This is the first study to begin to explore the effectiveness and predictors of change of emotionally focused therapy for relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms among couples in Taiwan. This one-arm pragmatic trial assessed the clinical outcomes of 17 couples using paired-samples t-tests and multilevel modeling. Paired-sample t-tests revealed no statistical differences in relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms before and after EFT. Additionally, multilevel modeling indicated no change in relationship satisfaction over time. However, there was a quadratic change in depressive symptoms over the course of EFT. While the study results were unexpected, it is important to note that most couples did not receive the recommended treatment "dose" in this pragmatic trial. In addition, the small sample size limited statistical power.In addition to assessing treatment outcomes, predictors of change were also examined. Findings showed that high traditionalism at intake predicted an increase in relationship satisfaction for women. Attachment was also a significant predictor of change; men with high attachment avoidance at intake demonstrated a significant decrease in depression, and men and women with high attachment anxiety at intake also experienced a significant decrease in depression. Lastly, emotional expressivity at intake was associated with an increase in relationship satisfaction and a decrease in depression for both men and women. Our study suggested that traditionalism, attachment, and emotional expressivity are important predictors of change among couples in Taiwan who receive EFT. While more research is needed, these findings offer preliminary support for the types of partners who may be more likely to experience change after receiving EFT.
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