EFCT vs. BCT for Depression and Anxiety in Married Couples

NCT06892613 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: EFCT_BCT_Anxiety_Depression_20
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 150
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Depression Anxiety Disorder; Anxiety

Keywords

Depression; Anxiety; Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy; Behavioral Couples Therapy; Mental Health; Psychotherapy; Marital Counseling

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• 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.

  Baseline, after the 6th session (6 week), after the 12th session (12 week), and at 3-month follow-up (24 week)

• 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.

  Baseline, after the 6th session (6 week), after the 12th session (12 week), and at 3-month follow-up (24 week)

Study Arms (3)

Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy, consisting of 12 weekly 50-minute sessions focused on emotional expression, attachment needs, and improving emotional bonds between partners.

Behavioral: Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)

Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive Behavioral Couples Therapy, consisting of 12 weekly 50-minute sessions focused on modifying maladaptive behaviors, enhancing communication, and developing problem-solving strategies.

Behavioral: Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT)

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group will receive no therapeutic intervention during the study period but will be offered therapy after the study is completed.

Interventions

Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) BEHAVIORAL

EFCT 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.

Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Group

Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) BEHAVIORAL

BCT is a form of therapy that aims to improve relationship satisfaction through behavioral change, communication training, and problem-solving techniques.

Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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
• Ability to provide informed consent
• Willingness to participate in all therapy sessions and assessments

You may not qualify if:

• 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
• Refusal to participate in follow-up assessments

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Beykoz University: lead
• Uskudar University: collaborator
• Istanbul Nisantasi University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Beykoz University

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34820, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Anxiety Disorders; Depression; Psychological Well-Being

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Mental Disorders; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Personal Satisfaction

Study Officials

• Eda Yılmazer, Phd

  Beykoz University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd

  Istanbul Nisantasi University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Selami VArol Ülker, Phd

  Üsküdar University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Eda Yılmazer, Phd

CONTACT

+905322575880; edayilmazer@beykoz.edu.tr

Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd

CONTACT

09053247320; metincinaroglu@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Primary Investigator

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT), or a control group. Each intervention group will receive 12 weekly therapy sessions, while the control group will receive no intervention during the study period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 16, 2025
• First Posted: March 25, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 1, 2025
• Study Completion: September 15, 2025
• Last Updated: March 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Locations

TU (1)