Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy on Reducing Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Increasing Dyadic Adjustment and Marital Social Skills: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Several kinds of marital conflict might be solved through constructive communication, development of interaction skills, and behavioral and thought modification. The aim of this study was to show results of the application of a protocol based on cognitive behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) on dyadic adjustment, marital social skills, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The sample consisted of 32 participants (16 couples) divided in two groups by length of marriage: Group 1 (1–7 years) and Group 2 (8–12 years). All subjects recruited were older than 18 and reported having communication problems in their relationship. The ages were M = 30.4, SD = 4.13. The measures were Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Marital Social Skills Inventory (Inventário de Habilidades Sociais Conjugais [IHSC]), and the Sociodemographic Questionnaire. Participants were assessed pre- and postintervention and had a 6-month follow-up. The intervention consisted of twelve 50-min sessions per couple. Based on three time analyses, both groups obtained the following results: DAS ( p = .001), BDI-II ( p = .000), BAI ( p = .000), and IHSC ( p = .001). We conclude that the CBCT protocol developed for this study, resulted in statistically significant improvements in the couple’s relationship for all variables studied in both groups.

Accelerating Depression Intervention: Identifying Critical Psychological Factors Using MCDM-MOORA Technique for Early Therapy Initiation

“…The interpretation of BDI-II scores segments depression severity into several categories: Recent studies [36][37][38] and clinical observations highlight the need for comprehensive interventions in marital conflict, addressing both overt manifestations and underlying depression. This underscores the significance of BDI-II as a tool for assessing the severity of emotional distress and its potential ramifications on marital harmony.…”

Addressing Public Speaking Anxiety in Multicultural Counselling: The Use of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for International Students

“…However, the possible potential of CBT for students remains unrecognized, particularly for international students with a certain degree of anxiety and additional risk coping caused by adaptation to a new country with different academic environments and expectations. Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) techniques aim to help couples with poor communication skills and great problem-solving difficulties, affecting the interaction process in their relationship (Durães et al, 2020). According to a standardized treatment manual, treatment in CBT consists of eight individual therapy sessions, equally divided into anxiety management training and exposure therapy using a virtual audience (Anderson et al, 2005).…”

Family based treatment of anxiety disorders: A review of the literature (2010–2019)

“…As such, these treatments could not be placed within the first two levels of efficacy. However, both recent case studies and pre-test post-test studies of treating anxiety within a marital or family context (e.g., Chambless, 2012;Durães et al, 2020;Robinson et al, 2011) have shown promise. This evidence would be sufficient to classify family based treatments for adult anxiety as "Level 4: Experimental Interventions" (Southam-Gerow & Prinstein, 2014).…”