E-ISSN: 3041-8615 Director in Charge: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani Editor-in-chief: Dr. Shokoh Navabinejad Associate editor: Dr. Nadereh Saadati Executive Director: Maryam Nayebzadeh Owner: Iranian Association for Women's Studies Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Contact Email: psywoman@kmanpub.com /psychowomenjournal@gmail.com Open Access: YES The psychology of woman journal publishes new theories and scientific-research achievements in various areas and is a suitable platform for presenting and transmitting opinions and results obtained about new findings and studies that are raised in relation with women studies. The publication of this journal causes a detailed and valuable acquaintance and recognition of the studies which can show that how women have a great contribution in the society. Therefore, articles that are dedicated to the psychological and social issues of women and are written according to the scientific structure of the journal will be able to be published in this journal. Therefore, experts and scholars can submit their manuscripts for peer-review and publication in this scientific quarterly by becoming a member of the site. The Psychology of Woman Journal is a scientific open peer-reviewed. The aims and scopes of the journal are to publish articles in the field of women and family, with the following priorities: Pathology and providing solutions for women and family issues Examining and presenting new findings in the theoretical fields of women and family issues from a religious perspective Identifying the needs, abilities of women and the fields of their presence during the development of the Islamic system Explaining the role of women in social processes and social psychology Creating and presenting a new paradigm in the field of women in the country Development of research related to women from the perspective of social psychology and sociology Criticizing and examining the views of schools and experts in the field of women and 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)
Identification and Ranking of Motivational Factors Influencing the Tendency Toward a Health-Promoting Lifestyle in Women with Eating Disorders
Objective: This study aimed to identify and rank the key motivational factors that influence women with eating disorders in adopting and maintaining a health-promoting lifestyle. Methods and Materials: The research employed a sequential mixed-methods design consisting of a qualitative and a quantitative phase. In the qualitative phase, an extensive literature review was conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved to identify major motivational themes related to health-promoting behaviors in women with eating disorders. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo 14 software through open, axial, and selective coding, which resulted in seven main motivational categories. In the quantitative phase, the identified factors were operationalized into a structured questionnaire and administered to 200 women with eating disorders in Tehran. Participants were selected purposively from counseling and treatment centers. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26, applying descriptive statistics and mean-score ranking to determine the relative importance of each motivational factor. Findings: The results revealed that among the seven identified motivational dimensions, intrinsic motivation (M = 4.56) ranked highest, followed by emotional regulation (M = 4.47) and social support (M = 4.31). Cognitive awareness (M = 4.25) and environmental and cultural factors (M = 4.11) occupied intermediate ranks, while behavioral regulation (M = 4.02) and physical and health awareness (M = 3.89) ranked lower. Conclusion: Strengthening internal motivation, self-efficacy, and emotional regulation should be central to intervention programs aimed at sustainable behavioral change in this population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hossein Gorji Azandariyani (Corresponding Author); Iraj Shakerinia, Masoumeh Hosseinzadehmahdavi (Author)
The Effectiveness of Quality of Life Therapy on Ego Strength and Psychological Empowerment in Women with Inadequate Spousal Support
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Quality of Life Therapy (QoLT) on improving ego strength and psychological empowerment among women with inadequate spousal support. Methods and Materials: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and 45-day follow-up stages using experimental and control groups. The statistical population consisted of all women with inadequate spousal support in Shahrekord in 2023. Thirty participants were selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to two groups of fifteen participants each. The experimental group received eight weekly sessions (90 minutes each) of Quality of Life Therapy based on the CASIO model, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Ego Strength Scale by Markstrom et al. (1997) and the Psychological Empowerment Scale by Thomas and Velthouse (1990). The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS-26 to compare the changes across the three measurement stages (pretest, posttest, and follow-up). Findings: The results of repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of time and group interaction on both ego strength (F(1,28)=33.38, p<.001, η²=.641) and psychological empowerment (F(2,28)=55.09, p<.001, η²=.750). The between-group effects were also significant for ego strength (F(1,28)=16.68, p<.001, η²=.471) and psychological empowerment (F(1,28)=25.59, p<.001, η²=.583), indicating that participants in the Quality of Life Therapy group showed substantial improvements compared to the control group, with effects maintained at follow-up. Conclusion: Quality of Life Therapy can be used as a comprehensive, cognitive-behavioral, and life-satisfaction-based intervention for promoting psychological resilience and empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Roya Sayadifard (Author); Seyed Hamid Atashpour (Corresponding Author); Zahra Yousefi (Author)
Contexts of Silence and Disclosure in Women’s Experiences of Workplace Harassment
Objective: This study aimed to explore how women in Chile experience, interpret, and navigate silence and disclosure in the context of workplace harassment. Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative, interpretive design, the study employed semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 women from diverse professional sectors in Chile, including education, healthcare, public administration, and corporate organizations. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were conducted in Spanish, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14 software following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. The analysis identified recurrent patterns and contextual dynamics shaping participants’ decisions to remain silent or disclose their experiences. Ethical approval was secured to ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and voluntary participation. Findings: The analysis generated four major themes: (1) Culture of Silence and Fear, reflecting institutional tolerance, power asymmetry, and fear of retaliation; (2) Psychological and Social Consequences, encompassing emotional exhaustion, identity disruption, and withdrawal; (3) Pathways to Disclosure, illustrating incremental, strategic, and collective disclosure processes; and (4) Healing and Resistance, describing women’s efforts to reclaim agency through storytelling, solidarity, and advocacy. Findings revealed that silence was a learned survival strategy shaped by structural inequities, while disclosure emerged as a negotiated act dependent on social support, trust, and contextual safety. Conclusion: The study highlights that workplace harassment is sustained by systemic silence rooted in fear, gender hierarchy, and institutional neglect. However, women’s acts of disclosure and resistance signify transformative pathways toward empowerment and organizational change.
Contexts of Loneliness in Women Choosing Voluntary Singlehood: A Qualitative Study in Mexico
Objective: This study aimed to explore the emotional, sociocultural, and existential contexts of loneliness among women in Mexico who have consciously chosen voluntary singlehood. Methods and Materials: This research employed a qualitative exploratory design using semi-structured interviews to capture the lived experiences of women identifying as voluntarily single. A total of 22 participants aged between 27 and 49 years were recruited through purposive sampling from various regions in Mexico, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, and Monterrey. Interviews were conducted in Spanish, recorded with consent, and transcribed verbatim. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework, supported by NVivo 14 software for systematic coding and organization. Rigor was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and maintenance of an audit trail throughout the analysis process. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Emotional Landscapes of Solitude, describing women’s redefinition of loneliness as reflective solitude balanced with emotional ambivalence; (2) Sociocultural Frames of Expectation, capturing the influence of cultural scripts, family pressure, and stigma in shaping the social experience of singlehood; and (3) Strategies of Meaning-Making and Self-Construction, reflecting participants’ agency in redefining fulfillment, establishing supportive social networks, and framing singlehood as a feminist and existential choice. Conclusion: Voluntary singlehood among women in Mexico represents a complex psychosocial process of self-definition within traditional cultural boundaries. Loneliness in this context is best understood not as deprivation but as an evolving emotional state rooted in agency, meaning-making, and resistance to normative gender expectations.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Psychological Distress and Sleep Quality in Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on psychological distress and sleep quality in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental and applied research design using a pretest–posttest control group format. The statistical population consisted of all women diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome who attended hospitals and medical centers in Tonekabon in 2024. The research sample comprised 30 participants selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The research instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler, 2002) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Buysse et al., 1989). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27. Findings: The results indicated a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean scores of psychological distress and sleep quality (P < .001). Conclusion: The findings favored the experimental group. Overall, the results demonstrated that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effectively reduced psychological distress and improved sleep quality among women with irritable bowel syndrome.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tahereh Shapouri (Author); Alireza Jafari (Corresponding Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy and Short-Term Solution-Focused Therapy on Intolerance of Uncertainty in Pregnant Women
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and short-term solution-focused therapy (SFBT) on intolerance of uncertainty among pregnant women in 2024. Methods and Materials: This study was applied in purpose and employed an experimental design with a pretest–posttest–follow-up structure and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all pregnant women who visited comprehensive health service centers and obstetric specialists in Semnan City and had become pregnant naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques in 2021 and 2022. A total of 66 pregnant women were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software, version 27. To measure intolerance of uncertainty, the Freeston Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale was employed. Findings: The results indicated that both cognitive–behavioral therapy and short-term solution-focused therapy significantly reduced intolerance of uncertainty among pregnant women, demonstrating the effectiveness of both approaches. Statistically, the mean score of the short-term solution-focused group was lower than that of the cognitive–behavioral group, indicating a greater impact of this therapeutic method on intolerance of uncertainty. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that both therapeutic approaches were effective in reducing intolerance of uncertainty and maintained stable effectiveness over time. Therefore, it is recommended that behavioral therapy specialists incorporate the findings of this study into their treatment programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Farnoosh Irvani (Author); Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi (Corresponding Author); Ahmad Mansouri (Author)
Structural Model Comparison of the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Self-Compassion via Affective Flexibility in Women Seeking Divorce and Non-clinical Women
The present study aimed to compare a structural model of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and self-compassion, mediated by affective flexibility, in women seeking divorce and non-clinical women. This research employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all women seeking divorce and non-clinical women who attended counseling and psychology centers in Tehran in 2024. From this population, 400 participants (200 women seeking divorce and 200 non-clinical women) were selected via multi-stage cluster sampling based on the study’s inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Self-Compassion Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire, and the Affective Flexibility Scale. Data analysis was performed in SPSS and AMOS using SEM. Results indicated that the proposed model demonstrated good fit. The direct effect of early maladaptive schemas on affective flexibility was significantly negative in both groups (women seeking divorce and non-clinical women). Likewise, early maladaptive schemas had a significantly negative effect on self-compassion in both groups. Examination of indirect coefficients and model comparisons showed that the mediating effect of affective flexibility in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and self-compassion was stronger among women seeking divorce than among non-clinical women. Overall, the findings suggest that early maladaptive schemas influence self-compassion through affective flexibility in both women seeking divorce and non-clinical women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samaneh Arvin (Author); Mohammad Mehdi Jahangiri (Corresponding Author); Firoozeh Zangeneh Motlagh (Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy on Marital Adjustment of Married Women
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in improving marital adjustment among married women. Methods and Materials: This applied and experimental study used a pretest–posttest–two-month follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included married women who attended the Hazrat Zainab Cultural Center in Mashhad, Iran, during 2022–2023. Sixty eligible participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (CFT, SFBT, and control), but due to attrition, 16 participants remained in the CFT group, 18 in the SFBT group, and 18 in the control group. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; Spanier, 1976) was used to measure marital adjustment. The CFT group attended twelve 90-minute weekly sessions based on Gilbert’s model, while the SFBT group participated in six 90-minute sessions following the Diamond approach. Data were collected at three time points (pretest, posttest, and two-month follow-up) and analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance with SPSS-27. Findings: The results indicated significant main effects of time (p < .001, η² = .76) and group (p = .004, η² = .20) as well as a significant time × group interaction (p < .001, η² = .59) for marital adjustment. Post hoc Bonferroni tests showed that both the CFT and SFBT groups had significantly higher marital adjustment scores at posttest and follow-up compared with the control group (p < .001). However, no significant difference was found between the CFT and SFBT groups at either posttest or follow-up (p > .05). Conclusion: Both Compassion-Focused Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy effectively improved and sustained marital adjustment in married women, with comparable therapeutic impact.
Copyright (c) 2025 Masoumeh Kheirkhah (Author); Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi (Corresponding Author); Sepideh Pourheydari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Examining the Effectiveness of Compassion-Based Acceptance and Commitment Integrated Therapy on Cortisol Hormone Levels and Mindfulness in Infertile Women Undergoing Hormone Therapy
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of compassion-based acceptance and commitment integrated therapy on reducing cortisol hormone levels and improving mindfulness in infertile women undergoing hormone therapy. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of infertile women undergoing hormone therapy in Isfahan, Iran, in 2023, from which 40 participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). The therapeutic intervention was conducted for the experimental group in 10 sessions. Research instruments included the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and a salivary cortisol assessment test. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Findings: The results indicated that compassion-based acceptance and commitment therapy had a significant effect on reducing cortisol levels (P < .001) and improving various dimensions of mindfulness (P < .01). In the experimental group, the mean cortisol level decreased significantly in the posttest (a 2.2-unit reduction), while the control group showed a minimal, non-significant decrease. Moreover, overall mindfulness in the experimental group increased by 13.3 units; dimensions such as acceptance of negative emotions, present-moment focus, and non-judgmental awareness also demonstrated positive changes. MANOVA results further revealed that the difference between groups regarding the combination of dependent variables was significant (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.712, P < .001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that compassion-based acceptance and commitment integrated therapy is effective not only in reducing physiological stress (cortisol) but also in enhancing mindfulness skills.
Compassion-Based Acceptance and Commitment Integrated Therapy (ACT-CFT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanaz Pourgoli, Maryam Dehghan (Author); Kamran Pourmohammad Ghouchani (Corresponding Author); Elham Naghshineh (Author)
Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Perceived Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on perceived pain and sleep quality among patients with fibromyalgia. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest format, a control group, and a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of all patients with fibromyalgia who referred to the rehabilitation clinic of Modarres Hospital in Tehran during 2023–2024. Using purposive sampling, 45 participants were selected and randomly assigned to three equal groups of 15. Data were collected using the Pain Perception Questionnaire (McGill, 2009) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Buysse et al., 1989). The CBT intervention was conducted across 10 weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Participants in the control group did not receive any psychological intervention during this period. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. Findings: The findings indicated that CBT significantly reduced perceived pain (F = 107.539, η² = 0.349) and improved sleep quality (F = 190.376, η² = 0.427) in patients with fibromyalgia (p < .05). Conclusion: The results support the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in alleviating perceived pain and enhancing sleep quality among individuals with fibromyalgia. These findings underscore the importance of psychological and behavioral factors in the management of fibromyalgia and highlight the potential of CBT as an effective complementary intervention to improve patients’ overall functioning and quality of life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anbar Sadighi, Alireza Shokrgozar (Author); Sheida Sodagar (Corresponding Author); Maryam Bahrami-Hidaji, Seyed Ahmad Raeissadat (Author)
Designing and Validating a Community-Based Palliative Psychological Service Package and Evaluating Its Effectiveness on Pain Perception and Death Anxiety in Patients with Breast Cancer
Objective: This study aimed to design, validate, and evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based palliative psychological service package on pain perception and death anxiety in patients with breast cancer. Methods and Materials: In the qualitative phase, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 women diagnosed with breast cancer and content analysis of 22 related scientific articles. The designed intervention package was then presented to 15 psychology experts, and its validity was confirmed using survey methods and content analysis. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included women with breast cancer residing in Khorramabad city, who were purposively selected and then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants in each group). The research instruments included the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Melzack, 1975) and the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (Templer, 1970), both of which demonstrated appropriate reliability and validity. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS version 26 with repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Findings: The findings indicated that the intervention package significantly reduced pain perception and death anxiety in the experimental group. The package, which emphasized mindfulness techniques and emotion management training, effectively contributed to the psychological and social empowerment of the patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of integrating psychological interventions with breast cancer treatments and developing effective community-level palliative care programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohamad Sharif Malmir (Author); Mohammadreza Seyrafi (Corresponding Author); Saeedeh Zomorodi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparing the Effectiveness of Paradoxical Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Body image in Women with Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of paradoxical therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on body image in women with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up and a control group was used. The statistical population comprised all women seeking cosmetic surgery who attended aesthetic clinics in Tehran between October–December 2023. To identify individuals with BDD symptoms, the Body Dysmorphic Evaluation Scale (Rabaii et al., 2011) was administered to all clinic visitors. After scoring, those with elevated scores were evaluated through a diagnostic interview by a clinical psychologist. Ultimately, 45 participants were purposively selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Research instruments included the Body image Questionnaire (Soweto and Garcia, 2002) and the BDD scale (Rabaii et al., 2020). Data were analyzed in SPSS-2 using repeated-measures ANOVA. Findings: Results indicated no significant difference between the Paradoxical therapy and CBT groups in body image scores (F = 0.886, p > .05). However, the statistical analyses confirmed that both interventions significantly reduced body image relative to the control condition among women with body dysmorphic disorder. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the effectiveness of Paradoxical therapy and CBT in improving body image among women with body dysmorphic disorder does not differ significantly.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elham Mahboubi (Author); Ali Shaker Dioulagh (Corresponding Author); Ali Khademi, Mohammad Hassan Asayesh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Resilience and Negative Meta-Emotion in Infertile Women with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on resilience and negative meta-emotion in infertile women with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This quasi-experimental research employed a pretest–posttest control-group design with a three-month follow-up. The statistical population comprised all infertile women with OCD who attended treatment centers in Tehran in 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Before the intervention, all participants completed the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC; 2003). The experimental group then received an rTMS intervention delivered in six weekly 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results indicated a significant difference between pretest and posttest across groups (p < .05). Additionally, for both resilience and negative meta-emotion, significant between-group differences were observed at posttest and at follow-up (p < .05). These findings suggest that rTMS can effectively enhance resilience and reduce negative meta-emotion in infertile women with OCD.
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Copyright (c) 2025 Saloomeh Zorrieh (Author); Mahdieh Rahmanian (Corresponding Author); Amin Rafiepoor (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Phenomenological Analysis of Divorced Women’s Experiences with Multiple Sexual Relationships After Divorce
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and analyze the lived experiences of divorced women who engage in multiple sexual relationships after divorce, focusing on psychological, social, familial, economic, and identity-related dimensions. Methods and Materials: This research employed a qualitative phenomenological design to capture the subjective meanings of participants’ post-divorce experiences. Ten divorced women attending a family counseling clinic in Shiraz were recruited through purposive sampling, based on criteria including at least one year since divorce, a history of multiple sexual relationships, and willingness to share personal experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, complemented by field notes and document analysis. Data analysis followed Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology, involving open, axial, and selective coding. Trustworthiness was ensured through prolonged engagement, member checking, peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail. Ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and participant autonomy were strictly observed. Findings: The analysis revealed six overarching dimensions shaping the experiences of divorced women: (1) psychological and emotional struggles characterized by loneliness, ambivalence, and fear of judgment; (2) social and cultural pressures involving stigma, secrecy, and value conflicts; (3) identity and gender redefinition, including proving femininity, asserting independence, and exercising control over sexuality; (4) familial dynamics, such as estrangement, concealment from relatives, and concern about children; (5) economic realities, with experiences of both dependency and empowerment through financial independence; and (6) coping strategies and personal reconstruction, including spiritual practices, counseling, journaling, and efforts to build healthier relationships. Conclusion: The study underscores that divorced women’s engagement in multiple sexual relationships is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by intersecting psychological, social, familial, cultural, and economic forces. These experiences reveal both vulnerability and resilience, emphasizing the need for supportive interventions, culturally sensitive counseling, and policies that reduce stigma while fostering autonomy and well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maliheh Esfandiari (Author); Nazanin Honarparvaran (Corresponding Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas, Resilience, and Coping Styles in Predicting Intolerance of Uncertainty among Female Nurses
Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive role of early maladaptive schemas, resilience, and coping styles in explaining intolerance of uncertainty among female nurses in Tehran. Methods and Materials: The research employed a correlational descriptive design. The study population consisted of female nurses working in hospitals across Tehran, from which 410 participants were selected using the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Data were collected using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were reported, Pearson correlations were conducted to examine bivariate relationships, and multivariate linear regression was used to identify predictors of intolerance of uncertainty. Assumptions of regression analysis were tested and confirmed. Findings: Results indicated that all schema domains were significantly and positively correlated with intolerance of uncertainty (r values ranging from .39 to .56, all p < .01). Resilience (r = –.48, p < .01) and task-oriented coping (r = –.44, p < .01) were negatively correlated with intolerance of uncertainty, whereas emotion-oriented coping (r = .41, p < .01) and avoidance-oriented coping (r = .37, p < .01) were positive correlates. The regression model was statistically significant, F(9, 400) = 78.62, p < .01, with R² = .41, indicating that the predictors explained 41% of the variance in intolerance of uncertainty. Overvigilance/inhibition (β = .23, p < .01) and disconnection/rejection (β = .19, p < .01) emerged as the strongest schema-related predictors, while resilience (β = –.31, p < .01) and task-oriented coping (β = –.22, p < .01) were protective factors. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that maladaptive schemas and maladaptive coping styles increase intolerance of uncertainty, whereas resilience and task-oriented coping reduce it. These results underscore the need for schema-focused interventions, resilience-building programs, and coping-skills training to enhance psychological well-being among nurses.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Najafi Aliehkolaei, Nazgol Malek Mohammadi , Fatemeh Momeni (Author); Shaghayegh Abedi (Corresponding Author); Elham Mostafavi , Zohreh Zadhasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Structural Model of Children’s Behavioral Problems Based on Mothers’ Adverse Childhood Experiences with the Mediating Role of Maternal Mentalization
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the structural model of children’s behavioral problems based on mothers’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), with maternal mentalization as a mediating factor. Methods and Materials: A correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed. The sample consisted of 323 mothers with children aged 6 to 12 years in Isfahan, selected through convenience sampling during 2023–2024. Data were collected using the World Health Organization’s Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) parent version, and the Persian version of the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (Mentalization Questionnaire). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-24 and AMOS-24, applying confirmatory factor analysis, maximum likelihood estimation, and bootstrapping with 2,000 resamples to test direct and indirect pathways. Findings: The results revealed that maternal ACEs were positively and significantly associated with children’s internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Maternal ACEs were also negatively and significantly related to maternal mentalization. In turn, maternal mentalization showed a significant negative relationship with children’s behavioral problems. Structural modeling confirmed that maternal mentalization partially mediated the relationship between maternal ACEs and children’s behavioral outcomes. Bootstrapping results demonstrated that the indirect effects of maternal ACEs on both internalizing and externalizing problems through maternal mentalization were statistically significant. Model fit indices indicated acceptable to excellent fit across all parameters, supporting the robustness of the structural model. Conclusion: The findings highlight the intergenerational transmission of adversity, demonstrating that mothers’ adverse childhood experiences contribute to children’s behavioral problems both directly and indirectly through diminished maternal mentalization. Strengthening maternal reflective functioning may serve as a critical intervention target to reduce the negative impact of maternal trauma histories on child behavioral outcomes. These results emphasize the importance of trauma-informed, family-centered interventions to disrupt cycles of adversity and promote healthier socioemotional development in children.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mina Kejani (Author); Mojtaba Ansari Shahidi (Corresponding Author); Salar Faramarzi , Mostafa Khanzadeh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Mediating Role of Forgiveness and Marital Self-Regulation in the Relationship Between Experiential Avoidance and Marital Burnout in Married Women
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of forgiveness and marital self-regulation in the relationship between experiential avoidance and marital burnout among married women. Methods and Materials: The research employed an applied, descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of married women in Tehran with 5–15 years of marital life who had not remarried and voluntarily agreed to participate. Using convenience sampling, 300 participants were recruited from counseling centers. The instruments included the Marital Burnout Questionnaire (Pines, 1996), the Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (Gámez et al., 2011), the Marital Self-Regulation Scale (Wilson et al., 2009), and the Family Forgiveness Scale (Pollard et al., 1998). After eliminating invalid responses, data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation in AMOS 26. Findings: Experiential avoidance was found to be a positive and significant predictor of marital burnout. However, forgiveness and marital self-regulation significantly and negatively mediated this relationship. The direct path between experiential avoidance and marital burnout was nonsignificant (β = .123, p = .069), while the indirect effects through forgiveness (β = .137, p = .001) and marital self-regulation (β = .188, p = .001) were both positive and significant. The total effect of experiential avoidance on marital burnout (β = .447, p = .001) indicated a substantial contribution, with the overall model explaining 52% of the variance in marital burnout. Model fit indices demonstrated acceptable fit (χ²/df = 2.74, GFI = .921, CFI = .945, RMSEA = .076). Conclusion: The findings highlight that forgiveness and marital self-regulation act as protective mechanisms that mitigate the negative impact of experiential avoidance on marital burnout.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hourieh Masoumirad (Author); Pantea Jahangir (Corresponding Author); Simindokht Rezakhani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparative Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Cervical Cancer
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotion-focused therapy (EFT) on improving sexual function and its components in women diagnosed with cervical cancer. Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest control group design with follow-up. Sixty women with cervical cancer referred to Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Zanjan were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two intervention groups (CBT and EFT) and one control group, with 20 participants in each. Both interventions were delivered in ten weekly group sessions. Data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which assesses six dimensions: sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Mixed-design ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of time, group, and their interaction, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were conducted for pairwise comparisons. Findings: Results indicated that both CBT and EFT significantly improved all components of sexual function and total FSFI scores compared to the control group (p < .001). Significant main effects of time, group, and interaction effects were observed for all variables. Bonferroni tests showed that both intervention groups had significantly higher posttest and follow-up scores in desire, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and total FSFI compared to controls. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the CBT and EFT groups across most components (p > .05), and improvements were maintained at follow-up, indicating stability of treatment effects. Conclusion: These findings support the integration of psychotherapeutic interventions into comprehensive cancer care to enhance quality of life and relational well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elham Norouzi (Author); Ahmad Sobhani (Corresponding Author); Hamid Reza Nikyar , Hasan Rezaie Jamalouei (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Examining the Mediating Role of Marital Commitment and Marital Quality of Life in the Relationship Between Marital Intimacy and Divorce Tendency Among Married Women in Shiraz
Objective: The present study aimed to examine a causal model of marital intimacy, marital commitment, marital quality of life, and divorce tendency among married women in Shiraz. Methods and Materials: This research employed a correlational design within the framework of structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all married women residing in Shiraz during the winter of 2025, from which 250 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Divorce Tendency Questionnaire by Rusbult, Johnson, and Morrow (1986), the Marital Commitment Questionnaire by Adams and Jones (1997), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (1996), and the Marital Intimacy Questionnaire by Walker and Thompson (1983). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24 and SmartPLS software. Findings: The results of the model analysis indicated that all direct and indirect paths between the variables were significant, and the model demonstrated a good fit. Conclusion: Accordingly, it can be concluded that marital intimacy, marital commitment, and marital quality of life have a significant effect on the divorce tendency of married women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hossein Ebrahimi (Corresponding Author); Hassan Khezri (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Identifying Patterns of Meta-Emotional Beliefs in Emotionally Suppressed Women
Objective: This study aimed to explore the underlying patterns of meta-emotional beliefs in emotionally suppressed women and understand how these beliefs influence emotional regulation and interpersonal behavior. Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative research design, 26 women from Spain who self-identified as emotionally suppressed were interviewed through semi-structured, in-depth conversations. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis within a constructivist framework, supported by NVivo 14 software. Coding followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach, identifying key themes, subthemes, and concepts that reflect participants' beliefs and strategies related to emotional suppression. Findings: Analysis revealed four major themes: (1) Internalized Emotional Norms, encompassing cultural, familial, and moral beliefs that discourage emotional expression; (2) Emotional Self-Evaluation, involving shame, guilt, and perfectionistic beliefs about emotional experience; (3) Interpersonal Emotional Dynamics, reflecting fears of rejection, emotional burdening, and conditional disclosure; and (4) Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies, including suppression, distraction, intellectualization, and emotional masking. Participants consistently reported beliefs that emotions were dangerous, untrustworthy, or inappropriate, and these beliefs shaped both their intrapersonal experiences and relational behaviors. Conclusion: The findings suggest that emotional suppression in women is underpinned by complex, internalized meta-emotional beliefs formed through sociocultural, familial, and relational influences. These beliefs contribute to rigid emotional regulation strategies that prioritize control and social acceptance over emotional authenticity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariana Oliveira (Author); Carmen Sánchez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cognitive Representations of Future Self as Predictors of Motivational Impairment in Women with PTSD
Objective: This study aimed to explore how cognitive representations of the future self predict motivational impairment in women diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative research design, the study employed a phenomenological approach to investigate the lived experiences of 25 women with clinically diagnosed PTSD residing in urban areas of Mexico. Participants were selected through purposive sampling from trauma recovery centers and interviewed using semi-structured formats. Interviews focused on perceptions of the future self, goal orientation, and motivational capacity. Thematic analysis was conducted following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase method, with data coding and organization supported by NVivo 14. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) Fragmented Future Self-Image, including subthemes such as fear-based future projections and absence of agency; (2) Trauma-Driven Motivational Impairment, characterized by emotional avoidance, loss of drive, and cognitive dissonance in goal setting; and (3) Reconstructive Possibilities Through Self-Insight, including the emergence of self-compassion, micro-motivation strategies, and support from interpersonal relationships. Participants reported a high degree of temporal disintegration, with future self-images often perceived as emotionally negative, unrealistic, or inaccessible. However, small-scale future planning and narrative reframing were identified as pathways for motivational recovery. Conclusion: The findings highlight that PTSD significantly alters cognitive representations of the future self, leading to motivational deficits rooted in fear, avoidance, and identity fragmentation. Nevertheless, therapeutic interventions that foster time perspective balance, future self-continuity, and compassionate self-narratives may restore agency and motivational engagement in trauma-affected women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Juan Camilo Ríos (Author); Carlos Hernández; Bridget Abalorio (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Psychological Determinants of Intimacy Avoidance in High-Achieving Women with Attachment Insecurity
Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychological factors that contribute to intimacy avoidance in high-achieving women with attachment insecurity. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 18 high-achieving women residing in Austria who self-identified as experiencing attachment insecurity (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized). Participants were selected via purposive sampling from professional, academic, and corporate sectors. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Rigor was enhanced through peer debriefing, memo writing, and member checking. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed four overarching psychological determinants of intimacy avoidance: (1) Fear of Emotional Exposure, which included subthemes such as fear of judgment, shame linked to emotional needs, and hyper-independence; (2) Attachment-Driven Self-Protection, involving internalized insecure scripts, cognitive defensiveness, and sabotage of closeness; (3) Performance-Based Self-Worth, where participants equated emotional detachment with professional control, often prioritizing efficiency over emotional connection; and (4) Childhood Relational Imprints, characterized by emotionally unavailable caregivers, conditional affection, and suppressed emotional vocabulary. Conclusion: This study highlights the complex interplay between attachment history, performance identity, and relational defenses in shaping intimacy avoidance in high-achieving women. Clinical interventions should address these avoidant strategies by fostering emotional literacy, challenging perfectionistic self-worth contingencies, and building secure attachment representations. The findings also underscore the need to consider gendered sociocultural factors in therapeutic work with high-functioning avoidant individuals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aleksandra Kowalska (Author); Lukas Gruber https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Intrapersonal Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in Women with High Trait Shame: A Qualitative Study
Objective: This study aimed to explore the intrapersonal conflict resolution mechanisms employed by women with high trait shame through a qualitative lens. Methods and Materials: A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed to investigate the lived experiences of 21 women residing in Georgia who reported persistently high levels of trait shame. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to gather detailed personal narratives. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach with the support of NVivo 14 software. Trustworthiness of the data was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and audit trails. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed four major categories of intrapersonal conflict resolution: (1) Emotional Regulation Strategies, including suppression, self-soothing, and distraction; (2) Cognitive Coping Mechanisms, such as rationalization, self-criticism, and identity negotiation; (3) Intrapersonal Dialogue and Reflection, encompassing internalized parental voices, dual-self conversations, and self-compassion struggles; and (4) Interpersonal Withdrawal and Boundary Dynamics, characterized by emotional isolation, fear of vulnerability, and covert boundary-setting. Participants often demonstrated complex internal negotiations, marked by inner conflict, shame resilience attempts, and reflective awareness. The findings align with existing literature on shame, psychological distress, and gendered identity development. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of therapeutic interventions that foster self-compassion, emotional awareness, and identity integration. Understanding these mechanisms provides critical insight into the internal lives of shame-affected women and offers a foundation for culturally informed mental health support.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zeynep Acar (Author); Nino Mchedlidze; Rana Kareem (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cognitive-Affective Disintegration in Women with Complex Developmental Trauma
Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experience of cognitive-affective disintegration in women with a history of complex developmental trauma. Methods and Materials: A qualitative design was employed using a phenomenological approach to capture the subjective experiences of trauma-exposed women. Seventeen adult female participants residing in Hungary were recruited through purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria included a self-reported history of complex developmental trauma and current psychological stability. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo 14 software. The coding process continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Fragmentation of self-experience, including subthemes such as dissociative disconnects, identity diffusion, and impaired reflective functioning; (2) Dysregulation of emotion and affect, characterized by emotional flooding, shutdown, chronic shame, and somatization of affect; and (3) Interpersonal and relational disruption, which encompassed relational hypervigilance, attachment ambivalence, and conflict avoidance. Participants described a pervasive sense of internal disconnection between thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, as well as incoherent self-narratives and unstable relationship patterns. Alexithymia appeared as a central mechanism linking early trauma to cognitive-affective fragmentation. Findings aligned with prior literature on trauma, dissociation, and emotional dysregulation, highlighting the enduring impact of developmental trauma on emotional processing and self-coherence. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for trauma-informed therapeutic interventions that target alexithymia, emotion regulation, and narrative integration to restore cognitive-affective coherence and relational stability in trauma survivors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marco Conti (Author); Eszter Kovács https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Predictive Indicators of Psychological Inflexibility in Women Engaged in High-Risk Romantic Relationships
Objective: This study aimed to identify the core psychological patterns and experiential indicators that predict psychological inflexibility in women involved in high-risk romantic relationships. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 women from Kenya who were currently or recently engaged in romantic relationships characterized by emotional, psychological, or physical risk. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14 software, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach. The trustworthiness of the analysis was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and an audit trail. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed four overarching categories reflecting the predictive indicators of psychological inflexibility: (1) Cognitive Rigidity and Maladaptive Beliefs, including overgeneralization, black-and-white thinking, and fatalistic worldviews; (2) Emotional Dysregulation and Experiential Avoidance, such as emotional suppression, fear of expression, and numbing; (3) Relational Dependency and Identity Diffusion, marked by fused identities, fear of abandonment, and lack of assertiveness; and (4) Trauma History and Psychological Vulnerability, including unresolved childhood trauma, repetition of abusive patterns, and hypervigilance in intimacy. Participants’ narratives revealed how these patterns sustained psychological inflexibility and impaired their ability to exit or reframe harmful relationships. Conclusion: Psychological inflexibility in women engaged in high-risk romantic relationships is shaped by a convergence of cognitive rigidity, emotional avoidance, relational enmeshment, and unresolved trauma.
Copyright (c) 2025 Luis Morales (Author); Grace Mwangi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy on Perceived Stress, Health Anxiety, and Hope in Women with Breast Cancer
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy in reducing perceived stress and health anxiety while enhancing hope among women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods and Materials: A randomized clinical trial with a non-equivalent group design was conducted in Tehran in 2023. The sample consisted of 30 women with breast cancer who were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups receiving positive psychotherapy or a control group. The intervention consisted of ten 90-minute sessions based on Seligman’s (2006) positive psychotherapy protocol. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI), and Snyder’s Hope Scale. All assessments were performed at three stages: pretest, posttest, and a follow-up. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS v22. Findings: Multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between time and group for all outcome variables (p < 0.001). Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant reductions in perceived stress (F = 70.48, p < 0.001, η² = 0.71) and health anxiety (F = 120.30, p < 0.001, η² = 0.81), and a significant increase in hope (F = 70.50, p < 0.001, η² = 0.71) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed significant improvements from pretest to both posttest and follow-up stages in all three variables for the experimental group. Conclusion: The findings support the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy in significantly improving psychological outcomes among women with breast cancer. This intervention offers a viable therapeutic approach to mitigate stress and anxiety while fostering hope, thereby enhancing psychological well-being in this population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hadis Karimpoorian (Author); Ezzatollah Kordmirza Nikoozadeh (Corresponding Author); Amin Rafiepoor (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Relational and Intrapersonal Factors Driving Women’s Engagement in High-Risk Relationships
Objective: This study aimed to explore the relational, intrapersonal, and sociocultural factors that contribute to women’s engagement in and persistence within high-risk intimate relationships. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 23 women residing in Mexico who had experienced at least one high-risk romantic relationship characterized by emotional harm, dependency, or coercive dynamics. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo 14 software. Rigor was maintained through member checking, reflexive journaling, and peer debriefing. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Emotional Vulnerability and Psychological Needs, including subthemes such as fear of loneliness, low self-worth, emotional dependency, and a need for validation; (2) Interpersonal Dynamics and Power Imbalance, highlighting manipulative control tactics, sexual coercion, and unequal decision-making power; and (3) Sociocultural and Structural Influences, encompassing traditional gender role expectations, economic dependence, stigma, and limited access to mental health support. Participants described enduring harmful relationships due to internalized relational schemas, structural constraints, and cultural narratives that framed endurance as moral strength. Emotional idealization of the partner and hope for redemption were also key drivers for continued engagement in high-risk dynamics. Conclusion: Understanding these multilayered factors is critical for designing culturally responsive, trauma-informed interventions that promote safety, autonomy, and healing. Interventions must address not only individual emotional needs but also systemic barriers to support and empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Factors Influencing Help-Seeking Behavior in Women with Postpartum Depression
Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychological, interpersonal, structural, and systemic factors influencing help-seeking behavior among women experiencing postpartum depression in Greece. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 21 women diagnosed with postpartum depression within the first year after childbirth. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. Rigor was ensured through independent coding, member checking, and maintenance of reflexivity throughout the research process. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed four main categories: (1) Psychological and Emotional Barriers, including fear of stigma, internalized guilt, and denial of illness; (2) Interpersonal and Social Influences, such as spousal support, family dynamics, and cultural expectations; (3) Structural and Systemic Barriers, including limited accessibility, financial constraints, and mistrust in healthcare services; and (4) Facilitators of Help-Seeking, such as empathetic healthcare professionals, psychoeducation, community networks, and positive prior experiences with mental health care. Participants’ narratives highlighted a complex interplay between internal struggles and external conditions that either hindered or encouraged their willingness to seek professional help. Conclusion: Help-seeking behavior in women with postpartum depression is shaped by a constellation of interrelated psychological, social, and systemic factors. Addressing these barriers requires a multidimensional approach that includes stigma reduction, mental health literacy, empathetic provider training, and culturally sensitive, accessible services. Interventions should empower women to recognize and validate their emotional experiences while facilitating supportive environments that normalize seeking care during the postpartum period.
Exploring the Cognitive-Affective Components of Body Image Disturbance in Adolescent Girls
Objective: This study aimed to explore the cognitive and affective components of body image disturbance (BID) in adolescent girls. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design based on a phenomenological approach was employed to investigate the lived experiences of 20 adolescent girls aged 13–18 from various regions in Malaysia. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which were conducted in private settings to ensure confidentiality and comfort. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. The analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-step method, incorporating both inductive and deductive coding strategies to identify recurrent cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns. Findings: Four overarching themes emerged: (1) Cognitive Evaluations of Body Image, including internalized ideals, social comparison, and self-objectification; (2) Affective Experiences, such as shame, anxiety, and body-related emotional fluctuations; (3) Sociocultural Influences, encompassing family, peer, media, and cultural pressures; and (4) Coping and Regulation Strategies, which ranged from avoidance and compensatory behaviors to cognitive reframing and peer support. Participants described a dynamic and often distressing relationship with their bodies, marked by internalized societal expectations and emotionally charged self-appraisal. Conclusion: This study highlights the interrelated cognitive and affective processes underlying BID in adolescent girls, emphasizing the role of sociocultural context in shaping these experiences. The findings underscore the need for holistic, culturally sensitive interventions that address not only distorted thoughts but also emotional regulation and social influences.
Pathways to Resilience in Women Experiencing Financial Disempowerment
Objective: This study aimed to explore the multidimensional pathways through which women experiencing financial disempowerment construct and enact psychological resilience within the socio-cultural context of Spain. Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative exploratory design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 women aged 26 to 52 who self-identified as financially disempowered. Participants were recruited from urban and semi-urban areas in Spain through community organizations and support networks. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews, lasting between 50 to 75 minutes, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo 14 software. Open, axial, and selective coding procedures were applied to identify core themes related to internal coping, social support, and structural adaptation. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Internal Coping Mechanisms—including emotional regulation, cognitive reframing, goal setting, and spiritual anchoring; (2) Social Support and Relationships—encompassing peer support, family dynamics, mentorship, and digital community engagement; and (3) Structural Navigation and Empowerment—involving financial literacy, employment strategies, institutional navigation, and gender-based advocacy. Participants emphasized that resilience was not an innate trait but a dynamic, contextually driven process shaped by both personal agency and access to relational and institutional resources. Quotations revealed resilience as a negotiated response to chronic instability rather than a fixed psychological quality. Conclusion: The study underscores the multifaceted nature of resilience among financially disempowered women, revealing how they integrate personal strategies, relational resources, and structural engagement to cope with adversity.