The Effect of Conflict Resolution Training on Marital Satisfaction in Couples Referring to Counseling Centers in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Background:Marital conflicts are among the most common problems in today’s society. Conflicts are unavoidable since people have different viewpoints, personalities, and goals. Marital conflicts can ultimately lead to divorce. This study aimed to assess the effects of conflict resolution training on marital satisfaction in a sample of Iranian couples. Methods:This interventional and clinical trial was performed in 2011 in the counseling centers of Shiraz, southern Iran. 56 couples, having the necessary inclusion criteria, were randomly selected using the convenient sampling method. These couples had moderate to severe scores of conflicts (>60) according to the marital conflict questionnaire. The participants were divided into experimental and control groups, using random block allocation. Then the experimental group was randomly subdivided into three groups. The experimental group received 10 sessions of conflict resolution skills training, twice a week, lasting for 1.5 hours. The level of conflict and marital satisfaction was checked before, immediately, and one month after the intervention in the experimental groups, and before and one month after the intervention in the control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16.Results:Both groups were demographically homogenous with no statistically significant difference. The difference in the mean scores of marital conflict and marital satisfaction before, immediately and one month after the intervention was statistically significant in the experimental groups (P<0.0001) but not in the control group. Conclusion:Conflict resolution training is effective in reducing marital conflicts. Therefore it can be recommended for couples who have marital conflicts.