The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on Relationship Beliefs and Depression in Married Individuals Aged 25–40 Referring to Counseling Centers

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Dysfunctional relationship beliefs and depression are among the most significant factors threatening marital quality and psychological well-being, often leading to chronic conflicts, reduced marital satisfaction, and impaired social functioning. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on relationship beliefs and depression among married individuals aged 25–40 referring to counseling centers in Tehran.

Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and a control group. The statistical population included married individuals aged 25–40 who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2023. A total of 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection instruments included the Relationship Beliefs Inventory developed by Epstein and Eidelson and the Beck Depression Inventory. The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions of schema therapy, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance.

Findings: The results of multivariate analysis of covariance demonstrated that, after controlling for pretest scores, significant differences existed between the experimental and control groups in the components of relationship beliefs, including disagreement destructiveness (F=153.457, P<0.001), belief in partner’s unchangeability (F=213.897, P<0.001), mindreading expectation (F=145.317, P<0.001), perfectionism (F=198.376, P<0.001), and beliefs about gender differences (F=204.457, P<0.001). Furthermore, the results of univariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant reduction in depression in the experimental group compared to the control group (F=52.412, P<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings indicated that schema therapy can effectively reduce dysfunctional relationship beliefs and depressive symptoms through modifying early maladaptive schemas and improving cognitive-emotional functioning. Therefore, schema therapy may be considered an effective therapeutic approach for improving marital relationships and psychological health among married individuals experiencing relational and emotional difficulties.