Applied Family Therapy Journal (خانواده درمانی کاربردی)

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy (EFT) on love trauma syndrome, self-worth, and relationship beliefs in divorced women residing in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This research is applied in terms of purpose and quasi-experimental in terms of data collection, using a pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all divorced women residing in District 2 of Tehran in 2023, from whom 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The participants were randomly assigned, with age-matching, into two intervention groups and one control group. Participants completed the Relationship Beliefs Questionnaire, Ross's Love Trauma Syndrome Questionnaire, and the Self-Worth Questionnaire at pretest, posttest, and follow-up phases. The first intervention group received 8 sessions of reality therapy, while the second group received 10 sessions of emotion-focused therapy. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS version 22. Findings: Both reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy were effective in enhancing self-worth, improving relationship beliefs, and reducing love trauma syndrome symptoms among divorced women in Tehran. Moreover, the effectiveness of both treatments persisted over time. No significant difference was found between the effectiveness of reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy on the studied variables. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that both reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy are effective interventions for improving love trauma syndrome symptoms, enhancing self-worth, and modifying relationship beliefs in divorced women in Tehran

Objective: This study aimed to determine the fit of a structural model of death anxiety and self-acceptance based on psychological flexibility and differentiation, with the mediating role of self-compassion in the elderly. Methods and Materials: The research method was fundamental, descriptive, and correlational in nature. The statistical population consisted of all individuals aged 60 years and above residing in daily elderly care centers in Nowshahr and Chalous counties from February 2024 to August 2024 (N = 232). Due to the limited size of the population, a census method was used, and research questionnaires were distributed to all members of the population. Ultimately, due to damaged or incomplete questionnaires, data from 215 questionnaires were analyzed (n = 215). The research instruments included the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (1970), the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire by Chamberlain and Haaga (2001), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (Bond et al., 2007), the Differentiation of Self Inventory by Skowron and Friedlander (1998), and Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale (2003). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 and LISREL 8 software. Findings: Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between differentiation and self-compassion (r = 0.645, p < .01); a negative and significant relationship between differentiation and death anxiety (r = -0.411, p < .01); a positive and significant relationship between differentiation and self-acceptance (r = 0.700, p < .01); a negative and significant relationship between self-compassion and death anxiety (r = -0.352, p < .01); and a positive and significant relationship between self-compassion and self-acceptance (r = 0.846, p < .01). Path analysis revealed that the indirect path from differentiation to death anxiety through the mediating role of self-compassion was statistically significant (β = -0.629, p < .01). Furthermore, the indirect path from differentiation to self-acceptance through self-compassion was also statistically significant (β = 0.861, p < .01). Conclusion: Thus, the structural model of death anxiety and self-acceptance based on differentiation with the mediating role of self-compassion demonstrated a good fit among elderly individuals residing in daily care centers in Nowshahr and Chalous. These findings may serve as a basis for developing comprehensive therapeutic models to enhance psychological well-being among the elderly. Keywords: Death Anxiety, Self-Acceptance, Differentiation, Self-Compassion, Elderly.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program based on the Marital Distress Tolerance Model on reducing marital conflicts among conflicting couples in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population included all conflicting couples who visited psychological and counseling centers in Tehran. One center was randomly selected, and 30 couples were chosen through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 couples each). The experimental group received a 9-session intervention based on a structured educational package developed from the causal model of marital distress tolerance, focusing on cognitive flexibility, family health, and social problem-solving skills. Data were collected using the Barati and Sanaei Marital Conflict Questionnaire and a researcher-developed content validity instrument evaluated by experts. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the data through SPSS software. Findings: The results of the MANCOVA indicated that the educational program had a statistically significant effect on all dimensions of marital conflict, including reduced sexual relations (F = 28.438, p < .001), increased emotional reactions (F = 18.448, p < .001), separation of financial matters (F = 29.932, p < .001), reduced cooperation (F = 22.822, p < .001), reduced relationships with spouse’s relatives (F = 18.549, p < .001), increased relationships with one’s own relatives (F = 10.030, p = .005), and increased seeking support from children (F = 65.565, p < .001). Conclusion: The study confirmed that the educational program based on the marital distress tolerance model significantly reduced marital conflicts across multiple dimensions, supporting the model’s applicability in therapeutic interventions for couples experiencing relational distress.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of narcissistic tendencies on marital relationship stability and examine the mediating role of emotional maturity in couples. Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design and was conducted among married couples residing in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. A total of 384 couples were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Inclusion criteria included at least two years of marital experience and no history of severe psychological disorders. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the Marital Instability Index (MII), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), and the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS). The psychometric properties of these tools were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and split-half reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and structural equation modeling (SEM) via SPSS and AMOS software. Bootstrapping was also employed to test the mediating effect. Findings: The results revealed that narcissistic tendencies were significantly and negatively associated with marital relationship stability (β = -0.32, p < .001). Emotional maturity was found to have a significant positive effect on marital stability (β = 0.43, p < .001) and a significant negative relationship with narcissistic tendencies (β = -0.38, p < .001). Importantly, emotional maturity partially mediated the relationship between narcissistic tendencies and marital stability (indirect effect β = -0.16, p < .01), and the total effect of narcissism on marital instability was substantial (β = -0.48, p < .001). The proposed model demonstrated a good fit to the data with acceptable fit indices. Conclusion: The findings suggest that narcissistic traits undermine marital stability directly and indirectly by reducing emotional maturity. Emotional maturity serves as a protective factor that enhances relational resilience. These results highlight the importance of addressing emotional development and personality traits in marital counseling and relationship education.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and schema therapy on psychological well-being and sense of coherence among infertile women. Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group was used. Thirty infertile women referring to Saarem Hospital in Tehran during the first half of 2024 were randomly assigned to three groups: CFT (n=10), schema therapy (n=10), and waitlist control (n=10). The CFT group received eight sessions, and the schema therapy group received ten sessions. Psychological well-being was assessed using the 18-item Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale, and sense of coherence was measured with the Flensborg et al. (2006) Sense of Coherence Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Findings: MANCOVA results showed significant differences between groups on both psychological well-being and sense of coherence at posttest (Wilks’ Lambda = .350, F(4,54)=18.76, p<.001). Univariate tests indicated significant group effects on psychological well-being (F(2,27)=18.45, p<.001) and sense of coherence (F(2,27)=22.13, p<.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed that CFT significantly improved psychological well-being compared to schema therapy and control at posttest (p<.05), while schema therapy led to greater improvements in sense of coherence compared to CFT and control (p<.05). Both interventions maintained their effects at the one-month follow-up. Conclusion: The findings suggest that compassion-focused therapy is more effective in enhancing psychological well-being, whereas schema therapy is more effective in strengthening sense of coherence among infertile women. Both interventions showed sustained benefits over time, highlighting the importance of incorporating structured psychological treatments into infertility care to promote adaptive functioning and resilience.

Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest-follow-up framework was employed, involving two experimental groups (ACT and RT) and one control group. The sample consisted of 54 incompatible married individuals (18 per group) recruited from psychological centers in District 7 of Tehran. Participants completed the Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale at pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages. The ACT intervention comprised 8 weekly sessions focusing on mindfulness, acceptance, and value-based actions, while the RT intervention consisted of 8 sessions emphasizing need satisfaction and responsible behavior. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes over time and between groups. Findings: Both ACT and RT significantly improved overall marital adjustment compared to the control group, with significant interaction effects observed for dyadic cohesion (F = 11.161, p = 0.001, η² = 0.247), dyadic consensus (F = 24.787, p = 0.001, η² = 0.422), and affectional expression (F = 22.477, p = 0.001, η² = 0.398). RT demonstrated greater effectiveness in enhancing dyadic cohesion and consensus, while ACT showed stronger outcomes in improving affectional expression. Post-hoc analyses revealed significant mean differences between pretest and posttest for dyadic cohesion in RT (mean difference = -8.167, p < 0.001) and affectional expression in ACT (mean difference = 2.694, p < 0.001). Follow-up assessments indicated sustained improvements, with RT maintaining higher scores in dyadic cohesion (mean = 15.139) and consensus (mean = 25.694), and ACT in affectional expression (mean = 4.78). Conclusion: Both ACT and RT are effective interventions for improving marital adjustment, with RT being more beneficial for addressing behavioral and communication aspects of marital conflict, and ACT more effective in fostering emotional intimacy.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexist parenting style, cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and the perpetration of domestic violence against women by married men. Methods and Materials: A correlational design was used involving 300 married men selected through convenience sampling from medical centers in Qazvin. Participants completed the Mohseni Tabrizi Domestic Violence Questionnaire and the Garnefski Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modeling using LISREL 8.80 were conducted to analyze the data. Model fit was assessed using indices including Chi-square, RMSEA, CFI, and TLI. Findings: Results indicated that sexist parenting style was positively associated with domestic violence perpetration (β = .51, p < .001). Maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies were also significantly associated with increased violent behavior (β = -.39, p < .001). Model fit indices demonstrated a good fit (χ²/df = 1.41, RMSEA = .037, CFI = .97, TLI = .96). Additionally, sexist parenting and emotion regulation interacted positively in predicting violence, suggesting that both factors jointly contribute to abusive behavior. Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of sexist parenting and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies in perpetuating domestic violence against women. These results highlight the need for preventive interventions focusing on gender-sensitive parenting practices and training in adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies among men to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy on the quality of marital relationships and cognitive emotion regulation in couples experiencing marital conflicts. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and a control group. The statistical population consisted of couples with marital conflicts residing in Babol in 2023. From this population, 28 individuals (14 couples) were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 14). Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring marital relationship quality and cognitive emotion regulation. The experimental group received psychodynamic therapy over 12 sessions (two 90-minute sessions per week), while the control group did not receive any treatment. Findings: The findings indicated that the posttest scores of both marital relationship quality and cognitive emotion regulation in the experimental group were significantly higher than the pretest scores. Conclusion: Therefore, psychodynamic therapy was found to be effective in improving marital relationship quality and cognitive emotion regulation among couples with marital conflicts.

Objective: This study aimed to design and validate a structural model of marital satisfaction based on the components of systemic–spiritual couple therapy, with the mediating role of the family power structure. Methods and Materials: The research adopted a descriptive–correlational design with an applied objective. The statistical population included all couples in Isfahan who had been married for at least five years. Using convenience sampling, 384 participants (192 couples) were selected from counseling centers. Participants completed the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Family Power Structure Questionnaire, and the Systemic–Spiritual Couple Therapy Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS software. Findings: Results showed that systemic–spiritual couple therapy had a significant positive effect on marital satisfaction (β = 0.54, p < 0.001) and on the family power structure (β = 0.61, p < 0.001). The family power structure also significantly predicted marital satisfaction (β = 0.24, p < 0.01), confirming its mediating role. The overall model demonstrated good fit indices, supporting the hypothesized relationships among variables. Regression analysis also revealed that the components of systemic–spiritual couple therapy and family power structure together explained 25% of the variance in marital satisfaction (R² = 0.25, F = 66.51, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings support the effectiveness of systemic–spiritual couple therapy in enhancing marital satisfaction, both directly and indirectly through improvements in family power dynamics. The proposed model underscores the importance of integrating spiritual and systemic interventions with structural family variables to improve relationship outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) in improving communication patterns among couples affected by domestic violence. Methods and Materials: The study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of couples affected by domestic violence who referred to counseling centers in Tehran. A total of 45 participants were selected using simple random sampling and assigned to two experimental groups (Schema Therapy and CBCT) and one control group, each containing 15 participants. Data were collected using the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Christensen & Salavy, 1984) and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test with SPSS version 26. Each intervention included 10 weekly sessions tailored to the specific therapeutic model. Findings: The MANCOVA results indicated statistically significant differences between groups in all three communication pattern dimensions: mutual constructive communication (F = 8.043, p < .01), mutual avoidant communication (F = 2.222, p < .05), and demand/withdraw communication (F = 1.068, p < .05). Tukey’s post hoc test revealed that Schema Therapy was significantly more effective than CBCT in improving mutual constructive communication (mean difference = 2.40, p = .006), reducing mutual avoidance (mean difference = 0.13, p = .000), and decreasing demand/withdraw patterns (mean difference = -1.00, p = .000). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Schema Therapy may offer deeper and more sustainable improvements in relational functioning by targeting underlying maladaptive schemas contributing to dysfunctional communication.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate a causal model of marital quality of life based on psychological resilience with the mediating role of sexual satisfaction in married teachers. Methods and Materials: The research employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 375 married teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire by Hudson et al., and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) by Busby et al. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. Assumptions of normality, linearity, and multicollinearity were checked and confirmed prior to model testing. Findings: The results revealed a significant direct effect of resilience on marital quality of life (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), indicating that higher resilience is associated with greater marital quality among married teachers. However, the indirect effect of resilience on marital quality of life through sexual satisfaction was not statistically significant (β = 0.10, p = 0.113), suggesting that sexual satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between resilience and marital well-being in this population. Model fit indices confirmed the adequacy of the proposed model (χ²/df = 2.54, RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.93). Conclusion: Resilience plays a crucial and independent role in enhancing marital quality of life among married teachers, while sexual satisfaction, despite its overall importance, does not serve as a mediating factor in this relationship. The findings underscore the importance of psychological strengths in marital dynamics and suggest the need for interventions that enhance resilience to promote relational well-being, especially in high-stress professional contexts.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine and compare the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and schema therapy on attachment styles and emotion regulation in women affected by infidelity. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and control group. The statistical population included all women affected by infidelity who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2023. From this population, 45 participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: the first experimental group (emotion-focused therapy, 15 participants), the second experimental group (schema therapy, 15 participants), and the control group (15 participants). The experimental groups received the respective interventions across a set number of sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention. All three groups were assessed at pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages using the Attachment Styles Questionnaire and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Findings: Data analysis using repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests indicated that both therapeutic approaches led to significant improvements in attachment styles and enhanced emotion regulation abilities in women affected by infidelity (p < .05). Moreover, a comparison of results showed that schema therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than emotion-focused therapy in certain indices. Conclusion: Based on the findings, emotion-focused therapy and schema therapy can be considered effective approaches for promoting secure attachment styles and improving emotion regulation among women affected by infidelity.