Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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. Therefore, interventions focused on improving emotion regulation, strengthening mentalization abilities, promoting post‑traumatic growth, and enhancing family communication patterns may help reduce risky behaviors among children of divorce.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy on resilience and adjustment among family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods and Materials: This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest format and a control group. The statistical population included all family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder who were members of the Tehran branch of the Iran Autism Association. A total of 45 participants were selected through purposive sampling and assigned into three groups, including a reality therapy group (n = 15), a cognitive behavioral therapy group (n = 15), and a control group (n = 15). The experimental groups participated in eight weekly group intervention sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the Sinha and Singh Adjustment Questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance in IBM SPSS Statistics.

Findings: The results demonstrated that both reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved resilience and adjustment among family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder compared with the control group. The repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant effects of time and the interaction between time and group for resilience and adjustment (p < 0.001). Bonferroni post hoc comparisons further revealed significant differences between each experimental group and the control group in posttest scores. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy groups regarding resilience and adjustment outcomes (p > 0.05), indicating that both interventions were equally effective.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that both reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective interventions for improving resilience and adjustment among family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of metacognitive training on distress tolerance and cognitive dysregulation in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.

Methods and Materials: This study was an applied quasi-experimental research with a pretest–posttest design and a two-month follow-up including a control group. The statistical population consisted of all mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Tabriz in 2025, from whom 30 participants were selected using purposive and convenience sampling methods. After meeting the inclusion criteria and providing informed consent, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received 12 weekly sessions of metacognitive training based on Wells’ protocol (2017), each lasting 60 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Distress Tolerance Questionnaire (Simons & Gaher, 2005) and the Cognitive Dysregulation Questionnaire (Mason et al., 1995), administered at pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS version 27.

Findings: The results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant effects of time, group, and time × group interaction on distress tolerance (F = 195.32, p < .001, η² = 0.875; F = 45.94, p < .001, η² = 0.621; F = 71.43, p < .001, η² = 0.718) and cognitive dysregulation (F = 280.98, p < .001, η² = 0.909; F = 30.82, p < .001, η² = 0.524; F = 98.78, p < .001, η² = 0.779). Multivariate analysis of variance also confirmed a significant main effect of time (F = 31.86, p < .001, η² = 0.485) and a significant time × group interaction (F = 44.92, p < .001, η² = 0.581). Bonferroni post hoc tests showed significant differences between pretest and posttest and between pretest and follow-up (p < .001), while no significant differences were observed between posttest and follow-up (p = 1.00), indicating stability of effects.

Conclusion: Metacognitive training is an effective and stable intervention for increasing distress tolerance and reducing cognitive dysregulation in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities, and its effects remain sustained over time.

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

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

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

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

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on marital inhibition and emotional intimacy among women in second marriages.

Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental method using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of women in second marriages who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2026. Using convenience sampling, 28 participants were selected and randomly assigned into experimental (n = 14) and control (n = 14) groups. Data were collected using the Marital Inhibition Questionnaire and the Emotional Intimacy Questionnaire. The experimental group participated in eight weekly 90-minute sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 at a significance level of 0.05.

Findings: The findings indicated that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy significantly reduced marital inhibition and increased emotional intimacy among women in second marriages. The results of covariance analysis for marital inhibition demonstrated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the posttest phase (F = 9.412, effect size = 0.148). In addition, the covariance analysis results for emotional intimacy revealed a significant difference between the two groups following the intervention (F = 13.845, effect size = 0.193). The posttest mean scores showed that marital inhibition decreased and emotional intimacy increased in the experimental group compared with the control group.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective in improving emotional intimacy and reducing marital inhibition among women in second marriages. By increasing psychological flexibility, emotional acceptance, and adaptive interpersonal functioning, ACT may help remarried women establish healthier emotional relationships and reduce maladaptive controlling behaviors within marital interactions.