Investigating the Effect of Emotionally Focused Therapy on Marital Adjustment, Commitment, Burnout, Conflicts, and Satisfaction among Infertile Couples in Iran: A Systematic Review

Background & Aim: Infertility is often associated with substantial psychological and relational distress, negatively affecting various aspects of couples’ marital relationships, including marital adjustment, commitment, burnout, conflicts, and satisfaction. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) has been increasingly used to improve relationship functioning among infertile couples in Iran, and several clinical studies have examined its effectiveness. However, the existing evidence has not been systematically updated. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Therapy on marital outcomes among infertile couples in Iran. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, Magiran, SID, and IranDoc from inception to May ۵, ۲۰۲۶. Two independent reviewers screened the studies using predefined eligibility criteria. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of Emotionally Focused Therapy on marital adjustment, commitment, burnout, conflicts, or satisfaction among Iranian infertile couples were included. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: Six studies involving ۴۵۶ participants met the inclusion criteria. Emotionally Focused Therapy significantly improved marital adjustment, commitment, and satisfaction while reducing marital burnout and marital conflicts. These beneficial effects were sustained for up to ۱۲ months in follow-up assessments. Conclusion: Current evidence supports Emotionally Focused Therapy as an effective, evidence-based intervention for improving marital functioning among infertile couples and supports its integration into infertility counseling services.

کلیدواژه ها:

Emotionally Focused Therapy ، Infertility ، Marital Adjustment ، Marital Satisfaction ، Systematic Review