A comparison between the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy on marital burnout and marital conflicts of patients referred to Gorgan counseling centers

Introduction: Marital burnout and conflicts are common phenomenon that weaken relationships and increase marital problems. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Schema Therapy on marital burnout and conflicts among applicants for divorce. Method: The research method was a semi experimental study with pre-test post-test control group design. The statistical population of the study included all divorce applicants in 2020. 45 participants in a block randomization were divided into two intervention groups, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (N=15) and Schema Therapy (N=15), and a control group (N=15). The interventions were performed for both groups through 12 sessions, 90 minutes. The control group did not receive any intervention during this period. The Pains Boredom Scale (1996) and the Sanai Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ-R) were used to collect data. Findings were analyzed by SPSS-20 software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed that both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (P<0.01, F=59.78) and Schema Therapy (P<0.01, F=4.40) are effective on marital burnout and marital conflicts. Comparing two interventions also showed that Schema Therapy was more effective than Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on reducing marital burnout (P<0.01, F=13.60) and couples marital conflicts (P<0.01, F=29.93). Conclusion: According to the results, ACT therapy and schema therapy are important role in reducing marital distress and conflict. Therefore, these methods and other treatment methods should be used to improve marital satisfaction and reduce marital distress and conflict.