Effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Feelings of Rejection and Nightmares in Individuals Affected by Marital Infidelity

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy and emotion-focused therapy on feelings of rejection and nightmares in individuals affected by marital infidelity. Methods and Materials: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population included individuals affected by marital infidelity in Tehran, from which 30 participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups received interventions of schema therapy and emotion-focused therapy in 10 sessions of 90 minutes each, while the control group received no intervention. The results were analysed using ANOVA via SPSS-23. Findings: The findings indicated that both intervention methods led to improvements in feelings of rejection and reductions in nightmares; however, schema therapy had a greater effect on these variables. The results suggest that schema therapy, by modifying early maladaptive schemas, can reduce feelings of rejection and improve nightmares. Conclusion: Therefore, it is recommended that this approach be used in therapeutic programs for individuals affected by marital infidelity.