FINDINGS

Among 20 couples participating in the present study, 10 couples in the acceptance and commitment group and 10 couples in the control group were evaluated before and after education using the research tools. The mean age of the subjects was 36.7 with a standard deviation of 6.3; the age range was from 26 to 53 years old categorized by groups. 3 (7.5%) had diploma degree, 20 (50%) had bachelor degree and 17 (42.5%) had master degree. In Tables 1, 2 and 3, details of each age and education and duration of marriage variables are presented in the two groups.

One of the other hypotheses of the covariance analysis test is the normal distribution of data. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test this hypothesis. The results of this test to observe the hypothesis of normalization of data distribution indicate that all marital adjustment subscales follow the normalization hypothesis (p>0.05).

Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity was performed to study the correlation between dependent variables. Since this test was statistically significant (qi = 263.21, p<0001); this indicates an adequate correlation between the dependent variables for the continuation of the analysis. (Table2)

Another pre-hypothesis for covariance analysis is studying the homogeneity regression. Considering that none of the marital adjustment scales is not significant in the homogeneity of regression (P> 0.05), it can be concluded that the hypothesis of regression coordination is established. (Table 3)

The evaluation of the data attributes showed that the statistical hypothesis of equivalence of variance-covariance matrices for quality of life components (Box’s M = 84.81, P <0.001) is not established. Therefore, Pillais index was used for the purpose of evaluating the significance of multivariate effects. Pillais index showed that the effect of the group on the linear combination of dependent variables was significant (Partial n2= 0.92, P<0.0001, F=83.07). In other words, there is a significant difference between two experiment and control groups in at least one of the marital adjustment components. (Table 4)

Single-variable ANOVA statistics was individually run for each dependent variable to determine the meaningful source of multi-variable effects. Tables 4-9 show that the group significantly affects marital satisfaction (Partial n2= 0.04, P<0.001, F= (1&38) =1), couple agreement (Partial n2= 0.03, P<0.001, F= (1&38) =8.70), couple correlation (Partial n2= 0.03, P<0.001, F= (1&38) =10.00) and couple adjustment (Partial n2= 0.03, P<0.001, F= (1&38) =3.76). The effect of group on expression of affection is not statistically significant (Partial n2= 0.01, P<0.005, F= (1&244) =3.76). (Table 5)

Click here for Table 1: Description of research variables

CONCLUSION

The research indicated that acceptance and commitment intervention significantly has increased marital adjustment of couples in the experiment group compared with the control group. These results were in line with the findings of the research done by Honarparvaran (2014), Baruch , Kanker& Busch (2012)(7, 9).

In explaining the results of this research we can say that according to the acceptance and commitment therapy, development and conflict and emotional distance in couples is due to the combination of useless controls of each one and empirical avoidance strategies in the relationship between husband and wife. Acceptance and commitment therapy seeks to undermine these processes and thus reduce the unnecessary suffering of couples, which is caused by empirical avoidance of each one. The main purpose of this kind of couple therapy is to help each husband and wife to be aware of their cognitive processes and their emotional reactions, either alone or in a two-person relationship; realize the values that keep them intact, and commit in practices that are consistent with these goals, even in the presence of unwanted thoughts and feelings. Couples usually avoid situations related with injury, rejection or conflict. Acceptance and commitment therapy teaches couples to get close to the unwanted intrinsic thoughts and feelings and physical states associated with these dynamics and patterns of communication. It is clearly shown that when one of the couples emotionally feels harmed or weakened, he/she goes into emotional distance. However the emotional distance protects individuals and reduces emotional distress in the future, the conscious acceptance of such thoughts is practiced in ways that target couples’ emotional communication and intimacy. As couples begin to use these skills and strategies, they become able to approach previous avoidance situations. Approaching the thoughts and feelings associated with previous avoidance and practice in line with the value of bilateral relationships provides an opportunity for couples to provide a stronger relationship (12). According to Hoffman Hofmann & Asmundson (2008), ACT encourages couples to connect and engage with true values of their lives. From the perspective of ACT, avoidance of experiences creates a harmful process that engages in the development and expansion of marital and family conflicts(13).Greco and Eifert (2004) also write about the effectiveness of focusing exercises; they believe these exercises help a person directly contact with stressful events, especially at the treatment sessions and experience the unpleasant thoughts and emotions instead of controlling or struggling with them(14).The person not only has the full experience of thoughts and emotions, but also allows the spouse to have such an experience(15).

In explaining the results, the acceptance and commitment therapy allows couples to focus on changing relationships with their inner experiences, minimizing empirical avoidance and increasing flexibility and increasing action in valuable ways. Changing relationships with internal experiences involves expanding and clarifying inner consciousness. In addition, it emphasizes the strengthening of an experienced non-judgmental relationship. Correction and strengthening self-compassion (a concept that is opposed by judgment and critique) is an important aspect of this therapy; so that reaction, fear and unjustified judgments are reduced immediately. Ultimately, the purpose of this therapy is to experience the thoughts, feelings and senses as naturally occurring (16, 17). In general, interventions based on this approach have helped couples to resolve conflicts with their spouse, initiating a new and positive relationship trying to reduce their marital problems and ultimately increase their marital adjustment.

Acknowledgements
The researcher appreciates all those involved in the implementation of this research, as well as all the participants in the study.