Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

About the Journal

E-ISSN: 3041-8798
Director in Charge: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani
Editor-in-chief: Dr. Shokoh Navabinejad
Associate editor: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani
Owner: Iranian Association for Women's Studies
Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB)
Contact Email: aftjournal@gmail.com / aftjournal@kmanpub.com
Open Access: YES

Applied Family Therapy Journal is a scientific open access double-blind anonymous open (since 2024) peer-reviewed journal publishing original articles, reviews, short communications and scientific reports of a high scientific and ethical standard in psychology, counseling and related academic disciplines. This journal is published four times per year in English by Iranian Association for Women's Studies and KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB).

Since 2024, this journal only accepts and publishes articles in English and no longer publishes Persian articles.

The research fields and topics within the activity framework of AFTJ include:

Family counseling and couple therapy
Women counseling
Children and adolescent counseling
Rehabilitation counseling in the field of family
Marriage and youth counseling
Divorce counseling
Children and adolescent counseling
Counseling about addiction in the family

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)

Current Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): Serial Number 33

Published: 2026-05-27

Articles

Conceptual Framework of Healthy Divorce in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Samaneh Amiri Siavashani (Author); Hooman Namvar (Corresponding Author); Reza Ghorban Jahromi (Author)

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The Effectiveness of Emotional Intelligence Training on Marital Burnout and the Quality of Marital Relationships in Couples Aged 20 to 50

Seyedeh Somayeh Sayadi Kenari , Forozan Gholipor (Author); Maryam Mazlomi (Corresponding Author); Hengame Katal (Author)

1-9
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Development of a Family Therapy Package Based on the Integration of Structural–Systemic and Attachment-Based Therapy

Fataneh Riahi Far (Author); Zahra Yousefi (Corresponding Author); Mohsen Golparvar (Author)

1-15
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The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy on Marital Burnout in Couples with Experience of Emotional Divorce

Askari Asghariganji (Corresponding Author)

1-9
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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

Seyed Adel Hosseini (Author)

1-13
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The Mediating Role of Relational Ethics in the Relationship Between Emotional Maturity and Marital Burnout with Divorce Tendency in Young Couples

Seyed Salar Atashpour (Author); Nadereh Saadati (Corresponding Author)

1-11
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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

Shadan Rahimi (Author); Mahnaz Haji Heydari (Corresponding Author)

1-11
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Post-Traumatic Paradoxical Couple Therapy : Development and Effectiveness in Couples Affected by Extramarital Infidelity

Mohammad Hassan Asayesh (Author)

1-15
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The Role of Schema Therapy and Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Alexithymia in Maladjusted Couples: A Comparative Study

Fatemeh Saroukhani (Author); Abdollah Shafiabadi (Corresponding Author); Sima Ghodrati (Author)

1-10
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Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment–Based Couple Therapy and Integrative Couple Therapy on Dysfunctional Beliefs, (Cognitive/Experiential) Avoidance, Conflict Resolution, and Sexual Satisfaction in Infertile Couples

Samaneh Haji Abbasi (Author); Majid Saffarinia (Corresponding Author); Ali Mohammad Rezaie (Author)

1-19
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A Causal Model of Parenting Stress Based on Child Behavioral Problems, Parental Perfectionism, Psychological Inflexibility, and Family Conflict: The Mediating Role of Parental Self-Compassion

Keisuke Mori (Author); Ethan Holloway (Corresponding Author); Erik Lundqvist (Author)

1-12
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The Effect of Intergenerational Trauma on Marital Stability: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Trust, and Intimacy

Jone Vakacegu (Author); Nathaniel Brooks (Corresponding Author)

1-13
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Modeling Family Quality of Life Based on Economic Pressure, Family Adaptability, Hope, and Emotional Support: The Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being

Mikko Salonen (Author); Liam Desrosiers (Corresponding Author); Stefan Leitner (Author)

1-13
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Modeling Coparenting Quality Based on Marital Satisfaction, Emotional Intelligence, Parenting Alliance, and Psychological Flexibility

Yanelis Batista (Author); Chloe Bennett (Corresponding Author); Ricardo Escobar (Author)

1-13
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XGBoost-Based Prediction of Family Resilience from Psychological Flexibility, Social Support, Family Cohesion, and Emotional Regulation

Tendai Chikore (Author); Olivia Macpherson (Corresponding Author); Pascal Reinert (Author)

1-13
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Random Forest Prediction of Family Functioning Based on Emotional Availability, Family Communication, Psychological Well-Being, and Coping Self-Efficacy

Justas Rimkus (Author); Sophie Langlois (Corresponding Author); Lina Khoury (Author)

1-13
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LightGBM-Based Prediction of Marital Commitment Using Sexual Satisfaction, Trust, Emotional Intimacy, and Attachment Security

Nikola Petrović, Nicolás Barrenechea, Ádám Székely (Author)

1-13
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Explainable LightGBM Analysis of Adolescent Family Adjustment Based on Parenting Style, Family Communication, Emotional Security, and Self-Esteem

Marco Quispe (Author); Andrés Mejía (Corresponding Author)

1-13
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CatBoost Modeling of Parenting Effectiveness Based on Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Flexibility, and Reflective Functioning

Selin Aydemir (Author); Nattaporn Chaisiri (Corresponding Author); Andrej Kováčik (Author)

1-13
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Support Vector Machine Classification of High- and Low-Functioning Families Based on Communication, Adaptability, Emotional Security, and Conflict Management

Petra Nováková (Author); Tiago Figueiredo (Corresponding Author); Andre McKenzie (Author)

1-13
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Exploring the Lived Experiences of Couples Experiencing Emotional Divorce: A Phenomenological Study

Saeideh Golkar iD , Hasan Heydari ^* iD , Hossein Davoudi iD

Objective: This study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of couples experiencing emotional divorce and to identify the principal dimensions through which this phenomenon is perceived and experienced.

Methods and Materials: This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological design based on Colaizzi’s approach. Twelve participants with lived experience of emotional divorce were selected through purposive sampling and participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. Following verbatim transcription, the interview data were systematically coded and analyzed according to Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method to identify significant statements, formulated meanings, thematic clusters, and overarching themes. MAXQDA 2020 software was used for data management and coding. To enhance the credibility and dependability of the findings, several rigor-enhancing strategies were applied, including member checking with 10 participants, review and evaluation of the findings by three experts, and the involvement of 24 individuals in different stages of the data analysis and validation process.

Findings: The phenomenological analysis yielded five overarching themes representing the core dimensions of emotional divorce: cognitive factors, emotional-regulatory factors, affective factors, communicational factors, and sexual factors. The participants’ accounts indicated that emotional divorce was experienced not as an abrupt relational rupture but as a progressive and multidimensional process involving the gradual erosion of cognitive engagement, emotional connection, affection, constructive communication, and sexual intimacy. These dimensions appeared to interact dynamically, generating a self-reinforcing cycle characterized by increasing emotional coldness, psychological distancing, relational disengagement, and declining hope for restoration of the marital relationship.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of developing multidimensional couple-centered interventions and integrating communication skills training, emotion regulation, and emotional-sexual literacy into culturally sensitive preventive and therapeutic programs for Iranian couples.

Emotional Security and Perceived Family Functioning in Relation to Adolescents’ Emotional and Behavioral Problems: The Mediating Role of Adolescents’ Cognitive Appraisals of Interparental Conflict

Giti Nozari Kohne Shahri iD , Alireza Kakavand ^* iD , Somayeh Keshavarz iD

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationships of emotional security and perceived family functioning with adolescents’ emotional and behavioral problems, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of adolescents’ cognitive appraisals of interparental conflict.

Methods and Materials: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all adolescents enrolled in lower- and upper-secondary schools in District 5 of Tehran during the 2024–2025 academic year. A sample of 251 students was selected using multistage random sampling. Data were collected using the Security in the Interparental Subsystem Scale developed by Koss et al. (2007), the McMaster Family Assessment Device developed by Epstein et al. (1983), the Children’s Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale developed by Grych and Fincham (1992), and the Symptom Checklist developed by Derogatis et al. (1973). The hypothesized structural model and the direct and indirect relationships among the study variables were examined using AMOS version 24.

Findings: Structural equation modeling indicated that the proposed model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the observed data. The model explained 32% of the variance in adolescents’ emotional and behavioral problems. Emotional security and perceived family functioning had significant direct effects on emotional and behavioral problems. Both variables also exerted significant indirect effects through adolescents’ cognitive appraisals of interparental conflict. Thus, adolescents’ interpretations and evaluations of conflict between their parents significantly mediated the associations between family-related factors and psychological difficulties.

Conclusion: The findings highlight cognitive appraisal as an important psychological mechanism through which emotional security and perceived family functioning influence adolescents’ emotional and behavioral adjustment. Preventive and therapeutic interventions may therefore be strengthened by simultaneously enhancing adolescents’ emotional security, improving family functioning and parent–adolescent relationships, reducing destructive interparental conflict, and modifying adolescents’ negative or threatening interpretations of such conflict.

Developing a Structural Equation Model of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Patients With Obesity Based on Perfectionism and the Behavioral Activation/Inhibition Systems, With the Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation

Elaheh Dehghanian iD , Nooshin Taghinezhad ^* iD , Azita Amirfakhraei iD

Objective: The present study aimed to develop and test a structural equation model of disordered eating behaviors in patients with obesity based on perfectionism and the behavioral activation/inhibition systems, with the mediating role of emotion dysregulation.

Methods and Materials: This descriptive-correlational study employed a structural equation modeling approach. The statistical population consisted of all women with obesity and a body mass index greater than 30 who attended the Baraka Obesity Treatment Clinic in Tehran during 2025–2026. Of these individuals, 250 were selected through convenience and voluntary sampling. The data collection instruments included the Eating Attitudes Test developed by Garner et al. (1982), the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost et al., 1990), the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System Scales developed by Carver and White (1994), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale developed by Gratz and Roemer (2004), all of which had demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability in Iranian samples. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling in LISREL.

Findings: The findings indicated that the conceptual model had an acceptable fit, CFI = .96, RMSEA = .069, and χ²/df = 1.70. Perfectionism had significant direct effects on disordered eating behaviors (β = .18, p < .05) and emotion dysregulation (β = .48, p < .001). The behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) had significant direct effects on emotion dysregulation (β = .25 and β = .38, respectively, p < .01), whereas their direct effects on disordered eating behaviors were not significant. The indirect effect of perfectionism on disordered eating behaviors through emotion dysregulation was confirmed (β = .264), indicating partial mediation. In contrast, emotion dysregulation fully mediated the relationships of BAS (β = .137) and BIS (β = .209) with disordered eating behaviors. The final model explained 44% of the variance in disordered eating behaviors and 52% of the variance in emotion dysregulation.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that emotion dysregulation functions as a key mediating mechanism in the relationships of perfectionism and behavioral brain systems with disordered eating behaviors among women with obesity. Therefore, psychological interventions designed to improve emotion-regulation skills and modify perfectionistic standards may contribute to reducing disordered eating behaviors and facilitating more effective obesity management. Future research should test this model in diverse populations, including men and different age groups, using longitudinal designs.

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.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Reality Therapy on Family Boundaries and Differentiation of Self

AmirReza Kargaran ^* iD

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy on family boundaries and differentiation of self among married individuals in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest–posttest design with a control group and follow-up phase. The statistical population included married individuals living in Tehran who had referred to counseling and psychological service centers because of marital or family-related difficulties. A total of 45 eligible participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three equal groups: cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy, and control, with 15 participants in each group. The cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy groups each received eight weekly 90-minute group intervention sessions, while the control group remained on the waiting list and received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Family Relational Boundaries Questionnaire and the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Revised. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Findings: The results showed that the main effect of time was significant for family boundaries, F(2, 84) = 68.42, p < 0.001, η² = 0.620, and differentiation of self, F(2, 84) = 80.54, p < 0.001, η² = 0.657. The group effect was also significant for family boundaries, F(2, 42) = 17.96, p < 0.001, η² = 0.461, and differentiation of self, F(2, 42) = 18.74, p < 0.001, η² = 0.472. The time × group interaction was significant for family boundaries, F(4, 84) = 24.80, p < 0.001, η² = 0.542, and differentiation of self, F(4, 84) = 29.21, p < 0.001, η² = 0.582. Bonferroni comparisons indicated that both interventions were significantly more effective than the control condition, and cognitive behavioral therapy was significantly more effective than reality therapy.

Conclusion: The findings indicated that both cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy improved family boundaries and differentiation of self, but cognitive behavioral therapy produced stronger and more stable effects.

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.

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