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Emotionally focused couple therapy in cancer survivor couples with marital and sexual problems: A replicated single case experimental design
van Diest,S.L. den Oudsten,B.L. Aaronson,N.K. Beaulen,A. Verboon,P. Aarnoudse,B. van Lankveld,J.J.D.M.
van Diest,S.L.
den Oudsten,B.L.
Aaronson,N.K.
Beaulen,A.
Verboon,P.
Aarnoudse,B.
van Lankveld,J.J.D.M.
Abstract
Objective The current research examined the effect of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) on perceived intimacy, affect, and dyadic connection in cancer survivor couples with relationship challenges. Method In this longitudinal replicated single-case study, positive and negative affect, intimacy, partner responsiveness, and expression of attachment-based emotional needs were reported every 3 days before and during treatment. Thirteen couples, with one partner having survived colorectal cancer or breast cancer, participated for the full duration of the study. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using randomization tests, piecewise regression, and multilevel analyses. Results Adherence to the therapeutic protocol was tested and found adequate. Compared with baseline, significant positive effects on affect variables were found during the therapeutic process. Positive affect increased and negative affect decreased. Partner responsiveness, perceived intimacy, and the expression of attachment-based emotional needs improved, but only in the later phase of treatment. Results at the group level were statistically significant, whereas effects at the individual level were not. Discussion This study found positive group-level effects of EFCT on affect and dyadic outcome measures in cancer survivors. The positive results warrant further research, including randomized clinical trials, to replicate these effects of EFCT in cancer survivor couples experiencing marital and sexual problems.
Description
Date
2023
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Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Keywords
cancer, couples therapy, efficacy, emotionally focused couples therapy, intimacy, relationship dynamics, single-case experimental designs, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Citation
van Diest, S L, den Oudsten, B L, Aaronson, N K, Beaulen, A, Verboon, P, Aarnoudse, B & van Lankveld, J J D M 2023, 'Emotionally focused couple therapy in cancer survivor couples with marital and sexual problems : A replicated single case experimental design', Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 14, 1123821. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1123821