E-ISSN: 3041-8798 Director in Charge: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani Editor-in-chief: Dr. Shokoh Navabinejad Associate editor: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani Owner: Iranian Association for Women's Studies Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Contact Email: aftjournal@gmail.com / aftjournal@kmanpub.com Open Access: YES Applied Family Therapy Journal is a scientific open access double-blind anonymous open (since 2024) peer-reviewed journal publishing original articles, reviews, short communications and scientific reports of a high scientific and ethical standard in psychology, counseling and related academic disciplines. This journal is published four times per year in English by Iranian Association for Women's Studies and KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB). Since 2024, this journal only accepts and publishes articles in English and no longer publishes Persian articles. The research fields and topics within the activity framework of AFTJ include: Family counseling and couple therapy Women counseling Children and adolescent counseling Rehabilitation counseling in the field of family Marriage and youth counseling Divorce counseling Children and adolescent counseling Counseling about addiction in the family About the Publisher Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. Publisher Office: Unit 5‑10825 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3E3 https://journals.kmanpub.com Email: kmanpu@kmanpub.com Telegram: +1 (647) 656‑4401 | WhatsApp: +1 (437) 429‑3507 Germany Office: Dratelnstrasse, Wohnung A60, 21119 Hamburg, Germany (+4915207720487)
Comparing the Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBT) in Reducing Anxiety, Depression, and Improving Relationship Quality Among Couples with Childhood Trauma
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBT) in reducing anxiety, depression, and enhancing relationship quality in couples with a history of childhood trauma. Methods and Materials: This randomized controlled trial included 45 couples (90 individuals) recruited from counseling centers in Tehran and Karaj, of whom 15 couples were assigned to EFT, 15 to CBT, and 15 to a no-treatment control group. Eligibility criteria required being married for at least two years and having at least one partner with documented childhood trauma. The interventions consisted of 8–12 weekly 60–90-minute sessions delivered by trained therapists. Standardized instruments—the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)—were administered at pretest, posttest, and a three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS-27 to examine intervention effectiveness and between-group differences. Findings: Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant main effects of time, group, and time × group interactions for anxiety (F = 112.38, p < .001, η² = .79), depression (F = 118.57, p < .001, η² = .81), and relationship quality (F = 129.74, p < .001, η² = .82). Bonferroni post-hoc tests indicated that both EFT and CBT produced statistically significant improvements from pretest to posttest and from posttest to follow-up for all outcomes (all p < .05), whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Between-group comparisons revealed that EFT produced significantly greater improvements than CBT in anxiety (p = .031), depression (p = .028), and relationship quality (p = .017), and both interventions outperformed the control group across all variables (all p < .001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that both Emotion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy are effective in reducing anxiety and depression and enhancing relationship quality in couples with childhood trauma, with EFT showing consistently stronger and more sustained effects across emotional and relational dimensions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nasrin Shayganfar (Author); Sophia Khaneghahi (Corresponding Author); Gholamreza Sanagoy Moher (Author)
Identification and Ranking of Factors Influencing Parental Role Conflict in One-Child Families
Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify and rank the psychological, relational, and contextual factors contributing to parental role conflict in one-child families. Methods and Materials: This research employed a sequential mixed-method design consisting of two complementary phases. In the qualitative phase, a systematic literature review was conducted, and the extracted data were analyzed using NVivo 14 through open, axial, and selective coding until theoretical saturation was achieved. Seven main thematic categories were identified: Parenting Expectations and Role Strain, Emotional Regulation and Stress Management, Marital Relationship Dynamics, Socioeconomic and Cultural Pressures, Child-Centered Dependency, Psychological Well-being of Parents, and Support Systems and Coping Resources. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire based on the qualitative results was administered to 230 parents of one-child families living in Tehran, selected through convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and the Friedman test to rank the importance of the identified factors. Findings: The Friedman test revealed significant differences in the ranking of factors influencing parental role conflict (p < 0.05). Parenting Expectations and Role Strain received the highest mean rank (6.35), followed by Emotional Regulation and Stress Management (5.92) and Marital Relationship Dynamics (5.48). Support Systems and Coping Resources was ranked lowest (3.71). The results highlight that intrapersonal and relational dimensions have a stronger predictive influence on role conflict than external socioeconomic conditions. Conclusion: Parental role conflict in one-child families is primarily driven by emotional and cognitive factors, particularly perfectionistic parenting expectations, emotional dysregulation, and marital tension. Addressing these determinants through psychological skills training, marital support, and social resource enhancement could significantly mitigate parental strain and improve family well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seyedeh Zahra Abtahi (Corresponding Author)
Identifying Factors of Marital Commitment During Economic Stress: A Qualitative Study
Objective: This study aimed to explore and identify the psychological, relational, and cultural factors that sustain marital commitment among Hungarian couples experiencing significant financial adversity. Methods and Materials: A qualitative exploratory design was employed to capture the lived experiences of couples facing economic strain. Using purposive sampling, 21 married individuals from Hungary who had encountered major financial challenges in the past five years were recruited. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, lasting between 45 and 75 minutes, focusing on participants’ coping strategies, communication patterns, and sources of resilience. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All sessions were transcribed verbatim, translated from Hungarian into English when necessary, and analyzed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo 14 software. Rigorous strategies, including independent coding and reflective memoing, enhanced credibility and trustworthiness. Findings: Four overarching themes emerged from the analysis: emotional resilience, communication dynamics, adaptive coping strategies, and value and commitment anchors. Couples reported that trust, mutual reassurance, and emotional regulation were essential for enduring financial distress. Open financial dialogue and conflict de-escalation prevented misunderstandings and fostered teamwork. Adaptive coping included creative income generation, resourcefulness, and reliance on extended family and community networks. Cultural and moral anchors — such as shared belief systems, family responsibility, and a collective “us against the problem” mindset — provided a deeper sense of purpose and stability. These interconnected processes collectively explained how couples sustained long-term commitment despite economic challenges. Conclusion: Marital commitment during economic stress arises from a dynamic interplay of emotional, relational, and cultural resources. Understanding these protective processes can guide counseling, community interventions, and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening families facing financial hardship.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Contexts of Power Asymmetry in Academic–Nonacademic Partner Dyads: A Qualitative Study
Objective: This study aimed to explore and interpret the relational contexts and mechanisms that create and sustain power asymmetry in romantic relationships where one partner is an academic professional and the other is nonacademic. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using purposive sampling to recruit 20 Indonesian adults currently involved in academic–nonacademic romantic partnerships. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews that focused on relationship dynamics, perceptions of influence and authority, and coping strategies. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached, and all were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 14 software. Codes were iteratively developed and clustered into subthemes and overarching themes to capture the multifaceted nature of power relations within these dyads. Credibility was ensured through member checking and peer debriefing. Findings: Analysis revealed three overarching themes: communication and intellectual exchange, social and cultural power dynamics, and emotional and relational balance. Participants reported that academic partners often held symbolic intellectual authority, creating conversational imbalance and feelings of exclusion. Social prestige linked to academic titles reinforced status differences, while financial contributions and career stability sometimes shifted power toward the nonacademic partner. Career mobility and relocation often disrupted the nonacademic partner’s professional development, fostering dependence and tension. Couples who actively validated each other’s contributions, translated disciplinary knowledge, and set explicit boundaries were better able to manage and renegotiate power imbalances. Conclusion: Power asymmetry in academic–nonacademic romantic dyads is dynamic and context-dependent, shaped by intellectual capital, mobility demands, and social recognition. Relational resilience emerges when couples address asymmetry openly and create strategies to balance influence and support.
Causes of Escalation in High-Arousal Conflicts Among Newlyweds: A Qualitative Exploration
Objective: This study aimed to explore the underlying emotional, relational, and contextual causes of escalation in high-arousal conflicts among newly married couples to better understand early marital vulnerability and inform preventive interventions. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research employed an exploratory–descriptive design using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 24 newlywed individuals (married one to three years) residing in Mexico. Participants were recruited purposively to include variation in gender, socioeconomic status, and educational background. Interviews lasting 60–90 minutes were conducted in Spanish, audio-recorded with consent, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis followed an inductive thematic approach supported by NVivo 14 software. Coding progressed from open codes to axial categories through constant comparison until theoretical saturation was reached. Trustworthiness was ensured via peer debriefing, audit trails, and reflective journaling. Findings: Four overarching themes explained conflict escalation: emotional triggers (e.g., jealousy, unresolved past hurts, insecurity, sudden mood shifts, financial anxiety), communication breakdowns (e.g., escalating criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, misinterpretation of intent, digital miscommunication, failed repair), external stressors (e.g., family interference, work pressure, cultural perfectionism, major life transitions, socioeconomic strain), and individual coping patterns (e.g., avoidance of conflict, rumination, catastrophic thinking, power struggles, negative self-talk, inherited conflict scripts). Participants described how intense arousal impaired self-regulation and fueled reactive cycles, while contextual adversity drained emotional resources and exacerbated miscommunication. Conclusion: High-arousal conflict escalation among newlyweds arises from the interplay of heightened emotional vulnerability, ineffective communication strategies, external pressures, and maladaptive coping. Findings highlight the importance of addressing physiological arousal and emotion regulation, integrating cultural and contextual realities, and equipping couples with early skills to interrupt destructive cycles before they consolidate.
Causes of Desire Suppression and Sexual Avoidance in Postpartum Couples: A Qualitative Exploration
Objective: This study aimed to explore and explain the underlying physical, psychological, relational, and sociocultural factors contributing to sexual desire suppression and avoidance among postpartum couples. Methods and Materials: A qualitative exploratory design was adopted to capture the lived experiences of postpartum couples. Using purposive sampling, 18 married individuals (nine couples) from Taiwan who were between 12 and 24 months postpartum were recruited. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews guided by open-ended questions about postpartum sexual changes, emotional experiences, and relational adjustments. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or via secure video conferencing, audio-recorded with consent, and transcribed verbatim. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. NVivo 14 software was used for systematic coding and thematic analysis, employing iterative open, axial, and selective coding to develop categories and themes. Credibility was enhanced through member checking and peer debriefing, while dependability and confirmability were supported by an audit trail and reflexive memoing. Findings: Analysis revealed four overarching themes shaping sexual desire suppression and avoidance: (1) physical and hormonal changes after childbirth — including pain, fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, and body image dissatisfaction; (2) psychological and emotional adjustments — such as maternal identity shift, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and cognitive overload; (3) relational and communication challenges — including inequitable parenting roles, reduced intimacy, misaligned sexual expectations, and limited sexual communication; and (4) sociocultural and external pressures — notably cultural taboos, family interference, social comparison, insufficient sexual health education, and moral beliefs affecting sexual readiness. These themes interacted dynamically, reinforcing avoidance patterns and delaying sexual recovery. Conclusion: Sexual desire suppression and avoidance in the postpartum period result from the interplay of biological, psychological, relational, and cultural factors. Integrating sexual health counseling, mental health support, and culturally sensitive couple-based interventions into postpartum care could facilitate healthier sexual adaptation.
Strategies for Scaling Micro-Affections to Sustain Long-Term Bonding: A Qualitative Study of Hungarian Couples
Objective: This study aimed to explore and conceptualize the everyday strategies couples use to scale micro-affections—small, intentional acts of love and care—in order to sustain emotional closeness and long-term relational stability. Methods and Materials: A qualitative design with an exploratory, interpretive approach was employed. Twenty Hungarian participants (10 couples) in long-term romantic relationships, ranging from 5 to 22 years, were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews, lasting 60–90 minutes, explored couples’ practices for maintaining connection, emotional safety, and adapting to life transitions. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic approach supported by NVivo 14. Open, axial, and selective coding were applied to generate categories and subcategories, while constant comparison, memo writing, and member checking enhanced analytic rigor and trustworthiness. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged: nurturing everyday connection, sustaining emotional safety, and adaptive relationship growth. Couples sustained closeness through daily affectionate rituals, creative micro-gestures, and symbolic tokens of care. Emotional security was reinforced by responsive support, mutual vulnerability, quick conflict repair, gratitude, and respectful autonomy. Adaptive growth was maintained by updating love languages, co-creating future visions, sustaining playfulness, and integrating cultural traditions into evolving relational narratives. These strategies functioned as protective mechanisms against emotional distance and relational stagnation, enabling couples to maintain satisfaction despite external pressures and life transitions. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that sustaining long-term romantic stability relies on the intentional, iterative use of small-scale affectionate behaviors embedded within a safe and adaptive relational climate. Understanding these lived strategies enriches theoretical models of marital maintenance and provides culturally informed, actionable insights for couple therapy, relationship education, and prevention of disaffection.
Dimensions of Communication Breakdown in Digitally Mediated Relationships
Objective: This study aimed to explore the underlying dimensions, triggers, and relational consequences of communication breakdown in digitally mediated romantic relationships. Methods and Materials: The study employed a qualitative, descriptive–interpretive design based on semi-structured interviews with 25 participants (aged 22–43) residing in Hungary, who were currently or recently engaged in digitally mediated romantic relationships. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in relationship status and digital communication usage. Data were collected through in-depth, open-ended interviews focusing on experiences of misunderstanding, conflict, and emotional distance in digital interactions. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Through an inductive coding process, emerging patterns were categorized into main themes and subthemes reflecting the nature and mechanisms of communication breakdown. Findings: The thematic analysis yielded four core dimensions of communication breakdown: (1) message ambiguity and misinterpretation, characterized by unclear tone, emotional detachment, and misread digital cues; (2) conflict escalation and digital triggers, including public exposure, reactive messaging, and asynchronous argument cycles; (3) emotional disconnection and relationship drift, reflected in reduced intimacy, digital fatigue, and avoidance behaviors; and (4) technological mediation barriers, involving platform fragmentation, algorithmic interference, and privacy-related constraints. The results indicated that digital communication both enables and destabilizes intimacy by amplifying emotional uncertainty and reducing contextual understanding. Conclusion: Findings highlight the paradoxical role of technology as both a facilitator and disruptor of intimacy in modern relationships. Effective digital communication requires emotional regulation, boundary awareness, and mindful technology use. Addressing the psychological and technical dimensions of digital interaction can enhance relational stability and prevent emotional estrangement among partners.
Online Identity Management and Relational Closeness: The Mediating Role of Emotional Transparency
Objective: This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of online identity management on relational closeness among social media users, with emotional transparency modeled as a mediating variable. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational research design was employed with 400 adult social media users in Egypt, selected according to the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Participants completed validated self-report scales assessing online identity management, emotional transparency, and relational closeness. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-28 for descriptive and correlational statistics and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling (SEM). Model fit was evaluated with χ², χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA. Findings: Online identity management correlated positively with both emotional transparency (r = .42, p < .001) and relational closeness (r = .37, p < .001). Emotional transparency was strongly associated with relational closeness (r = .56, p < .001). The SEM analysis showed an excellent model fit, χ²(73) = 143.62, χ²/df = 1.97, GFI = .93, AGFI = .90, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .049. Online identity management significantly predicted emotional transparency (β = .42, p < .001) and relational closeness directly (β = .22, p = .002). Emotional transparency strongly predicted relational closeness (β = .51, p < .001) and mediated the relationship between online identity management and closeness (indirect β = .21, p < .001). The total effect of online identity management on relational closeness was moderate to strong (β = .43, p < .001). Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that while strategic online identity management helps build closeness, its impact is significantly strengthened by emotional transparency. By openly sharing genuine emotions, individuals transform managed digital personas into meaningful and intimate connections.
Attachment Avoidance and Intimacy Decline: The Mediating Role of Expressive Suppression
Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between attachment avoidance and intimacy decline in romantic relationships and to test whether expressive suppression mediates this relationship among adults in Kenya. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was adopted with a sample of 391 adults recruited from different counties in Kenya, determined using the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Participants completed standardized self-report instruments: the Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR-R) for attachment avoidance, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) for expressive suppression, and the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR) Inventory for intimacy decline. Data analysis was conducted in two stages: bivariate relationships were tested using Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficients in SPSS-27, and the hypothesized mediational model was examined using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS-21. Model fit was evaluated with multiple indices (χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, RMSEA). Findings: Attachment avoidance was strongly and positively associated with intimacy decline (r = .61, p < .001) and with expressive suppression (r = .54, p < .001). Expressive suppression was moderately correlated with intimacy decline (r = .48, p < .001). The SEM analysis showed excellent model fit (χ² = 112.47, df = 48, χ²/df = 2.34, CFI = .97, TLI = .96, GFI = .95, RMSEA = .058). Attachment avoidance had a significant direct effect on intimacy decline (β = .52, p < .001) and an additional indirect effect through expressive suppression (β = .16, p < .001), yielding a substantial total effect (β = .68, p < .001). Conclusion: These findings support attachment theory by confirming that expressive suppression functions as a key process linking avoidant relational orientations to intimacy erosion. The results highlight the importance of targeting emotional inhibition in interventions designed to maintain closeness and relational health across cultures.
Post-Traumatic Growth and Couple Resilience: Exploring the Mediating Role of Relational Meaning Making
Objective: This study aimed to examine whether relational meaning making mediates the relationship between post-traumatic growth and couple resilience among Brazilian couples who have experienced significant adversity or loss. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was applied with a sample of 404 adult participants from Brazil, recruited using the Morgan and Krejcie sample size guidelines to ensure adequate statistical power. Participants completed standardized instruments: the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Dyadic Meaning-Making Scale, and the Couple Resilience Inventory. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 to compute descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients and AMOS version 21 for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit was evaluated with multiple indices, including χ²/df, CFI, TLI, GFI, AGFI, and RMSEA. Findings: Post-traumatic growth showed a significant positive correlation with relational meaning making (r = .62, p < .001) and couple resilience (r = .54, p < .001). Relational meaning making was strongly associated with couple resilience (r = .68, p < .001). SEM results indicated good model fit (χ²/df = 1.78, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .044). Post-traumatic growth had a direct effect on couple resilience (β = .27, p < .001) and on relational meaning making (β = .62, p < .001). Relational meaning making had a strong direct effect on couple resilience (β = .63, p < .001). The indirect effect of post-traumatic growth on couple resilience through relational meaning making was significant (β = .39, p < .001), increasing the total effect of post-traumatic growth on couple resilience (β = .66, p < .001). Conclusion: Findings suggest that while post-traumatic growth contributes to couple resilience, its impact is amplified when partners engage in shared sense-making about adversity. Strengthening relational meaning making may be a key therapeutic mechanism for enhancing resilience in couples coping with trauma.
Alexithymia and Relationship Dissatisfaction: The Role of Conflict Communication Patterns
Objective: To test a structural model in which alexithymia predicts relationship dissatisfaction both directly and indirectly through destructive conflict communication patterns among Malaysian adults. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was used with 423 adults in ongoing romantic relationships recruited across Malaysian states. Measures included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale–20 (TAS-20), the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ), and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI; reverse-scored to indicate dissatisfaction). Data screening confirmed statistical assumptions before analyses. IBM SPSS 27 was used for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations, and AMOS 21 for structural equation modeling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation. Model fit was evaluated using χ², χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA; mediation was tested via indirect paths. Findings: Alexithymia correlated positively with destructive conflict communication (r = .56, p < .001) and relationship dissatisfaction (r = .48, p < .001); conflict communication correlated most strongly with dissatisfaction (r = .62, p < .001). The SEM demonstrated good fit: χ²(132) = 287.43, χ²/df = 2.18, GFI = .93, AGFI = .91, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .053. Direct paths were significant from alexithymia → conflict communication (b = 1.12, β = .56, p < .001), alexithymia → dissatisfaction (b = 0.48, β = .29, p < .001), and conflict communication → dissatisfaction (b = 0.53, β = .48, p < .001). The indirect effect of alexithymia on dissatisfaction via conflict communication was significant (b = 0.59, β = .27, p < .001), yielding a total effect of β = .56 (p < .001), consistent with partial mediation. Conclusion: Alexithymia is a robust interpersonal risk factor for relationship dissatisfaction, and its impact is partly transmitted through destructive conflict communication. Findings highlight dual intervention targets—enhancing emotional awareness and improving conflict-management skills—to mitigate dissatisfaction in intimate relationships within a multicultural Malaysian context.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Premarital Counseling Based on Couples’ Care and the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) on Perfectionism and Attitudes Toward Marriage Among Individuals Approaching Marriage
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of premarital counseling based on Couples’ Care (CARE) and the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) on perfectionism and attitudes toward marriage among individuals approaching marriage. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group and a two-month follow-up. The statistical population included all individuals who sought premarital counseling at clinics in District 6 of Tehran during the first six months of 2024. From these, 45 participants were selected from the clients of the Shiwa Psychological and Counseling Clinic through multistage sampling and screening with standardized instruments. They were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 (CARE intervention, PREP intervention, and control). The instruments included the Hill Perfectionism Questionnaire (Hill, 2004) and the Bratton and Rosen Marriage Attitude Scale (Bratton & Rosen, 1998). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS-26. Findings: The findings showed that both premarital counseling approaches—CARE and PREP—significantly reduced perfectionism and improved attitudes toward marriage (p < .01). However, PREP demonstrated greater effectiveness across all variables, and its effects were more stable at the follow-up stage. The largest effect size was observed for negative perfectionism (η² = .601) under the PREP intervention. Moreover, attitudes toward marriage improved significantly more in the PREP group compared to the CARE group (p < .05). Conclusion: It was concluded that both approaches are effective; however, PREP, as a structured program, is more suitable than CARE-based premarital counseling for enhancing marital readiness in individuals approaching marriage. These findings may inform the design of premarital educational programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maryam Derakhshan Nejad (Author); Bahman Akbari (Corresponding Author); Maryam Mousavi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Family Functioning and Attitudes Toward Extramarital Relationships in Infertile Marginalized Women in Tehran
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on family functioning and attitudes toward extramarital relationships in infertile marginalized women in Tehran. Methods and Materials: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest–posttest design, a two-month follow-up, and a control group. The statistical population included all infertile women who attended the clinic of Dr. Elina Bayramzadeh (gynecologist, obstetrician, and infertility specialist) in the second half of 2024. Out of 120 screened individuals, 45 participants were randomly assigned to three groups (15 in each): two experimental groups (EFT and CBT) and one control group. Research instruments included the Whatley Attitudes Toward Infidelity Scale (2006) and the Family Assessment Device by Epstein et al. (1983). Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS-26. Findings: Findings indicated that both interventions significantly improved family functioning and reduced attitudes favorable to extramarital relationships (p < .05). However, Emotion-Focused Therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness compared to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (p < .002). The effect size of EFT for family functioning (η² = .68) and attitudes toward extramarital relationships (η² = .81) was significantly larger than that of CBT. Moreover, the effects of both interventions remained stable at the follow-up stage. Conclusion: It was concluded that both therapeutic approaches are effective; however, Emotion-Focused Therapy holds superiority, particularly in enhancing emotional and relational variables. These findings can inform the design of targeted psychological interventions for infertile marginalized women.
attitudes toward extramarital relationships
Copyright (c) 2025 Mona Fadaei (Author); Bahman Akbari (Corresponding Author); Leila Moghtader (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Role Ambiguity in Families and Parenting Efficacy: The Mediating Role of Spousal Support
Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of spousal support in the relationship between role ambiguity and parenting efficacy among Indonesian parents. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was employed with 390 married parents recruited from community centers and networks across Indonesia. The sample size was determined using the Morgan and Krejcie table. Data were collected using standardized instruments for role ambiguity, spousal support, and parenting efficacy. Analyses included Pearson correlation coefficients using SPSS-27 to assess bivariate associations and structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS-21 to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit was evaluated using χ², χ²/df, CFI, TLI, GFI, AGFI, and RMSEA indices. Findings: Results revealed that role ambiguity was significantly and negatively correlated with both spousal support (r = –.41, p < .01) and parenting efficacy (r = –.36, p < .01). Spousal support was positively correlated with parenting efficacy (r = .52, p < .01). The SEM demonstrated good model fit (χ²/df = 1.94, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .049). Path analysis showed that role ambiguity had a direct negative effect on parenting efficacy (β = –.24, p < .01) and spousal support (β = –.38, p < .01), while spousal support had a direct positive effect on parenting efficacy (β = .41, p < .01). Moreover, spousal support partially mediated the effect of role ambiguity on parenting efficacy through a significant indirect pathway (β = –.16, p < .01). Conclusion: The study confirms that role ambiguity undermines parenting efficacy both directly and indirectly, while spousal support strengthens parental confidence and mitigates the negative effects of unclear family roles. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing spousal support and clarifying family roles to foster effective parenting in collectivist contexts such as Indonesia.
Online Gaming Engagement and Adolescent Social Withdrawal: The Mediating Role of Family Cohesion
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between online gaming engagement and adolescent social withdrawal, with family cohesion examined as a mediating factor. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was employed with a sample of 388 adolescents in Greece, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size determination table. Standardized instruments measured online gaming engagement, social withdrawal, and family cohesion. Data analysis included Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS-27 to examine bivariate associations and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS-21 to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit was evaluated using χ², df, χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA indices. Findings: Pearson correlation results revealed that social withdrawal was positively correlated with online gaming engagement (r = .42, p < .001) and negatively correlated with family cohesion (r = -.36, p < .001). Online gaming engagement was also negatively correlated with family cohesion (r = -.28, p < .001). SEM demonstrated adequate model fit (χ² = 218.73, df = 94, χ²/df = 2.33, GFI = 0.93, AGFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.057). Path analysis showed that online gaming directly predicted higher social withdrawal (b = 0.41, β = 0.36, p < .001) and lower family cohesion (b = -0.29, β = -0.27, p < .001). Family cohesion negatively predicted social withdrawal (b = -0.39, β = -0.32, p < .001). Indirect effects confirmed partial mediation (b = 0.11, β = 0.09, p = .008), with a significant total effect of gaming on withdrawal (b = 0.52, β = 0.45, p < .001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that online gaming engagement contributes to adolescent social withdrawal both directly and indirectly through reduced family cohesion. Strengthening family cohesion may serve as a protective factor, mitigating the adverse psychosocial effects of excessive gaming.
Parental Anxiety and Child Separation Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Overprotective Parenting
Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of overprotective parenting in the relationship between parental anxiety and child separation anxiety. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was employed, with a sample of 410 parent–child dyads recruited from schools in Mexico using cluster random sampling. Participants included parents of children aged 7 to 12 years. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure parental anxiety, overprotective parenting, and child separation anxiety. Data analysis was conducted in two stages: Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS-27 to assess bivariate associations, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS-21 to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit was evaluated with multiple indices, including χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA. Findings: Correlation analyses showed that parental anxiety was significantly associated with both overprotective parenting (r = .48, p = .001) and child separation anxiety (r = .42, p = .002), while overprotective parenting was strongly related to child separation anxiety (r = .51, p < .001). SEM results indicated that the hypothesized model demonstrated good fit (χ² = 146.28, df = 84, χ²/df = 1.74, GFI = .94, AGFI = .91, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .041). Path analysis revealed that parental anxiety significantly predicted overprotective parenting (β = .46, p < .001) and directly predicted child separation anxiety (β = .25, p = .004). Overprotective parenting significantly mediated the relationship, with an indirect effect of parental anxiety on child separation anxiety (β = .22, p = .002). Conclusion: The findings highlight overprotective parenting as a critical mechanism through which parental anxiety contributes to child separation anxiety. Interventions aimed at reducing parental overprotection and addressing parental anxiety may serve as effective strategies for preventing and alleviating separation anxiety in children.
Family Resilience and Adolescent Academic Achievement: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy Beliefs
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive relationship between family resilience and adolescent academic achievement, with a specific focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy beliefs. Methods and Materials: The study employed a descriptive correlational design with a sample of 400 secondary school students from Egypt, selected according to the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Data on family resilience, self-efficacy beliefs, and academic achievement (GPA) were collected using validated scales and institutional records. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 and AMOS-21. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to examine bivariate relationships, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed to test the mediating role of self-efficacy. Model fit indices, including χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA, were used to evaluate the adequacy of the structural model. Findings: Results revealed significant positive correlations between family resilience, self-efficacy beliefs, and academic achievement (r = .41–.56, all p < .01). The SEM demonstrated acceptable fit indices (χ²/df = 2.05, GFI = 0.93, AGFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.051). Family resilience significantly predicted self-efficacy (B = 0.32, β = 0.56, p < .001), while self-efficacy positively influenced academic achievement (B = 0.28, β = 0.47, p = .002). The direct path from family resilience to academic achievement was also significant (B = 0.19, β = 0.29, p = .004). Moreover, the indirect effect of family resilience on academic achievement through self-efficacy was significant (B = 0.09, β = 0.18, p = .006), confirming the mediating role of self-efficacy. Conclusion: The findings highlight that family resilience contributes to adolescent academic achievement both directly and indirectly through self-efficacy beliefs. Strengthening family resilience and fostering adolescents’ self-efficacy may serve as key strategies for enhancing academic outcomes.
Exploring the Psychological and Relational Consequences of Smartphone Overuse in Marital Relationships
Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychological and relational consequences of smartphone overuse in marital relationships. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed to gain in-depth insights into couples’ experiences. The study included 24 married participants residing in Taiwan, selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse marital backgrounds. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which allowed participants to articulate their perceptions and experiences regarding smartphone use within marriage. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached, and each session lasted between 45 and 70 minutes. With participants’ consent, all interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo 14 software. A thematic analysis approach was applied, with open coding followed by categorization and theme development, ensuring systematic identification of patterns and meanings in the data. Findings: The analysis generated four overarching themes: (1) Emotional Consequences, including stress, jealousy, mood dysregulation, and loneliness; (2) Relational Conflicts and Tensions, involving communication breakdown, trust issues, intimacy decline, and parenting disagreements; (3) Cognitive and Behavioral Patterns, encompassing habitual checking, compulsive use, time mismanagement, and escapism; and (4) Coping Strategies and Adaptive Responses, which included negotiating boundaries, rebuilding communication, joint digital activities, professional help-seeking, and emotional reconnection. Participants emphasized how smartphone overuse fostered feelings of neglect, suspicion, and conflict while also demonstrating the potential for constructive adaptations when couples actively addressed the challenges. Conclusion: Smartphone overuse significantly affects marital relationships by eroding intimacy, intensifying jealousy, and provoking conflict. At the same time, couples who implemented intentional strategies, such as setting boundaries and engaging in shared activities, demonstrated resilience and relational recovery. These findings underscore the dual role of smartphones as both relational stressors and potential tools for connection, highlighting the need for awareness, communication, and structured interventions in marital contexts.
Identifying Patterns of Role Negotiation in Blended Families and Their Effects on Cohesion and Identity
Objective: This study aimed to explore the patterns of role negotiation in blended families and examine their influence on family cohesion and identity formation. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 26 participants from blended families in Iraq, including parents, step-parents, and children. Participants were selected purposively to ensure diversity in age, gender, and family role, with inclusion criteria requiring at least two years of experience in a blended family. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically with the aid of NVivo 14 software. Credibility was enhanced through member checking and audit trails, while thick descriptions ensured transferability. Findings: Analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) Role Negotiation Processes, encompassing parental boundaries, household responsibilities, communication patterns, and cultural influences; (2) Cohesion and Emotional Climate, including bonding among step-siblings, emotional connections between parents and children, feelings of belonging, and loyalty conflicts; and (3) Identity Formation and Adjustment, covering dual belonging, adolescent autonomy, the influence of past family structures, and resilience strategies. Participant narratives highlighted frequent conflicts around fairness, authority, and inclusion, with cultural norms and extended kin networks shaping both tensions and adaptation. Successful negotiation fostered cohesion and strengthened shared identity, while unresolved conflicts generated exclusion and fragmented identities. Conclusion: The findings underscore that role negotiation is a central process in determining the stability, cohesion, and identity development of blended families. Effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and shared rituals emerged as key facilitators of integration. Interventions should focus on clarifying roles, managing loyalty conflicts, and promoting adaptive coping strategies to strengthen resilience and family cohesion in blended family contexts.
Identifying Patterns of Inconsistency in Parenting Practices and Their Interpretations by Adolescents: A Narrative Inquiry
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how adolescents perceive and interpret patterns of inconsistency in parenting practices and the implications of these interpretations for their emotional and behavioral adjustment. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research employed a narrative inquiry design to capture adolescents’ lived experiences of inconsistent parenting. Twenty-two adolescents from Spain, aged 14 to 18 years, participated in semi-structured interviews that focused on parental communication, discipline, and emotional support. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in gender, family structure, and socioeconomic background. Interviews lasted between 45 and 60 minutes, were audio-recorded with informed consent, and transcribed verbatim. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software, following open coding, categorization, and constant comparison to identify recurring themes and patterns. Findings: Analysis revealed four main themes: inconsistent communication, contradictory discipline practices, unstable emotional climate, and adolescent interpretations and coping strategies. Subthemes included mixed parental messages, unequal rule enforcement, conditional affection, and coping mechanisms such as rationalization, distancing, rebellion, and meaning-making. Adolescents reported that inconsistent parenting created confusion, insecurity, and tension but also described strategies to reinterpret or resist such practices. These narratives align with prior studies linking inconsistent parenting to both internalizing and externalizing symptoms, while also highlighting adolescents’ agency in constructing meaning from their experiences. Conclusion: The study underscores the significance of consistency in parental communication, discipline, and emotional availability for adolescent well-being. Adolescents actively interpret and cope with inconsistencies, which shapes their developmental trajectories. Narrative inquiry provides valuable insights into these processes, suggesting the need for interventions that promote mindful, predictable parenting and supportive environments that strengthen adolescent resilience.
The Role of Emotional Disclosure and Vulnerability in the Reconstruction of Marital Intimacy: A Qualitative Perspective
Objective: This study aimed to explore how emotional disclosure and vulnerability contribute to the reconstruction of marital intimacy among couples, focusing on the relational processes that foster closeness, resilience, and authentic connection. Methods and Materials: A qualitative design was employed, using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 21 married individuals from South Africa. Participants were selected purposively to ensure diverse representation of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Interviews, lasting 60–90 minutes, explored themes of disclosure, vulnerability, and intimacy. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through thematic analysis using NVivo 19 software. The analytic process involved open coding, development of subthemes, and constant comparison across cases, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness through memo writing and peer debriefing. Findings: Four major themes emerged: (1) emotional openness in marital relationships, characterized by trust-building, reciprocity, and coping through disclosure; (2) vulnerability as a pathway to intimacy, where acceptance of weakness and risk-taking enabled deeper connection; (3) barriers to disclosure, including fear of conflict, cultural norms, past negative experiences, and power imbalances; and (4) reconstruction of intimacy, facilitated through healing dialogue, rituals of closeness, emotional support, and growth through adversity. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that emotional disclosure and vulnerability are central to rebuilding intimacy in marital relationships. By creating safe spaces for openness and re-framing vulnerability as strength, couples can repair relational ruptures and cultivate long-term closeness. These insights provide valuable guidance for therapists and practitioners working with couples seeking to restore intimacy.
Parental Digital Literacy and Involvement in Blended Learning: A Mixed-Methods Psychological Analysis
Objective: This study aimed to examine how parental digital literacy predicts and shapes parental involvement in blended learning environments using an integrated mixed-methods psychological approach. Methods and Materials: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed with 384 parents completing validated digital literacy and parental involvement scales, while 22 parents participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and PLS-SEM to assess predictive relationships across domains of digital literacy and involvement. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify psychological processes underlying digital engagement. Results from both strands were integrated through triangulation to capture convergent and complementary patterns. Findings: Parents demonstrated moderate digital literacy, with communication and problem-solving competencies showing the strongest associations with involvement. Correlation analyses revealed robust positive relationships between all literacy domains and involvement dimensions (r = .22 to .41, p < .01). Multiple regression showed that information literacy (β = .18, p = .003), communication literacy (β = .21, p < .001), and problem-solving skills (β = .24, p < .001) significantly predicted parental involvement, explaining 43% of its variance. PLS-SEM confirmed strong paths from problem-solving to cognitive–instructional involvement (β = .24, p < .001) and behavioral supervision (β = .21, p < .001), and from communication literacy to school–home communication (β = .27, p < .001). Digital content creation and cybersecurity skills showed weaker, nonsignificant effects. Model fit indices demonstrated strong reliability (CR = .85–.91) and convergent validity (AVE = .57–.67). Conclusion: Parental digital literacy substantially influences the quality and depth of parental involvement in blended learning, with problem-solving, information handling, and communication competencies emerging as the most critical predictors. Strengthening parental digital literacy may therefore enhance home–school collaboration, support student engagement, and promote more equitable participation in blended learning ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Roghayeh Poursaberi (Corresponding Author); Nahid Yousefpour , Noushin Derakhshan, Arezoo Ahmadabadi (Author)
The Contribution of Personality Macro-Factors in Predicting Marital Satisfaction of Women: A Preliminary Study for Developing a Premarital Counseling Protocol
Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of examining the contribution of personality macro-factors in the variance of women’s marital satisfaction: a preliminary study for developing a premarital counseling protocol. Methods and Materials: The research method was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all married female students aged 25 to 40 who were studying at Islamic Azad Universities in Isfahan during the 2023–2024 academic year. From this population, 128 individuals were selected using Cochran’s formula and the convenience sampling method. They completed the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (1989) and Cattell’s 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire (1993). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation tests and stepwise multiple regression analysis via SPSS-23. Findings: The results indicated that there was a positive relationship between the personality trait of extraversion and women’s marital satisfaction, and a negative relationship between the personality trait of self-control and women’s marital satisfaction. Moreover, the outcomes of regression analysis showed that the personality traits of self-control and anxiety, with determination coefficients of –0.401 and –0.220 respectively, were able to predict marital satisfaction. Conclusion: Considering the existence of a relationship between personality traits and marital satisfaction, the findings of this study can be used in premarital counseling. By identifying women’s personality traits, it is possible to predict and enhance their marital satisfaction.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nasrin Keyghobadi (Author); Maryam Fatehizade (Corresponding Author); Mehdi Tabrizi (Author)
The Effectiveness of Brain-Based Parenting Training on Parenting Adaptability and Parenting Orientation in Mothers of Children Aged 6 to 10 Years with Anxiety Symptoms
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of brain-based parenting training on enhancing parenting adaptability and parenting orientation among mothers of children aged 6 to 10 years who exhibit anxiety symptoms. Methods and Materials: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest–follow-up structure and a non-equivalent control group. The statistical population consisted of all mothers of children with anxiety symptoms in Isfahan during the 2023–2024 academic year. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 40 mothers were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of brain-based parenting training, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. All participants completed the Parenting Adaptability Questionnaire (Yousefi, 2021) and the Parenting Orientation Questionnaire (Yousefi, 2021) at pretest, posttest, and a 45-day follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test in SPSS 26, with significance set at p < .05. Findings: The results revealed significant time × group interaction effects for both parenting adaptability (F = 161.84, p < .001, η² = .850) and parenting orientation (F = 111.84, p < .001, η² = .797). Post hoc comparisons showed that the experimental group had significantly higher posttest and follow-up scores than the control group on both variables (p < .001). These findings indicate that brain-based parenting training produced sustained improvements in mothers’ adaptability and orientation. Conclusion: Brain-based parenting training is an effective intervention for improving mothers’ parenting adaptability and orientation, which may contribute to reducing anxiety risk and fostering healthier parent–child relationships.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elham Motovalibashi Naeini (Author); Zahra Yousefi (Corresponding Author); Mohsen Golparvar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Improving Marital Intimacy and Marital Adjustment
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) in enhancing marital intimacy and marital adjustment among couples. Methods and Materials: This research utilized a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest and a control group, including a three-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of couples who attended counseling centers in Qom in 2021. Using convenience sampling and based on sample size estimation via G*Power (effect size = 0.36, α = 0.05, power = 0.95), 48 individuals (24 couples) were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The intervention group participated in eight weekly 90-minute group sessions of EFT based on the protocol by Leslie Greenberg and colleagues (2008; as cited in Fathi et al., 2021), while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Bagarozzi Marital Intimacy Questionnaire (2001) and the Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale (1976). Data analysis was performed using 3×2 repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS version 26. Findings: Results showed a significant main effect of group on marital intimacy (F = 247.3, p < .05, η² = .662) and marital adjustment (F = 232.06, p < .05, η² = .89). The main effect of time (pretest, posttest, follow-up) was also significant for marital intimacy (F = 198.4, p < .05, η² = .686) and marital adjustment (F = 12.2, p < .05, η² = .31). Bonferroni test comparisons indicated significant increases from pretest to posttest and follow-up in both variables (p < .001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that EFT is an effective intervention for improving marital intimacy and marital adjustment, with effects sustained at follow-up, making it a promising approach to enhance relational functioning among couples.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elham Shafieefar (Author); Majid Zargham Hajebi (Corresponding Author); Reihane Tabarraei (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Explaining Disclosed Marital Infidelity in Men Based on the Inter-Systemic Model
Objective: This study aimed to explain the phenomenon of disclosed marital infidelity in men through the lens of the inter-systemic model. Methods and Materials: This qualitative study employed a multiple-stage design using semi-structured interviews. The participants were 15 men aged 30–45 who had engaged in marital infidelity, which had been disclosed either voluntarily or by their spouses, and who sought counseling services in Tehran. Participants were recruited through criterion-based purposive sampling, ensuring inclusion criteria such as having at least a high school diploma, no intellectual disabilities, no current psychological treatment, and no marital separation. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews guided by a question framework developed and validated by family studies experts. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify themes, categories, and systemic linkages. Ethical principles of voluntary participation and confidentiality were strictly observed throughout the study. Findings: Analysis revealed that men’s infidelity stemmed from complex interconnections among multiple systems. Individual factors included sexual dissatisfaction, egocentrism, sensation-seeking, and emotional distress. Relational factors encompassed emotional withdrawal, conflict avoidance, sexual monotony, and ambivalent attachment. Familial influences included dysfunctional parenting patterns, blurred boundaries, and in-law interference. Socio-cultural factors involved gendered double standards, economic stressors, and technological affordances that facilitated external relationships. These systems interacted dynamically, showing infidelity as a maladaptive coping strategy used to escape emotional stagnation rather than solely as a pursuit of sexual gratification. Conclusion: Disclosed marital infidelity in men emerges from the cumulative interaction of individual, relational, familial, and socio-cultural systems. The inter-systemic model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding this phenomenon and can inform targeted, multi-level interventions for prevention and treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amin Baratian (Author); Seyed Ali Kimiaei (Corresponding Author); Hossein Kareshki, Khodabakhsh Ahmadi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Grandparents’ Lived Experience in Caring for Grandchildren: A Qualitative Study
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to explore the lived experience of grandparents in caring for grandchildren. Methods and Materials: The present research was qualitative in nature and based on an interpretative phenomenological approach. From among older adults who had experience in caring for grandchildren, the researcher purposefully selected 20 elderly participants (10 grandfathers and 10 grandmothers) and conducted interviews with them. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and finally analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis method of Diekelmann et al. (1989). Findings: Analysis of the participants’ statements led to the identification of 107 initial concepts, 16 sub-themes, and four main themes (aging-related problems, challenges of older adults in caring for grandchildren, positive consequences of caring for grandchildren in older adults, and consequences of care in grandchildren). Conclusion: The results clearly illuminated the problems and challenges of caring for grandchildren, as well as the positive effects of this process on both grandparents and grandchildren. Experts can utilize these findings to design preventive, educational, and even therapeutic programs aimed at realizing constructive grandchild care and reducing its potential negative outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Akram Mouladoost (Author); Fahimeh Namdarpour (Corresponding Author); Mehdi Tabrizi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Lived Experiences of Middle-Aged Couples Engaged in Infidelity: A Grounded Theory Study
Objective: This study aimed to explore and conceptualize the lived experiences of middle-aged couples involved in marital infidelity using a grounded theory approach. Methods and Materials: The research employed grounded theory methodology to systematically analyze the narratives of twelve men and women aged 40–65 years who sought counseling in family consultation centers in Shiraz and who had engaged in infidelity. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews served as the primary data collection method, supported by document reviews and field notes. Data analysis followed Strauss and Corbin’s coding procedures—open, axial, and selective coding—with constant comparison and memo writing used to refine categories and develop a coherent theoretical model. Credibility was enhanced through member checking, peer debriefing, and triangulation of perspectives. Findings: The analysis revealed a multi-layered model in which causal conditions such as unmet emotional needs, sexual dissatisfaction, negative spousal behaviors, monotony in marital life, reciprocal betrayal, and situational opportunities fostered extramarital involvement. Contextual factors such as traditional marriages, shifting cultural values, economic stress, low emotional literacy, and family interference further shaped the dynamics. Intervening conditions—including revenge motives, personality traits, spousal neglect, addiction, and social pressures—intensified vulnerability. Participants described a central phenomenon of inner void and dissatisfaction, leading to the search for substitute relationships. Their experiences reflected ambivalence, combining pleasure, novelty, and empowerment with guilt, stress, and anxiety. Strategies centered on secrecy management, deception, and regulation of relationships with third parties. Consequences included divorce, mistrust, emotional detachment, or continuation of hollow marriages, alongside psychological distress, identity disruption, and dependency on the third party. Conclusion: The study highlights the paradoxical duality of infidelity as both a source of excitement and a trigger for guilt and long-term damage, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive interventions in therapy and social support systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parvaneh Hemadi (Author); Nazanin Honarparvaran (Corresponding Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Presenting a Model for Predicting Marital Burnout Based on Experiential Avoidance and Relationship Beliefs with the Mediation of Forgiveness in Married Women Referring to Counseling Centers in Tehran
Objective: This study aimed to present a predictive model of marital burnout based on experiential avoidance and relationship beliefs with the mediating role of forgiveness in married women. Methods and Materials: The research employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of married women living in Tehran who had been married between 5 and 15 years and referred to counseling centers. A sample of 300 women was selected using available sampling. Data collection instruments included the Couple Burnout Measure (Pines, 1996), the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (Gámez et al., 2011), the Relationship Beliefs Inventory (Eidelson & Epstein, 1982), and the Family Forgiveness Scale (Pollard et al., 1998). Reliability and validity of the instruments were confirmed in prior studies. Data analysis was performed using AMOS-24 with maximum likelihood estimation. Findings: The results indicated that experiential avoidance positively predicted marital burnout (β = 0.364, p < .001). Relationship beliefs also showed a positive and significant effect on marital burnout (β = 0.291, p < .001). Forgiveness had a negative and significant effect on marital burnout (β = -0.478, p < .001). Furthermore, forgiveness mediated the relationship between experiential avoidance and marital burnout (β = 0.129, p < .001), as well as between relationship beliefs and marital burnout (β = 0.118, p < .001). The model demonstrated acceptable fit indices (χ²/df = 2.45, CFI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.07). Overall, experiential avoidance, relationship beliefs, and forgiveness explained 45% of the variance in marital burnout among participants. Conclusion: The findings suggest that dysfunctional relationship beliefs and higher levels of experiential avoidance increase the risk of marital burnout, while forgiveness plays a protective role by reducing its intensity. Designing interventions that strengthen forgiveness and restructure irrational relationship beliefs can help reduce marital burnout and promote marital satisfaction.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hourieh Masoumi Rad (Author); Pantea Jahangir (Corresponding Author); Simindokht Rezakhani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0