Abstract
Background: The satisfaction and quality of family life play a crucial role in the growth and development of family members.
The present research aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT) based on the approach of Muslim scientists on marital intimacy and resilience in couples.
Methods: This research was a semi-experimental design with pretest-posttest in the experimental group (ACT) and the comparison
group (CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists), along with a control group. The statistical population included all couples
referring to dispute resolution councils in the city of Kerman in the first half of 2023. The sample size consisted of 45 people
selected purposefully, with 15 people randomly assigned to each group. The experimental group received ACT-based intervention
and the comparison group received CBT-based intervention based on the approach of Muslim scientists, both for twelve 75-minute
sessions, and the control group did not receive any intervention. The research tools included the Walker and Thompson’s Marital
Intimacy Scale (1983) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) (2003). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS
version 27 software.
Results: The results of the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences in the scores of intimacy and resilience
among the ACT, the CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists, and control groups. The comparison of training effectiveness
indicated that the ACT group was 17% effective in improving marital intimacy and 17.7% effective in enhancing resilience. In
contrast, the comparison of training effectiveness showed that the CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists group showed
0.22% effectiveness in marital intimacy and 29.2% effectiveness in resilience.
Conclusion: According to the results, CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists can be used to promote marital intimacy and
resilience in couples experiencing marital conflicts