Actively Recruiting
Comparing the Efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress and Psychopathological Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by Beykoz University · Updated on 2025-08-03
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
28 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
Beykoz University
Lead Sponsor
I
Istanbul Nisantasi University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to compare two types of couple therapy—Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—to 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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Comparing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Heterosexual couples with both partners participating
- Age between 24 and 65 years
- Relationship duration of at least 2 years
- At least one partner scoring 30 on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32) indicating significant relationship distress
- At least one partner with mild, moderate, or severe depression or anxiety symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) or Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently participating in individual or couple psychotherapy
- Use of psychiatric medication within the past 3 months
- Presence of severe psychiatric disorders such as psychosis or bipolar disorder
- History or presence of physical or severe psychological partner violence
- Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or online)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants receive 12 weekly online therapy sessions, either Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), each lasting 50 minutes. The sessions focus on reducing relationship distress and improving emotional and psychological well-being.
Weekly online sessions for 12 weeks
Duration - 6 months after treatment completion
Participants complete assessments to evaluate the long-term effects and maintenance of treatment gains 6 months after completing therapy.
1 follow-up assessment (online or in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Beykoz University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Eda Yılmazer, Phd
M
Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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