Effectiveness Comparison of Emotion-Focused Schema Therapy and Fortinberry & Murry’s Seven-Step Therapy on Sleep Disorder and Marital Satisfaction in Women with Postpartum Depression

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, ZAH.C., Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran.

2 Department of Psychology, ZAH.C., Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran)

10.22038/mjms.2026.27995

Abstract

Objective: Sleep disturbances and reduced marital satisfaction are significant and common challenges among women suffering from postpartum depression, profoundly affecting their mental health and quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two psychological interventions—emotion-focused schema therapy and Fortinberry & Murry’s seven-step therapy—on sleep disorders and marital satisfaction in this population.
Method: This was a randomized clinical trial with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design. The study population included women diagnosed with postpartum depression; 60 participants were randomly assigned into two groups receiving either emotion-focused schema therapy or seven-step therapy. Interventions were delivered over a series of structured sessions. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a marital satisfaction scale. Data analysis employed repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: Findings showed that both therapies significantly improved sleep quality and increased marital satisfaction in women with postpartum depression (p < 0.01). However, emotion-focused schema therapy demonstrated more enduring effects on marital satisfaction compared to the seven-step therapy, while no significant differences between groups were observed in sleep quality at follow-up.
Conclusion: The present study highlights that both emotion-focused schema therapy and Fortinberry & Murry’s seven-step therapy effectively alleviate sleep disturbances and improve marital satisfaction in postpartum depressed women. Combining these approaches and tailoring interventions may optimize therapeutic outcomes. Integrative psychological interventions alongside family-centered support are recommended in postpartum care protocols.

Keywords

References

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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 69, Issue 5
June 2026
Pages 555-577

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