Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) in Reducing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among Married Couples in Nigeria during Economic Hardship

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT) in reducing IPV among married couples in Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of CBCT on IPV, relationship satisfaction, and conflict resolution skills among married couples experiencing economic hardship. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 30 married couples (N=60) experiencing IPV, selected via purposive sampling from Lagos, Nigeria. The CBCT intervention consisted of 12 sessions, delivered over 6 months. Data were collected using the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) and Relationship Satisfaction Scale (RSS), validated with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.85 and 0.82, respectively. The ANCOVA result in hypothesis 1 showed that there is a significant difference in IPV scores between treatment and control groups [F(1, 58) = 4.21, p = 0.045, η² = 0.12], with the treatment group exhibiting a notable reduction in IPV scores. ANCOVA result in hypothesis 2 revealed that there is a significant difference in relationship satisfaction scores between the treatment and control groups [F(1, 58) = 5.63, p = 0.021, η² = 0.15]. Result in hypothesis 3 indicate that there is a significant interaction effect between Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT) and time on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) scores among married couples in Nigeria during economic hardship [F(1, 58) = 4.92, p = 0.031, η² = 0.12]. Result in hypothesis 4 indicate that the treatment group (CBCT) showed a significant increase in relationship satisfaction scores from pre-test to poet-test compared to the control group [F(1, 58) = 5.67, p = 0.021, η² = 0.15]. The study concluded that CBCT is effective in reducing IPV and improving relationship satisfaction among Nigerian couples facing economic hardship. The study recommended that Nigerian mental health professionals should integrate CBCT into couple therapy programs and adapt it to local cultural contexts to address couple-related issues effectively.

Keywords: Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy, Intimate Partner Violence, married couples, economic hardship, Nigeria.