An Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)-Based Conflict Prevention Program: A Pre-Pilot Study with...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Family Therapy

Background:

• Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) is effective for severe couple conflict.
• The preventative capacity of IBCT has not been previously studied.
• Couple conflict prevention is crucial for relationship longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an IBCT-based program for preventing couple conflict.
• To assess the long-term effectiveness of conflict prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• An empirical study involving six couples from the Community of Madrid.
• Random assignment to an experimental group (IBCT prevention program) or a control group.
• Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and three-year follow-up assessments using validated questionnaires (DAS, IBCTQ, ASPA-A).

Main Results:

• Experimental couples showed significant improvements in acceptance of differences, empathic joining, and unified detachment.
• Experimental couples reported higher overall relationship satisfaction (DAS scores).
• No significant changes were observed in either group from post-treatment to the three-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• An IBCT-based conflict prevention program shows promise in enhancing couple relationship quality.
• The observed benefits of the prevention program appear to be sustained for at least three years.
• Further research with larger samples is recommended to confirm these findings.