Psychology of Woman Journal

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Women with Hypothyroidism

Sepideh Parsapour

; Zohreh Raeisi *

; Zohreh Rajnbar Kohan

, Hasan Rezaei‑Jamalouei

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on sexual function and quality of life in women with hypothyroidism.

Materials and Methods: The study was a semi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with hypothyroidism who visited the Endocrinology Clinic of the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in the second half of 2023. From this population, 45 participants were selected through accessible sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group of compassion-focused therapy (15 participants), the experimental group of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (15 participants), and the control group (15 participants). Data collection tools included the Rosen and colleagues (2000) Female Sexual Function Questionnaire and the World Health Organization (1996) Quality of Life Questionnaire. The compassion-focused therapy group received Gilbert’s (2009) intervention package, while the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group received Crane’s (2009) intervention package for eight 90-minute sessions. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and the LSD post-hoc test.

Findings: The results indicated a significant difference in the effectiveness of the two therapeutic approaches on sexual function in women with hypothyroidism. According to the post-hoc test, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy had a significantly greater effect on improving sexual function than compassion-focused therapy. However, no significant difference was found between the two therapies in terms of their impact on quality of life.

Conclusion: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can be considered a useful therapeutic strategy for improving the psychological condition of women with hypothyroidism.

The Impact of Familial Expectations on Career Choices and Identity Formation in Highly Educated Women

Roya Akbari

; Aliasghar Hoseinzadeh *

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of familial expectations on career choices and identity formation among highly educated women in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: The study employed a qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews with 24 highly educated women from Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse perspectives. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring comprehensive thematic coverage. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, facilitated by NVivo software. Four primary themes emerged: familial expectations, career choices, identity formation, and coping mechanisms.

Findings: The results revealed that familial expectations significantly influenced participants’ career choices, often delaying entry into the workforce and leading to compromises in professional aspirations. Participants described internal conflicts between societal roles and personal ambitions, which shaped their identity formation. Coping mechanisms included emotional strategies, resistance to traditional norms, and pragmatic adaptations. These findings highlighted the pervasive influence of cultural norms on women’s autonomy and professional development.

Conclusion: Familial expectations create significant barriers to career advancement and identity formation for highly educated women in Tehran. These dynamics underscore the need for supportive organizational policies, cultural shifts toward gender equality, and interventions that empower women to navigate these challenges effectively. The study contributes to the literature on gender roles, work-family conflict, and women’s professional empowerment, offering actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and organizations.

Experiences of Female Athletes in Managing Psychological Pressures from Social and Family Expectations

Khadijeh Irandoust *

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.4.3.20

Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychological pressures faced by female athletes in managing the expectations of family and society, focusing on how they cope with these challenges.

Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 29 female athletes. Participants were selected from various sports disciplines in Iran, with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to the athletes' experiences of psychological pressure, social support, and the intersection of personal aspirations with familial and societal expectations. The interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached.

Findings: The findings revealed three primary themes: (1) Social Support: Athletes with strong family and social networks reported better coping mechanisms, though conflicting family expectations sometimes led to increased stress; (2) Mental Toughness: Female athletes with higher mental toughness showed greater resilience to external pressures, which helped them balance athletic and personal responsibilities; (3) Tension Between Personal and Familial Expectations: Many athletes experienced a conflict between pursuing their athletic goals and fulfilling family roles, particularly in contexts where societal norms prioritized family over career ambitions. These pressures were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which added additional stress to already demanding circumstances.

Conclusion: Female athletes face complex psychological pressures from both societal and familial expectations, which can impact their mental well-being and performance. The findings suggest the importance of social support and mental toughness in coping with these pressures. Further interventions and strategies should focus on strengthening social support networks, building mental resilience, and addressing societal norms that hinder female athletes' ability to balance their athletic careers and personal lives.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Realistic Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychotherapy on Distress Tolerance in Divorced Women of Baghdad

Heba Hassan Jassim Jassim

; Ali Mehdad *

; Saad Naeem Radhawi

, Mohsen Golparvar

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Realistic Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (RACT) and Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) on distress tolerance in divorced women of Baghdad.

Methods and Materials: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest-follow-up structure, including two experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population comprised all divorced women in Baghdad, from which 45 women were selected using convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to the study groups. While the control group remained on the waiting list, the two experimental groups received 10 sessions of RACT training (Afshari et al., 2022) and PPT (Elmi Manesh & Zhaleh, 2018). All participants were assessed using the Distress Tolerance Scale by Gaher and Simons (2005) before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 45 days post-intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (repeated measures ANOVA).

Findings: The findings indicated that both methods effectively improved distress tolerance, with RACT demonstrating greater effectiveness than PPT.

Conclusion: Based on these results, both approaches can be utilized to enhance distress tolerance in divorced women in Baghdad.

The Effectiveness of CBT on Perceived Social Support, Cultural Competence, and Financial Stress in Depressed Women

Fatemeh Forghani Elahabadi *

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.4.4.20

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in enhancing perceived social support and cultural competence while reducing financial stress among depressed women.

Methods and Materials: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 women from Tehran, divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 15 participants in each. The intervention group received eight 90-minute CBT sessions over two months, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a five-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to analyze differences across time points, followed by Bonferroni post-hoc tests to assess specific changes. SPSS software (version 27) was used for all statistical analyses.

Findings: The repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group for all three variables. Perceived social support showed a significant between-group effect, F(1, 28) = 12.34, p = 0.001, with a large effect size (η² = 0.31). Cultural competence also had a significant effect, F(1, 28) = 14.76, p = 0.0008, with an effect size of 0.34. Financial stress was significantly reduced, F(1, 28) = 10.89, p = 0.002, with an effect size of 0.28. Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed these results, showing significant improvements in perceived social support (p = 0.002), cultural competence (p = 0.003), and a reduction in financial stress (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy significantly improves perceived social support and cultural competence while effectively reducing financial stress among depressed women. These findings suggest that CBT is a comprehensive and culturally adaptable intervention for addressing multiple dimensions of psychological and socioeconomic distress, with benefits that may be sustained over time.

Psychological Hardiness as a Protective Factor in Women Undergoing Reproductive Treatments

Majid Mahmoudimozafar *

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.4.1.19

Objective: This study aims to explore the role of psychological hardiness as a protective factor in women undergoing reproductive treatments.

Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 26 women undergoing reproductive treatments in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify key themes and patterns in the participants’ experiences. Trustworthiness of data was ensured through peer debriefing, member checking, and an audit trail.

Findings: Four main themes emerged: emotional resilience, cognitive strategies, social interactions, and coping resources. Participants highlighted the importance of stress regulation, self-soothing, and emotional detachment in fostering resilience. Cognitive strategies, such as reframing challenges, goal setting, and problem-solving, were instrumental in managing infertility-related stress. Social support networks provided emotional sustenance, though societal stigma remained a challenge. Coping resources, including physical health maintenance, spiritual practices, and professional assistance, further enabled participants to navigate the emotional and psychological burdens of infertility.

Conclusion: Psychological hardiness plays a critical role in mitigating the emotional and cognitive challenges of infertility, offering women a pathway to resilience and well-being. Integrating psychological interventions, social support systems, and culturally sensitive care into infertility treatment programs can significantly enhance outcomes for women undergoing reproductive treatments. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of hardiness-focused interventions in diverse cultural contexts.

The Effectiveness of Sexual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Functioning and Self-Control in Married Women

Mahdieh Pourrostam

; Sara Haghighat *

https://doi.org/10.61838/

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sexual cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological functioning and self-control in married women.

Methods and Materials: The research method was a quasi-experimental design (pre-test and post-test with a control group). The statistical population included all married female students of the Islamic Azad University, Garmsar branch, in the year 2023. Considering the statistical population, 30 participants (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) were selected purposefully and assigned randomly. Data collection instruments included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), the Tangney Self-Control Scale (2004), and the sexual cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol.

Findings: The results indicated that sexual cognitive-behavioral therapy had a significant effect on psychological functioning (P < 0.001) and self-control (P < 0.001) in married women.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that sexual cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in improving psychological functioning and self-control in women, and thus, it can be used to enhance psychological functioning and self-control in women.

The Effectiveness of Psychodynamic Therapy on Paranoid Thoughts, Depression, and Fear of Missing Out

Tayebe Dadgar Rad

; Shahla Shokatpour Lotfi *

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.2.19

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy in reducing symptoms of paranoid thoughts, depression, and fear of missing out (FoMO) in adult women.

Methods and Materials: A randomized controlled trial design was employed, with 30 adult women from Tehran randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving 12 weekly sessions of psychodynamic therapy or a control group with no intervention. Each group contained 15 participants, and outcomes were assessed at three time points: baseline, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up. Key variables measured included paranoid thoughts, depression, and FoMO, with data collected using standardized psychological tools. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-27, with repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests to assess within-group and between-group differences across stages.

Findings: The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in all three variables—paranoid thoughts, depression, and FoMO—compared to the control group. ANOVA results revealed significant group and time effects, particularly for FoMO, where the intervention group showed a marked decrease from baseline to follow-up. Bonferroni post-hoc tests further indicated that these reductions were sustained over time, suggesting durable therapeutic effects of psychodynamic therapy on emotional resilience and symptom management.

Conclusion: Psychodynamic therapy appears effective in addressing paranoid thoughts, depression, and FoMO by helping individuals explore underlying relational conflicts and unconscious drivers. These findings underscore psychodynamic therapy’s value as a complementary approach to more structured therapeutic methods, particularly for individuals with complex, interconnected psychological symptoms. Integrating psychodynamic approaches into clinical practice may enhance long-term emotional resilience and reduce relapse risks.

About the Journal

E-ISSN: 3041-8515
Director in Charge: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani
Editor-in-chief: Dr. Shokoh Navabinejad
Associate editor: Dr. Nadereh Saadati
Executive Director: Maryam Nayebzadeh
Owner: Iranian Association for Women's Studies
Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB)
Contact Email: kmanpub@gmail.com/ psywoman@kmanpub.com /psychowomenjournal@gmail.com
Open Access: YES

The psychology of woman journal publishes new theories and scientific-research achievements in various areas and is a suitable platform for presenting and transmitting opinions and results obtained about new findings and studies that are raised in relation with women studies. The publication of this journal causes a detailed and valuable acquaintance and recognition of the studies which can show that how women have a great contribution in the society. Therefore, articles that are dedicated to the psychological and social issues of women and are written according to the scientific structure of the journal will be able to be published in this journal. Therefore, experts and scholars can submit their manuscripts for peer-review and publication in this scientific quarterly by becoming a member of the site. The Psychology of Woman Journal is a scientific open peer-reviewed.

The aims and scopes of the journal are to publish articles in the field of women and family, with the following priorities:

Pathology and providing solutions for women and family issues
Examining and presenting new findings in the theoretical fields of women and family issues from a religious perspective
Identifying the needs, abilities of women and the fields of their presence during the development of the Islamic system
Explaining the role of women in social processes and social psychology
Creating and presenting a new paradigm in the field of women in the country
Development of research related to women from the perspective of social psychology and sociology
Criticizing and examining the views of schools and experts in the field of women and family

Current Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Serial Number 20

Published: 2024-09-16

Articles

Development of a Structural Model for Predicting Psychological Well-Being Based on Mindfulness with the Mediating Role of Resilience in Women on the Verge of Divorce in Isfahan

Ardeshir Holakoie

; Armin Mahmoodi *

; Alireza Maredpoor

1-11
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.1
The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Sexual Function in Married Women: The Mediating Role of Stress

Shabnam Moghtaderi Esfahani *

; Nasim Nayeb Darban

, Maryam Ghasemi

, Masoumeh Ejlal Noubarian

, Soroush Alimardani

12-17
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.2
Design and Validation of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention Package for Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Sajede Moradi

; Siamak Samani *

; Mohammad Mozafari

, Banafsheh Omidvar

18-23
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.3
Sexual Assault: The Burden of Proof for Survivors

Antonia Guajardo

, Eman Tadros *

24-36
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.4
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on the Resilience of Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia

Zahra Pourmand

; Pantea Jahangir *

; Simindokht Rezakhani

37-46
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.5
Predicting Marital Conflicts through the Dark Triad of Personality with the Mediation of Ego Strength in Women Seeking Divorce

Nina Shahinnia

; Amir Mohsen Rahnejat *

47-53
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.6
Sociological Analysis of the Relationship Between Urban Quality of Life and Social Security and Social Belonging Among Women in the Urban Community of Arak

Zahra Bayati

; Jila Mashhadi *

; Maryam Yarmohammadtousky

, Faranak Seyyedi

54-62
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.7
Lived Experience of Women Regarding Their Job in Tehran Municipality (Case Study: Informally Employed Women)

Khadijeh Alipour Saadabadi

; Saeed Maadani *

; Mohammad Mehdi Labibi

63-68
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.8
The Impact of Coping Therapy on the Weight of Women with a Body Mass Index Over 30 Seeking Weight Loss

Sara Jabalameli

; Alireza Aghayousefi *

; Masoud Gholamali Lavasani

69-76
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.9
The Effectiveness of Imago Therapy on Resilience and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation in Women Victims of Domestic Violence

Somayeh Najjar Khodabakhsh

; Hajar Torkan *

; Mohsen Golparvar

77-88
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.10
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Residential Group Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on Meaning in Life and Marital Satisfaction in Couples

Fatemeh Sadat Sedighi

; Tahmoores Aghajani Hashjin *

; Mohsen Jadidi

89-100
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.11
The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Emotional Suppression and Distress Tolerance in Divorced Women

Firouze Heydari Faela

; Seyed Hamid Atashpour *

; Floor Khayatan

101-110
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.12
The Role of Social Support Systems in Enhancing Mental Health in Women Experiencing Postpartum Depression

Fatemeh kahaki *

111-119
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.13
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Therapy and Transactional Analysis on Sexual Function and Marital Commitment in Female Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Fatemeh Pidad

; Mehdi Ghasemi Motlagh *

; Abdollah Mafakheri

120-130
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.14
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Transdiagnostic Treatment on Psychological Distress and Mindfulness in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Mojgan Navaei

; Mohammad Kazem Fakhri *

; Bahram Mirzaian

131-140
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.15
The Impact of Environmental Factors on Hope for Life in Divorced Women with a Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Leila Bagheri Zanjani Asl Monfared

; Farnaz Farshbaf Mani Sefat *

; Loghman Ebrahimi

, Ali Khademi

141-148
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.16
Comparison of Body Image Attitudes, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life in Married Women Before and After Cosmetic Surgery

Ghazal Heydarpour

; Mehdi Zayer *

149-156
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.17
Identification and Evaluation of Factors Affecting Gender Inequality and Women's Participation in Sports Activities

Leyla Naghavi Anzabi

; Ali Mohamad Safania *

; Abolfazl Farahani

, Ali Asghar Doroodiyan

157-165
- PDF
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.pwj.5.4.18

View All Issues

Psychology of Woman Journal

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Women with Hypothyroidism

The Impact of Familial Expectations on Career Choices and Identity Formation in Highly Educated Women

Experiences of Female Athletes in Managing Psychological Pressures from Social and Family Expectations

Comparing the Effectiveness of Realistic Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychotherapy on Distress Tolerance in Divorced Women of Baghdad

The Effectiveness of CBT on Perceived Social Support, Cultural Competence, and Financial Stress in Depressed Women

Psychological Hardiness as a Protective Factor in Women Undergoing Reproductive Treatments

The Effectiveness of Sexual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Functioning and Self-Control in Married Women

The Effectiveness of Psychodynamic Therapy on Paranoid Thoughts, Depression, and Fear of Missing Out

About the Journal

Current Issue

Articles

Development of a Structural Model for Predicting Psychological Well-Being Based on Mindfulness with the Mediating Role of Resilience in Women on the Verge of Divorce in Isfahan

The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Sexual Function in Married Women: The Mediating Role of Stress

Design and Validation of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention Package for Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Sexual Assault: The Burden of Proof for Survivors

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy on the Resilience of Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia

Predicting Marital Conflicts through the Dark Triad of Personality with the Mediation of Ego Strength in Women Seeking Divorce

Sociological Analysis of the Relationship Between Urban Quality of Life and Social Security and Social Belonging Among Women in the Urban Community of Arak

Lived Experience of Women Regarding Their Job in Tehran Municipality (Case Study: Informally Employed Women)

The Impact of Coping Therapy on the Weight of Women with a Body Mass Index Over 30 Seeking Weight Loss

The Effectiveness of Imago Therapy on Resilience and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation in Women Victims of Domestic Violence

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Residential Group Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on Meaning in Life and Marital Satisfaction in Couples

The Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy on Emotional Suppression and Distress Tolerance in Divorced Women

The Role of Social Support Systems in Enhancing Mental Health in Women Experiencing Postpartum Depression

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Therapy and Transactional Analysis on Sexual Function and Marital Commitment in Female Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Transdiagnostic Treatment on Psychological Distress and Mindfulness in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

The Impact of Environmental Factors on Hope for Life in Divorced Women with a Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Comparison of Body Image Attitudes, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life in Married Women Before and After Cosmetic Surgery

Identification and Evaluation of Factors Affecting Gender Inequality and Women's Participation in Sports Activities

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