Efficacy of face to face and internet-applied methods of cognitive-behavioral group counseling based on Ellis’s theory in increasing marital satisfaction

Aim and Background

This study was aimed to compare the efficacy of face to face and internet-applied methods of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Counseling (CBGC) based on Ellis’s theory in increasing marital satisfaction. Method and Materials: In a controlled experimental pre-post test study, a total number of 36 couples with low marital satisfaction referred to a university counseling center were randomly selected. They were then randomly assigned to one control and two experimental groups. The two different methods of CBGC were applied for the two experimental groups. Data was analyzed using the one-way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) and the post-hoc Sheffeh’s test through the SPSS-12 software.

A significant higher increase was seen in marital satisfaction in both intervention groups compared with the control one (P<0.05). Face to face group counseling was more effective than internetapplied method in improving some components of marital satisfaction such as financial management, leisure time management and personality issues (P<0.05).

For solving marital problems, internet-applied group counseling can be regarded as a good substitute for the face to face method in special conditions.