Development of resilience program based on relational cultural theory for married couples

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of the Resilience Strengthening Program (RSP) on the conflict frequency and conflict resolution styles of six married couples in the experimental group. Twelve married couples with at least one child and high school or higher education participated in the study. Ten sessions of RSP were applied as couple counseling to the six married couples in the experimental group. In the control group, ten sessions of group guidance were conducted. Quantitative data were collected through the "Conflict Areas Scale" and the "Conflict Styles Scale". These scales were applied as pre-test, post-test and follow-up test. Two-factor ANOVA, used in mixed experimental design, was utilized to examine the influence of the intervention program applied to the experimental group on the frequency of conflicts and conflict resolution styles related to conflict areas. The analyses indicate that the scores of the couples in the pre-test of the Conflict Areas Scale of the applied program decreased significantly in the post-test. In addition, it is seen that the post-test scores related to the active dimension of the Conflict Styles Scale increased significantly and positively compared to the pre-test. Besides, it is observed that the post-test scores of the couples in the passive and destructive dimension decreased compared to the pre-test, and this decrease was at a significant level between the pre-test-post-test scores in the destructive dimension. A follow-up test was administered one month after the sessions were completed and it was concluded that the program still had effect on the scores. The results obtained from the qualitative data revealed that the program was effective in reducing the frequency of conflicts related to conflict areas and using positive conflict resolution styles. As a result, it can be said that RSP has positive effects on reducing the frequency of conflict and developing positive conflict resolution styles for married couples in the experimental group. Keywords: Relational resilience, conflict frequency, conflict resolution styles, Relational Cultural Theory, couple counseling