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IRCT20260602069625N1 IRCT 2026-06-20 Islamic Azad University Effectiveness of CBCT on Marital Burnout and Communication Beliefs The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral couples therapy on modifying communication beliefs and reducing marital burnout in couples seeking divorce 2026-07-06 anticipated 60 Complete https://irct.ir/trial/90604 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Not blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Parallel, Purpose: Education/Guidance, Randomization description: The statistical population of the research will include all couples seeking divorce who visit family counseling centers affiliated with the courts during the research implementation period. In the sampling stage, a convenience sampling method will be utilized. Following the selection of samples to a volume of 60 participants (30 couples) based on the research inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: ‘Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy’ (intervention group) and ‘Waitlist’ (control group). Randomization will be performed using the variable block randomization method (with block sizes of 4 and 6) by an independent statistician who has no involvement in the implementation process. The random allocation list will be generated using the RAND function in Excel software and subsequently placed in numbered, opaque, and sealed envelopes to ensure that neither the researcher nor the participants are aware of the allocation sequence (allocation concealment). The opening of the envelopes and knowledge of the group allocation will only take place at the time of each participant’s entry into the research. To ensure the equality of baseline variables (such as age and marriage duration), their distribution in the two groups will be examined during the statistical analysis stage. N/A Marital Burnout. Intervention 1: Intervention group: Cognitive-behavioral couple therapy intervention; Duration of each session: 90 minutes; Total number of sessions: 8 sessions; Sequence of sessions: twice a week; Therapeutic tools used: This intervention focuses on modifying dysfunctional thought patterns and reconstructing interactive behaviors. The main therapeutic tools include: cognitive restructuring, communication skills training, problem solving, emotional management; Session content: First session: administering a pre-test, creating a therapeutic alliance, teaching a cognitive-behavioral model in the relationship, and explaining the goal of the treatment (modifying communication beliefs). Second session: Identifying self-awareness; Identifying automatic thought patterns and fundamental beliefs (which lead to marital burnout). Session 3: Teaching basic communication skills; practicing the "active listening" technique and correcting communication misunderstandings (preventing defensive behaviors). Session 4: Cognitive restructuring; using the "Socratic questioning" technique to challenge false beliefs about your partner and correct unrealistic expectations. Session 5: Conflict management; teaching techniques for calming down and controlling emotions in critical moments to prevent burnout from escalating. Session 6: Teaching problem-solving skills; practical steps for facing common challenges and replacing destructive behaviors with constructive behaviors. Session 7: Strengthening the emotional bond; exercises related to expressing emotions using the "My Message" method and rebuilding positive behaviors in daily interactions. Session 8: Summarizing the sessions, consolidating the skills learned, presenting plans to prevent the return of old patterns, conducting a post-test, and determining the time for the follow-up test. Intervention 2: Control group: The control group will not receive any intervention during the research, but to prevent factors that threaten the internal validity of the research, such as compensatory competition by the control group or demoralization, they will receive the treatment intervention after data collection. Undecided - It is not yet known if there will be a plan to make this available Justification or reason for indecision in sharing IPD is Due to the lack of research work and the lack of data from the research results and findings, it is currently not possible to publish the data.
public Azadeh Tirian
No. 113, North Imam Khomeini St., above Basij Boulevard, East Janat St.
Ahvaz Iran (Islamic Republic of) 6461838376 +98 61 4253 2518 azadeh.tirian@iau.ir Islamic Azad University scientific Azadeh Tirian
No. 113, North Imam Khomeini St., above Basij Boulevard, East Janat St.
Ahvaz Iran (Islamic Republic of) 6461838376 +98 61 4253 2518 azadeh.tirian@iau.ir Islamic Azad University Iran (Islamic Republic of) Couples between the ages of 30 and 40 Minimum marriage duration of 5 years Achieving above average scores on standard scales measuring marital burnout 30 years 40 years Both Unwillingness to participate in research Participating in other psychotherapy sessions concurrently with the research Z63.0 Problems in relationship with spouse or partner Treatment - Other Treatment - Other Intervention group: Cognitive-behavioral couple therapy intervention; Duration of each session: 90 minutes; Total number of sessions: 8 sessions; Sequence of sessions: twice a week; Therapeutic tools used: This intervention focuses on modifying dysfunctional thought patterns and reconstructing interactive behaviors. The main therapeutic tools include: cognitive restructuring, communication skills training, problem solving, emotional management; Session content: First session: administering a pre-test, creating a therapeutic alliance, teaching a cognitive-behavioral model in the relationship, and explaining the goal of the treatment (modifying communication beliefs). Second session: Identifying self-awareness; Identifying automatic thought patterns and fundamental beliefs (which lead to marital burnout). Session 3: Teaching basic communication skills; practicing the "active listening" technique and correcting communication misunderstandings (preventing defensive behaviors). Session 4: Cognitive restructuring; using the "Socratic questioning" technique to challenge false beliefs about your partner and correct unrealistic expectations. Session 5: Conflict management; teaching techniques for calming down and controlling emotions in critical moments to prevent burnout from escalating. Session 6: Teaching problem-solving skills; practical steps for facing common challenges and replacing destructive behaviors with constructive behaviors. Session 7: Strengthening the emotional bond; exercises related to expressing emotions using the "My Message" method and rebuilding positive behaviors in daily interactions. Session 8: Summarizing the sessions, consolidating the skills learned, presenting plans to prevent the return of old patterns, conducting a post-test, and determining the time for the follow-up test. Control group: The control group will not receive any intervention during the research, but to prevent factors that threaten the internal validity of the research, such as compensatory competition by the control group or demoralization, they will receive the treatment intervention after data collection. Relationship Beliefs. Timepoint: 1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention) 2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period) 3. One-month follow-up after the intervention. Method of measurement: The measurement method will be the Romans and DeBoard (1995) Communication Beliefs Questionnaire. Marital Burnout. Timepoint: 1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention) 2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period) 3. One-month follow-up after the intervention. Method of measurement: The method of measurement will be Pines marital exhaustion questionnaire (1996). Islamic Azad University Approved 2026-04-11 Ethics Committee, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch Opposite Keshavarz Street, Farhang Shahr, Golestan Highway Ahvaz Khouzestan Iran (Islamic Republic of)