The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Marital Relationship Quality and Marital Disaffection among Maladjusted Couples

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Marital maladjustment can undermine relationship quality and contribute to emotional distance, indifference, conflict, and marital disaffection. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on marital relationship quality and marital disaffection among maladjusted couples.

Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population consisted of maladjusted couples who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2025. Using convenience sampling, 32 participants were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group, with 16 participants in each group. Data were collected using the Marital Relationship Quality Questionnaire and the Marital Disaffection Questionnaire. Both groups completed the questionnaires at the pretest stage. The experimental group then received acceptance and commitment therapy for 8 weeks, consisting of one 90-minute session per week, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance while controlling for pretest scores.

Findings: The results of analysis of covariance showed that, after controlling for pretest scores, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in posttest marital relationship quality. Acceptance and commitment therapy significantly improved marital relationship quality among maladjusted couples (F=17.42, p=0.006, η²=0.59). The results also indicated a significant difference between the two groups in marital disaffection, showing that the intervention significantly reduced marital disaffection in the experimental group compared with the control group (F=22.86, p=0.007, η²=0.56).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that acceptance and commitment therapy is an effective intervention for improving marital relationship quality and reducing marital disaffection among maladjusted couples. By enhancing acceptance, reducing experiential avoidance, strengthening psychological flexibility, and guiding couples toward value-based actions, this approach can improve emotional and relational functioning within marital relationships. Therefore, acceptance and commitment therapy may be recommended for use in family counseling and couple therapy settings, particularly for couples experiencing conflict, emotional distance, and marital maladjustment.