Study Notes: Comparative Analysis of Reality Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Journal of Research in Psychopathology - Comparative Analysis of Therapy Effectiveness

Article Overview

  • Title: A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy training on the development of preventive and interventive self-control in incompatible couples.

  • Authors: Leila Mahmoudian, Firoozeh Zangane Motlagh, Mahdi Dehestani.

  • Institution: Islamic Azad University of Arak, Iran, and Payame Nur University, Tehran, Iran.

  • Publication Date: 2024/01/29

  • Volume: 5, No. 15, Pages: 39-45

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.22098/jrp.2024.11619.1137

Abstract

  • Purpose of Study: Compare the effectiveness of teaching Reality Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on self-control in incompatible couples.

  • Methodology: Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest and follow-up control group design. Sample size: 180 individuals from Mehrana Counseling Center in Tehran, 2019.

  • Data Collection Stages:

    • Stage 1: Participants’ feedback on Reality Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Couple and Family Therapy.

    • Stage 2: Individuals fill out The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS).

  • Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and inferential methods using SPSS 26. Statistically significant results at a P-value < 0.05, confirming study hypothesis with 95% confidence interval.

  • Conclusion: Reality Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are effective in developing self-control in incompatible couples.

Keywords

  • Self-Control, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Incompatible Couples.

Introduction

  • Marital Dynamics: Importance of support within marriage to meet emotional, mental, and sexual needs.

  • Marital Compatibility: Defined as satisfaction and happiness within marriage (Elmi & Yazdani, 2010).

  • Effects of Incompatibility: Leads to negative family impact and a potential lack of growth (Moini, 2016).

  • Self-Control Concept:

    • Defined as the ability to regulate responses to achieve goals and avoid negative behaviors (Cherry, 2022).

    • Higher self-control correlates with lower health risks (Kazemi Rezayi et al., 2018).

    • Functions as an internal monitoring system reflecting one’s maturity.

Levels of Self-Monitoring

  • High Self-Monitors: Adapt to social expectations (Grant, 2018).

  • Low Self-Monitors: Express themselves against social norms (Grant, 2018).

Self-Control in Relationships

  • Lower self-control correlates with dissatisfaction (Oweysi et al., 2015), commitment issues (Hadi et al., 2016), and infidelity tendencies (Khorram Abadi et al., 2018).

  • Preventive vs. Interventive Self-Control:

    • Preventive: General self-control often underutilized.

    • Interventive: Active endeavor to overcome obstacles and enhance performance.

Therapy Approaches

Reality Therapy

  • Based on William Glasser's Choice Theory.

  • Aims to help individuals face and understand their emotions rather than avoiding them.

  • Engages participants to manage their emotions constructively, fostering marital compatibility.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Focuses on reshaping individual thoughts to react to stressors positively.

  • Emphasizes current issues causing distress, committing to problem-solving while fostering healthier interactions (Asgari, 2011).

Method

Participants

  • Sample Size: 180 incompatible couples from Mehrana Counseling Center.

  • Selection Method: Convenience sampling based on Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores (Spanier, 1976).

  • Group Division: 45 participants grouped into 15 each for Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a control group.

Data Collection Instruments

  • The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS): 13-item measure assessing preventive (items 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 12) and interventive self-control components (items 3, 10, 11, 13).

    • Scoring Range: 13-65, higher scores indicate better self-control (Tangney et al., 2004).

    • Reliability: Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 to 0.88 in various studies.

  • Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS): 32-item scale evaluating marital compatibility.

    • Subscales: Dyadic Satisfaction, Cohesion, Consensus, Affective Expression.

    • Lower scores (≤100) indicate incompatibility.

    • Reliability: Cronbach's alpha reported at 0.84 - 0.96.

Sessions Overview

  • Reality Therapy Sessions (according to Glasser's Theory):

    1. Participant introductions and group bonding.

    2. Discuss relationship concepts.

    3. Decision-making importance.

    4. Impact of relationships on satisfaction.

    5. Substituting destructive behaviors with constructive ones.

    6. Controlling behaviors aligned with needs.

    7. Maintaining changes post-intervention.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Sessions (Dattilio & Epstein, 2015):

    1. Establishing connections.

    2. Identifying objectives and beliefs.

    3. Training in marital skills.

    4. Increasing positive interactions.

    5. Problem-solving techniques.

    6. Understanding sexual function in marriage.

Results

  • Demographics:

    • Age range: 25-35, with 51.1% aged 25-30.

    • Educational Background: 46.7% high school, 37.8% bachelor's, 15.6% master's degrees.

    • Financial Status: 48.9% reported poor financial conditions.

Data Analysis

  • Descriptive Statistics: Comparative mean scores from pretest and posttest for both therapies.

  • Post-Test Analysis: Indicated significant improvements in both therapeutic interventions concerning preventive and interventive self-control components.

Statistical Findings

  • P-Value: Findings were statistically significant (<0.05) throughout all tests conducted.

  • Effect Sizes: Large effect sizes found for both therapy methods with Reality Therapy showing slightly greater efficacy.

Discussion and Conclusion

  • Both therapies are effective, but Reality Therapy presents stronger outcomes in self-control development.

  • Stress the importance of self-monitoring and a realization of personal responsibility in managing behaviors leads to improved marital satisfaction.

  • Future Implications: Therapy should focus on enhancing internal control for better relationship dynamics, expanding the understanding of mental health vs. illness, offering practical solutions to marital incompatibility while addressing individual psychological needs.

Acknowledgments

  • Study funded through personal means by authors; gratitude expressed towards participants.

Conflict of Interest

  • No reported conflicts of interest.

References

  • Include full reference list from the article to ensure all citations are traceable and scholarly responsible.


Here's how information from the article "A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy training on the development of preventive and interventive self-control in incompatible couples" (Mahmoudian, Motlagh, & Dehestani, 2024) can be integrated into your essay sections:

How Do People Change?

  • Your theory of change can heavily rely on the concept of self-control. The article defines self-control as "the ability to regulate responses to achieve goals and avoid negative behaviors" (Cherry, 2022, as cited in Mahmoudian et al., 2024). This suggests that change occurs through the development and application of internal regulation, which helps individuals make better choices and avoid detrimental actions. The study highlights that higher self-control correlates with lower health risks and signifies maturity (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

  • Preventive vs. Interventive Self-Control: You can discuss how change involves moving from underutilized general self-control (preventive) to active, conscious efforts to overcome obstacles (interventive) (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

  • Reality Therapy's perspective on change: Change is facilitated by helping individuals "face and understand their emotions rather than avoiding them" and teaching them to "manage their emotions constructively" to foster marital compatibility. This emphasizes personal responsibility and present behavior (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

  • CBT's perspective on change: Change arises from "reshaping individual thoughts to react to stressors positively" and a commitment to "problem-solving while fostering healthier interactions" (Asgari, 2011, as cited in Mahmoudian et al., 2024). This highlights that altering cognitive patterns and developing practical skills are crucial for personal growth and behavioral modification.

  • Overall implication: The study concludes that both Reality Therapy and CBT are effective in "developing self-control in incompatible couples," reinforcing the idea that structured psychological interventions can drive significant internal and behavioral change (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

Counselor-Client Relationship

  • While the article doesn't explicitly detail the ideal counselor-client relationship, insights can be drawn from the session outlines:

    • Reality Therapy: The first session involves "participant introductions and group bonding," indicating an initial focus on establishing rapport and a safe, connected environment (Mahmoudian et al., 2024). The therapist's role implicitly involves guiding clients to manage emotions constructively.

    • CBT: Similarly, the initial CBT session emphasizes "establishing connections," crucial for building a foundational therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic process, with its focus on "training in marital skills" and "problem-solving techniques," suggests a collaborative and possibly more directive relationship where the therapist acts as an educator and facilitator of skill development (Mahmoudian et al., 2024). Professional boundaries are implied through the structured nature of the sessions.

Counseling Techniques

  • You can highlight foundational techniques from both therapies:

    • Reality Therapy Techniques (based on Glasser's Theory):

      1. Initial Group Bonding and Introductions: Essential for creating a trusting and open therapeutic environment in the early phases of therapy (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

      2. Discussion of Relationship Concepts and Decision-Making: Helps clients gain insight into their relational patterns and the power of their choices (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

      3. Substituting Destructive Behaviors with Constructive Ones: A direct intervention focusing on present behavior change to align actions with needs (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

      4. Controlling Behaviors Aligned with Needs: Encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and ensure they meet their fundamental needs (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques (based on Dattilio & Epstein, 2015):

      1. Establishing Connections: Vital in the early phase of therapy to build a strong, collaborative relationship and ensure client engagement (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

      2. Identifying Objectives and Beliefs: A core cognitive technique to help clients recognize and challenge maladaptive thought patterns that contribute to their distress (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

      3. Training in Marital Skills: Direct instruction and practice of communication, conflict resolution, and other interpersonal skills to enhance positive interactions (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

      4. Problem-Solving Techniques: Equips clients with practical strategies to systematically address current issues and reduce symptoms (Mahmoudian et al., 2024).

Multicultural Competence

  • The provided article does not contain information regarding multicultural awareness or competence in counseling. While the study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, it does not discuss the importance of being aware of multicultural issues when counseling diverse populations or research in this area (Mahmoudian et al., 2024). You will need to draw on other sources for this section.

Faith and Personal Influence

  • This academic journal article does not contain information on faith beliefs or personal/cultural background influencing counseling theory (Mahmoudian et al., 2024). This section of your essay will require personal reflection and integration of your own experiences and beliefs.

Conclusion

  • You can incorporate the article's main findings into your conclusion, such as: "The study concluded that both Reality Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are effective in developing self-control in incompatible couples, with Reality Therapy demonstrating slightly greater efficacy" (Mahmoudian et al., 2024). This reinforces how different therapeutic approaches can lead to positive outcomes in promoting self-regulation and improving relationship satisfaction. The findings stress the importance of "self-monitoring and a realization of personal responsibility in managing behaviors leads to improved marital satisfaction" (Mahmoudian et al., 2024), highlighting the significant role of internal control in relationship dynamics.