NCT07100951 Comparing Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress
| NCT ID | NCT07100951 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Beykoz University |
| Condition | Depressive Disorder |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 120 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-07-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2025-12-31 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 120 participants in total. It began in 2025-07-01 with a primary completion date of 2025-12-31.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This study compares the effects of two different couple therapy approaches-Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)-on reducing relationship problems and emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety. Many couples struggle with emotional distance, repeated arguments, and dissatisfaction in their relationships. While EFT is a widely used and research-supported therapy that focuses on rebuilding emotional bonds, BPCT is a less-studied method that aims to help couples understand how early relationship experiences and unconscious patterns affect their current interactions. The purpose of this study is to find out whether one of these therapies is more effective than the other in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing emotional distress. The study also looks at changes in how people regulate their emotions and how secure they feel in their relationships after therapy. In this randomized controlled trial, 60 heterosexual couples experiencing relationship distress and symptoms of anxiety or depression will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: BPCT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on deep emotional and psychological patterns in their relationship. EFT group - couples receive weekly online therapy focusing on emotional connection and improving communication. Waitlist control group - couples do not receive therapy during the study but will be offered therapy afterward. Each therapy lasts 12 weeks, and follow-up assessments will be conducted up to 6 months after therapy ends. Data will be collected before, during, and after treatment using questionnaires that measure relationship satisfaction, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and attachment style. The results of this study will help determine which type of therapy is more beneficial for couples experiencing emotional and relational difficulties and may provide important insights for mental health professionals working with distressed couples.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Heterosexual couples (both partners must participate) * Age between 24 and 65 years * Minimum 2 years of relationship duration * At least one partner scoring ≤ 30 on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-32), indicating clinically significant relationship distress * At least one partner scoring in the mild, moderate, or severe range on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) or Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) Exclusion Criteria: * Current participation in individual or couple psychotherapy * Use of psychiatric medication during the past 3 months * Presence of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder) * History or presence of physical or severe psychological partner violence, assessed via Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) * Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
Contact & Investigator
Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Professor
STUDY CHAIR
Üsküdar University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07100951 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 24 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Depressive Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07100951 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07100951 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at edayilmazer@beykoz.edu.tr for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07100951 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye).
Who is sponsoring the NCT07100951 clinical trial?
NCT07100951 is sponsored by Beykoz University. The principal investigator is Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Professor at Üsküdar University. The trial plans to enroll 120 participants.