Comparison of the Effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Attachment Therapy on Attachment Styles in Contractually Engaged Students

hTe aim of the present study is to compare the schema-based and attachment therapeutic methods and to reveal their effects on “attachment styles” in students with contractual engagement marital status. The research was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design. The population included the students at the University of Kurdistan who registered in the marriage program organized by the Supreme Leader’s representative office at the University. 45 participants were recruited randomly from those who obtained low scores on a screening questionnaire (67 individuals).They were randomly assigned to three groups of Schema Therapy, Attachment Therapy, and Control - 15 participants for each. The research tool was Hazan and Shaver’s Adult Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ). Participants in each group took part in their related 10-session therapy with pre and post-tests as well as a 3-month follow-up. Data analysis method was one way ANOVA on difference scores. The results showed that in increasing “secure” attachment style attachment therapy effectiveness was significant (p<0.002). In decreasing “insecure” attachment style, attachment therapy effectiveness was significant (p<0.042) but in decreasing “ambivalent” attachment style none of methods were significantly effective. Attachment therapy method in decreasing the “insecure” attachment style and increasing “secure” attachment style is suitable and it is effective in consulting young couples.