Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy on Coping Styles and Emotion Regulation in Women Affected by Infidelity

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Schema Therapy (ST) on coping styles and emotion regulation in women affected by spousal infidelity. A semi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with a control group and a 3-month follow-up was conducted. The statistical population included married women affected by their husbands’ infidelity in Mashhad who responded to the workshop invitation on treating infidelity-related trauma. Forty-five eligible women were purposively selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (15 participants per group). The first experimental group received ten sessions of EFT, and the second received ten sessions of ST. Data were collected using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Gross & John, 2003) and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (Lazarus & Folkman, 1988). Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS version 27. The results indicated no significant difference between EFT and ST in improving problem-focused coping style (F=37.69, p<0.46) and emotion-focused coping style (F=61.38, p<0.51). However, EFT was significantly more effective than ST in enhancing emotion regulation among women affected by infidelity (F=27.89, p<0.017). Both therapeutic approaches can be applied to improve coping styles in women affected by marital infidelity; however, EFT is more effective for enhancing their emotional regulation. These findings provide valuable guidance for family therapists and counselors in designing culturally appropriate interventions to support couples impacted by infidelity.