Actively Recruiting
Comparing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress
Led by Beykoz University · Updated on 2025-08-03
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
54 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 study compares the effects of two different couple therapy approaches-Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)-on reducing relationship problems and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety. Many couples struggle with emotional distance, repeated arguments, and dissatisfaction in their relationships. While EFT is a widely used and research-supported therapy that focuses on rebuilding emotional bonds, BPCT is a less-studied method that aims to help couples understand how early relationship experiences and unconscious patterns affect their current interactions. The purpose of this study is to find out whether one of these therapies is more effective than the other in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing emotional distress. The study also looks at changes in how people regulate their emotions and how secure they feel in their relationships after therapy. In this randomized controlled trial, 60 heterosexual couples experiencing relationship distress and symptoms of anxiety or depression will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: BPCT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on deep emotional and psychological patterns in their relationship. EFT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on emotional connection and improving communication. Waitlist control group - couples do not receive therapy during the study but will be offered therapy afterward. Each therapy lasts 12 weeks, and follow-up assessments will be conducted up to 6 months after therapy ends. Data will be collected before, during, and after treatment using questionnaires that measure relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and attachment style. The results of this study will help determine which type of therapy is more beneficial for couples experiencing emotional and relational difficulties and may provide important insights for mental health professionals working with distressed couples.
CONDITIONS
Official 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 or less on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32), indicating significant relationship distress
- At least one partner scoring in mild to severe range 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 current physical or severe psychological partner violence
- Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Beykoz University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Eda Yılmazer, Phd
CONTACT
M
Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd
CONTACT
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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