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IRCT20260823070768N1 IRCT 2026-11-02 Islamic Azad University Comparison of Two Psychotherapy Approaches—Mode-Based Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy—in Couples Seeking Divorce Comparing the Effectiveness of Mode-Based Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Marital Intimacy, Interpersonal Relationships, Psychological Flexibility, and Resilience in Couples Seeking Divorce 2026-11-01 anticipated 48 Recruiting https://irct.ir/trial/93723 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Not blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Parallel, Purpose: Treatment, Other design features: The current research is practical in terms of purpose and semi-experimental in terms of method, which will be conducted using a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The number of 24 couples applying for divorce (48 people) were selected through available sampling and after checking the entry and exit criteria and obtaining informed consent, they were randomly assigned to three groups including two experimental groups and a control group, each group consisting of 8 couples. And the control group will not receive psychological intervention during the implementation of the interventions. The research variables are evaluated in two phases: pre-test and post-test, Randomization description: After eligibility screening, obtaining informed consent, and completing the pretest, 24 eligible couples will be enrolled using convenience sampling. The couple will serve as the unit of random allocation, and both spouses will remain in the same group. Each couple will be assigned a unique identification code. The 24 couple codes will then be arranged using a computer-generated random sequence. Based on this sequence, the couples will be allocated equally to three groups: 8 couples to the mode-based schema therapy group, 8 couples to the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) group, and 8 couples to the control group. Random allocation will take place after recruitment and pretest assessment and before the interventions begin. N/A Problems in relationship with spouse or partner. Intervention 1: Intervention Group 1: Mode-based schema therapy. Couples will receive eight weekly 90-minute sessions of mode-based schema therapy. The intervention focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive schema modes and improving emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning. Intervention 2: Intervention Group 2: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Couples will receive eight weekly 90-minute sessions of ACT, focusing on psychological flexibility through acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, values clarification, and committed action. Intervention 3: Control Group: Couples will not receive any psychological intervention from the study team during the eight-week intervention period. They will complete the pretest and posttest assessments at the same time points as the intervention groups. No - There is not a plan to make this available Justification or reason for not sharing IPD is Individual participant data will not be shared publicly due to the need to protect participants’ confidentiality and privacy and the sensitive nature of individual and marital information.
public Seyedeh Nasrin Mousavinia
Kuhsangi Street
Holy Mashhad Iran (Islamic Republic of) ‪917 593 4745‬ +98 51 3846 2328 nasrin2022mousavinia@gmail.com Islamic Azad University scientific Seyedeh Nasrin Mousavinia
Kuhsangi Street
Mashahd Iran (Islamic Republic of) ‪917 593 4745‬ +98 51 3846 2328 nasrin2022mousavinia@gmail.com Islamic Azad University Iran (Islamic Republic of) Couples seeking divorce (both spouses) referred to Rahyab Counseling Center in Mashhad Providing informed consent to participate in the study Having the necessary ability to participate in and cooperate with the intervention sessions Absence of severe mental disorders or major psychiatric conditions that would prevent effective participation in the study Absence of active alcohol or substance dependence Not receiving concurrent specialized psychotherapy Willingness to attend sessions regularly and complete therapeutic assignments 18 years 60 years Both Lack of informed consent to participate in the study. Presence of a severe mental disorder or major psychiatric disorder that prevents effective participation in the study. Presence of a personality disorder based on the criteria specified in the study protocol. Active dependence on alcohol or drugsConcurrent receipt of specialized psychotherapy Z63.0 Problems in relationship with spouse or partner Behavior Behavior Behavior Intervention Group 1: Mode-based schema therapy. Couples will receive eight weekly 90-minute sessions of mode-based schema therapy. The intervention focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive schema modes and improving emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning. Intervention Group 2: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Couples will receive eight weekly 90-minute sessions of ACT, focusing on psychological flexibility through acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, values clarification, and committed action. Control Group: Couples will not receive any psychological intervention from the study team during the eight-week intervention period. They will complete the pretest and posttest assessments at the same time points as the intervention groups. Marital Intimacy. Timepoint: Pretest (before the intervention) and posttest (after completion of the 8 intervention sessions). Method of measurement: Marital intimacy will be assessed using the Marital Intimacy Scale. The total scale score will be used as an indicator of marital intimacy, with higher scores indicating greater marital intimacy. Interpersonal Problems. Timepoint: Pretest (before the intervention) and posttest (after completion of the 8 intervention sessions). Method of measurement: Interpersonal problems will be assessed using the 32-item Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32). Higher scores indicate greater interpersonal problems. Psychological Flexibility. Timepoint: Pretest (before the intervention) and posttest (after completion of the 8 intervention sessions). Method of measurement: Psychological flexibility will be assessed using the 23-item Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (CompACT-23). Higher scores indicate greater psychological flexibility. Resilience. Timepoint: Pretest (before the intervention) and posttest (after completion of the 8 intervention sessions). Method of measurement: Resilience will be assessed using the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25). Higher scores indicate greater resilience. Islamic Azad University Approved 2026-03-16 Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur Branch* Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur Branch, Pazhuhesh Blvd, Neyshabur, Razavi Khorasan, Iran Neyshabur Razavi Khorasan Iran (Islamic Republic of)