Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

The Effectiveness of Gottman-Based Conflict Management Training on Perceived Stress, Quality of Marital Life, and Cognitive Harmony in Conflicted Couples

Rasul Rezaei Mollajegh iD , Zohreh Ghanbari iD , Hossein Alamdarian iD , Mostafa Tashvighi ^* iD

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Gottman-based conflict management training on perceived stress, quality of marital life, and cognitive harmony among conflicted couples.

Methods and Materials: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population included all conflicted couples who referred to counseling centers in Tabriz in 2025. From among the volunteers, 45 eligible participants were selected through purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale developed by Cohen et al., the Marital Quality of Life Scale developed by Busby et al., and the Couples’ Mutual Understanding and Cognitive Harmony Questionnaire developed by Javedan. The experimental group received Gottman-based conflict management training in ten 90-minute sessions, while the control group received no intervention during this period. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc test in SPSS version 26.

Findings: The results indicated that the time-by-group interaction effect was statistically significant for perceived stress, quality of marital life, and cognitive harmony. The findings further showed that Gottman-based conflict management training led to a significant reduction in perceived stress and significant improvements in quality of marital life and cognitive harmony at the posttest stage. Moreover, these effects remained stable at the three-month follow-up assessment. Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons confirmed significant differences between the pretest and posttest, as well as between the pretest and follow-up stages, for all three study variables (p < .01).

Conclusion: Based on the findings, Gottman-based conflict management training can be considered an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress and enhancing quality of marital life and cognitive harmony among conflicted couples. Therefore, this approach may be useful in couple therapy and marital counseling settings.

The Mediating Role of Guilt in the Relationship Between Dark Personality Traits and Tendency Toward Marital Infidelity Among Married Individuals

Zahra Ghasemi iD , Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi ^* iD

Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of guilt in the relationship between dark personality traits and the tendency toward marital infidelity among married individuals.

Methods and Materials: This quantitative study used a descriptive-correlational design based on path analysis. The statistical population included married individuals residing in Neyshabur, Iran, in 2024. A sample of 300 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Dirty Dozen Dark Personality Traits Scale developed by Jonason and Webster, the Guilt Inventory developed by Kugler and Jones, and the Marital Infidelity Tendency Questionnaire developed by Whatley. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 24. Pearson correlation coefficients and path analysis were applied to test the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among narcissism, Machiavellianism, antisocial traits, guilt, and tendency toward marital infidelity.

Findings: The revised structural model showed acceptable fit to the data, with χ² = 1.41, df = 1, RMSEA = .038, GFI = .99, AGFI = .98, NFI = .97, IFI = 1.00, and CFI = 1.00. Machiavellianism had a significant negative effect on guilt (β = −.24, p = .001), and antisocial traits also had a significant negative effect on guilt (β = −.56, p = .044). Guilt had a significant negative effect on tendency toward marital infidelity (β = −.10, p = .005). Machiavellianism (β = .41, p = .029) and antisocial traits (β = .47, p = .006) had significant positive direct effects on tendency toward marital infidelity. The indirect effects of Machiavellianism (β = .04, p = .006) and antisocial traits (β = .02, p = .033) on infidelity tendency through guilt were significant, whereas the indirect effect of narcissism was not significant (p = .743).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that guilt partially mediates the relationship between dark personality traits and tendency toward marital infidelity. Higher Machiavellian and antisocial traits were associated with lower guilt and greater infidelity tendency. Therefore, assessing dark personality traits and strengthening guilt-related moral responsibility may be useful in marital counseling and preventive interventions.

Factors Influencing the Decision to Have Children in Iranian Military Families: A Qualitative Study

Nima Saberi iD , Davoud Nodehi ^* iD , Ahmad Salami iD

Objective: The present study was conducted to explain the dynamics of military families and the factors influencing childbearing within the context of Iranian society.

Methods and Materials: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on grounded theory, employing the Strauss and Corbin paradigmatic model. The participants were selected from military families residing in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling with 18 members of military families. The data were analyzed in three stages of coding (open, axial, and selective) and categorized into main themes.

Findings: Analysis of the participants’ interviews led to the identification of 13 selective categories, 38 axial categories, and 156 subcategories. Childbearing among military families is influenced by numerous inhibiting and encouraging factors, including economic costs, family support networks, generational continuity and national authority, commitment to the leadership discourse system, faith-based action, parents’ psychological capacity, parenting experience, organizational and occupational structure, coherence of population policies, transformation of contemporary lifestyles, and institutionalization of structural support.

Conclusion: The findings of the study can assist policymakers and social planners in shifting their focus from general factors toward key and realistic components involved in the childbearing decision-making process and in designing supportive policies aimed at increasing family satisfaction and enhancing parents’ inclination and motivation toward childbearing.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Resilience and Marital Adjustment among Couples with Marital Conflicts

Hana Faraji iD , Eshagh SamKhaniani ^* iD , Zeynab Naghipour iD , Maedeh Ghanbari iD , Elahe Ebrahimi Alavige iD

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on resilience and marital adjustment among couples experiencing marital conflicts.

Methods and Materials: The present study employed a quasi-experimental method with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of couples with marital conflicts who referred to counseling centers in Tehran during 2025. Using convenience sampling, 28 participants were selected and randomly assigned into two groups, including an experimental group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 14). Data collection instruments included the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The experimental group participated in eight 2-hour sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance in SPSS software.

Findings: The findings indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy had a significant effect on both resilience and marital adjustment among couples with marital conflicts. The results of covariance analysis demonstrated that the effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group were statistically significant for resilience and marital adjustment at the p < .001 level. Participants in the experimental group showed significantly higher posttest scores in resilience and marital adjustment compared to the control group, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention in improving psychological resilience and relational functioning.

Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective intervention for improving resilience and marital adjustment among couples experiencing marital conflicts. By modifying maladaptive cognitions, enhancing emotional regulation, and improving communication and coping skills, cognitive behavioral therapy can strengthen couples’ psychological adaptability and relational quality. Therefore, CBT-based interventions may be beneficial in counseling and therapeutic settings for reducing marital distress and promoting healthier interpersonal relationships among couples.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on Intolerance of Uncertainty, Rejection Sensitivity, and Self-Critical Rumination in Women Victims of Emotional Abuse

Zivar Safdari Ghooshchi ^* iD

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on intolerance of uncertainty, rejection sensitivity, and self-critical rumination among women victims of emotional abuse.

Methods and Materials: In terms of purpose, this study was applied research, and in terms of design, it was a quasi-experimental study employing a pretest–posttest design with follow-up and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all women victims of emotional abuse who referred to counseling centers, psychological clinics, and support centers for victims of unhealthy relationships in Tehran in 2025. The research sample was selected using purposive and convenience sampling methods and included 30 women who, after meeting the inclusion criteria and completing informed consent forms, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received schema therapy intervention during 10 weekly 60-minute sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention during this period. Data were collected using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Questionnaire (Carleton et al., 2007), the Rejection Sensitivity Scale (Downey & Feldman, 1996), and the Self-Critical Rumination Questionnaire (Smart et al., 2016). The instruments demonstrated adequate validity and reliability in both Iranian and international samples. Data were collected at three stages, including pretest, posttest, and follow-up, and were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance in IBM SPSS Statistics.

Findings: The findings indicated that schema therapy significantly reduced intolerance of uncertainty, rejection sensitivity, and self-critical rumination in the experimental group compared with the control group (p < .001), and these improvements remained stable at the follow-up stage. Furthermore, the large effect sizes and complete statistical power indicated the strong and robust effectiveness of the intervention.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that schema therapy is an effective approach for reducing the cognitive-emotional vulnerabilities of women victims of emotional abuse and may be implemented as an empowering psychological intervention in counseling and support service centers.

Predicting Tendency Toward Risky Behaviors Based on Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Mentalization in Children of Divorce: The Mediating Role of Post Traumatic Growth and the Moderating Role of Family Communication Patterns

Seyedeh Nafiseh Mohseni Mansour iD , Nasrin Kadkhoda ^* iD , Bita Khelghati iD , Seyedeh Mahsan Miri iD , Mehrnoosh Ranjbar iD

Objective: The present study aimed to predict tendencies toward risky behaviors based on difficulties in emotion regulation and mentalization in children of divorce, with the mediating role of post traumatic growth and the moderating role of family communication patterns.

Methods and Materials: This descriptive–correlational study using path analysis was conducted in 2025. The statistical population consisted of children of divorce aged 15–18 years in Babol, from whom 300 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Iranian Adolescents Risk Taking Scale (2011), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (2004), Mentalization Questionnaire (2018), Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (1996), and Family Communication Patterns Questionnaire (1990). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, path analysis, moderation analysis, and bootstrap procedures in SPSS and AMOS.

Findings: The results indicated that difficulties in emotion regulation had a significant positive direct effect on risky behavior tendencies (β = 0.41, p < .001), whereas mentalization (β = −0.36, p < .001), post traumatic growth (β = −0.29, p < .001), and family communication patterns (β = −0.31, p < .001) had significant negative direct effects. Furthermore, family communication patterns significantly moderated the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and risky behaviors (β = −0.18, p < .001), as well as the relationship between mentalization and risky behaviors (β = −0.15, p < .01). Bootstrap results also confirmed the mediating role of post traumatic growth in the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and risky behaviors (β = 0.12, 95% CI [0.06, 0.19]) and between mentalization and risky behaviors (β = −0.12, 95% CI [−0.18, −0.05]). The proposed model demonstrated good fit to the data (CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.054).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that children of divorce with greater difficulties in emotion regulation are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, whereas higher levels of mentalization, post traumatic growth, and constructive family communication patterns serve as protective factors.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy on Romantic Relationship Perfectionism in Couples with Conflict

Davoud Zamani Khormandichali iD , Asghar Noruzi ^* iD , Kolsoum Akbarnataj Bisheh iD

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy on romantic relationship perfectionism among couples experiencing marital conflict.

Methods and Materials: The present study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of all couples referring to counseling centers in Districts 21 and 22 of Tehran in 2025. Using purposive sampling and G*Power software, 45 couples meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group, with 15 couples in each group. Data collection instruments included the Romantic Relationship Perfectionism Scale developed by Matte and Lafontaine (2012) and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire developed by Sanaei and Barati (1999). The first experimental group received cognitive-behavioral couple therapy based on Dattilio’s (2009) protocol in 10 sessions of 90 minutes, while the second experimental group received emotionally focused couple therapy based on Johnson’s (2012) model in 9 sessions of 90 minutes. The control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance in IBM SPSS Statistics version 18.

Findings: The results of mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant effects of group, treatment stages, and the interaction between group and treatment stages on self-oriented and other-oriented romantic relationship perfectionism (p < .001). Both cognitive-behavioral couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy significantly reduced romantic relationship perfectionism compared to the control group. The Bonferroni post-hoc test indicated significant differences between pretest and posttest scores as well as between pretest and follow-up scores (p < .001), while no significant differences were observed between posttest and follow-up stages, indicating the stability of treatment effects. Furthermore, Tukey post-hoc comparisons revealed that cognitive-behavioral couple therapy was significantly more effective than emotionally focused couple therapy in reducing both self-oriented and other-oriented perfectionism (p < .05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that both cognitive-behavioral couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy are effective interventions for reducing romantic relationship perfectionism among couples with marital conflict; however, cognitive-behavioral couple therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness. These results highlight the importance of targeting maladaptive cognitive patterns, unrealistic relational expectations, and emotional interactional processes in therapeutic interventions for distressed couples.

Predicting Parenting Styles in Parents of Children with Intellectual Disabilities Based on Emotional Self-Regulation, Integrative Self-Knowledge, and Resilience

Sadaf Bakhti iD , Jahangir Karami ^* iD

Objective: The present study aimed to predict parenting styles among parents of children with intellectual disabilities based on emotional self-regulation, integrative self-knowledge, and resilience.

Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population consisted of parents of children with intellectual disabilities in Kermanshah in 2025. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select participants from rehabilitation and occupational therapy centers, resulting in a final sample of 315 parents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Parenting Styles Questionnaire, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Integrative Self-Knowledge Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses in SPSS version 26.

Findings: The results indicated that emotional self-regulation, integrative self-knowledge, and resilience significantly predicted parenting styles. Emotional self-regulation (β = -0.485, p < .001), integrative self-knowledge (β = -0.141, p < .05), and resilience (β = -0.131, p < .05) negatively predicted authoritarian parenting, with the model explaining 25.5% of the variance (R² = 0.255). For permissive parenting, emotional self-regulation (β = -0.229, p < .001) and integrative self-knowledge (β = -0.204, p < .001) were significant negative predictors, while resilience was not significant, and the model explained 15.4% of the variance (R² = 0.154). In predicting authoritative parenting, integrative self-knowledge (β = 0.194, p < .01) and resilience (β = 0.296, p < .001) were significant positive predictors, while emotional self-regulation was not significant (β = 0.092, p > .05), with the model explaining 10% of the variance (R² = 0.100). Correlation analyses also revealed significant relationships among the study variables.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that emotional self-regulation, integrative self-knowledge, and resilience play important roles in shaping parenting styles among parents of children with intellectual disabilities, with adaptive psychological resources promoting authoritative parenting and reducing maladaptive styles.

Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

About the Journal

Current Issue

Articles

Conceptual Framework of Healthy Divorce in Iran: A Qualitative Study

The Effectiveness of Emotional Intelligence Training on Marital Burnout and the Quality of Marital Relationships in Couples Aged 20 to 50

Development of a Family Therapy Package Based on the Integration of Structural–Systemic and Attachment-Based Therapy

The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy on Marital Burnout in Couples with Experience of Emotional Divorce

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBT) and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy for Couples (ISTDP) in Reducing Relationship Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) Symptoms and Improving Relationship Quality in Young Couples

The Mediating Role of Relational Ethics in the Relationship Between Emotional Maturity and Marital Burnout with Divorce Tendency in Young Couples

The Effectiveness of Reflective Parenting on Meta-Parenting and Time Perspective among Mothers of Children Aged 7 to 12 Years with Generalized Anxiety Symptoms in Isfahan

Post-Traumatic Paradoxical Couple Therapy : Development and Effectiveness in Couples Affected by Extramarital Infidelity

The Role of Schema Therapy and Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Alexithymia in Maladjusted Couples: A Comparative Study

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment–Based Couple Therapy and Integrative Couple Therapy on Dysfunctional Beliefs, (Cognitive/Experiential) Avoidance, Conflict Resolution, and Sexual Satisfaction in Infertile Couples

A Causal Model of Parenting Stress Based on Child Behavioral Problems, Parental Perfectionism, Psychological Inflexibility, and Family Conflict: The Mediating Role of Parental Self-Compassion

The Effect of Intergenerational Trauma on Marital Stability: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Trust, and Intimacy

Modeling Family Quality of Life Based on Economic Pressure, Family Adaptability, Hope, and Emotional Support: The Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being

Modeling Coparenting Quality Based on Marital Satisfaction, Emotional Intelligence, Parenting Alliance, and Psychological Flexibility

XGBoost-Based Prediction of Family Resilience from Psychological Flexibility, Social Support, Family Cohesion, and Emotional Regulation

Random Forest Prediction of Family Functioning Based on Emotional Availability, Family Communication, Psychological Well-Being, and Coping Self-Efficacy

LightGBM-Based Prediction of Marital Commitment Using Sexual Satisfaction, Trust, Emotional Intimacy, and Attachment Security

Explainable LightGBM Analysis of Adolescent Family Adjustment Based on Parenting Style, Family Communication, Emotional Security, and Self-Esteem

CatBoost Modeling of Parenting Effectiveness Based on Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Flexibility, and Reflective Functioning

Support Vector Machine Classification of High- and Low-Functioning Families Based on Communication, Adaptability, Emotional Security, and Conflict Management

Language

Indexing & Abstracting

Latest publications

Information

Keywords