Document Type : Original article
Authors
1 Ph.D Student of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Kish International Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kish Island, Iran
2 Professor of Psychology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Imago Therapy on executive functions and post-traumatic growth in women affected by extramarital relationships. The statistical population includes all women affected by extramarital relationships in Isfahan who visited the Nik Ovin Psychological Clinic and the Hazrat Abolfazl Charity Institute. After completing the General Health Questionnaire online, participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Experimental Group 1 (EFT), Experimental Group 2 (Imago Therapy), and the Control Group. The therapeutic interventions in the experimental groups were conducted online via Google Meet for eight weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected through online questionnaires in pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up stages.
Statistical analysis results showed that both therapeutic methods significantly improved the studied variables. However, differences in the effectiveness of the two methods were observed. EFT had a more substantial impact on reducing stress, while Imago Therapy showed a greater effect on improving communication and increasing marital satisfaction. Additionally, the two-month follow-up results indicated that the improvements from the therapies remained stable over time, and the interventions led to significant and lasting improvements in the psychological and functional status of the women.
This research highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate therapeutic method based on the specific needs and conditions of each individual. It can serve as a guide for counselors and psychotherapists to improve the psychological well-being of affected women.
Keywords
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Extramarital Relationships
- Executive Functions
- Imago Therapy
- Post-Traumatic Growth
Main Subjects
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