E-ISSN: 3041-8798 Director in Charge: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani Editor-in-chief: Dr. Shokoh Navabinejad Associate editor: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani Owner: Iranian Association for Women's Studies Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Contact Email: aftjournal@gmail.com / aftjournal@kmanpub.com Open Access: YES Applied Family Therapy Journal is a scientific open access double-blind anonymous open (since 2024) peer-reviewed journal publishing original articles, reviews, short communications and scientific reports of a high scientific and ethical standard in psychology, counseling and related academic disciplines. This journal is published four times per year in English by Iranian Association for Women's Studies and KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB). Since 2024, this journal only accepts and publishes articles in English and no longer publishes Persian articles. The research fields and topics within the activity framework of AFTJ include: Family counseling and couple therapy Women counseling Children and adolescent counseling Rehabilitation counseling in the field of family Marriage and youth counseling Divorce counseling Children and adolescent counseling Counseling about addiction in the family About the Publisher Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. Publisher Office: Unit 5‑10825 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3E3 https://journals.kmanpub.com Email: kmanpu@kmanpub.com Telegram: +1 (647) 656‑4401 | WhatsApp: +1 (437) 429‑3507 Germany Office: Dratelnstrasse, Wohnung A60, 21119 Hamburg, Germany (+4915207720487)
Algorithmic Modeling of Caregiver Systemic Burden in Chronic Illness by Intersecting Partner Neuroticism and Dyadic Coping Mechanisms
Objective: To develop an algorithmic model predicting caregiver systemic burden by evaluating the complex, non-linear intersections between a care-recipient’s neuroticism and the couple’s dyadic coping mechanisms. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, dyadic study design was utilized, comprising 214 caregiver/care-recipient dyads managing chronic illness in Yerevan, Armenia. Psychometric data were collected using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) for caregiver burden, the Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) for care-recipient neuroticism, and the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) for dyadic coping. Predictive modeling was conducted using a Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) algorithm with the dataset partitioned into training ( ) and testing ( ) subsets, while SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were employed to extract feature importance and interaction effects. Findings: The GBM model exhibited strong predictive performance, accounting for of the variance in caregiver systemic burden on the test set ( ), with a Root Mean Square Error ( ) of . SHAP analyses identified care-recipient neuroticism as the most potent predictor of burden (Mean ), followed by caregiver engagement in negative dyadic coping (Mean ) and illness duration (Mean ). Interaction analyses revealed that the detrimental impact of partner neuroticism was exponentially amplified by negative dyadic coping and significantly buffered by active supportive dyadic coping. Conclusion: Algorithmic modeling effectively demonstrates that caregiver systemic burden is a deeply interdependent phenomenon, highlighting that the psychological toll of a partner’s neuroticism is highly conditional upon the couple’s underlying dyadic coping architecture.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aishath Naseem (Author); Arman Sargsyan (Corresponding Author); Zuzana Hrivnáková (Author)
A Random Forest Analysis Predicting Intergenerational Attachment Insecurity from Parental Reflective Functioning and Childhood Trauma Phenotypes
Objective: The primary objective of this study was to utilize a Random Forest machine learning approach to predict the variance in intergenerational attachment insecurity using distinct childhood trauma phenotypes and multidimensional facets of parental reflective functioning. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive design was employed with a community sample of Romanian primary caregivers of children aged to years. Data were collected via self-report instruments, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess five trauma phenotypes, the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ) to evaluate mentalizing dimensions, and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) alongside the Child Attachment Questionnaire (CAQ) to index intergenerational attachment insecurity. During data preprocessing, missing values were resolved using K-nearest neighbors imputation, and independent variables were subjected to Z-score standardization. A Random Forest regression algorithm was trained on an data split and evaluated on the remaining testing set, with feature importance mathematically derived via the mean decrease in node impurity. Findings: Descriptive statistics indicated that emotional neglect was the most frequently endorsed historical trauma phenotype ( , ), while participants generally demonstrated moderate to high levels of interest and curiosity in their children’s mental states ( , ). The standardized outcome variable of intergenerational attachment insecurity ( , ) showed significant positive bivariate correlations with emotional abuse ( , ) and emotional neglect ( , ). Feature importance extraction from the Random Forest model identified emotional neglect and emotional abuse as the most powerful distal trauma predictors. Among proximal psychological mechanisms, maladaptive pre-mentalizing modes emerged as the strongest positive predictor of insecurity ( , ), whereas adaptive reflective capacities—specifically interest and curiosity ( , ) and certainty about mental states ( , )—functioned as significant negative predictors. Conclusion: Advanced machine learning successfully mapped the non-linear pathways of relational risk, revealing that historical emotional maltreatment and current pre-mentalizing deficits are the primary drivers of intergenerational attachment insecurity, while adaptive reflective functioning serves as a crucial protective buffer.
Copyright (c) 2026 Miriam Hochberger (Author); Andrei Dumitrescu (Corresponding Author); Lucía Bentancor (Author)
Uncovering Nonlinear Dynamics in Intergenerational Anxiety: Support Vector Regression of Parental Psychological Control, Child Behavioral Inhibition, and Family Climate
Objective: To utilize Support Vector Regression to uncover the complex, nonlinear dynamics and threshold effects characterizing the relationship between parental psychological control, child behavioral inhibition, family climate, and the manifestation of intergenerational anxiety symptoms in children. Methods and Materials: This study employed a cross-sectional design encompassing 482 parent-child dyads recruited from Kenya. Primary data collection instruments included the Psychological Control Scale, the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire, the Family Environment Scale, and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). To analyze the multidimensional data, a Support Vector Regression model utilizing a Radial Basis Function kernel was implemented. Model hyperparameters were optimized via 10-fold cross-validation, and individual predictor contributions were evaluated using permutation feature importance. Findings: The Support Vector Regression model demonstrated superior predictive capability, explaining of the variance ( ) in child anxiety, significantly outperforming standard Multiple Linear Regression ( ). Permutation analysis identified child behavioral inhibition as the most critical predictor, accounting for a increase in model error when neutralized, followed closely by parental psychological control ( ), family conflict ( ), and family cohesion ( ). Furthermore, partial dependence profiles revealed a critical toxicity threshold: child anxiety spiked exponentially only when parental psychological control exceeded standard deviations above the mean, while high family conflict acted as a synergistic non-linear amplifier specifically for highly inhibited youth. Conclusion: The intergenerational transmission of anxiety is fundamentally governed by complex, non-linear tipping points and synergistic temperamental vulnerabilities that are most accurately captured and understood through advanced machine learning models.
Copyright (c) 2026 Andrés Benítez (Author); Mercy Atieno (Corresponding Author); Elpida Christou (Author)
Algorithmic Differentiation of Parenting Phenotypes: Clustering Parental Burnout, Psychological Flexibility, and Their Effects on Child Effortful Control
Objective: This study aimed to differentiate parenting phenotypes via algorithmic clustering of parental burnout and psychological flexibility, and to examine their subsequent impact on child effortful control. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted with primary caregivers of children aged to years in Colombia. Data were collected via a secure online survey utilizing validated instruments: the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA), the Parental Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (PAAQ; reverse-coded), and the Effortful Control scale from the parent-reported Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ). A two-step cluster analysis (hierarchical with Ward’s method followed by K-means) was applied to standardized -scores of the PBA and PAAQ to determine parenting profiles. Group distinctiveness and effects on child effortful control were analyzed using MANOVA and ANCOVA, controlling for parent age and child gender, followed by post-hoc Tukey’s HSD tests. Findings: The clustering algorithm yielded an optimal three-phenotype solution (average silhouette width = ): Adaptive ( , low burnout, high flexibility), Strained ( , high burnout, low flexibility), and Vulnerable ( , moderate scores). A MANOVA confirmed significant multivariate distinctiveness between the clusters (Wilks’ , , , ). ANCOVA revealed a significant main effect of parenting phenotype on child effortful control ( , , ). Children of the Adaptive Phenotype exhibited the highest effortful control ( ), scoring significantly higher than both the Vulnerable ( ) and Strained ( ) phenotypes ( for all pairwise comparisons). Conclusion: Distinct algorithmic parenting phenotypes significantly predict variations in child effortful control, highlighting the critical influence of parental psychological states on child self-regulation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Laura Paredes (Author); Andrés Mejía (Corresponding Author)
Unsupervised Clustering of Intimate Partner Violence Typologies: Analyzing Communication Deviance, Attachment Anxiety, and Trait Impulsivity via Machine Learning
Objective: This study aimed to identify distinct typologies of intimate partner violence (IPV) risk by analyzing the interplay of communication deviance, attachment anxiety, and trait impulsivity using unsupervised machine learning within a community sample. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional quantitative design was utilized with a sample of individuals from heterosexual couples in Poland. Data were collected via online self-report measures, including the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2), the Communication Deviance Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) for attachment anxiety, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). A k-means clustering algorithm was applied to the standardized psychological variables to derive typologies, which were subsequently profiled and validated against IPV severity using one-way ANOVAs. Findings: The k-means algorithm yielded a robust three-cluster solution. Cluster 1, the “Regulated/Secure” group ( , ), exhibited low scores across all three risk factors and reported minimal IPV. Cluster 2, the “Anxious-Impulsive” group ( , ), displayed elevated attachment anxiety and trait impulsivity alongside moderate communication deviance, corresponding to significantly higher rates of psychological and physical aggression. Cluster 3, the “Dysregulated/Deviant” group ( , ), demonstrated the highest scores across all three psychological constructs and reported the most severe, multifaceted IPV, including significantly elevated levels of sexual coercion and physical injury. Conclusion: The identification of these distinct psychological risk profiles highlights the fundamental heterogeneity of IPV perpetration and underscores the critical necessity for tailored, person-centered screening and intervention strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Verónica Escalante (Author); Mateusz Kaczmarek (Corresponding Author); Natalia Caballero (Author)
Forecasting Internalizing Psychopathology in Adolescents: A Gradient Boosting Approach to Parental Expressed Emotion, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Cognitive Reappraisal
Objective: The objective of this study was to prospectively forecast adolescent internalizing psychopathology over an 18-month period by modeling the complex, non-linear interactions between cumulative adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), parental expressed emotion, and habitual cognitive reappraisal using a machine learning framework. Methods and Materials: This prospective longitudinal study utilized a sample of German adolescent-parent dyads. Baseline (T1) predictors included cumulative trauma assessed via the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q), habitual emotion regulation measured by the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Parental Expressed Emotion (criticism and emotional over-involvement) derived from the Five-Minute Speech Sample (FMSS). The primary outcome, adolescent internalizing psychopathology at an 18-month follow-up (T2), was assessed using the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Data were analyzed using a gradient boosting regression ensemble, evaluated via an train-test split and 10-fold cross-validation, to capture higher-order non-linear predictive topologies without requiring a priori specification. Findings: The gradient boosting regression model demonstrated robust forecasting accuracy on the unseen test set, successfully predicting a significant portion of the variance in T2 internalizing symptoms ( , ), yielding a coefficient of determination of , with a Mean Absolute Error ( ) of and a Root Mean Square Error ( ) of . Bivariate analyses confirmed foundational relationships, showing positive correlations between ACEs and T2 internalizing symptoms ( ) and protective, negative correlations for cognitive reappraisal ( ). Multivariate feature importance extraction revealed a distinct predictive hierarchy: cumulative ACEs emerged as the single most dominant forecasting variable ( relative importance), followed significantly by parental criticism ( ), cognitive reappraisal ( ), and parental emotional over-involvement ( ). Conclusion: Cumulative childhood trauma and proximal parental criticism serve as the primary structural catalysts for future adolescent internalizing distress, whereas the adolescent’s habitual capacity for cognitive reappraisal offers a vital, quantifiable counterweight for psychological resilience.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jean-Claude Niyonsenga (Author); Lena Hoffmann (Corresponding Author); Carlos Menjívar (Author)
Using Deep Learning to Classify Family Functioning Profiles Based on Parental Attachment, Emotion Socialization, and Child Behavioral Outcomes
Objective: The objective of this study was to identify distinct family functioning typologies based on parental attachment, emotion socialization practices, and child behavioral outcomes, and to subsequently develop a deep learning model for the accurate automated classification of these profiles. Methods and Materials: This study utilized a cross-sectional design involving two-parent families from Greece. Data were collected using secure online self-report questionnaires, including the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised for parental attachment, the Coping with Children’s Negative Emotions Scale for parental emotion socialization, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for child behavioral outcomes. Data analysis proceeded in two phases: first, Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was utilized to identify unobserved family profiles. Second, a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) deep learning model was developed to classify families into these established profiles. The dataset was partitioned into training ( ), validation ( ), and testing ( ) segments to evaluate the model’s predictive performance. Findings: Latent Profile Analysis successfully identified three distinct family functioning profiles: Adaptive Family Functioning ( , ), Anxious-Inconsistent Functioning ( , ), and High-Risk/Avoidant-Punitive Functioning ( , ). The trained Multi-Layer Perceptron deep learning model demonstrated exceptional classification capabilities, achieving an overall accuracy of on the unseen test set. The model yielded high F1-scores for each respective class: for the Adaptive profile, for the Anxious-Inconsistent profile, and for the High-Risk profile, with the few misclassifications occurring primarily between the Anxious-Inconsistent and High-Risk groups. Conclusion: The robust identification of multidimensional family profiles and their highly accurate classification via an artificial neural network provides a powerful, innovative methodological framework to enhance targeted clinical assessments and tailor psychological interventions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Minh Tran Quoc (Author); Nikos Papadakis (Corresponding Author); Kwame Asante (Author)
Machine-Learning Identification of Family Adaptation Patterns During Economic Stress Based on Coping Strategies and Couple Communication
Objective: This study aimed to identify distinct family adaptation patterns during economic stress by applying unsupervised machine-learning to the interplay of coping strategies and couple communication behaviors. Methods and Materials: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed with married couples from Malaysia experiencing varying degrees of economic stress. Data were collected via self-report instruments measuring perceived economic pressure, coping mechanisms (problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant), and couple communication patterns (constructive and demand-withdraw). An unsupervised K-Means clustering algorithm was applied to the multidimensional data to segment the couples into naturally occurring adaptation profiles, followed by post-hoc statistical analyses to evaluate the characteristics of each profile and their associations with objective socio-economic factors. Findings: The K-Means clustering analysis ( ) successfully delineated three distinct family adaptation patterns. Cluster , the “Resilient-Constructive Adapters” ( , ), exhibited high problem-focused coping and constructive communication, reporting the lowest perceived economic stress ( , ). Cluster , the “Distressed-Avoidant Adapters” ( , ), was characterized by heavy reliance on avoidant coping and demand-withdraw communication, experiencing the highest levels of economic stress ( , ) and showing a disproportionate representation from the lowest income bracket ( ). Cluster , the “Ambivalent-Emotion-Focused Adapters” ( , ), displayed moderate communication quality with a high reliance on emotion-focused coping and social support seeking, reporting moderate economic stress ( , ). A statistically significant association was found between cluster membership and objective household income ( , ). Conclusion: Unsupervised machine-learning successfully revealed that families navigate financial hardship through interconnected behavioral typologies, highlighting the necessity for tailored interventions that address both objective financial realities and dyadic relationship dynamics to foster resilience.
The Mediating Role of Frustration Tolerance in the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas, Self-Differentiation, and Marital Conflict in Individuals Applying for Divorce
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the fit of a structural equation model examining the mediating role of frustration tolerance in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and self-differentiation with marital conflict among individuals applying for divorce. Methods and Materials: This study employed a fundamental, descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of individuals applying for divorce who had active cases in family counseling centers affiliated with the judiciary in Karaj and Hashtgerd between February 2025 and October 2025. A sample of 250 participants (139 women and 111 men) was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Revised Marital Conflict Questionnaire (Sanaei et al., 2008), the Young Schema Questionnaire (Young, 2005), the Self-Differentiation Inventory (Skowron & Friedlander, 1998), and the Frustration Discomfort Scale (Harrington, 2005). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 26 with maximum likelihood estimation. Findings: The results indicated that the proposed structural model demonstrated an acceptable fit with the data (χ²/df = 1.49, GFI = 0.908, CFI = 0.958, RMSEA = 0.044). Early maladaptive schemas had a positive and significant effect on marital conflict (β = 0.412, p = .001), whereas self-differentiation had a negative and significant effect (β = −0.374, p = .001). Frustration tolerance (operationalized as intolerance) showed a positive and significant relationship with marital conflict (β = 0.424, p = .001). Moreover, frustration tolerance significantly mediated the relationships between early maladaptive schemas and marital conflict (β = 0.157, p = .001) and between self-differentiation and marital conflict (β = −0.138, p = .001). The model explained 57% of the variance in marital conflict (R² = 0.57). Conclusion: The findings suggest that early maladaptive schemas and self-differentiation are significant predictors of marital conflict, both directly and indirectly through frustration tolerance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samira Hosseini (Author); Said Ali mohammad Mousavi (Corresponding Author); Arezoo Shomalyoskoei (Author)
The Effectiveness of Systemic-Behavioral Couples Therapy (SBCT) in Enhancing Relationship Outcomes Among Spouses of Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of Systemic-Behavioral Couples Therapy (SBCT) in improving relational outcomes among spouses of PD patients. Methods and Materials: Employing a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest–follow-up design with a control group, 40 spouses attending the Neurology Specialty Department of Firouzgar Hospital, Tehran (2024) were recruited via purposive sampling and randomly allocated to experimental and control conditions (final N = 24; 12 per group). The experimental group underwent six weekly 45-minute SBCT sessions targeting communication enhancement, cognitive restructuring, and interaction pattern modification. Outcome measures included marital satisfaction (Hudson, 1982), sexual intimacy (Batalani et al., 2010), and family emotional climate (Hillburn, 1964). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, paired t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS 24, with α = .05. Findings: The SBCT group demonstrated significant improvements across all outcomes compared to the control group (p < .001). Effect sizes were large (η² = .68–.70), and Cohen’s d values were very large to extremely large (2.47–4.33). Reliable Change Index (RCI > 1.96) confirmed clinically meaningful change. Follow-up assessment showed slight attenuation, but post-intervention gains remained substantially higher than baseline. Conclusion: SBCT represents a robust, clinically meaningful intervention to enhance marital satisfaction, sexual intimacy, and family emotional climate in spouses of PD patients. These findings support integrating SBCT into psychosocial support frameworks for families affected by chronic neurodegenerative disorders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Farshid Fathy-Karkaragh (Author); Erfan Azami (Corresponding Author); Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi, Omid Malekpour, Manijeh Firoozi, Gholamali Shahidi (Author)
The Effectiveness of Reflective Parenting on Meta-Parenting and Time Perspective among Mothers of Children Aged 7 to 12 Years with Generalized Anxiety Symptoms in Isfahan
Objective: Generalized anxiety in children can affect the mental health and emotional functioning of parents, particularly mothers. One effective approach in this domain is reflective parenting, which contributes to improving parent–child interactions. Accordingly, the present study was conducted in 2025 in the city of Isfahan. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of all mothers of 7- to 12-year-old children with symptoms of generalized anxiety residing in Isfahan in 2025. From this population, 30 mothers were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group received the reflective parenting program in ten 60-minute sessions, whereas participants in the control group did not receive this intervention. Research instruments included the standardized Meta-Parenting Questionnaire developed by Hawk and Holden (2006) and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (1999). The collected data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS version 27. Findings: The findings indicated that the reflective parenting program had a significant effect on the total meta-parenting score and the problem-solving subscale (p < .05). Furthermore, the program led to a significant improvement in the future subscale (p < .05). However, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups with respect to the appraisal, reflection, and anticipation subscales, the total time perspective score, and the negative past, positive past, present-hedonistic, and present-fatalistic subscales (p > .05). Conclusion: Therefore, it can be inferred that the reflective parenting program may be used as an effective approach to enhance meta-parenting among mothers of children with generalized anxiety symptoms and to modify their future-oriented time perspective.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shadan Rahimi (Author); Mahnaz Haji Heydari (Corresponding Author)
The Mediating Role of Relational Ethics in the Relationship Between Emotional Maturity and Marital Burnout with Divorce Tendency in Young Couples
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of relational ethics in the relationship between emotional maturity and marital burnout with divorce tendency among young couples. Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of young married individuals residing in Isfahan, from whom 300 participants were selected through cluster sampling; 298 complete questionnaires were analyzed. Inclusion criteria included residency in Isfahan, marriage duration of less than five years, and willingness to participate. Data were collected using standardized instruments including the Emotional Maturity Scale (Singh & Bhargava), the Marital Burnout Questionnaire (Pines), the Relational Ethics Scale (Hargrave et al.), and the Divorce Tendency Scale (Roselet et al.). Data were analyzed at descriptive and inferential levels using SPSS and AMOS software. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, and structural equation modeling was applied. Findings: Structural equation modeling demonstrated acceptable model fit. Emotional maturity had a significant negative direct effect on divorce tendency. Marital burnout had a significant positive direct effect on divorce tendency. Relational ethics had a significant negative direct effect on divorce tendency. The direct path from emotional maturity to relational ethics was not significant, and the indirect effect of emotional maturity on divorce tendency through relational ethics was also non-significant, indicating no mediation. In contrast, marital burnout had a significant negative effect on relational ethics, and its indirect effect on divorce tendency through relational ethics was significant, indicating partial mediation. The total effect of marital burnout on divorce tendency was positive and significant. Conclusion: Emotional maturity and relational ethics function as protective factors against divorce tendency, whereas marital burnout increases divorce proneness among young couples. Relational ethics partially mediates the association between marital burnout and divorce tendency but does not mediate the relationship between emotional maturity and divorce tendency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seyed Salar Atashpour (Author); Nadereh Saadati (Corresponding Author)
Development of a Family Therapy Package Based on the Integration of Structural–Systemic and Attachment-Based Therapy
Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and validate an integrative family therapy educational package that combines the principles of structural–systemic theory and attachment-based couple therapy to address relational organization and emotional security simultaneously. Methods and Materials: This study employed a qualitative design using conventional content analysis to synthesize theoretical and empirical texts related to structural–systemic family therapy and attachment-based couple therapy. Relevant sources were selected through predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria until theoretical saturation was achieved. An integrative package was then developed through a multistage synthesis process. Content validity was assessed by seven expert family therapists using structured evaluation forms, and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated to determine expert agreement. Findings: Inferential analysis indicated a high level of expert agreement regarding the relevance, coherence, and applicability of the developed package. The calculated Content Validity Ratio demonstrated strong consensus among evaluators, supporting the adequacy of the package structure, session sequencing, therapeutic axes, and integration logic. Experts confirmed that the package effectively integrates systemic components (boundaries and power) with attachment-based components (emotional regulation, trust, and intimacy). Conclusion: The findings support the content validity and theoretical coherence of the developed integrative family therapy package. By systematically combining structural–systemic and attachment-based principles, the package provides a comprehensive framework for addressing both organizational and emotional dimensions of couple and family functioning, offering a promising foundation for future empirical testing and clinical application.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fataneh Riahi Far (Author); Zahra Yousefi (Corresponding Author); Mohsen Golparvar (Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBT) and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy for Couples (ISTDP) in Reducing Relationship Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) Symptoms and Improving Relationship Quality in Young Couples
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral couple therapy (CBT) and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) in reducing relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms and improving relationship satisfaction among young couples. Methods and Materials: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled clinical trial with a pretest–posttest design, a control group, and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of young couples seeking psychological services due to relationship difficulties. A total of 52 couples (104 individuals) who met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: CBT (18 couples), ISTDP (17 couples), and a wait-list control group (17 couples). The interventions were delivered in ten weekly 90-minute couple-based sessions following standardized protocols. Data were collected using the Relationship Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (ROCI) and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), with general obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCI-R) and negative emotional states (DASS-21) included as covariates. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS version 27. Findings: MANOVA results indicated a significant multivariate effect of group on posttest ROCD symptoms and relationship satisfaction (p < .001), with large effect sizes. Univariate analyses showed significant between-group differences for both ROCD symptoms (F(2,101) = 139.75, p < .001) and relationship satisfaction (F(2,101) = 282.32, p < .001). Post hoc comparisons revealed that both CBT and ISTDP significantly outperformed the control group on both outcomes, while no substantial difference was observed between the two treatment groups in relationship satisfaction; ISTDP showed a marginally greater reduction in ROCD symptoms. MANCOVA results confirmed that these effects remained robust after controlling for OCI-R and DASS-21 (p < .001). Conclusion: Both CBT and ISTDP are highly effective couple-based interventions for reducing ROCD symptoms and enhancing relationship satisfaction, with comparable overall efficacy and strong clinical significance.
Intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy
relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder
Copyright (c) 2025 Seyed Adel Hosseini (Author)
Identifying Attachment-Based Resilience in Families Experiencing Domestic Displacement
Objective: This study aimed to identify the attachment-based resilience processes that enable displaced families in Taiwan to preserve emotional security, cohesion, and intergenerational stability amid conditions of forced relocation. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research employed an interpretive phenomenological design to explore how displaced families reconstruct attachment and resilience following domestic displacement. A total of 24 participants (13 women and 11 men) aged 27–58 years were recruited through community organizations and social service centers in Taiwan. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews focusing on emotional bonds, family trust, and adaptive coping. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase method. Credibility was enhanced through member checking, peer debriefing, and reflexive journaling. Findings: The analysis yielded three overarching themes: (1) Reconstructing secure attachments after displacement, emphasizing the rebuilding of trust, emotional closeness, and symbolic security; (2) Collective coping and family adaptation, highlighting cooperative problem-solving, flexible role negotiation, and reliance on community support; and (3) Intergenerational transmission of resilience, involving modeling adaptive behaviors, maintaining cultural continuity, and reinforcing family identity through shared narratives. Families demonstrated that emotional reciprocity, meaning-making, and intergenerational caregiving were critical in transforming displacement from a source of trauma into an opportunity for relational growth. These results underscore that resilience emerges through relational, rather than individual, mechanisms of attachment repair. Conclusion: Attachment-based resilience among displaced families in Taiwan reflects a dynamic interplay between emotional reconstruction, collective coping, and cultural continuity. Strengthening attachment relationships, promoting family-centered interventions, and supporting intergenerational communication can enhance psychological stability and social reintegration in displaced populations.
Identifying the Impact of Digital Media Habits on Family Cohesion
Objective: This study aimed to explore how digital media habits influence family cohesion, communication patterns, and emotional relationships among Colombian households. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of families in the digital era. The study involved 21 participants (12 women and 9 men) from various regions of Colombia, selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in family structure and digital engagement. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focusing on patterns of digital media use, emotional interactions, and family communication. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached, recorded with participants’ consent, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework using NVivo 14 software to code and categorize responses systematically. Credibility and trustworthiness were enhanced through member checking, peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail throughout the research process. Findings: Four major themes emerged: (1) digital media as a connector in family relationships, (2) digital media as a source of disconnection and conflict, (3) negotiating family rules and digital boundaries, and (4) digital media as a tool for emotional regulation and identity. Results revealed that digital media enhanced communication and emotional closeness when used collaboratively but created conflict, emotional distance, and generational tension when overused or unregulated. Families that established flexible digital rules and engaged in shared online activities demonstrated stronger cohesion and mutual understanding. Conclusion: Digital media plays a dual role in shaping family cohesion—both strengthening and fragmenting relationships. Intentional, balanced, and reflective digital engagement can transform technology into a medium for emotional connection and shared growth rather than disconnection. Promoting digital literacy, family dialogue, and adaptive boundary-setting is essential to maintaining cohesion in the digital age.
Identifying the Development of Trust in Step-Parent–Child Relationships
Objective: This study aimed to identify and describe the lived experiences, relational mechanisms, and developmental trajectories involved in the formation of trust between step-parents and children in Georgian stepfamilies. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was employed to explore participants’ subjective experiences of trust development. The study involved 20 participants from various regions of Georgia, including 10 step-parents and 10 step-children who had lived together for at least one year. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework for thematic analysis, with member checking and peer debriefing used to enhance credibility. Findings: The analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) Foundations of Trust Formation, encompassing emotional availability, communication openness, and behavioral consistency; (2) Challenges and Barriers to Trust, including divided loyalty, miscommunication, role ambiguity, and cultural stigma; and (3) Pathways Toward Mutual Trust, characterized by gradual emotional disclosure, reciprocity, forgiveness, and respect for individuality. Trust development was found to be a gradual, non-linear process shaped by both personal histories and sociocultural context. Participants emphasized that consistent empathy, reliability, and shared activities were critical to transforming emotional distance into mutual confidence. Conclusion: Trust in step-parent–child relationships emerges through a dynamic interplay of emotional, communicative, and contextual factors. While challenges such as loyalty conflicts and role confusion initially hinder relationship growth, open communication, patience, and mutual respect enable families to reconstruct a sense of belonging and stability. The findings highlight the necessity of therapeutic and educational interventions that support empathy, emotional literacy, and boundary clarity in stepfamilies.
Identifying Relational Growth Trajectories in Couples Following Infertility Treatment
Objective: This study aimed to explore and identify the relational growth trajectories experienced by couples in Chile following infertility treatment, focusing on emotional, communicative, and identity-based transformations emerging after treatment completion. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research employed a phenomenological design to capture couples’ lived experiences of relational change after infertility treatment. The sample consisted of 18 participants (9 couples) recruited purposively from fertility clinics and support networks in Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews lasting 60–90 minutes were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework with the support of NVivo 14 software. Credibility was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and maintenance of an analytic audit trail. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes that described couples’ post-treatment experiences: (1) Emotional reconstruction and resilience, encompassing acceptance, emotional regulation, and rediscovery of hope; (2) Transformation of couple communication, marked by open dialogue, empathy, and constructive conflict resolution; (3) Reconfiguration of identity and meaning, reflecting shifts in self-worth, spirituality, and relational purpose; and (4) Relational growth and future orientation, capturing strengthened partnerships, gratitude, and shared visions beyond biological parenthood. Couples reported that infertility, while initially distressing, ultimately fostered deeper intimacy, mutual empathy, and adaptive meaning-making. These relational growth trajectories aligned with prior research emphasizing post-traumatic growth and dyadic coping in infertility contexts. Conclusion: Infertility, despite its emotional burden, can serve as a catalyst for relational and psychological growth. Couples who engage in mutual support, empathic communication, and meaning reconstruction often emerge from treatment with stronger emotional bonds and renewed partnership. Integrating relational and psychological support within fertility care may enhance couples’ resilience and promote long-term well-being.
Prioritizing Acculturative Stressors Impacting Family Cohesion: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Among Immigrant Families in Argentina
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and prioritize the key acculturative stressors that most significantly impact family cohesion among immigrant families residing in Argentina. Methods and Materials: A sequential exploratory mixed-method design was employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, a comprehensive literature review was conducted until theoretical saturation was reached, and data were analyzed using NVivo 14 to extract themes and subthemes related to acculturative stress and family functioning. Seven main categories were identified: intergenerational value conflict, marital and family role strain, economic and occupational pressure, discrimination and social exclusion, cultural identity negotiation, community and social support deficiency, and language and communication barriers. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire based on these categories was administered to 195 immigrant participants in Argentina. Responses were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics and the Friedman test to determine mean ranks of the stressor categories. Findings: The Friedman test revealed significant differences among the perceived impact levels of the seven acculturative stressor categories (χ² = 64.27, p < 0.001). Intergenerational value conflict ranked highest (Mean Rank = 6.78), followed by marital and family role strain (Mean Rank = 6.12) and economic and occupational pressure (Mean Rank = 5.86). The lowest-ranked stressors were community and social support deficiency (Mean Rank = 4.37) and language and communication barriers (Mean Rank = 3.72). These results indicate that internal, relational stressors exert greater influence on family cohesion than external or structural factors. Conclusion: The findings underscore that intrafamilial stressors—particularly intergenerational and role-related conflicts—pose the most critical threats to family cohesion in immigrant households. Strengthening intergenerational communication, enhancing marital adaptability, and fostering culturally responsive support systems are vital for promoting resilience and cohesion in acculturating families.
Ranking Pathways to Forgiveness in Families After Abuse Disclosure
Objective: This study aimed to identify and rank the primary psychological, moral, and relational pathways to forgiveness in families following the disclosure of abuse, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to construct a hierarchical model of post-trauma forgiveness. Methods and Materials: The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. In the first phase, a systematic qualitative content analysis was conducted using NVivo 14 based on an extensive literature review until theoretical saturation was reached. Seven major pathways to forgiveness were identified from conceptual and empirical sources. In the second phase, a quantitative ranking survey was administered to 223 participants in Tunisia, including family members, counselors, and social workers. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, applying Friedman’s ranking test and Kendall’s W coefficient to determine the relative importance and consensus across the identified forgiveness pathways. Findings: The inferential results indicated significant differences in the prioritization of forgiveness pathways (χ² = 108.72, p < 0.001, Kendall’s W = 0.67). Emotional acknowledgment and validation ranked highest (mean rank = 6.42), followed by accountability and responsibility (6.21) and relational reconnection and reconciliation (5.97), underscoring their foundational role in the forgiveness process. Cognitive reframing and meaning reconstruction (5.56) and social and therapeutic support structures (5.08) occupied mid-level ranks, while spiritual and cultural coping resources (4.77) and resilience and growth outcomes (4.35) were ranked lower, indicating their function as supplementary or long-term components. These results reveal a structured and process-oriented model of forgiveness emerging through emotional, moral, cognitive, and relational stages. Conclusion: Forgiveness in families following abuse disclosure is a multidimensional and sequential process rooted in emotional recognition, moral accountability, and relational reconstruction, leading to eventual resilience and personal growth. The findings provide an empirical basis for developing culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions that prioritize safety, empathy, and justice in the post-abuse recovery process.
Prioritizing Parenting Competencies in the Digital Era
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and prioritize the essential competencies required for effective and responsible parenting in the digital era. Methods and Materials: This research employed a sequential mixed-method design consisting of a qualitative and a quantitative phase. The qualitative phase involved an integrative literature review of studies published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on digital parenting frameworks, emotional regulation, online safety, and educational mediation. Data were analyzed through thematic content analysis using NVivo 14, resulting in eight primary competency categories. The quantitative phase involved a ranking survey completed by 205 Italian parents, who evaluated the importance of the identified competencies using a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive and ranking analyses were conducted with SPSS version 26, generating mean scores and standard deviations to determine the relative priority of each category. Findings: The results revealed that Online Safety and Risk Management (M = 4.72, SD = 0.38) was the most highly valued competency, followed by Emotional and Psychological Support (M = 4.65, SD = 0.42) and Communication and Relationship Building (M = 4.53, SD = 0.47). These findings emphasize parents’ primary concerns with protecting children from digital risks, supporting emotional resilience, and maintaining healthy communication. Digital Literacy and Technical Competence (M = 4.44) and Ethical and Moral Guidance (M = 4.36) occupied mid-level positions, reflecting their continued relevance. The lowest-ranked but still significant competencies were Educational Mediation (M = 4.25), Time Management (M = 4.11), and Socio-Cultural Engagement (M = 3.94), suggesting varying perceptions of their immediate necessity. Conclusion: The study concludes that digital-era parenting is multidimensional, encompassing safety, emotional, technical, ethical, and cultural competencies. Strengthening these integrated skills is essential for fostering children’s balanced development and responsible media engagement in contemporary digital environments.
Ranking Stressors and Coping Hierarchies in Families Facing Financial Instability
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and rank the primary stressors and coping hierarchies experienced by families facing financial instability using a mixed-method exploratory approach. Methods and Materials: The research followed a sequential mixed-method design. In the first phase, a qualitative literature-based analysis was conducted to identify core themes and subthemes related to financial distress and coping strategies. Data were extracted through a systematic literature review and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software until theoretical saturation was reached. Six main thematic categories emerged from the analysis: economic stressors, emotional and psychological strain, family relationship dynamics, coping strategies and hierarchies, social and community support, and adaptive resilience processes. In the second phase, a quantitative ranking was performed among 210 participants from Iraq selected through purposive sampling. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire derived from qualitative results. SPSS version 26 was used to perform Friedman’s test and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) to determine the statistical ranking and consistency of participants’ responses. Findings: The analysis revealed significant differences across the six thematic domains (χ² = 112.47, p < 0.001; W = 0.71). Economic stressors received the highest mean rank (4.58), followed by emotional and psychological strain (4.44) and family relationship dynamics (4.27). Coping strategies and hierarchies (4.05) and social and community support (3.86) followed, while adaptive resilience processes ranked lowest (3.54). The strong Kendall’s coefficient indicated a high level of agreement among respondents, confirming a shared perception of financial instability as a multidimensional challenge with economic and emotional dimensions. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that financial instability generates complex, hierarchical stress patterns within families, with economic hardship triggering psychological strain and relational tension. Enhancing both structural financial security and emotional resilience is essential for sustainable family adaptation.
Prioritizing Emotional Climate Factors in Families with Adolescent Anxiety
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and prioritize the emotional climate factors influencing families with adolescents experiencing anxiety through an integrated qualitative–quantitative approach. Methods and Materials: A mixed-methods exploratory–quantitative design was employed in two sequential phases. In the qualitative phase, an extensive literature review was conducted until theoretical saturation, and data were analyzed using NVivo 14 through thematic coding. Seven main themes were identified, including parental emotional expression, communication patterns, parental control and autonomy, family cohesion and support, parental mental health influence, emotional validation and empathy, and family stress and conflict climate. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative findings and administered to 220 participants from Kenya, consisting of parents and adolescents aged 13–18 years. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, applying the Friedman ranking test to determine the relative importance of emotional climate factors. Findings: Results indicated statistically significant differences in the prioritization of emotional climate factors (p < .01). Family Cohesion and Support received the highest mean rank score (4.72), followed by Emotional Validation and Empathy (4.51), Parental Emotional Expression (4.38), and Communication Patterns (4.12). Parental Control and Autonomy (3.89), Parental Mental Health Influence (3.65), and Family Stress and Conflict Climate (3.47) ranked lower, suggesting that affective closeness and empathic validation are stronger predictors of adolescent emotional well-being than external stress factors. Conclusion: The study highlights that family cohesion, empathy, and emotional validation are the most influential components of a healthy emotional climate in mitigating adolescent anxiety. These results emphasize the need for family-centered interventions that enhance emotional communication, promote empathy, and strengthen relational bonds as preventive and therapeutic strategies for adolescent anxiety.
Prioritizing Predictors of Family Cohesion in Dual-Earner Households
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and prioritize the key predictors of family cohesion in dual-earner households through a mixed-method approach integrating qualitative synthesis and quantitative ranking analysis. Methods and Materials: The research employed a sequential exploratory mixed-method design. In the first phase, a qualitative thematic synthesis was conducted through a systematic literature review until theoretical saturation was achieved, focusing on determinants of family cohesion among dual-earner couples. Data were coded and analyzed using NVivo 14, resulting in the identification of six overarching themes and multiple subthemes. In the second phase, a structured questionnaire was developed from the qualitative findings and distributed to 170 dual-earner participants from Spain. Using SPSS version 26, ranking analysis and descriptive statistics were applied to prioritize the predictors. The reliability of the ranking scale was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W = 0.81) indicated high inter-rater agreement. Findings: Quantitative results revealed that work–family balance ranked as the strongest predictor of family cohesion (M = 4.71), followed by communication patterns (M = 4.56) and emotional and marital quality (M = 4.38). Parenting practices (M = 4.22) and psychological well-being of partners (M = 4.08) were also significant but ranked lower, while socioeconomic and cultural context (M = 3.84) was perceived as moderately influential. The findings suggest that internal relational and emotional processes have a greater impact on family cohesion than external structural or socioeconomic variables. Conclusion: Family cohesion in dual-earner households is primarily sustained through effective work–family integration, open communication, and emotional attunement between partners. These results underscore the importance of relational and psychological factors over structural determinants, providing a framework for family interventions, workplace policies, and future cross-cultural research.
The Role of Psychological Empowerment and Family Resilience in Predicting Family Functioning among Malaysian Adults
Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of psychological empowerment and family resilience in determining levels of family functioning among adults in Malaysia. Methods and Materials: A correlational descriptive design was employed with a sample of 440 Malaysian adults, determined using the Morgan and Krejcie sampling table. Data were collected through standardized instruments, including the Family Assessment Device (Epstein et al., 1983) for family functioning, the Psychological Empowerment Scale (Spreitzer, 1995) for empowerment, and the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (Sixbey, 2005) for resilience. Participants completed the measures voluntarily through online and community-based surveys. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation to assess relationships between variables, and multiple linear regression to determine predictive effects. Assumptions of normality, linearity, and multicollinearity were tested and confirmed prior to analysis. Findings: Results showed significant positive correlations between family functioning and both psychological empowerment (r = .52, p < .001) and family resilience (r = .61, p < .001). The regression model was statistically significant, F(2, 437) = 193.21, p < .001, with an R² value of .47, indicating that empowerment and resilience jointly explained 47% of the variance in family functioning. Both predictors made significant contributions to the model, with psychological empowerment (β = .34, t = 7.41, p < .001) and family resilience (β = .48, t = 10.26, p < .001) emerging as strong predictors. Family resilience demonstrated the stronger standardized effect, highlighting its central role in family adaptation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that psychological empowerment and family resilience are critical determinants of healthy family functioning. Interventions that strengthen empowerment and resilience among family members may promote adaptability, cohesion, and well-being within Malaysian families.
The Role of Psychological Capital and Trust in Predicting Marital Intimacy among Married Individuals in Pakistan
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of psychological capital and trust in determining levels of marital intimacy among married individuals in Pakistan. Methods and Materials: A correlational descriptive research design was employed to explore the relationships among psychological capital, trust, and marital intimacy. The study sample consisted of 410 married participants (196 males and 214 females) selected through a simple random sampling method based on the Morgan and Krejcie table. Participants completed three standardized instruments: the Marital Intimacy Scale (Waring & Reddon, 1983), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) (Luthans et al., 2007), and the Dyadic Trust Scale (Larzelere & Huston, 1980). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 through Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression to determine the direction and strength of relationships between the variables. Findings: The results indicated strong positive correlations between marital intimacy and both psychological capital (r = .68, p < .001) and trust (r = .72, p < .001). The regression model predicting marital intimacy was statistically significant (F(2, 407) = 345.27, p < .001), explaining 63% of the variance (R² = .63). Both psychological capital (β = .38, p < .001) and trust (β = .49, p < .001) were significant predictors of marital intimacy. These results demonstrate that individuals with higher psychological resources and greater trust in their partners reported stronger emotional, cognitive, and relational closeness. Conclusion: Psychological capital and trust significantly and positively predict marital intimacy, underscoring the importance of both internal psychological strengths and interpersonal trust in maintaining healthy, satisfying marital relationships. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing optimism, resilience, and mutual trust may effectively strengthen marital bonds.
The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy on Marital Burnout in Couples with Experience of Emotional Divorce
Objective: Emotional divorce is one of the common yet concealed phenomena in marital relationships and is associated with extensive psychological consequences, including marital burnout. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on marital burnout among couples with experience of emotional divorce. Methodology: The present research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up phases including a control group. The statistical population consisted of all couples who referred to the Ganj-e Mehr Counseling Center in Babol in 2024. Using convenience sampling, 30 couples were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy sessions were conducted once weekly in two-hour sessions over a period of 10 weeks. Marital burnout was measured using the Pines Marital Burnout Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Findings: The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups after the intervention. Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy significantly reduced marital burnout and its components among couples with experience of emotional divorce. Moreover, these effects remained statistically stable during the follow-up period (p < .001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy can be considered an effective intervention for reducing marital burnout among couples, particularly those experiencing emotional divorce and who are at risk of formal separation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Askari Asghariganji (Corresponding Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment–Based Couple Therapy and Cognitive–Behavioral Couple Therapy on Cognitive Distortions, Emotion Regulation, and Emotional Intimacy in Couples Experiencing Marital Disenchantment
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment–based couple therapy and cognitive–behavioral couple therapy on interpersonal cognitive distortions, emotion regulation strategies, and emotional intimacy in couples experiencing marital disenchantment. Methods and Materials: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up assessments and a control group. The statistical population consisted of couples aged 20–40 years who sought counseling for marital disenchantment in Tehran in 2023. Using purposive sampling and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 couples were selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group received acceptance and commitment–based couple therapy, and the second experimental group received cognitive–behavioral couple therapy, each delivered in 12 sessions of 90 minutes over three months, while the control group remained on a waiting list. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring interpersonal cognitive distortions, emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and suppression), and emotional intimacy at three time points. Data analysis was conducted using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Findings: The results of repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant group × time interaction effects for all components and the total score of cognitive distortions, emotion regulation strategies, and emotional intimacy. Acceptance and commitment–based couple therapy produced significantly greater reductions in rejection in relationships, misperception, and total cognitive distortions compared with cognitive–behavioral couple therapy. Additionally, acceptance and commitment–based couple therapy led to a significantly greater increase in cognitive reappraisal and a greater reduction in emotion suppression. Emotional intimacy increased significantly in both experimental groups compared with the control group; however, the increase was significantly greater in the acceptance and commitment–based couple therapy group. These effects remained stable at the three-month follow-up. Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment–based couple therapy was more effective than cognitive–behavioral couple therapy in reducing interpersonal cognitive distortions, improving emotion regulation strategies, and enhancing emotional intimacy in couples experiencing marital disenchantment, suggesting its particular suitability for interventions targeting emotional disengagement and cognitive rigidity in distressed marital relationships.
Copyright (c) 2026 Azin Haji Abbasi (Author); Fatemehsoghra Karbalai Herofteh (Corresponding Author); Gholamreza Sanagouye Moharer (Author)
The Effectiveness of Emotional Intelligence Training on Marital Burnout and the Quality of Marital Relationships in Couples Aged 20 to 50
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of emotional intelligence training on reducing marital burnout and improving marital relationship quality among couples aged 20 to 50 who referred to counseling centers. Methods and Materials: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of couples aged 20 to 50 who referred to counseling centers in Babol County in 2024. Using convenience sampling, 32 couples were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group, each comprising 16 participants. Data were collected using the Pines Marital Burnout Questionnaire and the Marital Relationship Quality Questionnaire. The experimental group received emotional intelligence training in 12 structured sessions of 90 minutes, conducted twice weekly, while the control group received no intervention. Pretest and posttest assessments were administered to both groups, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 27. Findings: After controlling for pretest scores, ANCOVA results revealed a statistically significant group effect for marital burnout, indicating that the experimental group reported significantly lower posttest burnout scores compared to the control group. Similarly, a significant group effect was found for marital relationship quality, demonstrating that participants who received emotional intelligence training showed significantly higher posttest marital quality scores than those in the control group. Effect size indices indicated large and meaningful intervention effects for both outcome variables. Conclusion: The findings indicate that emotional intelligence training is an effective intervention for reducing marital burnout and enhancing marital relationship quality among couples seeking counseling services, highlighting the importance of emotional competence development in marital counseling and preventive family interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seyedeh Somayeh Sayadi Kenari , Forozan Gholipor (Author); Maryam Mazlomi (Corresponding Author); Hengame Katal (Author)
Conceptual Framework of Healthy Divorce in Iran: A Qualitative Study
Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a culturally grounded, multidimensional conceptual framework of healthy divorce in Iran by identifying and prioritizing the biological, psychological, social, cultural, ethical, and spiritual factors shaping the divorce process. Methods and Materials: The study employed a qualitative, integrative design combining systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, semi-structured interviews, and the fuzzy Delphi method. Participants included experts in family and divorce studies from psychology, social sciences, and social work, as well as married, divorcing, and divorced individuals selected through purposive sampling. Initial indicators were extracted from Persian and English literature and refined through expert consensus. Pairwise comparisons were conducted to calculate fuzzy weights for indicators within each dimension, followed by defuzzification to determine their relative importance. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data, and methodological triangulation ensured the credibility and rigor of findings. Findings: The results indicated that healthy divorce is a dynamic outcome of interaction among six dimensions. Psychological factors showed the strongest influence, particularly psychological problems, hardiness, irrational beliefs, and differentiation of self. In the biological dimension, chronic physical illness, addiction, and sexual dissatisfaction were most salient. Social competence, moral–behavioral violence, and communication skills emerged as key social determinants. Cultural factors were dominated by adverse life events, family interference, and value differences. Ethical factors, especially lack of commitment and infidelity, held the highest weights overall. The spiritual dimension, although not weighted due to its single-indicator structure, functioned as a regulating conceptual component in the final model. Conclusion: Healthy divorce in Iran should be understood not as the absence of conflict or a purely legal resolution, but as a multidimensional, ethically grounded, and culturally embedded process whose quality depends on the effective management of individual, relational, and contextual resources.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samaneh Amiri Siavashani (Author); Hooman Namvar (Corresponding Author); Reza Ghorban Jahromi (Author)