Comparison of the Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy and Couple Therapy Based on Self-Regulation on Coping Strategies and Couples Self- Control

This study was conducted to investigate and compare the effectiveness of MCT (Metacognitive therapy) and couple therapy based on self-regulation on coping strategies and couple self-control.
This is a quasi-experimental study including a pretest, a posttest, and a follow-up conducted on two experimental groups and one control group. The research sample included 60 couples Referred counseling centers in Khorramabad County. For first experimental group training based on the self-regulation method, and for the second experimental group, MCT-based training conducted. The participants complete Lazarus and Folkman’s Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) and Tanji’s Self-Control questionnaire in three steps.
Findings: The results of ANCOVA indicated that both methods, based on self-regulation and MCT, improved coping strategies and couple behavior control significantly. The self-regulation method had a greater and more long-lasting effect on the improvement in couple coping strategies. Likewise, the MCT method had greater impacts on couple effective control and self-control training. Moreover, changes in the one-month follow-up were persistent. Couple coping strategies can be improved by training in the MCT and self-regulation methods which can have positive effects on the mechanisms of behavior modification among couples. Therefore, these couples will be capable of controlling behavior and coping strategies.