Effect of an Indigenous Intervention Program for Strengthening Happiness Experiences on Marital Satisfaction, Marital Intimacy, and Couples' Happiness Experiences

Background: The quality of marital relationship and family function is a major global concern, especially in Iran. Indigenous contexts should be considered for identifying problems and effective measures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an indigenous intervention program for strengthening happiness experiences on marital satisfaction, marital intimacy, and couples' happiness experiences. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest, follow-up design and a control group. The study population included all couples living in Zanjan, from whom a sample of 30 couples was selected. The participants were divided into the intervention and control groups (n=15 per group). The intervention program was designed based on local capacities and qualitative study of happy couples. In the experimental group, the indigenous intervention of strengthening happiness experiences was performed. ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (short form), Thompson and Walker Intimacy Scale, and Yousefi Afrashteh Happiness Experience Questionnaire were used to collect data. Univariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that the designed indigenous intervention program had a positive effect on the three dependent variables of marital satisfaction (F=128 and size P<0.001), marital intimacy (F=57.43 and P=0.68), and happiness experiences (F=64.46 and P=0.70). This effect was also confirmed in the two-month follow-up (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, family counselors and planners need to consider an intervention program to enhance couples' happiness experiences in conflict resolution and family strengthening and enrichment programs.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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