Research Supporting Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

The Gold Standard of Couple Therapy: Research Support for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Introduction
In the realm of psychotherapy, the efficacy and credibility of therapeutic approaches are often measured against rigorous research standards set by organisations such as the American Psychological Association (APA). Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) stands out as a shining example of a therapeutic model that not only meets but exceeds these gold standards for psychotherapy research. Over the past three decades, EFT has amassed a wealth of empirical evidence showcasing its effectiveness in improving relationships and emotional well-being.

The Meta-Analysis: A Resounding Success
One of the cornerstones of EFT’s research support is the groundbreaking meta-analysis conducted by Johnson and colleagues in 1999. This analysis examined the outcomes of the four most rigorous EFT outcome studies conducted prior to the year 2000. The results were nothing short of remarkable, with EFT achieving an effect size of 1.3, surpassing any other couple intervention at that time. This effect size is a clear indicator of the substantial positive impact EFT can have on relationships.

Sustained Benefits and Process Research
EFT doesn’t stop at immediate results; it excels in providing long-lasting benefits. Numerous studies consistently demonstrate excellent follow-up results, with some indicating that the positive changes continue well beyond the conclusion of therapy. This sustained impact underscores the effectiveness of EFT in creating lasting relationship transformations.
What sets EFT apart from many other psychotherapy models is its extensive body of process research. This research illustrates that the changes observed in clients align closely with the underlying theoretical framework of EFT. The tight linkage between in-session therapeutic processes and rigorous outcome measurements is an uncommon and powerful characteristic in the field of psychotherapy.

The Bonding Theory Foundation
EFT distinguishes itself further by being the only couple intervention model grounded in a systematic, empirically validated theory of adult bonding. This solid theoretical foundation allows EFT therapists to deeply understand and address the core issues underlying relationship distress. It’s not just about addressing the surface-level symptoms; it’s about targeting the root causes of relational problems.

Generalisability and Diversity of Applications
EFT’s effectiveness isn’t limited to specific demographics or relationship types. Numerous studies have explored its applicability across diverse populations and couples facing various challenges, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consistently positive results indicate that EFT has broad generalisability, making it a versatile and inclusive approach.

Rigorous Publication and Peer Review
EFT studies adhere to rigorous standards of research and are published in some of the most esteemed peer-reviewed journals in the field of psychology. This commitment to academic excellence ensures that the research supporting EFT undergoes thorough scrutiny and validation.

Building on Success: Recent Research
EFT’s commitment to ongoing research is evident in recent studies exploring its impact on couples facing trauma and stressful life events. Research initiatives, such as the Dalton and MacIntosh studies, have further expanded the scope of EFT’s applications. Additionally, a study involving functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) demonstrated how EFT can change the way the brain responds to threat, providing neuro-scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

Conclusion
In summary, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) stands as a gold standard in psychotherapy research. Its remarkable effect sizes, sustained benefits, process research, and theoretical foundation make it a standout approach. EFT’s adaptability across diverse populations and rigorous research publication practices cement its place as a highly effective and evidence-based therapeutic model. As EFT continues to evolve and explore new frontiers in research, it remains a beacon of hope for couples seeking to improve their relationships and emotional well-being.

Source: Completed and ongoing EFT research consistently supports the efficacy of the Emotionally Focused Therapy model.“

Soothing the Threatened Brain: Leveraging Contact Comfort with Emotionally Focused Therapy

Susan M. Johnson, 1 Melissa Burgess Moser, 1 Lane Beckes, 2 Andra Smith, 1 Tracy Dalgleish, 1 Rebecca Halchuk, 1 Karen Hasselmo, 3 Paul S. Greenman, 4 Zul Merali, 5 and James A. Coan 2 , *Kevin Paterson, Editor

Abstract

Social relationships are tightly linked to health and well-being. Recent work suggests that social relationships can even serve vital emotion regulation functions by minimizing threat-related neural activity. But relationship distress remains a significant public health problem in North America and elsewhere. A promising approach to helping couples both resolve relationship distress and nurture effective interpersonal functioning is Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT), a manualized, empirically supported therapy that is strongly focused on repairing adult attachment bonds. We sought to examine a neural index of social emotion regulation as a potential mediator of the effects of EFT. Specifically, we examined the effectiveness of EFT for modifying the social regulation of neural threat responding using an fMRI-based handholding procedure. Results suggest that EFT altered the brain’s representation of threat cues in the presence of a romantic partner. EFT-related changes during stranger handholding were also observed, but stranger effects were dependent upon self-reported relationship quality. EFT also appeared to increase threat-related brain activity in regions associated with self-regulation during the no-handholding condition. These findings provide a critical window into the regulatory mechanisms of close relationships in general and EFT in particular.

Adult Attachment, Stress, and Romantic Relationships

Jeffry A. Simpson, University of Minnesota
W. Steven Rholes, Texas A&M University

Abstract

In this article, we discuss theory and research on how individuals who have insecure adult romantic attachment orientations typically think, feel, and behave when they or their romantic partners encounter certain types of chronic or acute stress. We first review basic principles of attachment theory and then discuss how two forms of attachment insecurity—anxiety and avoidance—are associated with unique patterns of emotion regulation in response to certain types of threatening/distressing situations. We then discuss a diathesis-stress process model that has guided our research, highlighting studies that provide support for certain pathways of the model.