Significant Differences in Couple Relationship Therapy Outcomes? Psychologists Reveal the "Emotional Code" in EFT Therapy

Significant Differences in Couple Relationship Therapy Outcomes? Psychologists Reveal the "Emotional Code" in EFT Therapy

EFT Therapy Introduction

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a psychological counseling technique specifically for couples, hailed as the "relationship repair specialist." It effectively resolves conflicts and emotional distress between partners, but like medications working differently on individuals, EFT outcomes show significant variations.

Research Background and Purpose

Why do some couples regain happiness through EFT while others see poor results? To solve this mystery, researchers deeply observed 17 Taiwanese couples, exploring key factors influencing treatment effectiveness.

Key Concept Analysis

Attachment Styles: Relationship's "Navigation System"

- **Secure Attachment**: Feeling safe in relationships—comfortable with intimacy, not fearing abandonment - **Avoidant Attachment**: Habitually maintaining distance—tending to process emotions alone during conflicts - **Anxious Attachment**: Lacking security—constantly worrying about partner leaving, needing relationship reassurance

Emotional Expression: Relationship Harmony's "Lubricant"

In EFT therapy, clear emotional expression directly impacts treatment outcomes. Emotional expression attitudes vary greatly across cultures—Chinese culture sometimes views "endurance" as virtue, but therapy requires appropriate adjustment.

Gender Role Concepts: Traditional vs. Modern Collision

Traditional gender concepts still hold significant influence in Taiwan—how these affect treatment outcomes became research focus.

Research Method Design

The research team collaborated with professional EFT therapists, recruiting 17 couples with relationship issues—many also having moderate to severe depression symptoms. Professional scales assessed attachment styles, emotional expression ability, gender concepts, etc., collecting feedback data after each session.

Core Research Findings

Key Factors for Relationship Distress Improvement

- **Women's Traditional Concepts**: Women with stronger traditional gender role concepts showed more significant relationship distress improvement - **Emotional Expression Ability**: Stronger emotional expression ability in both partners led to faster relationship problem resolution

Depression Symptom Relief Patterns

- **Avoidant Men**: Men with higher attachment avoidance showed most significant depression symptom improvement - **Anxious Couples**: Insecure partners effectively relieved anxiety through therapy - **Emotional Expression Role**: Emotionally expressive partners experienced clearer depression symptom reduction

Practical Advice Guide

For Couples

- **Traditional-Minded Women**: Bravely express inner needs—don't be bound by traditions - **All Couples**: Enhance emotional expression ability—honest communication is key to relationship improvement

For Therapists

- **Personalized Assessment**: Fully understand partners' personal characteristics before treatment - **Targeted Guidance**: Provide special attention to tradition-heavy, emotionally weak partners

For the Public

- **Understanding Tolerance**: Respect different gender role concepts - **Break Stereotypes**: Create more inclusive social atmosphere

Summary and Outlook

This study provides important clues for understanding EFT outcome differences. With future research, we hope to customize more effective treatment plans for each couple, helping more people achieve happy intimate relationships.

Remember, good intimate relationships require mutual effort—EFT therapy is like providing relationships with "emotional medicine," with the key being finding the right "dosage method" for yourself.