Comparing brief psychoanalytic and emotionally focused couple therapies for relationship distress
Official title: Comparing the Efficacy of Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy in Reducing Relationship Distress and Psychopathological Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Beykoz University · NCT07100951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether brief psychoanalytic couple therapy or emotionally focused therapy better reduces relationship problems and related depression and anxiety in heterosexual couples with moderate to severe relationship distress.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 24 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Beykoz University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | July 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07100951 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Heterosexual couples aged 24–65 who have been together at least two years, with at least one partner scoring ≤30 on the DAS-32 and at least one partner showing mild to severe symptoms on the BDI-II or BAI are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Couples currently in individual or couple psychotherapy, using psychiatric medication in the past three months, with severe psychiatric disorders, active substance use disorder, or histories of severe partner violence are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 60 heterosexual couples and randomly assign them to Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy (BPCT) or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Each treatment arm delivers weekly online couple sessions (BPCT described as 12 × 50-minute sessions) by trained therapists, with pre- and post-treatment assessments. Primary outcomes include relationship satisfaction (DAS-32) and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and secondary outcomes include emotion regulation and adult attachment measures. The trial compares a well-established, attachment-based EFT approach with a less-studied psychoanalytic approach focused on unconscious relational patterns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify which therapy more effectively improves relationship satisfaction and reduces depression and anxiety, guiding clinicians toward better evidence-based couple treatments delivered online.
How similar studies have gone: EFT has a strong evidence base for reducing relationship distress and improving attachment, whereas BPCT is less empirically tested, making this head-to-head comparison partially novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where it's running
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Beykoz University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eda Yılmazer, Phd
- Email: edayilmazer@beykoz.edu.tr
- Phone: +905322575880
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.