Impact of Imago Relationship Therapy on Covert Relational Aggression and Family Cohesion Among Veteran Couples

Abstract

Background: Covert relational aggression (CRA) can significantly disrupt family cohesion and marital well-being, and its effects may be amplified in veteran couples due to the specific stressors associated with military experiences. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) on reducing CRA and enhancing family cohesion among veteran couples. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental, pre-test-post-test-follow-up control group design. The study population comprised all couples with veteran spouses who presented at veteran counseling and rehabilitation centers in Ahvaz during the fall of 2023. Thirty-two participants were recruited via convenience sampling, adhering to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and subsequently assigned to either the experimental (n = 16) or control (n = 16) group. Both groups completed the Couples Relational Aggression and Victimization Scale (CRAViS) and the Family Cohesion Scale (FCS) at pre-test and post-test. The experimental group received IRT delivered across ten 90-minute weekly sessions, while the control group received no intervention during this period. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results revealed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in both CRA and family cohesion at the post-test stage (P < 0.01). The IRT resulted in a decrease in CRA and an increase in family cohesion among veteran couples. This difference between the two groups was also observed at the follow-up stage. Conclusions: The IRT effectively reduced CRA and increased family cohesion among veteran couples, with statistically significant improvements observed at both post-test and follow-up. These findings suggest that this therapeutic approach offers a promising and enduring intervention for enhancing relational dynamics and well-being in this population.