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

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Depressive Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders
• Emotion Regulation
• Attachment
• Relationship Distress

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy

Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) consists of 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focused on uncovering unconscious relational dynamics, symbolic conflict meanings, and early attachment schemas. Techniques include relational interpretations, exploration of projective identification and transference, and analysis of emotional defenses. Therapists maintain a neutral, reflective stance to promote insight and self-awareness within the couple dynamic.

BEHAVIORAL

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) involves 12 weekly online sessions (50 minutes each) focusing on repairing emotional bonds and enhancing attachment security. The intervention targets maladaptive emotional interaction cycles and promotes the expression of primary emotions and attachment needs. Therapists actively guide couples through restructuring emotional responses and rebuilding secure, responsive communication patterns.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Nisantasi University

  collaborator OTHER

• Uskudar University

  collaborator OTHER

• Beykoz University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Professor · Üsküdar University

• Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd · İstanbul Nişantaşı University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

24 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-07-01

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2026-07-15

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations