Applied Family Therapy Journal (AFTJ)

Marital Satisfaction Based on Father Involvement in Parenting, Problem-Solving Skills, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation through Emotional Empathy in Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Matin Farahbakhsh Daghigh

; Rezvan Homai *

; Hamdallah Jayrvand

Objective: This study aimed to investigate marital satisfaction based on father involvement in parenting, problem-solving skills, and cognitive emotion regulation through emotional empathy in mothers of children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: The research design was descriptive-survey and used a structural equations approach. The statistical population included 148 mothers of children with cerebral palsy in the city of Rasht in 2022. Using a census and purposive sampling method, all 148 individuals were selected as the sample. Data were collected using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, Alabama Parenting Test (Parent Form), Family Problem-Solving Questionnaire, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Emotional Empathy Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 28) and Lisrel (version 10).

Findings: The findings showed a direct relationship between father involvement in parenting, problem-solving skills, cognitive emotion regulation, and emotional empathy with marital satisfaction (p ≤ .01). An indirect relationship was also found between father involvement in parenting, problem-solving skills, and cognitive emotion regulation through the mediation of emotional empathy with marital satisfaction (p ≤ .01).

Conclusion: To alleviate or reduce the burden on mothers of children with cerebral palsy, fathers must actively participate in parenting. This collaboration enables both parents to solve problems and control negative emotions while supporting each other with a high level of emotional empathy, thereby fostering and enhancing marital satisfaction.

Examining the Role of Social Networks and Subjective Norms within Rusbult's Investment Model Framework to Predict the Stability of Marital Relationships in Divorce-Seeking Couples

Zahra Nadi

; Shahram Mami *

; Vahid Ahmadi

, Kourosh Sayehmiri

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to integrate the role of social networks and subjective norms into the theoretical framework of the investment model of relationships to predict marital stability among divorce-seeking couples in the city of Ilam.

Methods: This research employed a correlational design. The statistical population included all divorce-seeking couples in Ilam during 2019–2020 who visited family courts, counseling centers, and divorce registry offices. A sample of 160 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data collection utilized the following instruments: the Marital Instability Index (Edwards et al., 1987), the Social Networks in Marital Relationships Scale (researcher-developed, 2019), the Subjective Norms in Marital Relationships Scale (researcher-developed, 2019), and Rusbult’s Investment Model Scale (1980). Data analysis was conducted using path analysis via AMOS version 23.

Findings: The findings indicated that the tested model exhibited acceptable fit. Significant positive correlations were found between marital satisfaction and marital commitment, while significant negative correlations were observed between the quality of alternative relationships and marital commitment. Additionally, relationship investment and marital commitment were significantly positively correlated. A significant relationship was identified between marital commitment and marital instability at the level of p<0.05. However, no significant relationship was observed between social networks and marital commitment or between subjective norms in marital relationships and marital commitment. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that marital commitment mediated the relationship between satisfaction with the relationship and marital instability (p≤.05), the quality of alternative relationships and marital instability (p≤.05), relationship investment and marital instability (p≤.01), and subjective norms and marital instability (p≤.05). However, marital commitment did not significantly mediate the relationship between the influence of social networks in marital relationships and marital instability.

Conclusion: Based on the findings and the role of subjective norms and social networks within Rusbult’s investment model, the results of this study can be utilized in counseling centers to enhance and prevent the instability of marital relationships.

The Relationship Between Mental Health and Mental Toughness with Meaning in Life in Families of Children with Autism

Melika Mahdi Zadeh Tourzani

; Mohammad Parsa Azizi * ; Elham Hakimi Rad

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the relationship between mental health and mental toughness with the meaning in life in families of children with autism.

Methods: The statistical population included all families with children with autism registered in the Autism Society of Tehran in 2022 (totaling 2,040 individuals). From this population, 322 participants were selected using convenience sampling based on Morgan's table. Participants were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) by Goldberg (1999), the Mental Toughness Questionnaire by Clough, Earle, and Sewell (2002), and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire by Steger, Frazier, Oishi, and Kaler (2006). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression tests via SPSS version 23.

Findings: The findings revealed a significant relationship between meaning in life and both mental health and mental toughness in families of children with autism. The dimensions of mental health significantly predicted the presence of meaning and the search for meaning in life. Furthermore, the dimensions of mental toughness were also significant predictors of the presence of meaning and the search for meaning (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the results, the role of mental health and mental toughness is crucial in fostering a positive experience of meaning in life for families of children with autism.

The Model for Predicting Self-Harming Behaviors Based on Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies and Emotional Distress Tolerance in Adolescents Visiting Harm Reduction Centers in Tehran: The Mediating Role of Internalized Shame

Mojgan Abbasi Abrazgah *

; Maryam Bostansara

, Fatemeh Aghighi Ravan

Objective: This study aimed to predict self-harming behaviors based on cognitive emotion regulation strategies and emotional distress tolerance, with the mediating role of internalized shame in adolescents visiting harm reduction centers in Tehran.

Methods: The research employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population included adolescents aged 14 to 18 who attended drop-in harm reduction centers in District 12 of Tehran (Shush-Harandi neighborhood) during the first four months of 2022. A total of 300 participants were selected using purposive sampling. The research tools included the Self-Injury Questionnaire (Sansone et al., 1998), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Garnefski et al., 2001), the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005), and the Internalized Shame Scale (Cook, 1993). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and AMOS24 software.

Findings: The results indicated a relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies (-0.39), emotional distress tolerance (-0.41), internalized shame (0.36), and self-harming behaviors (P < 0.01). Furthermore, internalized shame mediated the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies (B = 0.52) and emotional distress tolerance (B = 0.45) with self-harming behaviors in adolescents (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that since internalized shame mediates the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and emotional distress tolerance with self-harming behaviors, focusing on factors influencing these behaviors can help reduce the risks associated with this developmental period.

The Process of Meaning Formation in Adolescents: A Grounded Theory

Hamed Nasiri

; Salar Faramarzi *

; Fahimeh Namdarpor

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the process of meaning formation in adolescents.

Methods: The research method was qualitative and utilized a grounded theory approach. The research population consisted of adolescents aged 12–20 years in Isfahan, Iran. Sampling was conducted theoretically. Nine participants were included in the study, and data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews. The data analysis process followed Glaser's (1987) methodology. At the end of the coding stages, the final model of the study was presented.

Findings: The results revealed that meaning formation in adolescents occurs through five stages: the occurrence of conflict (a triggering event), expression of conflict (problematic coping with a painful and damaging context, emotional confusion, and protesting against meaning), confrontation with conflict (addressing unclear feelings, focusing on core pain (self-awareness), and developing acceptance capacity), processing conflict (recalling the experience, exploring, expanding and deepening, gaining insight into unmet needs, and processing and accepting one's and others' experiences), and the emergence of resolution and achieving integration (softening and adopting a new perspective, manifesting agency (decision-making), generating experience, and integrating with prior experiences).

Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be inferred that meaning formation in adolescents occurs as a process. Therefore, it can be concluded that the journey toward finding meaning is not a fixed or instantaneous event but a continuous and evolving process shaped by various experiences and reflections. This process unfolds as a series of interrelated stages, reflecting a dynamic and transformative approach to navigating and understanding significant life changes. This structured delineation of stages provides valuable insights into how individuals actively engage with and create meaning when encountering transformative moments.

A Sociological Study of the Phenomenon of Emotional Divorce in Tehran

Hamzeh Salemi

; Shahla Kazemi Pour Sabet *

; Parvin Savadian

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.5.5.15

Objective: This study aims to explore the sociological factors, contextual conditions, structural factors, and social pressures contributing to emotional divorce in Tehran.

Method: The study employs a qualitative approach using a sequential exploratory design and grounded theory strategy. A purposive sample of 21 individuals, aged 25-40, with at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or related fields, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using open coding and axial coding processes to identify key structures and indices related to emotional divorce. The participants included university lecturers, teachers, housewives, and private sector employees, ensuring a diverse representation of educated individuals with relevant expertise.

Findings: The results indicate that attitudes and values, social and cultural pressure, and social changes are significant causal factors in the occurrence of emotional divorce. Key phenomena identified include changes in emotional relationships, lack of emotional behavior towards the spouse, emotional void, and compulsory living. Contextual conditions such as changes in culture, values, economic conditions, and types of social interactions were influential. Structural factors identified include policies and laws, and social roles. Social pressures, including peer pressure, family opinions, and media influence, were crucial intervening factors. An educational approach was identified as an effective strategy for preventing and managing emotional divorce.

Conclusion: Emotional divorce, while not always visible, significantly impacts individuals and society. Understanding its sociological aspects and underlying causes is essential for developing effective prevention and management strategies. Educational programs aimed at improving emotional relationships, communication skills, and stress management can mitigate the negative impacts. Policymakers can use these insights to formulate supportive policies and laws. Further research is needed to generalize findings and explore the impact of emotional divorce on children and other regions.

Pre-Marital Education Based on Eric Berne's Theory and Expert-Centered Pre-Marital Education on Emotional Experiences Related to Marriage

Fahimeh Rahmati

; Sayed Esmaeil Mosavi *

; Zahra Yousefi

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.5.5.14

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of pre-marital education based on Eric Berne's theory and expert-centered pre-marital education on emotional experiences related to marriage.

Method: The research was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design, including two experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population comprised all students on the verge of marriage, and the sample included 45 students who were voluntarily selected and randomly distributed into three groups of 15. The research instrument was the Emotional Experience towards Marriage Questionnaire (Yousefi et al., 2023). While the control group was on the waiting list, the experimental groups received eight ninety-minute sessions of pre-marital education based on Eric Berne's theory and expert-centered approach. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multivariate analysis of covariance).

Findings: The results showed that expert-centered pre-marital education did not improve positive emotional experiences; however, it improved both dimensions of emotional experiences towards marriage.

Conclusions: Based on these results, it can be concluded that pre-marital education based on Eric Berne's theory is stronger than the expert-centered method and has the potential to improve emotional experiences related to marriage.

Effectiveness of the Parenting Effectiveness Training Package on the Parent-Child Relationship in Children Aged 6 to 12 with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Elham Iravani

; Salar Faramarzi *

; Hasan Rezaei jamaloei

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.aftj.5.5.9

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of parenting effectiveness training on the parent-child relationship in children aged 6 to 12 with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method: The research employed a quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest framework with a control group (one experimental group and one control group). The statistical population comprised male and female students aged 6 to 12 years with ADHD in Isfahan during the 2022-2023 academic year. The research sample consisted of 32 parents and students with ADHD, who were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Participants were chosen based on research inclusion criteria. The Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) program included 8 training sessions for parents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. At the descriptive level, frequency tables, percentage distributions, mean, and standard deviation were calculated. At the inferential level, after verifying the assumptions for parametric testing, univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA and MANCOVA) were performed.

Findings: The results indicated that parenting effectiveness training had a significant effect on the parent-child relationship at the p < .05 level.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that parenting effectiveness training positively influences the parent-child relationship in children aged 6 to 12 with ADHD and is an effective intervention method.

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: