Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy on Increasing the Happiness and Marital Satisfaction of Infertile Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Infertility is associated with several psychological problems. Considering the increasing prevalence of infertility and the role of psychological factors, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral couple therapy on increasing the happiness and marital satisfaction among infertile couples. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 24 infertile couples were selected via convenience sampling from Infertility Center Kermanshah and randomly assigned to cognitive‑behavioral couple therapy (CBCT; 12 couples) or control (routine care; 12 couples). The CBCT group received ten 120‑minute weekly sessions. Data were collected using the Oxford Happiness and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction scales at pre‑test, post‑test, and two‑month follow‑up. Group homogeneity at baseline was assessed using Chi‑square and independent t‑tests. repeated‑measures ANOVA was conducted to evaluate main and interaction effects of group and time on the outcomes. All analyses were performed using SPSS‑25, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Repeated‑measures ANOVA revealed significant time × group interaction effects for happiness (F (2,86) = 13.48, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.239) and marital satisfaction (F(2,86) = 16.36, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.276). The CBCT group demonstrated significant improvements in both outcomes from pre‑test to post‑test and follow‑up, while the control group remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy can be used in women and in particular infertile men to increasing the happiness and marital satisfaction among them.