The effectiveness of short-term object relations couples therapy on improvement of family functioning of clients filing for divorce

Abstract

Introduction: Family is the principal unit for the satisfaction of different types of physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. Besides, recognition of biological and psychological necessities as well as the means to take in order to satisfy them are of crucial importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of short-term object relations couples therapy of family functioning in clients filing for divorce.Method: In this study, 40 couples were randomly assigned into 2 control and experimental groups. Then, family assessment device was utilized for data collection. The experimental group received 6 sessions of short-term object relations couples therapy while the control group received no treatment. To analyze the data, analysis of covariance was employed.Results: Findings indicated that short-term object relations couples therapy had a positive effect on family functioning of clients filing for divorce in subscales of problem solving, communication, roles, emotional companionship, emotional intercourse, behavior control.Conclusion: As the approach of short-term object relations couples therapy tries to explain present interactions in terms of internalization of the past, it would be useful to make use of it for improvement of the family functioning in clients filing for divorce.