The Effectiveness of Group Training of Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy on Communicative Beliefs of the Couples Referred to Counseling Centers in Isfahan

(1)

Vol-7, Special Issue-Number4-June, 2016, pp803-810

http://www.bipublication.com

Research Article

The Effectiveness of Group Training of Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy

on Communicative Beliefs of the Couples Referred to

Counseling Centers in Isfahan

1

Shakib Johari, 2Hadis Haji Zadeh and 3ParisaAmini

1,3_{MA in Clinical Psychology,}1_{shakib_johari@yahoo.com}

2_{MS in General Psychology, Islamic Azad University, IU Kish, Kish Island, Iran.} 2

Hadis.hajizadeh62@gmail.com

3_{Parisa.amini55@yahoo.com}

ABSTRACT:

Background and the goal of the study: The major communicative problems, after marriage, include weakening the couples' communication, unrealistic beliefs, prejudgments and negative attitudes. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy,through group training, on communication beliefs of the couples who referred to counseling centers in Isfahan.

Methods: The proposal of the study is a quasi-experimental research design with a pretest – posttest which includes a control group. The study samples encompass all the couples referred to counseling centers in Isfahan. In order to select a sample size, out of the applicants, through voluntary and available sampling method, 30 individuals were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The elicitation tool used in this study was Relationship Beliefs Questionnaire. The experimental group was trained by a Rational- Emotive Behavior therapeutic approach and the control group did not receive any training at all. Then for all the participants a post-test was taken and finally after 2 months a follow-up test was conducted. In order to analyze the data, variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni correctionviausing SPSS 20 statistical software were used.

Results: The results showed that the group training ofRational- Emotive Behavior therapeutic approach has impact on communicative beliefs and accordingly, there is a significant difference between the communicative beliefs of experimental and control groups(P < 0.01).

Discussion: Based on the findings of this study,Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy can be used to improve the couples' communicative beliefs.

Key words: Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy, communicative beliefs

INTRODUCTION

Marital relationship is a complex relationship and its success is also dependent on multiple factors. Perhaps the first important component in this regard, is knowledge. Knowledge is just a belief or idea and according towhat Rational Emotive and Cognitive therapists believe, it has a major impact on our relationships, emotions and mental processes both internally and externally. Dysfunctional beliefs are the main causes of social conflicts, especially between couples (Ellis, 2001).

Researchers have found that the unrealistic beliefs in the marital relationship are strong predictors of marital distress. As a result, it is recommended that treatment programs for the inefficiency of relationshipsshould be based on the cognitive restructuring of spouses (Eidelson& Epstein, 1982).

(2)

their cognitive biases (Sanai, 2006). Based on meta-analytic studies, the treatment effect size for curing marital problems in the Behavioral Couple Therapy approach is equal to 0.76. It has been 0.61 and 0.90 for cognitive therapyand communication training,respectively (Sudan, 2008). In a study, 1169 psychotherapists were asked to calibrate the most difficult areas of marital discord. Communication, unrealistic expectations of marriage and spouse, lack of intimacy and lack of expression of interestwere, respectively, introduced as the most important aspects of marital problems (Mazloomi, 2007). The depth of intimacy in their relationship depends on their ability to convey thoughts, feelings, needs, wants and dreams in a clear, explicit and effective manner (Bagarozzi, 2001). In order to increase the intimacy and marital adjustment, there are numerous approaches which have been introduced thus far. Each approach, based on its specific explanations of treatment, has provided special medical and educational methods to improve marital intimacy. From 1970 onwards, a harmonious effort in the application of cognitive-behavioral methods has been made. Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy is designed to identify irrational beliefs, review the relations among cognition, emotion and behavior and replace realistic thoughtsinstead of irrational beliefs (Flanagan & Flanagan, 2004). Scholars such as Karney and Bradbery (1995), Hornefer and Fincham (1996), Bradbury and Fincham (1992) and Fincham and Beach (1999) argue that the cognitive changes of the couples could change the cognitive attributions which increase the amount of satisfaction between married couples and thus positive feelings regarding marital life. Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy-based intervention discovers irrational beliefs and expectations resulting in emotional and communicative disorders and then empirically or realisticallychallengesthese destructive beliefs and expectations (Ellis, 2005). In Alice’s theory, it is believed that one or both spouses in a disturbed

married life are looking for their irrational beliefs (Sudani and Shafiabadi, 2008).

In Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy, the treatment process is designed in such a way to identify the irrational beliefs, determine the linkamong cognition, emotion and behavior and examine the opposite evidence of irrational beliefs in order to decrease the communicative problems between couples (Flanagan & Flanagan, 2004). It should be noted that training the Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy, based on problem solving, is considered as gaining advantage of reasoning, rationality and mutual respect which can be considered as a useful way to put an end to inappropriate relationships and hold a healthy and desirable relationship between couples (Ellis & Harper, 2011).

In a study, Eisenberg and Zingel (1975) concluded that people who are experiencing marriage problems have a more number of unrealistic thoughts in comparison with people who do not have this problem. Other experts also showed that relying on the false thoughts or beliefs by one or both partners may cause discomfort and dissatisfaction in the marital relationship (as cited inEidelson& Epstein, 1982). Moreover, Harris and Dryden (2006) reported that by using REBT therapy, we can observe the effectiveness of the procedure in reducing irrational beliefs between couples. Various studies confirm the effectiveness of training Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy in reducing irrational thoughts and beliefs of couples and also improving the social skills and interpersonal relationships (Etemadi et al., 2005; Babapour Kheirodinet al., 2011; ShafiAbadi and Naseri, 1997; Carrere, Buehlman, Gottman, Coanand Ruckstuhl, 2000).

(3)

capacity for a healthy communication and intimacy, on the other, are consistent with communicative and emotional needs of couples, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of this approach in arming the couples with the required skills for improving interpersonal relations, holding intimate interactions and consequently increasing the level of satisfaction regarding their marital relationship.

RESEARCH METHOD

The research was quasi-experimental in the form of pre-test - post-test design which has been conducted during 2 months and is consisted of an experimental and a control group.The study samples encompass all the couples referred to counseling centers in Isfahan.

In order to select a sample size, voluntary and available sampling methods have been used. After referring to counseling centers in Isfahan, couples were invited to participate in the study.

Then, out of 98 volunteers, 30 individuals were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 in each group). The experimental group was trained by a Rational- Emotive Behavior therapeutic approach for emotional behavior and the control group did not receive any training at all. Then for all the participants a post-test was taken and finally after 2 months a follow-up test was also conducted. For the sake of ethical issues, both groups were assured that their details will be kept strictly confidential. The control group was also assured that they will receive the pilot intervention upon the completion of the study.

In the present study, the following tools have been used:

Relationship Belief Inventory Test (RBI): This scale has been made by Eidelson and Epstein (1982) to measure the communicative beliefs in marriage and translated into Persian by Mazaheriand PourEtemad (1380). The questionnaire includes 40 questions, each is answered in a Likert scale ranging from completely wrong to completely correct. It also has 5 micro- scales testing five poor communicative beliefs including: the belief of "disagreement is destructiveness", "mindreadingis expected ", "partners cannot change", "sexual performance must be perfect", and "the sexes are different". The internal consistency of the scale has been evaluated in different studies. Eidelson and Epstein (1982), has reported the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire from 72/0 to 81/0. The reliability of the questionnaire has been evaluated by using test - retest which is 81/0 (Shayesteh, Sahebi and Alipour, 1385). This scale has been validated bySahebi and colleagues (1382), through Cronbach's alpha coefficients and the results showed that "destructiveness of disagreement" is 0.85, " expectation of mindreading "0.76, belief of the immutability of the spouse" 0.72, “sexual perfectionism” 0.63 and “gender differences” were 0.56.

In order to describe and analyze the data, in the descriptive statistics sections, mean and standard deviation and in the inferential part, variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni method were used.

Findings

Before presenting the results of the analysis of variance, results of the presuppositions related to variance are presented.

Table 1. Results of Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (normal distribution of variables) and Levine test (equal variances) in communicative beliefs and its dimensions

Test Row variables Kolmogorov-Smirnov test

Z P

1 destructiveness of

disagreement 1.03 0.23

2 Expectation of

Mindreading 1.01 0.25

(4)

Pre- test 4 Sexual perfectionism 1.34 0.053

5 gender differences 1 0.26

6 overall communicative

beliefs 0.86 0.44

As it can be seen in Table 1, in the pre-test, all aspects of communicativebeliefs have a normal distribution (P>0.05). Table 2.Mean and Standard Deviation of communicativebeliefs and its dimensions in the research groups in the pre-test and post-pre-test

Row communicative beliefs and its

dimensions Test Experimental Group Control Group

M SD M SD

1 Destructiveness of Disagreement Pre- test 4.93 0.63 4.92 0.34

Post- test 2.5 0.37 5.13 0.24

2 Expectation of Mindreading Pre- test 4.67 0.4 4.85 0.31

Post- test 2.3 0.27 5.05 0.21

3 Immutability of the spouse Pre- test 4.67 0.4 4.85 0.31

Post- test 2.33 0.4 4.99 0.3

4 Sexual perfectionism Pre- test 3.78 0.96 4.88 0.2

Post- test 2.42 0.4 4.94 0.33

5 gender differences Pre- test 4.29 0.42 4.87 0.31

Post- test 2.85 0.43 4.91 0.23

6 overall communicative beliefs Pre- test 4.47 0.31 4.88 0.2

Post- test 2.48 0.2 5 0.12

As it can be observed, the post- test mean of some of the components of communicative beliefs of couples has undergone some changes compared with control group.

Table 3. Mean and Standard Deviation of communicative beliefs and its dimensions in the research groups in the follow- up test

Row communicative beliefs and its

dimensions Test Experimental Group Control Group

M SD M SD

1 Destructiveness of disagreement Pre- test 5.1 0.45 4.72 0.35

Post- test 2.67 0.5 5.13 0.32

2 Expectation of Mindreading Pre- test 4.72 0.5 4.57 0.42

Post- test 2.58 0.53 4.98 0.3

3 Immutability of spouse Pre- test 4.72 0.5 4.57 0.42

Post- test 2.55 0.45 4.97 0.27

4 Sexual perfectionism Pre- test 4.29 0.59 4.57 0.35

Post- test 2.77 0.61 5.07 0.21

5 gender differences Pre- test 4.18 0.52 4.58 0.34

Post- test 2.89 0.44 5.01 0.31

6 overall communicative beliefs Pre- test 4.6 0.3 4.6 0.22

Post- test 2.69 0.31 5.03 0.18

As it can be seen in Table 3, in the follow- up stage,the average scores of the experimental group have changes compared with the control group. Therefore, to investigate the significance of these changes, test of variance with repeated measurementhas been used.

Table 4. Results of multivariate analysis of variance onthe post-test of communicative beliefs and its dimensions

communicative beliefs and its dimensions

Sum of squares

Degrees of freedom

Mean Square

F factor

Significance Chi-share

room Test ability

Destructiveness of

disagreement 44.65 2 22.32 120.41 0.000 0.86 1

Expectation of Mindreading 46.58 2 23.29 172.75 0.000 0.9 1

Immutability of spouse 41.29 2 20.65 150.56 0.000 0.89 1

Sexual perfectionism 33.17 2 16.59 105.18 0.000 0.85 1

gender differences 35.82 2 17.91 119.83 0.000 0.86 1

overall communicative

beliefs 40 2 20 244.68 0.000 0.93 1

(5)

this means that 86% of the group differences in destructiveness of disagreement are related to training of Rational Emotive behavior therapy. In Mindreading expectation, there is a significant difference between couples in control and experimental groups (P < 0.01, F = 172. 75). Chi-share room is equal to 0.9 and this means that 90% of the group differences in mindreading expectation are related to training of Rational Emotive behavior therapy. There is a significant difference in immutability of spouse between couples in both groups (P < 0.01, F = 150.56). Chi-share room is equal to 0.89 and this means that 89% of the group differences in immutability of spouse are related to training of Rational Emotive behavior therapy.There is a significant difference between control and experimental groups of couples regarding sexual perfectionism (P < 0.01 and F= 105.18). Chi-share room is equal to 0.85 and this means that 85% of the group differences in sexual perfectionism are related to training of Rational Emotive behavior therapy. There is a significant difference between control and experimental groups of couples regarding gender differences (P < 0.01 and F= 119.83). Chi-share room is equal to 0.86 and this means that 86% of the group differences in gender differences are related to training of Rational Emotive behavior therapy. There is a significant difference between control and experimental groups of couples regarding overall communicative beliefs of the spouses (P < 0.01 and F= 244.68). Chi-share room is equal to 0.93 and this means that 93% of the group differences in overall communicative beliefs are related to training of Rational Emotive behavior therapy. Table 5.Bonferroni test results for the pairwise comparison of research groups (experimental with control and follow- up test) in the dimensions of communicative beliefs of couples.

Variable Group 1 The compared group Mean difference Standard deviation Significance

Destructiveness of disagreement

Experimental group Follow- up test -0.27 0.18 0.43

Experimental group Control Group -2.8 0.2 0.000

Follow- up group Control Group -2.52 0.19 0.000

Expectation of Mindreading

Immutability of spouse

Sexual perfectionism

gender differences

Experimental group Follow- up test -0.15 0.16 1

overall communicative

beliefs

As it can be seen in Table 5, there is a significant difference between experimental and two- month follow- up group with control group (P< 0.01), however there is no significant difference between experimental and two- month follow- up group (P > 0.05).

In expectation of mindreading, there is a significant difference among experimental group and the two-month follow-up test with the control group (P< 0.01), there are also significant differences between the experimental group and two-month follow-up test (P < 01/0) .

In immutability of spouse, there is a significant difference between experimental and two- month follow- up group with control group (P< 0.01),

there is also significant relationship between experimental and two- month follow- up group with control group(P< 0.01).

(6)

In gender differences, there is a significant relation between experimental group and two- month follow- up group with control group (P< 0.01), however there is no significant difference between experimental and two- month follow- up group (P > 0.05).

In overall communicative beliefs, there is a significant difference between experimental group and two- month follow- up group with control group (P< 0.01), there is also a significant relation between experimental and follow- up groups (P< 0.01).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of group training of Rational Emotive Behaviortherapy on communicative beliefs of the couples referred to counseling centers in Isfahan. The results of the study showed that group training of this approach was effective respecting communicative beliefs and there was a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group,as far as communicative beliefs are taken into consideration (P< 0.01).

Wilde (2004) investigates the role of this therapeutic approach in improving interpersonal relationships, and acknowledged the role of this method in improving destructive thoughts in interpersonal communication of the couples. Additionally,Miller, Rob and Nartj (2000) examine the impact of a rational emotional behavioral therapy and its effect on marital satisfaction of couples. They show thatit has impact on improving communicative beliefs. various researches also are in consistent with the findings of this study, so that, they confirmthe effectiveness of this approach in reducing irrational thoughts and beliefs of couples (Dobson, 2004; Bond and Bunce, 2000) and in increasing social skills and interpersonal communication (Bahrami, 1381).

The researchers also have examined the role of Rational Emotive Behavior therapy in healing and facilitating the communicative beliefs between spouses. The results have shown that this

approachcan improve and change irrational beliefs of couplescompared with other methods such as cognitive-behavioral or transactional analysis (Kalvt and Lalga, 2002). Harris and Dryden (2006) reported that using rational-emotive therapy can reduce theunreasonable beliefs of couples.

Many studies have reported that people with more irrational beliefs in comparison with those who had lower levels of irrational beliefs, have more negative perceptions towards their spouses (Epstein, Flanagan and Baytyl, 1979, quoted Qi Hammam, 2005), while irrational beliefs can predict agitated communicative skills and marital conflict (Bernard, 1989). Many researchesshow that thinking pattern of couples is a very important factor in determining the level of satisfaction or marital conflict and mental health of couples (Frisch, 2006; Cheng and Furnham, 2007; Lent and Lopez, 2002; Huston, Niehuis, and Smith, 2001; Fincham, Harold and Gano-Phillips, 2000). Buehlman and Gottman(1996) also believe that the attitude of couples towards each other can predict the future and their marital relationship (Clough, 2007).

The results of this study promise the long-term and profound effects of this treatment style on the thoughts and beliefs of the couples. The goal of group training through the Rational Emotive therapy approach was to help people through the process of identifying, adjusting and restructuring faulty beliefs and moving towards psychological compatibility and flexibility.

(7)

their current life. This is one of the best treatments diagnosed for men and women and appears useful in facilitating and improving the family functioning.

REFERENCES:

1. B

abapour Kheirodin, J., Nazari, M.A., & Rashidzadeh, L. (2011). the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioralTherapy on intimacy and on marital satisfaction in chemical Veteran Couples. Journal of Psychology.24(6). 8-25.

2. B

agarozzi, D. A. (2001). Enhancing intimacy in

marriage: Clinician’s Handbook. London, UK:

Brunner Rutledge.

3. B

att, V., Saoirse, N. G. & Fiona, F. (2005). Perspective on Provision of counsel ling for

woman in Irland. Report commissioned by the

Women’s Health Council in conjunction with the Women’s Health Advisory Committees of the Northern Area Health Board, East Coast Area Health Board, South Western Area Health Board, the North Western Health Board and the Southern Health Board.

4. B

aucom, D.H., Epstein, N., Sqayers, S., & Sher, T.G.(1989). The Role of cognition in Marital Relationships, Journal of consulting and psychology, 38-51, 31.

5. B

erneshtain, F. Ch., & Berneshtain, M. T.(2001). Methods of treatment of marital

problems. Translated by H. Tozandejani., N.

kamalpour. Mashhad: Marandiz publisher.

6. B

ornstein, P.H., Kazadin, A.E., &Meintyre, T.J. (1985). Problem-solving in couples. Journal of

Behavior therapy, 11, 1-13.

7. B

radbery, T. N., & Fincham, F. D. (1992). Attributions and behavior in marital interaction. Journal of Personality and Social

Psychology, 63 (4), 613-628.

8. B

ulum, T.W. (2006), Becoming a family counselor: a bridge to family therapy theory

and practice. Published by John Wiley& Sons,

Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey: Canada .

9. C

arrere, S., Buehlman, K. T., Gottman, J. M., Coan, J., & Ruckstuhl, L. (2000). Predicting marital stability and divorce in newlywed couples. Journal of Family Psychology, 14, 42-58.

10. E

dalati, A., & Redzuan, M. (2010). Perception of women towards family values and their marital satisfaction. Journal of American

Science, 6(4):132-137.

11. E

idelson, R. J., & Epstein, N. (1982). Cognition and relationship maladjustment:Development of a measure of dysfunctional relationship beliefs. Journal of counseling and clinical psychiligy,50, 715-720.

12. E

llis, A. (1989). Rational-Emotive Couples

Therapy. New York: Pargman Press.

13. E

llis, A., & Harper, R. A. (1975). A new guide to

rational living. North Hollywood, C A.

14. E

temadi, O. (2005). Evaluate and compare the effectiveness of psycho-educational approach based cognitivebehavioral and Relationship Therapy on intimacy of couples. Ph.D Thesis:Teacher Training University.

15. F

incham, F, D., & Beach, S. K. (1999). Implications for working with couples. Annual

review of Psychology, 50, 47-77.

16. F

incham, F. D., Harold, G. T., & Gano-Philips, S. (2000). The longitudinal association between attributions and marital satisfaction.

Journal of family psychology, 14 (2), 267-285.

17. F

(8)

and Psychotherapy theoris In context and

practice, New York, Jhn Wiely.

18. G

eldenberg, I., Geldenberg, H.(2003). Family Therapy. Translated by S. Naghshbandi, Tehran: ravan publisher.

19. H

eller, P.E., & Wood, B. (1998). The process of intimacy. Journal of marital and family

Therapy, 24,273.

20. H

ook, M. K., Gerstein, L. H., Detterich, L., & Gridley, B. (2003). How close are we?Measuring intimacy and examining gender differences. Journal of Counseling &

Development, 81, 462-473.

21. H

ornefer, K. J., & Fincham. F. D. (1996). Attributionalmodels of depression and marital distress. Journal of Personality and Social

Psychology, 22, 678-689.

22. H

osseini, Z. (2003). Effectiveness of cognitive - behavioral group approach to enhance marital

satisfaction. MA psychology Thesis. Tabatabai

University.

23. J

acobson, N.S., Margolin, G. (1979). Marital Therapy: Strategies Based on Social Learning

and Behavior Exchange Principle. New York:

Brunner/Mazel.

24. J

akaboski, Scott, F.; Milne ,Evic. (2004). A Review of Empirically Supported Marital

Enrichment Programs, Family Relations, 53.

Iss, 5.

25. K

aplan, M., & Maddux, J. E. (2002). Goals and marital satisfaction: Perceived support for personal goals and collective efficacy for collective goals. Journal of Social and Clinical

Psychology, 21, 157-164.

26. K

arney, B. R., & Bradbery, T. N. (1995). The longitudinal course of marital quality and

stability: Review of theory method and research. Psychological bulletin, 118, 3-18.

27. K

irby, J. S. (2005). The interpersonal Process model of intimacy in marriage :A daily- diary and multilevel modeling approach. Journal of

family Psychology, 19 (2),314- 325.

28. L

ower, L.M. (2005). Couples with Young children. In M. Harway(Eds.), Hand book of

Couples therapy. Network: Wiley.

29. M

azloomi, S. (2007). Effect programsmarriage enrichment on increasing intimacy in couples

without problem. MA family Counseling

Thesis: university of social welfare and rehabilitation sciencesTehran.

30. M

ille,r SH., Miller, F., Nanali, A., & Wakman. D, (2006). Training marital relationship skills Translated by Bahari F. Tehran: Roshd.

31. O

liya, N. (2006). The effectiveness of Marriage enrichment on marital satisfaction in Isfahan. MA Counseling Thesis: University of Isfahan.

32. P

ielage, S., Luteinjin, F., Arrindell, W.(2005). Adult attachment, intimacy and psychological distress in a clinical and community simple.

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy,

12:455-464.

33. R

afiee Bandari, F., Nooranipour, R. (2005). The effectiveness cognitive-behavioral traning on marital satisfaction Couples Married students' dormitory in Tehran University. Counseling Research & Developments. 4(14): 25-39.

34. S

anai Zaker, B. (2008). Family and marriage scales. Tehran: Besat publishing co.

35. S

hafi Abadi, A., & Naseri, Gh. (1997). Theories

of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Tehran:

(9)

36. S udani, M., & Shafi Abadi, A. (2008).