The effect of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) on shame and intimacy in couples: a randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Summary & key facts

This randomized controlled trial tested Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) with 26 married couples. Couples were randomly assigned to an EFCT group or a control group. The study measured shame and intimacy and found that, compared with the control group, EFCT significantly reduced shame and significantly increased intimacy (p < 0.05). The authors say shame can block self-disclosure and intimacy and should be addressed in therapy.

Key facts:

• The study used a randomized controlled design with 26 married couples assigned to an experimental (EFCT) or control group.
• EFCT produced statistically significant increases in intimacy and decreases in shame compared with the control group (p < 0.05).
• Shame and intimacy were measured with the Experience of Shame Scale and the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships.
• The trial was registered (Clinical Trial ID 71773; IRCT20230801058994N1) and registration date listed as 2024-10-04.
• The article was published in BMC Psychology (2025) and reports that the authors view shame as a barrier to self-disclosure and relational security.

Abstract

Intimate relationships can enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of psychological disorders. Self-disclosure, a fundamental component of intimacy, oc

Topics

Attachment and Relationship Dynamics Emotions and Moral Behavior Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Clinical psychology Clinical trial Psychological research Psychological therapy Psychology Psychotherapist Randomized controlled trial Research design Shame Social psychology