.۰۰۱). In addition, emotionally-focused couples therapy significantly enhanced marital intimacy and harmony in the experimental group. Conclusions: According to the results, emotionally-focused couples therapy could effectively improve the marital indicators of the maladjusted couples (intimacy and harmony).

Couples Therapy, Emotions, Intimacy, Marital Harmony