Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

Investigating the Effect of Narcissistic Tendencies on Marital Relationship Stability and the Mediating Role of Emotional Maturity in Couples

Ahmad Raisi Sheykhvisi

; Seyed Faizullah Afrazizadeh *

; Ali Reza Maredpour

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of narcissistic tendencies on marital relationship stability and examine the mediating role of emotional maturity in couples.

Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design and was conducted among married couples residing in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. A total of 384 couples were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Inclusion criteria included at least two years of marital experience and no history of severe psychological disorders. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the Marital Instability Index (MII), the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), and the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS). The psychometric properties of these tools were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and split-half reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and structural equation modeling (SEM) via SPSS and AMOS software. Bootstrapping was also employed to test the mediating effect.

Findings: The results revealed that narcissistic tendencies were significantly and negatively associated with marital relationship stability (β = -0.32, p < .001). Emotional maturity was found to have a significant positive effect on marital stability (β = 0.43, p < .001) and a significant negative relationship with narcissistic tendencies (β = -0.38, p < .001). Importantly, emotional maturity partially mediated the relationship between narcissistic tendencies and marital stability (indirect effect β = -0.16, p < .01), and the total effect of narcissism on marital instability was substantial (β = -0.48, p < .001). The proposed model demonstrated a good fit to the data with acceptable fit indices.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that narcissistic traits undermine marital stability directly and indirectly by reducing emotional maturity. Emotional maturity serves as a protective factor that enhances relational resilience. These results highlight the importance of addressing emotional development and personality traits in marital counseling and relationship education.

The Effectiveness of Marital Distress Tolerance Training on Marital Adjustment in Conflicting Couples in Tehran

Marjan Madadi

; Omid Moradi *

; Latif Moradveisi

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program based on the Marital Distress Tolerance Model on reducing marital conflicts among conflicting couples in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population included all conflicting couples who visited psychological and counseling centers in Tehran. One center was randomly selected, and 30 couples were chosen through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 couples each). The experimental group received a 9-session intervention based on a structured educational package developed from the causal model of marital distress tolerance, focusing on cognitive flexibility, family health, and social problem-solving skills. Data were collected using the Barati and Sanaei Marital Conflict Questionnaire and a researcher-developed content validity instrument evaluated by experts. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the data through SPSS software.

Findings: The results of the MANCOVA indicated that the educational program had a statistically significant effect on all dimensions of marital conflict, including reduced sexual relations (F = 28.438, p < .001), increased emotional reactions (F = 18.448, p < .001), separation of financial matters (F = 29.932, p < .001), reduced cooperation (F = 22.822, p < .001), reduced relationships with spouse’s relatives (F = 18.549, p < .001), increased relationships with one’s own relatives (F = 10.030, p = .005), and increased seeking support from children (F = 65.565, p < .001).

Conclusion: The study confirmed that the educational program based on the marital distress tolerance model significantly reduced marital conflicts across multiple dimensions, supporting the model’s applicability in therapeutic interventions for couples experiencing relational distress.

The Structural Model of Death Anxiety and Self-Acceptance Based on Differentiation with the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Elderly

Behdokht Kia

; Taher Tizdast *

; Fatemeh Eslahi Farshami

Objective: This study aimed to determine the fit of a structural model of death anxiety and self-acceptance based on psychological flexibility and differentiation, with the mediating role of self-compassion in the elderly.

Methods and Materials: The research method was fundamental, descriptive, and correlational in nature. The statistical population consisted of all individuals aged 60 years and above residing in daily elderly care centers in Nowshahr and Chalous counties from February 2024 to August 2024 (N = 232). Due to the limited size of the population, a census method was used, and research questionnaires were distributed to all members of the population. Ultimately, due to damaged or incomplete questionnaires, data from 215 questionnaires were analyzed (n = 215). The research instruments included the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (1970), the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire by Chamberlain and Haaga (2001), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (Bond et al., 2007), the Differentiation of Self Inventory by Skowron and Friedlander (1998), and Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale (2003). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 and LISREL 8 software.

Findings: Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between differentiation and self-compassion (r = 0.645, p < .01); a negative and significant relationship between differentiation and death anxiety (r = -0.411, p < .01); a positive and significant relationship between differentiation and self-acceptance (r = 0.700, p < .01); a negative and significant relationship between self-compassion and death anxiety (r = -0.352, p < .01); and a positive and significant relationship between self-compassion and self-acceptance (r = 0.846, p < .01). Path analysis revealed that the indirect path from differentiation to death anxiety through the mediating role of self-compassion was statistically significant (β = -0.629, p < .01). Furthermore, the indirect path from differentiation to self-acceptance through self-compassion was also statistically significant (β = 0.861, p < .01).

Conclusion: Thus, the structural model of death anxiety and self-acceptance based on differentiation with the mediating role of self-compassion demonstrated a good fit among elderly individuals residing in daily care centers in Nowshahr and Chalous. These findings may serve as a basis for developing comprehensive therapeutic models to enhance psychological well-being among the elderly.

Keywords: Death Anxiety, Self-Acceptance, Differentiation, Self-Compassion, Elderly.

Comparative Effectiveness of Reality Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Love Trauma Syndrome, Self-Worth, and Relationship Beliefs in Divorced Women in Tehran

Fatemeh Souri

; Mohammad Mehdi Jahangiri *

; Zabih Pirani

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy (EFT) on love trauma syndrome, self-worth, and relationship beliefs in divorced women residing in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: This research is applied in terms of purpose and quasi-experimental in terms of data collection, using a pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all divorced women residing in District 2 of Tehran in 2023, from whom 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling. The participants were randomly assigned, with age-matching, into two intervention groups and one control group. Participants completed the Relationship Beliefs Questionnaire, Ross's Love Trauma Syndrome Questionnaire, and the Self-Worth Questionnaire at pretest, posttest, and follow-up phases. The first intervention group received 8 sessions of reality therapy, while the second group received 10 sessions of emotion-focused therapy. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS version 22.

Findings: Both reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy were effective in enhancing self-worth, improving relationship beliefs, and reducing love trauma syndrome symptoms among divorced women in Tehran. Moreover, the effectiveness of both treatments persisted over time. No significant difference was found between the effectiveness of reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy on the studied variables.

Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that both reality therapy and emotion-focused therapy are effective interventions for improving love trauma syndrome symptoms, enhancing self-worth, and modifying relationship beliefs in divorced women in Tehran

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Two Approaches: Coaching and Self-Learning on Marital Satisfaction and Intimacy of Couples

Negar Sedaghat

; Majid Safarinia *

; Elaheh Sadeghi

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions using coaching and self-learning methods on marital satisfaction and couple intimacy.

Methods and Materials: This semi-experimental study followed a pre-test–post-test design with a control group and two experimental groups (coaching and self-learning). The statistical population consisted of couples who visited family counseling centers in District 8 of Tehran in 2022 and reported low levels of marital satisfaction and intimacy. A purposive sampling method was used to select 45 participants, who were equally divided into three groups of 15. The coaching group received eight 90-minute cognitive-behavioral sessions, while the self-learning group was given a structured 73-page manual to follow independently over two months. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Thompson and Walker Marital Intimacy Scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the results.

Findings: ANCOVA results indicated that cognitive-behavioral interventions using the coaching method significantly improved marital satisfaction (η² = 0.30, p < .01) and couple intimacy (η² = 0.372, p < .01), compared to the control group. Similarly, the self-learning method showed significant improvement in marital satisfaction (η² = 0.19, p < .01) and intimacy (η² = 0.23, p < .01), although the effect sizes were smaller.

Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral interventions, particularly through coaching, are effective in enhancing marital satisfaction and intimacy. The presence of a coach facilitates deeper understanding, accountability, and behavioral change, making it a more impactful approach compared to self-directed learning.

Exploring the Experiences of Women with OCD in Workplace: A Qualitative Study

Suzan Khazaeipul

, Mitra Teymouri

, Hengame Alimardani

, Raziyeh Bagheri

; Zeinab Ghorbanzadeh Korani *

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in women remains underexplored in occupational contexts, despite its significant impact on functioning and well-being. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of women with OCD in the workplace. Utilizing a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the research was conducted in Tehran, Iran. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 employed women formally diagnosed with OCD across diverse professional sectors. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Four core themes emerged: Workplace Challenges, Coping Mechanisms, Perceived Organizational Support, and Effects on Professional Identity. Participants reported challenges such as intrusive thoughts during tasks, compulsive checking behaviors, time-consuming rituals, perfectionism, and heightened anxiety in high-pressure environments. Coping mechanisms included cognitive-behavioral strategies, medication adherence, mindfulness practices, supportive routines, and seeking social or therapeutic support. Perceptions of organizational support ranged widely, with positive experiences linked to empathetic supervisors, mental health accommodations, and flexible work structures. OCD also influenced participants’ professional identity, contributing to both self-doubt and the recognition of strengths such as attention to detail, reliability, and conscientiousness. These findings underscore the necessity for workplace awareness, mental health inclusivity, and targeted interventions to support women with OCD. Creating supportive and stigma-free environments can enhance these employees’ job satisfaction, engagement, and career development

Effectiveness of Couple Therapy Based on Reality Therapy Approach on Marital Forgiveness and Empathy in Couples

Mina Zargari Nejad

; Alizadeh Fard Susan *

; Abdolvahid Davoodi

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of couple therapy based on the reality therapy approach on marital empathy and marital forgiveness among couples.

Methods and Materials: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest control group design including a follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of all couples who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2023. From among the eligible individuals, 30 couples were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups (15 couples in the experimental group and 15 couples in the control group). Data collection instruments included the Marital Empathy Questionnaire by Joliffe and Farrington (2006) and the Marital Forgiveness Questionnaire by Rye et al. (2001). The intervention group received nine 90-minute in-person group sessions over two months based on the reality therapy approach, while the control group received standard counseling services. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and repeated measures ANOVA, adhering to statistical assumptions.

Findings: The results indicated significant differences in the mean scores of marital empathy and marital forgiveness between the pretest, posttest, and follow-up phases (P < .01). These effects remained stable during the follow-up phase, indicating that couple therapy based on the reality therapy approach significantly improved marital empathy and marital forgiveness.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, couple therapy using the reality therapy approach can be considered an effective therapeutic method for enhancing marital forgiveness and empathy among couples

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Resilience and Self-Efficacy in Female Heads of Households

Sepehr Parsarad

, Reza Kazemi

; Sahar Salahi *

; Mahboube Hoseini

, Mari Pahlavani

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on resilience and self-efficacy in female heads of households.

Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test control group design. The statistical population included female heads of households who sought counseling services at centers in Tehran in 2023. From this population, 30 individuals were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (15 participants) and a control group (15 participants). The instruments used in this study were the Resilience Questionnaire and the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. The experimental group received eight two-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, while the control group did not receive any specific intervention.

Findings: The findings indicated that the mean scores of resilience and self-efficacy in the post-test were significantly higher than those in the pre-test for the experimental group.

Conclusion: Consequently, it can be concluded that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has an effect on enhancing resilience and self-efficacy in female heads of households.

About the Journal

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

Current Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): Serial Number 26

Published: 2025-04-01

Articles

Self-Esteem in Marital Relationships

Matin Asadi Nikouyan *

1-12
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.1
Cultural Silence and Emotional Suppression in Asian-American Families: A Phenomenological Exploration

Sophia Lee

; Brian Matthews *

; Jennifer Torres

35-144
- PDF
Impact of a Peer-Family Connection Program on Social Belonging and Risk Behavior Reduction in Adolescents

Lukas Schneider

; Eszter Kovács *

; Marco Conti

145-153
- PDF
Parental Anxiety and Parental Criticism as Predictors of Child Internalizing Symptoms

Adaeze Okonkwo

; Thandiwe Dlamini *

163-171
- PDF
Parental Rejection and Child Emotion Dysregulation: The Mediating Role of Shame

Giulia Romano

, Oriana Piskorz-Ryń

; Juan Camilo Ríos *

72-181
- PDF
Parental Conflict and Adolescent Sleep Problems: The Mediating Role of Anxiety

Badhon Ahmmed

; Ayesha Khan *

182-191
- PDF
Father Involvement and Mother–Father Coordination as Predictors of Child Social Competence

Nayelli Muñoz

; Carlos Hernández *

154-162
- PDF
Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Acceptance Training Package on the Attitude of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Haleh Ofoghi

; Sajad Amini Manesh *

; Mohammad Mozafari

, Mohammadreza Bardideh

13-22
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.2
Effectiveness of Stress Inoculation Training on Emotional Regulation, Childbirth Self-Efficacy and Natural Childbirth Anxiety

Omolbanin Masihpour Mojavery

; Ghodratollah Abbasi *

; Leila Moslemi

23-30
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.3
Modeling Marital Satisfaction and Parental Problem-Solving on Children's Mental Health with the Mediating Role of Parental Emotional Support

Fateme Javid *

; Sareh Bagheri

31-39
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.4
Analysis of the Effects of Schema-Based and Mindful Parenting on Reducing Sleep Problems and Aggression in Children with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sedigheh Bakhtiari Shahri

; Alireza Rajaei *

; Sepideh Pourhydari

40-49
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.5
The Process of Meaning Formation in Adolescents: A Grounded Theory

Hamed Nasiri

; Salar Faramarzi *

; Fahimeh Namdarpor

50-62
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.6
The Effectiveness Based on Mindfulness Cognitive Therapy on Internalized Shame, Marital Disaffection and Tendency to Divorce in Unfaithful Couples

Sadaf Azarmajd

; Anis KhoshLahjeh Sedgh *

63-71
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.7
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy on Marital Quality of Life and Sexual Communication Intelligence in Couples with Marital Conflicts

Zohreh Amiri

; Asghar Norouzi *

; Shahnam Abolghasemi

72-82
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.8
Effectiveness of Emotional Schema Therapy on the Quality of Relationship Dimensions and Conflict Resolution Styles in Betrayed Spouses

Fatemeh Eslahi Farshami *

83-91
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.9
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Self-Efficacy of Adolescents with a History of Domestic Violence

Samaneh Gholami

; Mohammad Kazem Fakhri *

; Gholamreza Khalili

92-104
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.10
Examining the Relationship Between Psychological Abnormalities and Emotional Interactions with Emotional Divorce with the Mediating Role of Religious Beliefs in Couples with Marital Conflicts

Alireza Faghih Tabaghdehi *

; Nasibeh Sheikhi Ghahderijani

105-115
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.11
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Components of Psychological Well-Being in the Persian Version of the Ryff Scale Across Different Ethnic Groups of Afghan Families

Zarifullah Ahmadyar

; Mahmood Heidari *

; Mohammad Ali Mazaheri

, Fereshteh Mootabi

116-125
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.12
Examining the Effectiveness of Wisdom-Based Couples Therapy on Sense of Coherence, Cognitive-Affective Empathy, and Emotion Regulation in Conflicted Couples

Nazanin Khoshbakht

; Mohammad Hassan Asayesh *

; Yasser Rezapour Mirsaleh

, Zahra Jahanbakhshi

126-134
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.6.2.13

View All Issues

Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

Investigating the Effect of Narcissistic Tendencies on Marital Relationship Stability and the Mediating Role of Emotional Maturity in Couples

The Effectiveness of Marital Distress Tolerance Training on Marital Adjustment in Conflicting Couples in Tehran

The Structural Model of Death Anxiety and Self-Acceptance Based on Differentiation with the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Elderly

Comparative Effectiveness of Reality Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on Love Trauma Syndrome, Self-Worth, and Relationship Beliefs in Divorced Women in Tehran

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Two Approaches: Coaching and Self-Learning on Marital Satisfaction and Intimacy of Couples

Exploring the Experiences of Women with OCD in Workplace: A Qualitative Study

Effectiveness of Couple Therapy Based on Reality Therapy Approach on Marital Forgiveness and Empathy in Couples

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Resilience and Self-Efficacy in Female Heads of Households

About the Journal

Current Issue

Articles

Self-Esteem in Marital Relationships

Cultural Silence and Emotional Suppression in Asian-American Families: A Phenomenological Exploration

Impact of a Peer-Family Connection Program on Social Belonging and Risk Behavior Reduction in Adolescents

Parental Anxiety and Parental Criticism as Predictors of Child Internalizing Symptoms

Parental Rejection and Child Emotion Dysregulation: The Mediating Role of Shame

Parental Conflict and Adolescent Sleep Problems: The Mediating Role of Anxiety

Father Involvement and Mother–Father Coordination as Predictors of Child Social Competence

Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Acceptance Training Package on the Attitude of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Effectiveness of Stress Inoculation Training on Emotional Regulation, Childbirth Self-Efficacy and Natural Childbirth Anxiety

Modeling Marital Satisfaction and Parental Problem-Solving on Children's Mental Health with the Mediating Role of Parental Emotional Support

Analysis of the Effects of Schema-Based and Mindful Parenting on Reducing Sleep Problems and Aggression in Children with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Process of Meaning Formation in Adolescents: A Grounded Theory

The Effectiveness Based on Mindfulness Cognitive Therapy on Internalized Shame, Marital Disaffection and Tendency to Divorce in Unfaithful Couples

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy on Marital Quality of Life and Sexual Communication Intelligence in Couples with Marital Conflicts

Effectiveness of Emotional Schema Therapy on the Quality of Relationship Dimensions and Conflict Resolution Styles in Betrayed Spouses

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Self-Efficacy of Adolescents with a History of Domestic Violence

Examining the Relationship Between Psychological Abnormalities and Emotional Interactions with Emotional Divorce with the Mediating Role of Religious Beliefs in Couples with Marital Conflicts

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Components of Psychological Well-Being in the Persian Version of the Ryff Scale Across Different Ethnic Groups of Afghan Families

Examining the Effectiveness of Wisdom-Based Couples Therapy on Sense of Coherence, Cognitive-Affective Empathy, and Emotion Regulation in Conflicted Couples

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