A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman Approach on Conflict Resolution Patterns and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Conflicting Couples

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Marital conflicts and deficits in cognitive emotion regulation are key determinants of relationship quality and stability in couples. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Couples Therapy (SFCT) and the Gottman Couples Therapy approach in improving conflict resolution patterns and cognitive emotion regulation strategies among conflicting couples.

Methodology: This study employed an experimental design with a pre-test–post-test and a control group. The statistical population consisted of conflicting couples attending counseling centers in Kermanshah during 2023–2024, from which 45 participants were selected through simple random sampling and assigned to three groups. The first experimental group received 9 sessions of SFCT, and the second received 10 sessions of Gottman therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Marital Conflict Questionnaire and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA)

Findings: Inferential analyses indicated that both therapeutic approaches had significant effects on improving conflict resolution patterns and enhancing adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (p < 0.01). Moreover, a significant difference was found between the two interventions, with the Gottman approach demonstrating stronger and more sustained effects, whereas the solution-focused approach showed greater influence on positive emotions and self-efficacy.

Conclusion: Both approaches are effective interventions for improving cognitive-emotional interactions in conflicting couples; however, the Gottman approach demonstrates superior depth and durability of outcomes. It is recommended that practitioners integrate both approaches based on couples’ needs to optimize marital functioning and psychological well-being.