The Effectiveness of Narrative Therapy on Reducing the Fear of Intimacy in Couples

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of narrative therapy on reducing the fear of intimacy in couples. Methods: To achieve this purpose, the present research opted for a quasi-experimental study, including pre-test and post-test with a control group. The study population included couples seeking improvement in their relationships who attended Delphi Clinic, a center for counseling and psychological services in Tehran City, Iran. The study sample consisted of 12 couples (24 individuals) who had achieved the highest scores compared to the mean scores in the Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS). Sampling was carried out through a purposive sampling method, and the members were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (each containing 6 couples). Having performed the pre-test and completed the FIS, the experimental group participated in the two-hour sessions of narrative therapy for 14 weeks, and the control group was put on the waiting list. At the end of the sessions, all 12 couples responded to the FIS again as the post-test. Results: The data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance. According to the obtained results, 75% of the differences observed in the scores of the post-test FIS were caused by the effect of narrative therapy intervention. Therefore, with a 99% confidence, narrative therapy can reduce the fear of intimacy in couples when compared to the control group. Conclusion: In summary, couple narrative therapy can reduce the fear of intimacy by constructing new meanings in couples' lives.

Effectiveness of a Premarital Counseling Program Based on Individual Psychology in Reducing Fear of Intimacy and Developing Social Interest: The Case of University Single Students

“…In addition to Adler-based programs in premarital counseling [45]. On the other hand, many programs can be directed toward psychological education because of the importance of a nity in romance with a partner [62] and reducing fear of intimacy [90,91].…”

Yes or No: Using Narrative Therapy to Help Couples With Childbearing Decision Conflict

“…For example, through deconstruction, couples are able to see beyond each other's problems to other events in order to reimagine each other's stories (Freedman, 2014). Yeganehfarzand et al (2019) also speaks to the development of narrative couples therapy, originally introduced by White and Epston in 1990. This postmodern approach understands that marital conflicts are caused by narratives that are full of problems which subsequently affect cognitive processes and coping strategies used by shaping the couple's collective identity (Yeganehfarzand et al, 2019).…”

“…Yeganehfarzand et al (2019) also speaks to the development of narrative couples therapy, originally introduced by White and Epston in 1990. This postmodern approach understands that marital conflicts are caused by narratives that are full of problems which subsequently affect cognitive processes and coping strategies used by shaping the couple's collective identity (Yeganehfarzand et al, 2019). Thus, narrative couples therapy can be used to expand experiences and possibilities through the reconstruction and retelling and rehearing of new stories (Yeganehfarzand et al, 2019).…”

“…This postmodern approach understands that marital conflicts are caused by narratives that are full of problems which subsequently affect cognitive processes and coping strategies used by shaping the couple's collective identity (Yeganehfarzand et al, 2019). Thus, narrative couples therapy can be used to expand experiences and possibilities through the reconstruction and retelling and rehearing of new stories (Yeganehfarzand et al, 2019). Further, this specific therapy emphasizes the usage of externalization to take away blame from themselves and one another and allows for the examination of assumptions regarding the dynamics and intimacy between couples (Freedman, 2014).…”

“…The efficacy of this concept is strengthened by Yeganehfarzand et al (2019), who found that narrative construction techniques were linked to an increased likelihood of participating couples remaining together over time. In addition, a case study conducted by McQueen and Hobbs (2014) found that utilizing a narrative conversation among two parents enhanced the value of their experience and skill through reestablishing and re-storying the balance of power in this caregiver relationship.…”