Study Comparing Two Online Couple Therapies to Reduce Relationship Distress and Emotional Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two types of couple therapyBrief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy BPCT and Emotionally Focused Therapy EFTto see how well they reduce relationship problems and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety. The study involves 60 heterosexual couples experiencing relationship distress and symptoms of anxiety or depression. It evaluates which therapy better improves relationship satisfaction, emotional regulation, and attachment security over time. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups BPCT, EFT, or a waitlist control. Couples in the BPCT group receive 12 weekly online sessions focusing on unconscious relationship dynamics and early attachment patterns. The EFT group also receives 12 weekly online sessions, emphasizing emotional connection and improving communication. Couples in the waitlist control group do not receive therapy during the study but will be offered therapy after the follow-up period. Participants will complete assessments before treatment, mid-treatment week 6, post-treatment week 12, and at 6-month follow-up. Questionnaires will measure relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and adult attachment style. Therapists receive supervision to maintain treatment quality, and outcome assessors are blinded to group assignments. All therapy sessions are conducted online to ensure accessibility and consistency throughout the study period, which extends beyond therapy into follow-up for sustained effects.

Comparing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress