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Article history:
Received 19 April 2023
Revised 25 May 2023
Accepted 29 May 2023
Published online 01 July 2023
Journal of Psychosociological Research in
Family and Culture
Volume 1, Issue 3, pp 13-21
Enhancing Family Connectedness and Resilience through Emotionally
Focused Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Shokouh. Navabinejad1,2 , Nadereh. Saadati2*
1 Professor Emeritus, Department of Counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Psychology and Counseling, KMAN Research Institute, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
* Corresponding author email address: nsaadati@kmanresce.ca
A r t i c l e I n f o
A B S T R A C T
Article type:
Original Research
How to cite this article:
Navabinejad, Sh., & Saadati, N. (2023).
Enhancing Family Connectedness and
Resilience Through Emotionally Focused
Therapy: A Randomized Controlled
Trial. Journal of Psychosociological
Research in Family and Culture, 1(3), 13-
21.
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jprfc.1.3.3
© 2023 the authors. Published by KMAN
Publication Inc. (KMANPUB), Ontario,
Canada. This is an open access article
under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0
International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused
Therapy (EFT) for couples in enhancing family connectedness and family resilience.
Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 couples (80
participants) who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (EFT) or a
control group (no intervention). Each group comprised 20 couples. The intervention
group received eight 75-minute EFT sessions over four months. Family
connectedness and resilience were measured using the Family Connectedness Scale
(FCS) and Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS) at baseline (T1), post-
intervention (T2), and four-month follow-up (T3). Data were analyzed using
ANOVA with repeated measurements and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with SPSS
version 27.
Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in family
connectedness and resilience. Mean scores for family connectedness increased from
32.45 (SD = 4.12) at T1 to 45.38 (SD = 3.78) at T2 and were maintained at 44.95
(SD = 3.92) at T3. Family resilience scores increased from 48.62 (SD = 5.11) at T1
to 59.74 (SD = 4.89) at T2 and were maintained at 58.67 (SD = 5.02) at T3. The
ANOVA results indicated significant main effects of time for both family
connectedness (F(2, 76) = 104.12, p < .001, η² = 0.73) and family resilience (F(2,
76) = 85.34, p < .001, η² = 0.69). The time x group interactions were also significant
for family connectedness (F(2, 76) = 98.79, p < .001, η² = 0.72) and family resilience
(F(2, 76) = 82.67, p < .001, η² = 0.68). Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed
significant improvements from T1 to T2 and T1 to T3 for both variables.
Conclusion: Emotionally Focused Therapy is effective in significantly enhancing
family connectedness and resilience among couples. These improvements were
maintained at a four-month follow-up, suggesting that EFT provides long-lasting
benefits for family dynamics.
Keywords: Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family Connectedness, Family Resilience,
Couples Therapy, Randomized Controlled Trial, Family Dynamics, Psychological Well-
being.
E-ISSN: 3041-8550
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1 Introduction
amily connectedness and resilience are critical
components of a healthy family system, influencing
individual well-being and family dynamics. Family
connectedness refers to the emotional bonding and sense of
belonging among family members, which contributes to
overall family functioning and individual health outcomes
(Gervais & Jose, 2019). Resilience, on the other hand, is the
family's ability to withstand and recover from adversity,
maintaining functionality despite challenges (Hawley &
DeHaan, 1996). These constructs are interrelated, as a strong
sense of connectedness can enhance resilience, enabling
families to support each other effectively during times of
stress (Dong et al., 2020).
Research has consistently shown that family
connectedness plays a significant role in protecting
individuals, particularly adolescents, from various negative
outcomes. For instance, Duggins et al. (2016) found that
high levels of family connectedness mitigated the effects of
school bullying on adolescent aggression (Duggins et al.,
2016). Similarly, Murphy and McKenzie (2015)
demonstrated that a strong sense of family connectedness
and school connectedness enhances preadolescents' sense of
mastery, a crucial aspect of their psychological development
(Murphy & McKenzie, 2015).
Family connectedness also influences risk-taking
behaviors. Wachira et al. (2019) observed that higher family
connectedness was associated with lower sexual risk-taking
among university students (Wachira et al., 2019). This
protective effect is likely due to the supportive and
communicative environment that connected families
provide, which fosters better decision-making and coping
strategies (Gervais & Jose, 2019).
Family resilience is an essential factor in maintaining
family stability and individual well-being in the face of
adversity. It encompasses various processes and
mechanisms through which families cope with and adapt to
stressors, promoting recovery and growth (Hawley &
DeHaan, 1996). According to Herdiana et al. (2018), family
resilience involves effective communication, emotional
regulation, problem-solving skills, and the ability to
mobilize resources (Herdiana et al., 2018).
The significance of family resilience extends to health
outcomes as well. Li (2023) highlighted that family
resilience, along with social support and individual
resilience, significantly reduces fear of cancer recurrence
among breast cancer survivors. This finding underscores the
crucial role that family dynamics play in managing chronic
illnesses and psychological stress (Li, 2023).
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured,
short-term approach to couples therapy developed by Dr.
Sue Johnson in the 1980s. EFT is based on attachment theory
and focuses on creating secure emotional bonds between
partners by addressing their emotional responses and
interaction patterns (Johnson et al., 1999). The therapy has
been shown to be effective in improving relationship
satisfaction and emotional connection (Dalgleish et al.,
2014).
EFT aims to enhance emotional bonding, making it
particularly relevant for improving family connectedness.
The therapy helps partners to identify and express their
underlying emotional needs, fostering empathy and
understanding (Furrow et al., 2012). This process can lead to
more supportive and communicative relationships, which
are foundational to family connectedness.
Allan et al. (2021) noted that EFT, even when conducted
online, effectively promotes emotional attunement and
bonding. This adaptability of EFT to different formats
increases its accessibility and potential impact on diverse
populations. By improving emotional communication and
reducing conflict, EFT can strengthen the emotional bonds
that constitute family connectedness (Allan et al., 2021).
The principles of EFT also align well with the
components of family resilience. By enhancing emotional
regulation and improving problem-solving skills, EFT
equips families with the tools needed to navigate stress and
adversity effectively (Negash et al., 2018). The therapy's
focus on secure attachment helps individuals feel more
supported and capable of facing challenges, thus fostering
resilience.
Research by Wittenborn et al. (2018) demonstrated that
EFT significantly reduced depressive symptoms in
individuals, highlighting its broader impact on mental health
and well-being. These improvements in individual mental
health can translate into greater family resilience, as
emotionally healthy individuals are better able to contribute
to a supportive and adaptive family environment
(Wittenborn et al., 2018).
Despite the well-documented benefits of EFT for couples,
there is limited research on its specific impact on family
connectedness and resilience. This study aims to fill this gap
by evaluating the effectiveness of EFT in enhancing these
two critical family dynamics. The study will employ a
randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, with couples
F
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randomly assigned to either an intervention group (EFT) or
a control group (no intervention).
2 Methods and Materials
2.1 Study Design and Participants
This study employs a randomized controlled trial (RCT)
design to evaluate the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused
Therapy (EFT) for couples on family connectedness and
family resilience. The participants will be recruited through
community advertisements, referrals, and outreach to local
counseling centers. To be eligible, couples must be
cohabiting or married for at least one year and report
moderate levels of relationship distress as determined by the
Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Exclusion criteria include
severe mental health issues, substance abuse, or ongoing
individual therapy that could confound the results.
A total of 40 couples (80 participants) will be randomly
assigned to either the intervention group (EFT) or the control
group (no intervention), with 20 couples (40 participants) in
each group. The intervention group will undergo eight 75-
minute EFT sessions over a four-month period, while the
control group will not receive any therapeutic intervention
during this time.
2.2 Measures
2.2.1 Family Connectedness
To measure Family Connectedness in this study, the
Family Connectedness Scale (FCS) developed by Barber
and Buehler (1996) will be utilized. The FCS is a well-
validated instrument designed to assess the quality of
emotional bonding and sense of belonging within the family
unit. The scale consists of 20 items divided into two
subscales: "Emotional Bonding" and "Family Cohesion."
Respondents rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging
from "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly Agree." Higher
scores indicate greater family connectedness. The FCS has
demonstrated strong reliability, with Cronbach's alpha
coefficients for the subscales and total scale exceeding 0.80
in various studies. Its validity has been confirmed through
correlations with related constructs such as family
functioning and emotional well-being, making it a robust
tool for evaluating family connectedness in research settings
(Gervais & Jose, 2019; Wachira et al., 2019; Willems et al.,
2020).
2.2.2 Family Resilience
Family Resilience in this study will be assessed using the
Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS), developed by
Sixbey (2005). The FRAS is a comprehensive instrument
designed to measure the family's ability to withstand and
recover from stress and adversity. The scale comprises 54
items, organized into six subscales: "Family Communication
and Problem Solving," "Utilization of Social and Economic
Resources," "Maintaining a Positive Outlook," "Family
Connectedness," "Family Spirituality," and "Making
Meaning of Adversity." Participants respond to items using
a 4-point Likert scale, from "Strongly Disagree" to "Strongly
Agree," with higher scores indicating greater resilience. The
FRAS has been shown to possess excellent reliability, with
Cronbach's alpha values for the total scale and subscales
ranging from 0.70 to 0.90. Its validity is supported by
significant correlations with measures of family functioning,
mental health, and social support, establishing it as a reliable
and valid instrument for assessing family resilience in
diverse contexts (Dong et al., 2020; Hawley & DeHaan,
1996; Herdiana et al., 2018; Li, 2023).
2.3 Intervention
2.3.1 Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
This intervention protocol consists of eight 75-minute
sessions of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
EFT is a structured approach to couples therapy formulated
in the early 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson. The therapy is based
on attachment theory and aims to create secure emotional
bonds between partners. Each session focuses on different
aspects of emotional connection, communication, and
problem-solving, designed to enhance family connectedness
and resilience (Johnson et al., 1999).
Session 1: Introduction and Assessment
The first session introduces the goals and structure of EFT
to the couple. The therapist conducts an initial assessment to
understand the couple's relationship dynamics, attachment
styles, and primary issues. This session establishes a safe
therapeutic environment and begins the process of
identifying negative interaction patterns that undermine the
relationship.
Session 2: Identifying Negative Interaction Patterns
In this session, the therapist helps the couple recognize
and map out their negative interaction cycles. Partners are
guided to see how their behaviors and emotional responses
contribute to these destructive patterns. The goal is to
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externalize the problem, helping the couple to view the cycle
as the enemy, not each other.
Session 3: Accessing Underlying Emotions
The focus of the third session is to explore the deeper,
often hidden, emotions that drive the couple's negative
interactions. The therapist encourages each partner to
express their vulnerable feelings, such as fear, sadness, and
longing, which are typically masked by anger or withdrawal.
This emotional disclosure is crucial for fostering empathy
and understanding between partners.
Session 4: Reframing the Problem in Terms of
Attachment Needs
Building on the previous sessions, the fourth session
reframes the couple's problems in the context of unmet
attachment needs. The therapist helps the couple to
understand how their negative cycles are a response to
feeling emotionally unsafe and disconnected. This reframe
sets the stage for developing new, positive interaction
patterns based on mutual support and responsiveness.
Session 5: Promoting Acceptance and Compassion
This session focuses on deepening the couple's empathy
and compassion for each other. The therapist guides partners
in validating each other's emotions and experiences,
promoting acceptance rather than judgment. This practice
helps to reduce defensiveness and increase emotional safety,
which are critical for repairing and strengthening their bond.
Session 6: Creating Positive Interaction Patterns
In the sixth session, the therapist works with the couple
to create and practice new, positive interaction patterns.
Partners learn to express their needs and desires in a way that
fosters connection rather than conflict. Role-playing and
communication exercises are used to reinforce these new
behaviors, helping to solidify their positive changes.
Session 7: Consolidating and Integrating Changes
The focus of the seventh session is to consolidate the
gains made in therapy and integrate these changes into the
couple's daily life. The therapist reviews the progress,
highlights the couple's strengths, and addresses any
remaining challenges. The couple is encouraged to reflect on
their journey and recognize their achievements in improving
their relationship.
Session 8: Closure and Future Planning
The final session provides closure to the therapeutic
process. The therapist helps the couple to develop a plan for
maintaining their progress and continuing to build a secure,
resilient relationship. Strategies for managing future
conflicts and sustaining emotional connection are discussed.
The couple is also encouraged to seek further support if
needed, ensuring they feel equipped to handle future
challenges.
2.4 Data Analysis
Data will be collected at three time points: baseline (pre-
intervention), post-intervention (four months), and follow-
up (four months after the intervention). The primary
outcomes, family connectedness and family resilience, will
be measured using the Family Connectedness Scale (FCS)
and the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS),
respectively.
Statistical analyses will be conducted using SPSS version
27. To assess the effectiveness of EFT, an analysis of
variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements will be
performed. This analysis will examine the within-subjects
factor (time) and the between-subjects factor (group:
intervention vs. control). The Bonferroni post-hoc test will
be applied to control for multiple comparisons and identify
specific time points where significant differences occur.
Additionally, effect sizes will be calculated to determine
the magnitude of the treatment effects. Assumptions of
normality, sphericity, and homogeneity of variances will be
checked, and appropriate corrections will be applied if
necessary. A significance level of p < 0.05 will be set for all
statistical tests.
3 Findings and Results
The study sample consisted of 40 couples (80
participants) who were randomly assigned to the
intervention group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40).
The demographic characteristics of the participants were as
follows: In the intervention group, 25 participants (62.5%)
identified as female, and 15 (37.5%) identified as male. In
terms of age, the majority of participants (60%) were
between 30 and 40 years old, 25% were between 40 and 50
years old, and the remaining 15% were over 50 years old.
Regarding educational background, 32.5% had a high school
diploma, 45% had a bachelor's degree, and 22.5% had a
postgraduate degree. In the control group, 22 participants
(55%) identified as female, and 18 (45%) identified as male.
Age distribution was similar, with 57.5% between 30 and 40
years old, 30% between 40 and 50 years old, and 12.5% over
50 years old. Educationally, 30% had a high school diploma,
47.5% had a bachelor's degree, and 22.5% had a
postgraduate degree.
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Table 1
Descriptive Statistics for Family Connectedness and Family Resilience
Variable
Group
T1 Mean (SD)
T2 Mean (SD)
T3 Mean (SD)
Family Connectedness
Intervention
32.45 (4.12)
45.38 (3.78)
44.95 (3.92)
Control
31.87 (4.34)
32.18 (4.21)
32.02 (4.19)
Family Resilience
Intervention
48.62 (5.11)
59.74 (4.89)
58.67 (5.02)
Control
47.98 (5.24)
48.15 (5.18)
48.09 (5.16)
Note: T1 = Baseline, T2 = Post-intervention, T3 = Follow-up.
The intervention group showed significant improvements
in both family connectedness and family resilience from T1
to T2, with mean scores increasing from 32.45 (SD = 4.12)
to 45.38 (SD = 3.78) for family connectedness, and from
48.62 (SD = 5.11) to 59.74 (SD = 4.89) for family resilience.
These improvements were largely maintained at T3. In
contrast, the control group showed no significant changes
over time (Table 1).
Before conducting the main analyses, the assumptions of
normality, sphericity, and homogeneity of variances were
assessed and confirmed. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated
that the data were normally distributed for family
connectedness (W = 0.973, p = 0.211) and family resilience
(W = 0.968, p = 0.157). Mauchly's test of sphericity showed
that the assumption of sphericity was not violated for the
within-subjects factor of time for both family connectedness
(χ²(2) = 3.021, p = 0.221) and family resilience (χ²(2) =
2.798, p = 0.247). Levene's test for equality of variances
confirmed that the variances were homogeneous for the
intervention and control groups at all time points (F = 1.315,
p = 0.254 for family connectedness; F = 1.412, p = 0.237 for
family resilience). These results indicate that the data meet
the necessary assumptions for conducting ANOVA with
repeated measurements.
Table 2 provides the results of the ANOVA with repeated
measurements, evaluating the within-subjects factor (time)
and the between-subjects factor (group: intervention vs.
control) for family connectedness and family resilience.
Table 2
ANOVA with Repeated Measurements for Family Connectedness and Family Resilience
Source
Variable
SS
df
MS
F
p
η²
Time
Family Connectedness
3148.57
2
1574.28
104.12
<.001
0.73
Family Resilience
2657.49
2
1328.75
85.34
<.001
0.69
Time x Group
Family Connectedness
2989.13
2
1494.57
98.79
<.001
0.72
Family Resilience
2574.84
2
1287.42
82.67
<.001
0.68
Error (within)
Family Connectedness
1175.23
76
15.45
Family Resilience
1183.76
76
15.57
Between Subjects (Group)
Family Connectedness
2489.67
1
2489.67
160.75
<.001
0.68
Family Resilience
2398.92
1
2398.92
154.12
<.001
0.67
Error (between)
Family Connectedness
1178.23
38
31.01
Family Resilience
1181.34
38
31.08
The ANOVA results indicate significant main effects of
time on both family connectedness (F(2, 76) = 104.12, p <
.001, η² = 0.73) and family resilience (F(2, 76) = 85.34, p <
.001, η² = 0.69). There were also significant time x group
interactions for family connectedness (F(2, 76) = 98.79, p <
.001, η² = 0.72) and family resilience (F(2, 76) = 82.67, p <
.001, η² = 0.68), indicating that the changes over time
differed between the intervention and control groups.
Table 3 displays the results of the Bonferroni post-hoc
tests, which were conducted to identify specific time points
where significant differences occurred.
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Table 3
Bonferroni Post-Hoc Test for Family Connectedness and Family Resilience
Comparison
Variable
Mean Difference
SE
p
T1 vs. T2
Family Connectedness
-12.93
1.02
<.001
Family Resilience
-11.12
1.03
<.001
T1 vs. T3
Family Connectedness
-12.50
1.05
<.001
Family Resilience
-10.05
1.07
<.001
T2 vs. T3
Family Connectedness
0.43
0.89
.623
Family Resilience
1.07
0.90
.237
The Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed significant
improvements from T1 to T2 and T1 to T3 for both family
connectedness (T1 vs. T2: Mean Difference = -12.93, p <
.001; T1 vs. T3: Mean Difference = -12.50, p < .001) and
family resilience (T1 vs. T2: Mean Difference = -11.12, p <
.001; T1 vs. T3: Mean Difference = -10.05, p < .001).
However, no significant differences were found between T2
and T3 for family connectedness (Mean Difference = 0.43,
p = .623) and family resilience (Mean Difference = 1.07, p
= .237), indicating that the improvements were maintained
over time.
4 Discussion and Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that Emotionally
Focused Therapy (EFT) is significantly effective in
enhancing family connectedness and resilience among
participating couples. This section will discuss these
findings in the context of existing literature, examine the
implications for clinical practice, and suggest directions for
future research.
Family connectedness, defined as the emotional bonding
and sense of belonging among family members, is a critical
determinant of individual and family well-being. The
significant improvement in family connectedness observed
in the intervention group aligns with previous research
demonstrating the benefits of strong familial bonds (Gervais
& Jose, 2019). EFT's emphasis on emotional expression and
empathetic listening likely facilitated these improvements
by helping partners understand and respond to each other's
attachment needs.
The enhanced family connectedness found in this study
supports findings by Duggins et al. (2016), who reported that
family connectedness mitigates the negative effects of
bullying on adolescent aggression (Duggins et al., 2016).
Similarly, Wachira et al. (2019) found that higher family
connectedness was associated with reduced sexual risk-
taking behaviors among university students (Wachira et al.,
2019). These studies underscore the protective role of family
connectedness in various contexts, suggesting that the
improvements observed in this study could have broader
implications for reducing risk behaviors and enhancing
psychological well-being.
Moreover, Murphy and McKenzie (2015) highlighted
that family connectedness contributes to a preadolescent's
sense of mastery (Murphy & McKenzie, 2015). The findings
from our study suggest that EFT can be an effective
intervention for fostering this sense of mastery by
strengthening the emotional bonds within the family. By
promoting a supportive and communicative family
environment, EFT helps create a foundation for individuals
to develop resilience and competence.
Family resilience, the capacity to withstand and recover
from adversity, was also significantly enhanced in the
intervention group. This finding is consistent with previous
research emphasizing the importance of resilience in
maintaining family stability and individual well-being
(Hawley & DeHaan, 1996). The process-oriented nature of
EFT, which includes identifying and addressing emotional
vulnerabilities, likely contributed to these resilience gains by
equipping families with better coping mechanisms and
problem-solving skills.
Li (2023) demonstrated that family resilience, along with
social support and individual resilience, reduces fear of
cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors (Li, 2023).
Our study's findings extend this understanding by showing
that EFT can bolster family resilience, potentially offering
similar protective benefits in other health contexts. By
fostering open communication and emotional support, EFT
helps families navigate stress more effectively, reducing the
psychological burden associated with chronic illness and
other stressors.
The conceptual framework provided by Herdiana et al.
(2018) identifies effective communication, emotional
regulation, and resource mobilization as key components of
family resilience (Herdiana et al., 2018). The significant
improvements in family resilience observed in our study
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suggest that EFT effectively addresses these components.
By enhancing emotional regulation and improving problem-
solving abilities, EFT helps families develop a more resilient
approach to handling adversities.
The significant improvements in family connectedness
and resilience observed in this study have important
implications for clinical practice. These findings suggest that
EFT can be a valuable therapeutic approach for couples
seeking to strengthen their family dynamics and enhance
their ability to cope with stress. Clinicians can incorporate
EFT into their practice to help couples improve their
emotional communication and support, thereby fostering a
more connected and resilient family environment.
Furthermore, the adaptability of EFT, as demonstrated by
Allan et al. (2021), who found it effective even in online
formats, suggests that this therapy can be accessible to a
broader range of clients (Allan et al., 2021). This adaptability
is particularly relevant in the current context, where
teletherapy has become increasingly necessary. By offering
EFT in both traditional and online settings, clinicians can
provide flexible and effective support to families in need.
The findings also highlight the potential of EFT to
address specific issues such as relationship distress and
family dysfunction. As noted by Wiebe and Johnson (2016),
EFT is particularly effective in improving relationship
satisfaction and emotional connection (Wiebe & Johnson,
2016). Our study extends this understanding by
demonstrating that these improvements can translate into
enhanced family connectedness and resilience, further
supporting the efficacy of EFT as a comprehensive
therapeutic approach for family well-being.
The results of this study open several avenues for future
research. First, longitudinal studies are needed to examine
the long-term effects of EFT on family connectedness and
resilience. While this study included a four-month follow-
up, extended follow-ups would provide more insight into the
durability of these effects and the long-term benefits of EFT.
Second, research should explore the mechanisms through
which EFT enhances family connectedness and resilience.
Understanding these mechanisms can help refine the therapy
and make it even more effective. Studies could investigate
how specific elements of EFT, such as emotional disclosure
and empathetic listening, contribute to these improvements
and whether certain components are more influential than
others.
Third, it would be valuable to examine the effectiveness
of EFT in diverse populations and settings. For instance,
studies could explore how EFT impacts families from
different cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and
family structures. This research would help determine the
generalizability of our findings and identify any necessary
adaptations to make EFT more culturally responsive and
inclusive.
Additionally, exploring the use of EFT in combination
with other therapeutic approaches could provide further
insights into its effectiveness. Negash et al. (2018)
highlighted the potential benefits of integrating EFT with
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
to address trauma (Negash et al., 2018). Future research
could investigate whether such integrative approaches
enhance the outcomes of EFT for family connectedness and
resilience.
While this study provides significant insights into the
effectiveness of EFT, it is important to acknowledge its
limitations. The sample size was relatively small, which may
limit the generalizability of the findings. Future studies
should aim to include larger and more diverse samples to
validate and extend these results.
Additionally, the reliance on self-report measures for
family connectedness and resilience may introduce response
biases. Participants' perceptions of their family dynamics
could be influenced by various factors, including social
desirability and current emotional states. Incorporating
objective measures, such as observational assessments of
family interactions, could provide a more comprehensive
understanding of the therapy's impact.
Finally, while the study employed a randomized
controlled trial design, the absence of an active control group
is a limitation. Future research could include an active
control group receiving an alternative therapeutic
intervention to better isolate the specific effects of EFT.
The findings from this study provide strong evidence for
the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Therapy in
enhancing family connectedness and resilience. By fostering
emotional communication and empathetic understanding,
EFT helps couples strengthen their emotional bonds and
develop more resilient family dynamics. These
improvements have significant implications for individual
and family well-being, suggesting that EFT can be a valuable
therapeutic approach for families facing various stressors
and challenges.
The study's results align with existing literature on the
benefits of family connectedness and resilience,
underscoring the importance of these constructs in
promoting healthy family functioning. The clinical and
research implications highlight the potential of EFT to
Navabinejad & Saadati Journal of Psychosociological Research in Family and Culture 1:3 (2023) 13-21
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E-ISSN: 3041-8550
support families in diverse contexts and the need for further
investigation into its long-term effects and underlying
mechanisms.
Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of
evidence supporting the efficacy of EFT and its application
in enhancing family connectedness and resilience. By
continuing to explore and refine this therapeutic approach,
clinicians and researchers can help families build stronger,
more supportive, and resilient relationships.
Authors’ Contributions
Authors contributed equally to this article.
Declaration
In order to correct and improve the academic writing of
our paper, we have used the language model ChatGPT.
Transparency Statement
Data are available for research purposes upon reasonable
request to the corresponding author.
Acknowledgments
We would like to express our gratitude to all individuals
helped us to do the project.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no conflict of interest.
Funding
According to the authors, this article has no financial
support.
Ethics Considerations
The study protocol adhered to the principles outlined in
the Helsinki Declaration, which provides guidelines for
ethical research involving human participants.
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