The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy in Addressing Dyadic Perfectionism and Anxiety in Couples Experiencing Marital Conflict

Introduction: Marital conflict is often linked with anxiety, and perfectionism within couples (Dyadic Perfectionism) can worsen it. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT) in addressing both dyadic perfectionism and anxiety among couples experiencing marital conflict. Method: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test with a ۴۵-day follow-up was employed. The population consisted of all couples seeking divorce in Ahvaz, Iran, aged between ۲۰ and ۴۵, who visited psychological centers in ۲۰۲۳. For this purpose, a convenient sample of ۳۰ participants was selected. Participants completed the Dyadic Almost Perfect Scale (DAPS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments. The couples in the experimental group received ۱۲ weekly ۶۰-minute CBFT sessions. Data analysis was conducted using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the SPSS-۲۷ software. Results: Findings demonstrated a significant difference (P<۰.۰۰۱) between pre-test and post-test scores for the dyadic perfectionism (discrepancy) subscale. Similar significant differences were found between the pre-test and both post-test and follow-up scores for the dyadic perfectionism (high standards) subscale and anxiety (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be stated that CBFT demonstrates promise as an effective intervention for addressing dyadic perfectionism and anxiety in couples experiencing marital conflict.

کلیدواژه ها:

perfectionism ، anxiety ، cognitive behavioral therapy ، Family Conflict