Comparing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Emotion Regulation, Attachment, Relationship Distress

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07100951

Run by

Beykoz University

People needed

120

Starts

2025-07-01

Expected to finish

2026-07-15

Last updated by the study team

2025-08-03

Who can join

Age: 24 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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
• At least one partner scoring in the mild, moderate, or severe range on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) or Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)

You may not qualify if…

• 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)
• Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months

Where it is running

• Beykoz University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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