Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Comparing two therapies for depression and anxiety in married couples

Official title: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy and Behavioral Couples Therapy in Reducing Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Married Couples

Run by Beykoz University · NCT06892613 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing which therapy, Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy or Behavioral Couples Therapy, helps married couples with depression and anxiety feel better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorBeykoz University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 1, 2025
Main results expectedAugust 1, 2025
Study endsSeptember 15, 2025
Registry record updatedMarch 25, 2025
Trial IDNCT06892613 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are married couples aged 18-65 who have been married for at least one year and are experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety.

Probably not a fit

Patients with current or past psychiatric diagnoses, severe mental health disorders, or those undergoing psychological therapy may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) versus Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety among married couples. A total of 150 couples aged 18-65 will be screened, and 60 couples with significant symptoms will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: EFCT, BCT, or a control group. The therapy sessions will occur weekly for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted before therapy, after the 6th and 12th sessions, and at a 3-month follow-up to measure mental health outcomes. The goal is to identify which therapy yields better results in improving the mental well-being of couples.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective therapeutic options for couples struggling with depression and anxiety, enhancing their mental health and relationship quality.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar therapeutic approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Married couples aged between 18 and 65 years
* Married for at least one year
* No current psychiatric diagnosis or history of psychiatric treatment
* Not receiving any form of psychological therapy at the time of recruitment
* Ability to provide informed consent
* Willingness to participate in all therapy sessions and assessments

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or past psychiatric diagnosis (excluding mild transient conditions)
* Ongoing psychological therapy or psychiatric treatment
* Severe mental health disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), Substance abuse or dependency
* Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation
* Refusal to participate in follow-up assessments

Where it's running

  • Beykoz University
    Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.