A Study of Impact of Group Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Depression Reduction and Increase of Marital Satisfaction in Married Women

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems and one fifth of people experience depression in some levels of their life. Depression is a state which influences mood and reduces activities and can affect thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical problems. This study aims to investigate the influence of group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on reducing depression and increasing marital satisfaction in married women referred to counseling centers in Ahvaz, southern Iran. The subjects were selected based on sampling method by the researcher's recall. Then, all the women who responded to the recalls achieved short-form of Beck’s Depression inventory and short-form Questionnaire of Marital Satisfaction. In addition, clinical diagnostic interview based on DSM-IV-TR was used to evaluate their Marital Satisfaction and Depression. In the next phase, test and control groups were randomly placed in a cut off two instruments and clinical interview of 28 patients. Experimental groups were treated in 7 sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. At the end of intervention, both were re-evaluated (post-test). And after a month, the same instruments were applied (follow-up). The results of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that the ratio of pre-test and post-test differences in the rates of depression related to the test and control groups was equal to (80/63), F ratio obtained between the two groups GD related test and followed the equal rates of depression (F=2/12) analysis of variance and differences related to pre-test scores and marital satisfaction in the test groups and control test was F=109/44 and analysis of variance related to differences step after step follow-up test related to marital satisfaction test and control groups was equal to (F= 0/960). Analysis revealed that this type of treatment resulted in decreasing levels of depression and is stable over time. It also led to increased levels of marital satisfaction scores in the experimental group, but in stage after stage of the follow-up test, there was no significant difference in the experimental group's marital satisfaction. This can be attributed to the gender limitation of the study, while the components of marital satisfaction are multidimensional and can influence the spouse’s stability and change.