The Effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy on Experiential Avoidance, Cognitive Emotion Regulation, and Rejection Sensitivity in Couples

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor of Counseling Department, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Ph.D. student in Counseling, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

3 PhD student in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22098/jfrs.2025.17642.1249

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on experiential avoidance, cognitive emotion regulation, and rejection sensitivity in couples.

Method: This research employed a quantitative, applied design using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group model. The statistical population included all distressed couples who sought counseling services in Ardabil between 2024 and 2025. From this population, 30 couples whose scores exceeded the cut-off point of 135 were randomly selected and assigned to either an experimental or a control group. Research instruments included the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II (AAQ-II), and the short form of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-SF). The intervention was based on Sue Johnson’s EFCT protocol, implemented in nine 90-minute sessions for the experimental group.

Results: Covariance analysis showed that EFCT significantly reduced experiential avoidance, improved cognitive emotion regulation, and decreased rejection sensitivity in distressed couples (p < .001). The effect size ranged from 65% to 68%, indicating a substantial impact on improving couple relationships.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that EFCT has a significant and positive effect on experiential avoidance, cognitive emotion regulation, and rejection sensitivity in couples.

Keywords

Journal of Family Relations Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 August 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 21 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 August 2025

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