The effect of the acceptance and commitment therapy directed premarital relationship strengthening program on psychological flexibility and relationship acceptance

In this study, the effects of ACT-Oriented Premarital Relationship Strengthening Program (ACT-PRSP) on psychological flexibility and relationship acceptance were examined. Participants of the study consisted of couples who had been in a relationship for six months and whose immediate families (at least of the partners') know about the ongoing romantic relationship or those who were engaged. The study was designed as quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test, follow-up with control group. Data were collected through Psychological Flexibility Scale (PFS) and Relationship Acceptance Questionnaire (RAQ). As a part of the research, Relationship Acceptance Questionnaire was adapted to Turkish. In addition, 8-week ACT-PRSP was developed based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, supported by Social Learning Theory, Client-Centered Theory and Psycho-social Development Theory. In order to test the effectiveness of the program, it was applied with 6 couples. 3 of these couples were assigned to the experimental group, and 3 to the control group. ACT-PRSP was applied to the experimental group, and no application was made with the control group as there was no request from the participants. Mann Whitney U and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used in the analysis of the data, and the Clinical Significance test was used to examine the significance of individual changes. In addition to the quantitative measurements utilized to determine the effectiveness of the program, the opinions received from the experimental group via a semi-structured interview form were examined. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the data obtained here. Findings of the study indicated that ACT-PRSP was effective in increasing the psychological flexibility and relationship acceptance of premarital individuals, and that this effect continued after 8 weeks. The qualitative aspect of the study revealed evaluations indicating that the program had effects on psychological flexibility and relationship acceptance. It was stated that the program made significant contributions to the skills and relationships of the participants. The findings were presented and discussed in relation with the existing literature. Suggestions were made to the researchers based on the results.