Marital conflict resolution through schema therapy and mutual behaviour analysis for enhanced self-differentiation in...

Marital conflict remains a persistent challenge among couples in Nigeria, often driven by deep-rooted maladaptive cognitive schemas, dysfunctional behavioural patterns, and poor self-differentiation. This study examined marital conflict resolution through Schema Therapy and Mutual Behaviour Analysis for enhanced self-differentiation among married couples in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State.

A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was adopted, involving 45 married couples. The instruments used were the Maladaptive Schema and Behavioural Patterns in Marital Conflict Scale (MSBPMC) and the Self-Differentiation Questionnaire (SDQ). Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and ANCOVA at 0.05 level of significance.

Findings revealed that emotional deprivation, abandonment/insecurity, and unrelenting standards were the most dominant maladaptive schemas, while demand-withdraw, emotional withdrawal, and avoidance behaviours were most prevalent. Couples also exhibited low self-differentiation characterized by emotional reactivity and dependence. Both Schema Therapy and Mutual Behaviour Analysis significantly reduced marital conflict and improved self-differentiation, with Schema Therapy showing a slightly greater effect. The combined ST+MBA model was most effective.

The study concludes that integrative therapeutic approaches are essential for effective marital conflict resolution.