Journal of counseling research

The effectiveness of self-Awareness of Vocational Interests Base on True Colors Model on the Career Indecision

Rezvan Salehi Najafabadi

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of teaching self-awareness of desires based on the theory of true colors on the indecision of a career path among ninth graders. Method: The research was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a one-month follow-up phase. The statistical population included all ninth grade male students in the second secondary schools of Isfahan city in the academic year 1400-1401.The statistical sample consisted of 44 students who were selected by the available method and randomly assigned to experimental (22 people) and control (22 people) groups. The experimental group underwent seven 90-minute sessions of self-awareness training based on true color theory, and the control group remained on the waiting list. The data collection tool included the career indecision questionnaire by Esipo, Karani and Barak (1976). In order to review and analyze the data, SPSS23 statistical software and variance analysis of repeated measures were used. Results: The obtained results showed that the self-awareness education interventions based on the true colors theory it has been effective in reducing the indecision of their career path and the effects of these interventions in the indecision of the career path remained in the follow-up stage (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, it can be said that teaching self-awareness of desires based on the theory of true colors is a suitable method to overcome the indecision of the career path for ninth grade male students.

Evaluation of the Marital Burnout Model Based on Attachment Styles Considering the Mediating Role of Emotional Literacy in Divorce-Seeking Women

Ebrahim Namani

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of emotional literacy in the relationship between attachment styles and marital burnout among women applying for divorce. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on all divorce-seeking women who referred to counseling clinics in Sabzevar during the winter of 2024. A total of 205 women were selected through convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Pines Marital Burnout Questionnaire (CBM) (1996), the Emotional Literacy Subscale from the Iranian Family Psychological Functioning Scale (IFPFS) by Kimiaee et al. (2012), and the Hazan and Shaver Attachment Styles Questionnaire (ASQ) (1987). Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS software. Finding: Findings indicated that secure attachment style had a direct and negative effect on marital burnout (p-value < 0.05), while avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles had no direct impact (p-value > 0.05). Furthermore, emotional literacy significantly mediated the relationship between secure and ambivalent attachment styles and marital burnout (p-value < 0.05), but this mediating role was not confirmed for avoidant attachment style (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that secure and ambivalent attachment styles can contribute to reducing marital burnout through enhancing emotional literacy, whereas the avoidant attachment style does not play such a role. Accordingly, emphasizing the education and strengthening of emotional literacy in couple therapy interventions and preventive programs may serve as an effective strategy for reducing marital burnout

Exploration of effective factors on the tendency to PhD Education in the field of psychology and counseling: a Grand theory Study

Mohsen Gol Mohammadian

Aim: The motivation of students to pursue studies in the field of psychology and counseling is one of the intriguing and significant topics in the literature and culture of psychotherapy. The aim of this study was to Exploration of effective factors on the tendency to PhD Education in psychology and counseling. Methods: The current research employed a qualitative approach based on the grounded theory. The target population included all doctoral students in the psychology and counseling field at Islamic Azad University of Roudehen in the academic year 2023, and 17 participants were purposively selected using the theoretical saturation principle. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and the gathered information was coded based on the method proposed by Strauss and Corbin (2008). Findings: Findings: The results of the study were presented in the form of 52 open codes, 22 core Axial, and 5 selected codes. The 5 selected codes included: Compensation Mechanism (medical perspective, competition, Compensating for feelings of inferiority, approval seeking and need for attention, solving personal and family problems, parents' failed wishes), desire for superiority (feeling of power, social prestige and being an expert, ambition, source of income), scientific worldview (curiosity, scientific thinking, didactic style, interest in psychological texts), humanistic worldview (interest and need for interaction with people, sense of philanthropy), and psychotherapy and education experiences (job satisfaction and client satisfaction, confidence in one's own capabilities, continuing the past path, perception of failure, improving educational and career levels, self-knowledge and personal growth). Finally, the model was presented with five indicators: causal conditions, contextual and background conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. Conclusion:Based on the obtained results from this research, it can be stated that the effective factors on the tendency to PhD Education in the field of psychology and counseling encompass a spectrum of factors based on growth and damage.

investigate the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships among couples

arefeh kiani

Aim: This research aimed to investigate the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships among couples in the city of Neka.
Method: The research method was descriptive, correlational, with a structural equation modeling approach. The statistical population included all couples in the city of Neka, of whom 150 couples were selected as the sample using convenience sampling. To collect the research data, the Communication Skills Questionnaire by Barton (1998), the Phubbing Questionnaire by Chotpitayasoontorn and Douglas (2018), and the Romantic Relationships Questionnaire by Attree et al. (1998) were used. SPSS software was used for data analysis, and SmartPLS software was used to examine the model fit.
Findings: The results of the data analysis showed that the conceptual model of the research has a good and desirable fit. Phubbing has a significant negative effect on romantic relationships, phubbing has a significant negative effect on communication skills, and communication skills have a significant positive effect on romantic relationships. Furthermore, communication skills mediate the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships.
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that communication skills and phubbing are effective factors in couples’ relationships, and it is necessary for family researchers to pay serious attention to these two variables.

Effectiveness of Communication Skills Training based on the Sahmgozari approach in Enhancing Problem-Solving Ability and Family Intimacy among Married Female Employees

Zahra Amanollahi

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of communication skills training based on the Share-Giving approach on problem‑solving skills and family intimacy. This research was applied in purpose and employed a quasi‑experimental design with a pretest–posttest and control group. The statistical population consisted of married employees in Tehran, and the sample included 40 employees of Tehran Water Organization who were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (20 participants in each group). Research instruments included the Family Intimacy Questionnaire developed by Walker and Thompson (1983), the Problem‑Solving Inventory by Heppner and Petersen (1982), and the Share‑Giving Lifestyle Questionnaire developed by Esmaeili et al. (2023). The experimental group received a ten‑session training program on communication skills based on the Share‑Giving approach, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS‑27. The results indicated that, after controlling for pretest scores, Share‑Giving‑based communication skills training led to a significant improvement in problem‑solving skills and family intimacy in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The obtained effect size also demonstrated a strong impact of the intervention. Overall, the findings suggest that the Share‑Giving approach—beyond teaching surface‑level communication techniques—enhances problem‑solving and intimacy by redefining individuals’ roles in relationships and strengthening responsibility and agency. It is recommended that this approach be incorporated into family education and counseling programs, and be considered by policymakers and professionals in the field of family health.

Psychological Predictors of Childbearing Intention in Couples: A Systematic Review

Davud Nodehi

Aim: Childbearing is a key element in demographic transitions and a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly for countries experiencing below-replacement fertility. In Iran, the decline in fertility rates has prompted new pro-natalist policies. Accordingly, this study systematically identifies the psychological predictors associated with childbearing intention based on research conducted over the past decade. Method: This study employed a systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Magiran databases. Both Persian and English studies published between 2016 and 2026 that focused on psychological predictors of childbearing intention were included. The search was conducted using a combination of standard keywords related to childbearing intention and psychological factors. The search, screening, and final article selection processes were carried out independently by two reviewers. Findings: Based on the inclusion criteria, 38 studies were selected for review and analysis, and two main categories of psychological factors related to increased childbearing intention (including positive attitudes and norms toward parenting, perceived self-efficacy, marital satisfaction, familial emotional support, positive personality constructs, and identity motives) and psychological factors related to decreased childbearing intention (including negative attitudes and emotions, future anxiety and parenting anxiety, dysfunctional beliefs, individualism, and welfare-seeking) were extracted with 12 subcategories. Conclusion: The findings showed that psychological factors related to decreased childbearing intention dominate over factors related to increased childbearing intention and weaken childbearing intention. Designing interventional strategies and psychological trainings to increase motivation, instill hope, reduce cognitive and emotional problems, and implementing evidence-based government supportive policies and programs are recommended.