Bulletin of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Bulletin of Counseling and Psychotherapy

Emotional Regulation Training Improves Psychological Well-Being and Marital Happiness Among Young Married Couples

Sahupala, Okky Naomi (Unknown)
Ahmad, Masnaeni (Unknown)
Jawneh, Muhammad (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 May 2026

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of a culturally-adapted emotion regulation intervention for young married couples. Grounded in Gross's process model and integrated with local cultural values, the intervention aimed to enhance psychological well-being and marital happiness. Sixty participants (30 couples) in West Sulawesi were randomly assigned to an 8-session intervention group (n=30) or an active control group receiving standard health education (n=30). Pre- and post-test assessments using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Marital Happiness Scale revealed that the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in emotion regulation (F(1,58)=25.34, p<.001, ηp²=.30), psychological well-being (F(1,58)=18.92, p<.001, ηp²=.25), and marital happiness (F(1,58)=22.15, p<.001, ηp²=.28) compared to controls. Qualitative findings further revealed enhanced emotional awareness and improved dyadic communication. Results support the intervention as an effective clinical-positive psychology model for enhancing mental health and relational well-being in young couples, with significant implications for culturally-informed public mental health initiatives in Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bocp

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health Other

Description

The BOCP aims to provide a platform for examining and discussing issues in counseling, psychotherapy, and other related topics. It invites submissions from diverse perspectives and approaches, including those from developing countries. The journal aims to promote ongoing dialogue and discourse on ...