KMAN Counseling & Psychology Nexus

This study aimed to examine the effect of avoidant attachment style on marital satisfaction, with fear of intimacy as a mediating variable in a sample of married individuals in Tehran. A descriptive correlational design was employed with a sample of 400 married adults selected based on Krejcie and Morgan's sample size table. Participants were recruited from various community centers across Tehran using convenience sampling. Standardized instruments were used to measure avoidant attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised), fear of intimacy (Fear of Intimacy Scale), and marital satisfaction (ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive and correlational statistics, and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling (SEM). Model fit was assessed using χ², RMSEA, CFI, TLI, and other relevant indices. Pearson correlation analysis showed that avoidant attachment was positively correlated with fear of intimacy (r = .62, p < .001) and negatively correlated with marital satisfaction (r = –.53, p < .001). Fear of intimacy was also negatively associated with marital satisfaction (r = –.47, p < .001). SEM results confirmed a good model fit (χ²/df = 2.01, RMSEA = .051, CFI = .96, TLI = .95). Avoidant attachment significantly predicted fear of intimacy (B = 0.78, β = .62, p < .001) and marital satisfaction (B = –0.46, β = –.38, p < .001). Fear of intimacy also significantly predicted marital satisfaction (B = –0.39, β = –.34, p < .001), and the indirect effect of avoidant attachment on marital satisfaction via fear of intimacy was significant (B = –0.30, β = –.21, p < .001). These findings suggest that avoidant attachment style diminishes marital satisfaction both directly and indirectly through increased fear of intimacy. Addressing intimacy-related anxieties in therapy may improve relationship outcomes for avoidantly attached individuals.

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on distress tolerance and dysfunctional attitudes in incompatible couples. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest structure and a control group. The statistical population consisted of incompatible couples who sought counseling services in Tehran in 2023. Thirty-two participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). The experimental group received MBCT over eight weeks in weekly 90-minute sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005) and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (Weissman & Beck, 1978). The normality of data was verified using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the differences between groups, controlling for pretest scores. Descriptive statistics indicated increased posttest scores in distress tolerance and decreased scores in dysfunctional attitudes among participants in the experimental group. Results of ANCOVA revealed that, after controlling for pretest scores, the difference in distress tolerance between the experimental and control groups was statistically significant (F = 21.12, p = .001, η² = .42). Similarly, a significant difference was found in dysfunctional attitudes between the two groups (F = 25.14, p = .001, η² = .48), with the experimental group showing a notable reduction in maladaptive beliefs. The findings suggest that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is effective in enhancing distress tolerance and reducing dysfunctional attitudes among incompatible couples. MBCT facilitates cognitive and emotional self-regulation through present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental attention, offering a beneficial intervention for improving marital dynamics

Distress in marital relationships can lead to diminished intimacy and the emergence of problems in sexual functioning, which over time may adversely affect psychological well-being and marital quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of systemic couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy on sexual intimacy and sexual function in distressed couples. This research employed a quasi-experimental method using a pre-test–post-test control group design. The statistical population consisted of distressed couples referred to counseling centers in Tehran, from which 30 couples were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups received ten 90-minute sessions of systemic couple therapy and cognitive-behavioral couple therapy interventions, respectively, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The findings indicated that both types of interventions led to increased sexual intimacy and improved sexual function among the couples. However, cognitive-behavioral couple therapy had a greater impact on enhancing these components. The results suggest that addressing maladaptive beliefs and behavioral patterns in cognitive-behavioral couple therapy may play a more effective role in improving the quality of sexual relationships. Accordingly, it is recommended that this approach be incorporated into intervention programs for distressed couples.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of schema therapy on marital relationships and cognitive emotion regulation in couples on the verge of divorce. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of the study included couples on the verge of divorce who referred to counseling centers in Tehran during the first three months of 2024. The sampling method was convenience sampling. A total of 32 individuals on the verge of divorce were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). To collect data, the Marital Relationship Questionnaire and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were used. Schema therapy sessions were then conducted for the experimental group over 8 sessions (two 90-minute sessions per week) based on a protocol developed by the researcher. The findings showed that the mean scores of marital relationships and cognitive emotion regulation in couples on the verge of divorce were significantly different in the posttest compared to the pretest. As a result, schema therapy has an effect on improving marital relationships and cognitive emotion regulation in couples on the verge of divorce.

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on marital functioning and marital conflicts in couples with a tendency toward emotional divorce. The research employed a quasi-experimental method using a pre-test–post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included couples with a tendency toward emotional divorce who sought counseling services in Tehran during the year 2023. Using a convenience sampling method, 28 couples were selected and randomly assigned to the experimental group (14 couples) and the control group (14 couples). Data were collected using the Marital Functioning Questionnaire and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire. The participants in the experimental group received Acceptance and Commitment Therapy over eight weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, while the control group received no specific intervention. The findings after the intervention showed that, in the experimental group, the post-test scores for marital functioning and marital conflicts were significantly improved compared to the pre-test scores. Therefore, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has a significant impact on marital functioning and marital conflicts in couples with a tendency toward emotional divorce.

Digital literacy has become increasingly important in today's world due to the widespread use of technology and the internet in various aspects of life. Digital literacy enables teachers to access, evaluate, and use information effectively from various online sources. The mission of the present study was exploring how Iranian EFL teachers perceive a digital literacy-based teacher education. To this end, a grounded theory design was used. The participants taking part in this research included 50 males and females Iranian EFL teachers, holding B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in TEFL, English Language and Literature, and English Translation fields, with varying years of teaching experience in schools and institutes of Iran. They were picked up through available sampling from virtual groups in social networks. To collect the data, semi-structured interview and audio-reflective journal were used. Data analysis was conducted through the qualitative manual thematic analysis. The following themes were outcomes of data analysis: Digital Information Searching, Digital Interaction, Digital Information Sharing, Digital Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Familiarity with Soft Wares and Hard Wares, Digital Problem-Solving, Using Word and PowerPoint Skills, General Computer Skills, Using Technology for Educational Purposes, Protecting Digital Devices, Protecting Digital Content, Identifying Digital Needs, and Creative Use of Digital Technologies. EFL teacher educators, administers, authorities and teachers can take useful insights from the results.

This study aimed to examine the effects of group work dynamics (GWDs) on the motivation of Iranian male and female EFL learners during communicative tasks. This mixed-methods research was conducted with 80 intermediate-level Iranian EFL learners randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Each group comprised 20 male and 20 female participants. All participants completed a pretest and a posttest assessing speaking performance and motivation. The experimental group received structured group work interventions over 20 sessions featuring communicative tasks such as object assembly, information gap activities, and comic strip storytelling. In contrast, the control group completed the same tasks individually without collaborative strategies. Participants’ interactions were video-recorded for observation, and ten learners were randomly selected for semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS to conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including t-tests and ANOVA. Qualitative data from observations and interviews were thematically coded and analyzed to evaluate the complexity and effectiveness of group dynamics. Results revealed that learners in the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in motivation (M = 4.0138 posttest) compared to the control group (M = 3.5038 posttest), with the difference confirmed by a paired samples t-test (p ≤ .05). Gender-based analysis showed that while male learners experienced a greater gain in motivation (1.036-point increase), female learners had higher absolute motivation scores at both pretest and posttest stages. ANOVA results confirmed significant posttest differences among the four subgroups (male/female, control/experimental), indicating the intervention’s overall impact. Observational data revealed differing gender-based interaction patterns, with males exhibiting competitiveness and females demonstrating collaborative support. Interview responses confirmed that positive group energy and peer support enhanced learner engagement and sustained motivation throughout the program. Group work dynamics significantly improve EFL learners’ motivation when implemented effectively. While both genders benefit, the nature of their interaction influences the quality and style of motivation enhancement.

Given the increasing use of social media among youth and the resulting psychological, social, and cognitive consequences, this study aimed to identify and analyze the familial and social components associated with social media use in this age group. This research was conducted using a systematic review approach by analyzing 25 scholarly articles published between 2012 and 2024. The selected articles were extracted from reputable academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The article selection process was carried out based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were systematically extracted using qualitative content analysis, and a coding table was developed accordingly. The results indicated that factors such as family cohesion, satisfaction with family relationships, attachment styles, social support, self-esteem, resilience, peer pressure, emotion regulation, fear of missing out (FoMO), and cognitive characteristics significantly influence excessive or problematic social media use. Moreover, the mediating role of psychological variables such as mentalization and mental health in the relationship between family and social environment with youths' online behavior was emphasized. Based on the findings of this study, designing preventive and promotive interventions centered on family education, strengthening emotion regulation skills, and enhancing resilience can help reduce the harms associated with maladaptive social media use among youth.