Journal of counseling research

Designing an Empowerment Model for School Counselors: A Qualitative Study

Hossein Ghamari Givi

Aim: The current research was conducted with the aim of developing a model for empowering school counselors based on grounded theory and using semi-structured interview method. Methods: For this purpose, the number of 12 teachers, 14 school counselors, 13 students (locally from Ardabil province) were selected through purposeful sampling and the number of 9 counseling experts and professors (nationally) were selected by snowball sampling and the data were collected until theoretical saturation was reached. After transcribing the text of the interviews and entering the information into the MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software, they were analyzed with open, central and selective coding. Findings: The results of open and axial coding led to the identification of 245 concepts and 17 core categories. Also, the results of selective coding showed that the core category of school counselors' ability is influenced by causal conditions (scientific, professional and moral competence), intervening conditions (emotional maturity, self-efficacy, professional skills and coordination) and background conditions (intellectual maturity, emotional intelligence, mental health, communication skills, psychological toughness and charismatic personality) in the form of organizational and individual development strategies, which result in improving the efficiency of school counselors directly and indirectly. Conclusions: According to the findings of the present research, it is recommended to use the present model in order to empower school counselors, as well as design and develop different programs to improve school guidance and counseling services.

Factors Affecting The Perceptions of Principals and Teachers about the Role of School Counselor: A Systematic Review

hosein Keshavarz Afshar

Aim: This study was conducted to identify the factors affecting principals' and teachers' perceptions of the school counselor's role and explain its position and importance in the challenges of establishing the role of school counselors. Methods: The research method in this research is systematic and descriptive literature review. The statistical population of this study includes all valid scientific-research articles published in domestic and foreign journals in recent decades. The articles of this systematic review were found by searching the databases of Noormags, SID, Magiran, Ensani.ir Elsevier, Sage, Taylor and France, Springer, Wiley and M.D.P.I. Finding: 25 articles were finalized based on the inclusion criteria of the study. These articles were conducted in the form of action research methods, field research, Q method, experimental, focus group, interview, phenomenology, correlation, and grounded theory. The analysis of these studies showed that three categories of factors, including factors related to school and community, factors related to teachers and principals, and factors related to counselors are effective in the perception of principals and teachers of the role of school counselor. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the lack of awareness by principals and teachers about the evolving role of school counselors is one of the most important factors related to the contradictory perceptions of teachers and principals and the best way to solve this problem is to have a counseling council in each school. By informing principals and teachers about the role of the counselor and following the goals and program of the school counselor, this council will stabilize the role of the school counselor and facilitate the process of achieving the goals of education.

Developing and Validating the Model of Marital Satisfaction in Pandemics and Evaluating its Effectiveness on Psychological Well-being During the Coronavirus Pandemic

akram motaharinasab

Aim: This research was conducted with the aim of developing and validating the model of marital satisfaction in pandemics and investigating its effectiveness on psychological well-being being during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: In this research, a mixed research method was used (in the qualitative part, the systematic method of grounded theory and in the quantitative part, the semi-experimental method and single-subject method with AB design). The research participants in the qualitative part were 24 married women (12 with marital satisfaction and 12 without marital satisfaction) who were selected by following the necessary criteria and the purposive sampling method until data saturation was reached. The target population in the quantitative section was married women aged 25 to 55 with children aged 6 to 13 in Tehran, 3 of whom were selected by purposive sampling and participated in the intervention. The data collection tool in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview, and in the quantitative part, The ENRICH Marital Satisfaction (EMS) Scale (1993) and Ryff Psychological Well-being (PWB) Questionnaire (1988). The data were analyzed in the qualitative part, using the Strauss and Corbin constant comparison analysis method (in three stages of open, axial and selective coding and in the quantitative part, based on visual analysis indicators. Findings: Data analysis in the qualitative section led to the identification of 79 open codes and 26 axial codes and 4 selective codes including: “communication needs; Personality characteristics; social factors and behavioral strategies". After integrating the categories, the model of marital satisfaction during the coronavirus pandemic was developed and its content validity was confirmed. The results of the research in the quantitative part showed the effectiveness of the model-based intervention on psychological well-being. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present research, the extracted model can be used to conduct counseling interventions in the fields of couple and family to facilitate adaptation to similar crises.

Development of a Positive Parent-Child Interaction Program based on the Lived Experiences of Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

asie shariatmadar

Parent-child interaction and the factors that lead to the improvement and promotion of this interaction are among the important and favorite fields for researchers. The present study was conducted to develop a curriculum for positive parent-child interaction, based on the lived experiences of parents of children with ADHD. This research is of qualitative type which has been done using phenomenological methodology. The study population consisted of mothers with children having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who referred to counseling clinics in welfare districts 1 and 3 of Tehran during the year 2020 who had first-hand experience of the phenomenon. Purposeful sampling included mothers with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. After administering the CSI-4 Child Symptoms Questionnaire (Gado and Sprafkin 1997) and the Parent-Child Interaction Questionnaire (Pianta 1994) to these mothers, those who scored above average were interviewed in a semi-structured interview and this process continued until a theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were analyzed using the seven-step Claysian method. By adapting the obtained sub-themes below these main themes with the characteristics of the stages of change of Prochaska and Norcross 1992 (translated by Avadis Jans, 1399), the steps of the positive parent-child interaction program were developed. By analyzing the research findings, the following main themes were identified as characteristics of lived experiences of mothers with positive parent-child interaction with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder: Managing the child's energy level, monitoring tasks and responsibilities, supportive and organized mother-child relationship and situation management dependent on hyperactivity. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the developed program of positive parent-child interaction is practical and counselors can use this program in working with mothers with children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.

Comparison of the effectiveness of solution-based approach and compassion-focused therapy on emotional cognitive regulation and post-traumatic stress disorder in female-headed households

mojgan Pourdel

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of solution-focused approach and compassion-focused therapy on emotional cognitive regulation and post-traumatic stress disorder in female-headed households. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental having pre-test and post-test with a control group. The statistical population included female-headed households who referred to the Welfare Center of Tehran province in 2021. Thirty-six female-headed households were selected through simple random sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 12 (two experimental groups and one control group). The research instruments were Mississippi (2006) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale and Garnfsky, Grich & Spinhaven (2002) Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Participants in the experimental group received Grant’s (2011) Solution-focused counseling sessions and Gilbert’s (2010) Compassionate Therapy sessions, both for 8 sessions. In addition to descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance and Benferoni pair comparison were used to analyze the data.
Findings: The results of data analysis showed that the differences between the three groups in the variables of adaptive emotion regulation (F=30.61, P <0.001), uncompromising emotion regulation (F=22.73, P<0.001) and post-traumatic stress disorder (F=37.45, P <0.001), is significant. There is no significant difference between solution-focused therapy and compassion-focused therapy on the regulation of compromised emotion and post-traumatic stress disorder, but there is a significant difference in the non-compromised variable. Conclusion: The findings of this study shows that solution-focused therapy and compassion-focused therapy were both effective in improving cognitive emotion regulation and stress disorder (PTSD), and of the two approaches can be used to reduce emotional regulation and post-traumatic stress disorder in female-headed Households.

The effect of combined couple therapy based on acceptance, commitment-schema on Acceptance and Practice and Values in Divorce applicant couples

Mohammad ali rahmani

Aim: Divorce-seeking couples have many problems in their marital relationships, and one of the effective methods in improving the characteristics related to marital life is through offering a combined-approach educational method. The present study was conducted in order to determine the effect of combined therapy based on acceptance and commitment and schema therapy on values and psychological acceptance in couples applying for divorce. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test/post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all couples applying for divorce who were referred from Behshahr City Court to counseling centers dedicated to the Divorce Reduction Program, during the second 6 months of 2018. In this clinical trial, 32 people (16 couples applying for divorce) were selected through available sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of 16 individuals (treatment and control groups). Combined couple therapy intervention based on acceptance and commitment and schema therapy (Liu and McKay, 2012) was implemented in 14 ninety-minute sessions in a group format (treatment group). Research tools included acceptance and action questionnaire (Bond et al., 2011) and personal values questionnaire (Schwartz, 2002). Data analysis was done by multivariate covariance analysis. Findings: The results showed that integrated couple therapy based on acceptance and commitment and schema therapy has significantly led to the improvement of acceptance and practice and values in couples applying for divorce in the post-test stage (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the research show the effectiveness of integrated couple therapy based on acceptance and commitment and schema therapy on values and psychological acceptance in couples applying for divorce.

The Effectiveness of Emotionally Focus Therapy Based on Emotional Management Strategies on Improving Marital Satisfaction

Farideh Dokaneei Fard

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching emotion management strategies based on Emotional Focus Therapy approach on improving marital satisfaction. Methods: The present study is a quasi-experimental study. The statistical population of this study consisted of all couples who referred to counseling centers in Saadatabad region in Tehran during the year 2021. For sampling, all couples interviewed were selected through convenient sampling and had referred to Amin Pajooh and Binesh Counseling Centers. After conducting an interview based on marital self-disclosure, 47 couples were identified as conflicted, all of whom volunteered to attend treatment sessions. Among them, 32 couples were randomly assigned to the experimental group (16 couples) and the control group (16 couples). To test the hypothesis, analysis of covariance was done using SPSS-22 software. Findings: According to table 4-11, the proportion of F covariance analysis for family functioning (P=0/001 and F=26/2) and for marital satisfaction (P=0/001 and F=37/3) were obtained. The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference in marital satisfaction during pre-test, post-test and follow-up. Eta squared size shows that 31% of intra-group changes can be explained by receiving training in emotion management strategies on marital satisfaction. Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be said that emotion management strategies have an effect on marital satisfaction. As a result, this training can be used in couple therapy interventions.

Predicting Being Abused in Marital Relationships Based on Communicational Patterns and Fear of Intimacy in Married Women

Hajar Falahzade

Aim: The purpose of this study was to predict being abused in close relationship based on communicational patterns and fear of intimacy in married women. The method of this research is descriptive-correlational. Methods: This study was a correlation study, in which 300 married women in Tehran were selected through convenience sampling and they completed the Communication Patterns Questionnaire – short form (CPQ- SF) (Christense & Heavy, 1990), Fear of intimacy scale (Descatner & Thelen, 1991), and the Spouse abuse questionnaire (Gahary, Atefvahid & Yoosefy, 2006). The data was analyzed using Pearson correlation and regression. Findings: Study showed that there was a significant positive relation between female demands, male withdrawal, and being abused (r=%236; P≤000). Also there was a significant positive relation between male demanding, female withdraws (r=%324; P≤0/01), female demand, male withdraw (r=%131; P≤0/05), positive interaction pattern (r=%214; P≤0/01), withdraw with fear of intimacy. Positive interaction pattern (r=%194; P≤0/001) and female demand, male withdraw pattern (r=%236; P≤000) predicted being abused. Findings: As a result, it can be said that the communication pattern of female demand, male withdraw and positive interaction pattern of a couple's relationship can create a challenge that causes spousal abuse.

Predicting Quality of Life of the Elderly based on Life Expectancy and Resilience

saleh salehi

Aim: Aging is an inevitable period of every person's life. With the advancement of science and the improvement of health conditions, the number of elderly people in different societies is increasing, and the correct recognition and response to this period of life can improve the quality of life. The current research was conducted with the aim of predicting the quality of life of the elderly based on life expectancy and resilience. Methods: The current research method was a correlational-descriptive and the statistical population of the current research consisted of the elder individuals living in Tehran's nursing homes full-time in 1400, who were selected by cluster random sampling. To collect data, Snyder's life expectancy questionnaire, World Health Organization's short quality of life scale, and Connor and Davidson's resilience scale were used. The data were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis. Findings: The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that life expectancy explains up to 30.6% and resilience up to 37.5% of the variance of quality of life. Conclusion: It can be said that in order to increase the quality of life of the elderly, the growth and improvement of the level of life expectancy and resilience of this segment of the society should be provided.

Thematic Analysis of Career Problems of Social Workers

Rezvan Salehi

Aim: Considering the prevalence of career problems in the helping professions, the aim of the present study was to investigate the career problems of social workers. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis approach. The population included all the social workers of Shahrekord city, 17 of whom were selected through purposeful sampling until theoretical data saturation was reached. For collecting the information, semi-structured interviews were used. Atride-Sterling network theme analysis method was used to analyze the data. Findings: Social workers perceive career problems in three overarching themes: Intrapersonal problems, interpersonal problems and transpersonal problems. Intrapersonal problems included two organizing themes of emotional-sentimental problems (anxiety, general depression, burnout and violence), and physical problems. In the field of interpersonal problems, the themes of the organizer include: career problems transfer into the family and home, communication problems with clients (collapse of work and personal boundaries with clients, inability to manage clients' high expectations and cultural, educational and social problems of clients), problems related to lack of organizational commitment (feeling of discrimination and low conscientiousness of colleagues), problems related to the policy of the organization (change and diversity of the policy of the organization and the contradiction of the policy of the organization with the needs of clients). The reports of the social workers in the context of transpersonal problems also indicated that the problems related to the nature of the job (high volume of work, high challenge of work), problems related to working conditions (high noise, inappropriate ergonomics and pollution of the work environment) financial and welfare problems and the interference of living environment problems with job duties were the factors that led to career problems in this profession. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that social work is a very challenging job and social workers are among the most vulnerable groups of society who experience many problems in various fields, where the involved related organizations can help them reduce these problems by using career counselors and psychologists, in addition to better comprehensive planning

Explaining Employability Through Career Adaptability, Job Search Self-efficacy, Complexity Perception, and Luck Readiness: A Mediator Model

Parisa Nilforooshan

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the mediating role of job search self-efficacy, complexity perception, and luck readiness variables in the relationship between career adaptability and employability among Iranian job seekers. Methods: Data gathered using volunteer sampling and recruited a sample of 719 Iranian job seekers. The data was analysed using structural equation modeling. They were administered Career Adapt-Abilities Scale, Job Search Self-Efficacy Scale, Complexity Perception Index, Luck Readiness Index, and Employability Scale. Finding: The results showed that the effect coefficients of career adaptability on job search self-efficacy (γ = 0.75 and p< 0.001), complexity perception (γ = 0.64 and p< 0.001), luck readiness (γ = 0.88 and p< 0.001), were statistically significant. Furthermore, the effect coefficients of job search self-efficacy (β = 0.39 and p< 0.001), complexity perception (β = 0.17 and p< 0.001), and luck readiness (β = 0.6 and p< 0.001) on employability, as an endogenous dependent variable, were statistically significant. Career adaptability was also indirectly related to employability through these variables. Conclusion: In general, according to the findings of this study based on the existence of an indirect relationship between career adaptability and employability, it should be noted that in order to increase employability, it is necessary not only to pay attention to adaptability, but also to strategies for increasing job search self-efficacy, perception of complexity based on an open thinking system, and readiness for luck.