Volume 24, Issue 96 (1-2026)
QJCR 2026, 24(96): 78-111 |
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Farokhtaj M, Marashi S A, Hashemi S E. Comparing the Effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy on Divorce Tendency and Marital Interactions Among Couples Applying for Divorce. QJCR 2026; 24 (96) : 4
URL: http://irancounseling.ir/journal/article-1-2112-en.html
URL: http://irancounseling.ir/journal/article-1-2112-en.html
. (Corresponding Author), PhD Psychology, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. Sayedalimarashi@scu.ac.ir
Abstract: (576 Views)
Aim: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy and schema therapy on divorce tendency and marital interactions among couples applying for divorce with less than five years of marital life. ▌Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with two intervention groups (positive psychotherapy and schema therapy) and one control group, conducted across three phases: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all couples with less than five years of marital life who referred to counseling centers in Ahvaz City for divorce applications in the year 1403 (Iranian calendar). The sample included 45 couples who were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (15 couples per group). The control group received no intervention. The positive psychotherapy group participated in eight 90-minute sessions, while the schema therapy group received seven 90-minute sessions. Data were collected using the Divorce Tendency Questionnaire (Rosset et al., 1986) and the Marital Interaction Stability Questionnaire (Gottman, 1999). Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS software. ▌Findings: The results indicated that both schema therapy and positive psychotherapy were effective in reducing divorce tendency and improving marital interactions among couples applying for divorce at the posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.001). Positive psychotherapy was more effective than schema therapy in enhancing marital interactions among couples with less than five years of marital life at both posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.001). However, schema therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than positive psychotherapy in reducing divorce tendency among these couples (p < 0.01). ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that positive psychotherapy, through strengthening positive emotions and increasing intimacy, is more effective in improving marital interactions among couples applying for divorce. In contrast, schema therapy, by focusing on modifying maladaptive schemas and deep cognitive–emotional patterns, shows greater effectiveness in reducing divorce tendency. Therefore, therapists may select each approach as a targeted and appropriate intervention based on the specific problems and needs of couples
Article number: 4
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Family Counseling
Received: 2024/09/12 | Accepted: 2025/12/28 | Published: 2026/02/3
Received: 2024/09/12 | Accepted: 2025/12/28 | Published: 2026/02/3
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