EFFECTIVENESS OF EMOTION-FOCUSED COUPLES THERAPY ON SEXUAL SATISFACTION, EXTRAMARITAL RELATIONSHIPS, AND MARITAL FRUSTRATION

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Ali Nazari
Ali Haghbin

Keywords

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy; sexual satisfaction; extramarital relationships; marital frustration; attachment; couple therapy; intervention outcomes.

Abstract

This study examined the efficacy of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT-C) in improving sexual satisfaction, reducing tendencies toward extramarital relationships, and alleviating marital frustration among distressed couples. Using a randomized pretest-posttest control group design, twenty-four couples were assigned to either an EFT-C intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in eight structured sessions focused on emotional bonding, attachment needs, and restructuring negative interaction patterns. A Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) revealed significant improvements for the treatment group. Couples who completed EFT-C reported significantly higher sexual satisfaction (F(1, 22) = 26.14, p < .001, partial η² = .48), reduced tendencies toward extramarital behaviors (F(1, 22) = 18.67, p < .001, partial η² = .36), and lower levels of marital frustration (F(1, 22) = 21.39, p < .001, partial η² = .42). These findings suggest that EFT-C is an effective attachment-based intervention that strengthens intimacy, fosters secure attachment, and mitigates maladaptive coping mechanisms, thereby enhancing overall marital quality and stability. 

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References

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Published
Sep 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69980/wc7tkr43

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How to Cite
Ali Nazari, & Ali Haghbin. (2026). EFFECTIVENESS OF EMOTION-FOCUSED COUPLES THERAPY ON SEXUAL SATISFACTION, EXTRAMARITAL RELATIONSHIPS, AND MARITAL FRUSTRATION. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(11), 752-760. https://doi.org/10.69980/wc7tkr43
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Vol. 32 No. 11 (2025): JPTCP
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Articles
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Author Biographies

Ali Nazari

Addiction and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, IR Iran, 

Ali Haghbin

Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, North Khorasan University of Medical Science, Bojnurd, Iran, 

How to Cite

Ali Nazari, & Ali Haghbin. (2026). EFFECTIVENESS OF EMOTION-FOCUSED COUPLES THERAPY ON SEXUAL SATISFACTION, EXTRAMARITAL RELATIONSHIPS, AND MARITAL FRUSTRATION. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(11), 752-760. https://doi.org/10.69980/wc7tkr43