Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zahra Ghasemi iD , Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi ^* iD

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

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

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

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

A Structural Model of Mothers’ Authoritative Parenting Based on Attachment Styles: The Mediating Roles of Psychological Flexibility and Risk Aversion

Leila Hashemi iD , Hossein Baghooli ^* iD , Maryam Kouroshnia iD

Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a structural model of mothers’ authoritative parenting based on attachment styles, with psychological flexibility and risk aversion as mediating variables.

Methods and Materials: This correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all mothers of elementary school students in Shiraz, Iran. Based on Kline’s sample-size guideline, 250 mothers were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire developed by Robinson et al. (2001), the Adult Attachment Scale developed by Collins and Read (1990), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire developed by Bond et al. (2011), and Leahy’s Risk Aversion Scale (2012). The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, structural equation modeling, path analysis, and bootstrap procedures.

Findings: The final structural model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the observed data. Secure attachment had significant direct and indirect relationships with authoritative parenting through psychological flexibility and risk aversion. Avoidant attachment exerted a significant negative direct effect on authoritative parenting and also produced a significant negative indirect effect through risk aversion. Ambivalent attachment did not have a significant direct effect on authoritative parenting; however, it was indirectly associated with authoritative parenting through psychological flexibility and risk aversion. Psychological flexibility was a significant positive predictor of authoritative parenting, whereas risk aversion was a significant negative predictor. The bootstrap results confirmed the significance of the proposed mediating pathways. Collectively, attachment styles, psychological flexibility, and risk aversion explained 40% of the variance in mothers’ authoritative parenting.

Conclusion: The findings supported the proposed theoretical model and indicated that attachment styles contribute to mothers’ authoritative parenting both directly and indirectly through psychological flexibility and risk aversion. Enhancing psychological flexibility and reducing excessive risk aversion may diminish the adverse effects of insecure attachment patterns and promote more authoritative parent–child interactions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zivar Safdari Ghooshchi ^* iD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Factors Affecting Extramarital Relationships in Iran: A Meta-Synthesis Study

Hassan Akbarzadeh iD , Mahmoud Goudarzi ^* iD , Hossein Keshavarz Afshar iD

Objective: The present study aimed to develop a comprehensive model of the factors influencing extramarital relationships in Iran through a meta-synthesis of Iranian research conducted between 2012 and 2022.

Methods and Materials: This study employed a qualitative meta-synthesis approach to integrate and analyze findings from previous Iranian studies on extramarital relationships. The statistical population consisted of all domestic research published between 2012 and 2022 that addressed factors associated with extramarital relationships among married couples. A purposive sampling strategy was used, and a systematic search was conducted across major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, Noormags, IranDoc, Magiran, the Scientific Information Database (SID), and the Comprehensive Portal of Humanities. Following screening and eligibility assessment, 37 relevant studies were selected for analysis. Data were extracted, coded, categorized, and synthesized using qualitative content analysis procedures. To ensure the trustworthiness and validity of the findings, expert evaluation was conducted, and the resulting model was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient.

Findings: The meta-synthesis identified five major categories of factors affecting extramarital relationships in Iran, comprising 13 dimensions and 46 underlying concepts. The first category, personality factors, included the dimensions of spouses’ personality traits and interpersonal differences. The second category, individual factors, encompassed sexual and physical issues, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem and negative self-concept, and marital commitment. The third category, family factors, consisted of family-related problems and marital life crises. The fourth category, moral-religious factors, included marriage-related issues, unconventional behaviors, and religious and ethical beliefs. Finally, cultural-social factors comprised inadequate boundary maintenance and the influence of media and virtual social spaces. The proposed conceptual model demonstrated acceptable validity, with an expert agreement coefficient (Kappa) of 0.71, confirming the reliability and coherence of the framework.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that extramarital relationships in Iran are influenced by a complex interaction of personality, individual, familial, moral-religious, and socio-cultural factors. The multidimensional nature of these relationships suggests that prevention and intervention efforts should address both intrapersonal and contextual determinants.

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