Comparing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age24-65
SponsorBeykoz University
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Heterosexual couples (both partners must participate)
Age between 24 and 65 years
Minimum 2 years of relationship duration
At least one partner scoring ≤ 30 on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32), indicating clinically significant relationship distress
Disqualifiers
Current participation in individual or couple psychotherapy
Use of psychiatric medication during the past 3 months
Presence of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder)
History or presence of physical or severe psychological partner violence, assessed via Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2)
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy
BehavioralBrief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) consists of 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focused on uncovering unconscious relational dynamics, symbolic conflict meanings, and early attachment schemas. Techniques include relational interpretations, exploration of projective identification and transference, and analysis of emotional defenses. Therapists maintain a neutral, reflective stance to promote insight and self-awareness within the couple dynamic.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
BehavioralEmotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) involves 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focusing on repairing emotional bonds and enhancing attachment security. The intervention targets maladaptive emotional interaction cycles and promotes the expression of primary emotions and attachment needs. Therapists actively guide couples through restructuring emotional responses and rebuilding secure, responsive communication patterns.
Treatment groups
120 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)Active comparator 1 intervention
Group C: Waitlist ControlNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Change in Relationship Satisfaction (DAS-32)
The Dyadic Adjustment Scale-32 (DAS-32) is a 32-item self-report measure of relationship adjustment. It assesses four subscales: dyadic consensus, satisfaction, cohesion, and affectional expression. Scores range from 0 to 151, with higher scores indicating better relationship quality. A score below 100 indicates relationship distress. Changes will be assessed across the four time points to evaluate therapeutic impact.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up2
Change in Depressive Symptoms (BDI-II)
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is a 21-item self-report questionnaire measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63. Scores between 14-19 reflect mild depression, 20-28 moderate, and 29-63 severe. Higher scores indicate greater severity. The change in BDI-II scores will be used to assess symptom improvement.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up3
Change in Anxiety Symptoms (BAI)
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a 21-item self-report inventory that measures the severity of anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63, with scores above 16 indicating clinically significant anxiety. Higher scores indicate more severe anxiety. Changes in BAI scores will track anxiety symptom reduction.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 6, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-up4
Change in Emotion Dysregulation (DERS)
The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is a 36-item measure assessing six dimensions of emotion regulation: nonacceptance, goals, impulse, awareness, strategies, and clarity. Total scores range from 36 to 180, with higher scores indicating more difficulties in emotion regulation. Changes in total scores across time points will be evaluated.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-upSecondary outcomes
1
Change in Adult Attachment Style (AAS)
The Couples Satisfaction Index-4 (CSI-4) is a brief, 4-item scale designed to assess global relationship satisfaction. Responses are based on Likert-type items. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores reflecting greater satisfaction. The CSI-4 has demonstrated strong internal consistency and criterion validity. Changes in CSI-4 scores will be used as a secondary index of intervention effectiveness.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and 6-month Follow-upSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Beykoz University
Lead sponsor
Istanbul Nisantasi University
Collaborator
Uskudar University
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov