EFCT vs. BCT for Depression and Anxiety in Married Couples
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorBeykoz University
About this trial
This study compares the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in married couples. A total of 150 married couples aged 18-65 will be screened, and 60 couples with high depression and anxiety levels will be selected. These couples will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: EFCT, BCT, or a control group. Therapy sessions will be conducted weekly for 12 weeks, with assessments before therapy, after the 6th and 12th sessions, and at a 3-month follow-up. The study aims to determine which therapy is more effective in improving mental health outcomes in couples.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Married couples aged between 18 and 65 years
Married for at least one year
No current psychiatric diagnosis or history of psychiatric treatment
Not receiving any form of psychological therapy at the time of recruitment
Disqualifiers
Current or past psychiatric diagnosis (excluding mild transient conditions)
Ongoing psychological therapy or psychiatric treatment
Severe mental health disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), Substance abuse or dependency
Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)
BehavioralEFCT is a structured approach to couples therapy that focuses on helping partners understand and express their emotions, address attachment insecurities, and strengthen their emotional connection.
Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT)
BehavioralBCT is a form of therapy that aims to improve relationship satisfaction through behavioral change, communication training, and problem-solving techniques.
Treatment groups
150 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group C: Control GroupNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) will be used to measure changes in depression symptoms over time. Scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
Time frame
Baseline, after the 6th session (6 week), after the 12th session (12 week), and at 3-month follow-up (24 week)2
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) will be used to measure changes in anxiety symptoms over time. Scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms.
Time frame
Baseline, after the 6th session (6 week), after the 12th session (12 week), and at 3-month follow-up (24 week)Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Beykoz University
Lead sponsor
Uskudar University
Collaborator
Istanbul Nisantasi University
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov