The effectiveness of “Functional Family Therapy” on Self Differentiation and Marital Satisfaction of Married Students

Marital satisfaction and differentiation are the determining factors in maintaining and strengthening the family. The aim of this study was the effectiveness of "Functional Family Therapy” on self-differentiation and marital satisfaction in married students of Qom Azad University.

The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test-follow-up design with control group. The population of the present study included all married students of Qom Azad University. From this number, 30 students were selected in a purposeful and convenience method and were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group by lottery. "Functional Family Therapy” consisted of 9 sessions of 90 minutes. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the "Differentiation of Self Inventory" and the "Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale". Content validity was measured by qualitative method and reliability was measured by internal consistency method by calculating Cronbachchr('39')s alpha coefficient. To collect data, "Functional Family Therapy" training was performed on the intervention group in 9 sessions of 90 minutes. Data were analyzed in SPSS. 24. 

"Functional Family Therapy" is effective in increasing Self differentiation (P=0.000, F=2.111) and there is a significant difference between the stages of assessment of differentiation between intervention and control groups. Also, "Functional Family Therapy" is effective in increasing marital satisfaction (P= 0.000, F=1.22) and there is a significant difference between the stages of marital satisfaction assessment between intervention and control groups and this effect is lasting.

"Functional Family Therapy" increases marital satisfaction and self-differentiation of married students. Therefore, teaching the mentioned method should be considered in promoting marital satisfaction and self-differentiation of married people.