The Effect of a Combined Attachment and Mindfulness Training Program on Marital Quality in Spouses with Attachment Injury

attachment-related injuries can impact the quality of couples’ relationships. This study examines the effect of a combined program integrating attachment and relationship mindfulness training on the marital quality of newly married partners with attachment injury.

The study employed a semi-experimental design using a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The sample included all 20- to 30-year-old couples with attachment injury who sought counseling services at psychological centers in Tehran’s Districts 5 and 13 in 2024. From this target population, 32 participants were selected through purposive sampling and then randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (16 participants in each group). Data collection instruments included the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) and Relational-Connectivity Scale RCS. The experimental group received the combined attachment and mindfulness training in relationship over eight 90-minute sessions, while the control group received no intervention and remained on a waiting list. Post-tests were conducted following the sessions, with a follow-up assessment two months later. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS26.

The findings indicated that the combined attachment and mindfulness training program significantly improved marital quality in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001, F = 100.46) with an effect size of 0.77. Relationship quality scores in the experimental group increased significantly and these improvements remained substantial at the follow-up stage.

This study underscores the importance of implementing educational approaches in marital relationships and suggests that similar programs be introduced across diverse communities to enhance marital quality. The findings can guide counselors and marital specialists in adopting more effective approaches when working with newly married couples with insecure attachment styles.