Journal of Counseling Research

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Aim: The professional growth and development of counselors is a continuous and lifelong process. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate the process of growth and development among family counselors. Methods: This qualitative study employed a qualitative meta-analysis approach. The study population consisted of Persian and English qualitative articles related to the growth and development of family counselors. A total of 107 qualitative studies were reviewed, of which 18 were identified as fully relevant. Relevant articles were selected through comprehensive searches in databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, NoorMagz, and Magiran. Data were analyzed using a systematic review method and the inductive thematic analysis approach proposed by Thomas and Harden, encompassing three stages: open coding, organizing codes into descriptive themes, and generating analytical concepts. Findings: The thematic analysis of the qualitative studies resulted in the identification of four main themes, 13 subcategories, and 230 sub-subcategories. The main themes were: Initiation and Orientation; Activity and Exploration; Transition and Follow-up; and Integration and Synergy. The subcategories included: Non-professional Assistance; Beginner Student and Self-Doubt; Understanding Philosophy and Enhancing Professional Knowledge; Basic Level Performance; Entering the Internship Path and Receiving Supervision; Labeling Oneself as a Professional Specialist; Novice Professional Performance; Contextual Understanding of the Professional Community; Experienced Professional Performance; Deepening Personal and Professional Reflection; Integration of Personal and Professional Self; Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement; and Mission-Centricity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that cultivating responsibility and self-confidence during training enables counselors to discover their unique professional voice and achieve a meaningful integration between their personal and professional selves.

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Aim: Empty nest syndrome refers to the feelings of sadness and loneliness experienced by parents or caregivers after their children leave home. This study aimed to explore the coping strategies employed by individuals with this syndrome who demonstrate high levels of psychological well-being. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. In 2023, 137 parents from Islam Abad Gharb, Iran, completed the Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (Dahashiri et al., 2013), of whom 23 scored more than one standard deviation above the mean. Based on inclusion criteria, 13 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via unstructured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, following three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. Findings: Analysis yielded 251 open codes, 39 axial codes, and 3 selective codes, reflecting individual, family, and social coping strategies. Conclusion: The use of individual strategies such as self-awareness and positive thinking, family strategies including enhanced communication and empathy, and social strategies such as participation in religious and community activities can help alleviate symptoms of empty nest syndrome and promote better psychological adaptation among parents

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Aim: In some marital relationships, although the structural stability of the family remains intact, spouses experience minimal emotional and psychological satisfaction. This study explored the factors influencing women’s persistence in stable yet dissatisfying marriages. Methods: A qualitative research design employing a conventional content analysis approach was used. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 women who had remained in their marriages for at least 20 years despite dissatisfaction with their marital lives. Findings: The content analysis identified several key factors contributing to the continuation of these marriages, including economic considerations, children, family influences, cultural and social beliefs, individual personality traits, and spouse-related factors. Among these, financial dependence, concerns about children’s futures, social pressures, lack of essential independence skills, and positive behavioral changes in the spouse were particularly influential. Conclusion: Women’s persistence in stable yet dissatisfying marriages appears to result from an interplay of internal and external factors—economic dependence, the perceived needs of children, familial and social pressures, cultural beliefs, personality traits, and changes in the spouse’s behavior. No single factor alone determines the decision to stay or leave; rather, it is their dynamic interaction that shapes women’s choices. Understanding these dimensions can inform counseling practices and social interventions aimed at recognizing and addressing the needs and challenges of women in such circumstances

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Aim: The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of tactical defense management based on intensive and short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) in reducing anxiety and depression in students. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures and a control group. The statistical population included all students enrolled at Shahid Rajaee University of Tehran during the 2023–2024 academic year. The sample consisted of 14 participants selected through convenience sampling following a public call. After completing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Beck, 1996), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; Beck, 1988), and an initial clinical interview, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 7) and a control group (n = 7). Both groups completed the BDI and BAI before and after the intervention. The experimental group attended six sessions of the Tactical Defense Management program based on Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), whereas the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Findings: Results indicated that Tactical Defense Management based on ISTDP significantly reduced anxiety and depression among students (p<.05). Conclusion:
These findings suggest that applying Tactical Defense Management grounded in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) can be effective in decreasing anxiety and depression among university students.
 

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Aim: Parental divorce, as a complex family event, exerts profound effects on the attachment development of adolescent girls, making the examination of their lived experiences essential for designing effective support interventions. Accordingly, the present study aimed to explore the lived experiences of adolescent girls concerning attachment transformation within the context of parental divorce. Methods: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenological method. Purposeful sampling was carried out among 28 adolescent girls aged 14 to 16 who had experienced parental divorce within the past five years in Isfahan. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews (averaging 50 minutes each) and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. The credibility of the analysis was ensured through member checking and peer review. Findings: Data analysis revealed three overarching themes: 1. Pre-divorce phase: Breakdown of secure attachment foundations characterized by emotional instability and family disruption; 2. During the turbulence of divorce: Emergence of pendular attachment marked by emotional fluctuation and loyalty conflicts; 3. Post-divorce period: Search for new attachment sources involving detachment from primary figures and a tendency toward compensatory attachments. These themes illustrate the profound impact of divorce on adolescents’ attachment relationships and emotional identity. Conclusion: The findings suggest that parental divorce initiates a multi-stage and dynamic process of attachment transformation in adolescent girls, accompanied by emotional, identity, and social challenges. The study emphasizes the need for targeted psychological interventions to strengthen emotional security and social support for this population and provides a qualitative framework for a deeper understanding of their experiences and the development of culturally adapted counseling and family support programs

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Aim:: Sexual deviance and marital infidelity are among the most significant factors undermining marital stability. The purpose of this article is to present a novel conceptual model termed “Sexual Exclusivity Development”, which explains how healthy sexual growth can lead to the restriction of sexual desire to a committed marital relationship and thereby reduce the likelihood of harmful sexual behaviors. Method: The method of this study is conceptual model construction, based on the author’s three decades of professional experience working with individuals suffering from sexual deviance and marital infidelity, along with the application of relevant theoretical frameworks in this field. Findings: Based on the synthesis of results obtained from working with clients who had a history of sexual deviation and infidelity, it was concluded that sexual maturity is not limited to biological changes. Rather, it represents a multidimensional process encompassing cognitive, emotional, moral, and self-regulatory growth. Drawing upon theoretical literature and the author’s clinical observations, the proposed model outlines ten developmental stages through which incongruent sexual stimuli are gradually eliminated and the individual’s sexual focus becomes centered on a spouse-oriented relationship. This article reviews psychoanalytic, evolutionary, attachment, and learning perspectives on sexual deviance and demonstrates how early sexual experiences and deficiencies in upbringing can disrupt the development of sexual exclusivity, thereby predisposing individuals to future marital infidelity. Conclusion: Finally, the article discusses the implications of this model for premarital counseling and emphasizes the necessity of empirical studies to evaluate its validity and practical applicability.
 

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Aim: Individuals employ various coping strategies when facing stressful conditions. Effective coping strategies can reduce the impact of stressors and prevent the short- and long-term consequences of stress. The present study aimed to identify dyadic coping strategies among nurses working in intensive care units for patients with acute respiratory conditions. ▌Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenological method. The participants consisted of 10 nurses working in the intensive care unit for patients with acute respiratory conditions at Rasoul Akram Hospital in Kalaleh County, Iran, in 2022, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was carried out using the Colaizzi method. ▌Findings: Data analysis led to the extraction of 136 initial codes. Based on semantic similarity, these codes were categorized into 33 sub-themes, which were subsequently grouped into six main themes, including: supportive and constructive behaviors; maintaining and strengthening attachment-oriented bonds; caring behaviors; incorporating enjoyable activities into daily life; providing appropriate conditions for meeting physiological needs; and spiritual support. ▌Conclusion: Participants’ accounts indicated that spouses’ spiritual support, attachment-oriented behaviors, and supportive actions played an effective role in maintaining and enhancing nurses’ morale during multiple work shifts. In addition, spouses’ caring and health-related behaviors contributed to preventing nurses’ infection with acute respiratory diseases and to creating a calm and appropriate environment for rest and recovery from fatigue. The themes identified in this study can be used in the design and implementation of preventive and intervention programs for managing stressful situations.
 

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Aim: Blended families, due to their distinct structure and specific relational challenges, may create emotional and cognitive pressures for adolescents. Self-help education that strengthens emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility skills can facilitate adolescents’ adaptation to new family conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an acceptance- and social skills–based self-help educational package on emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility in adolescents from blended families. ▌Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of 120 female adolescents from blended families enrolled in lower and upper secondary schools in Yazd during the 2023–2024 academic year. Based on inclusion criteria (female adolescents from blended families in Yazd; at least one year having passed since the formation of the new family; enrollment in lower or upper secondary school; low scores on emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility measures; and adolescents’ and parents’ willingness and informed consent to participate), 40 participants were selected through purposive sampling and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Data were collected using the Gratz and Roemer Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Dennis and Vander Wal Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. The acceptance- and social skills–based self-help educational program was implemented for the experimental group in ten 60-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). ▌Findings: The results indicated that the acceptance- and social skills–based self-help educational intervention led to a significant increase in emotion regulation (F = 60.30, p < .05) and cognitive flexibility (F = 55.05, p < .05) among adolescents in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no significant changes in these variables. The findings also demonstrated that acceptance- and social skills–based self-help education can effectively enhance adolescents’ self-management abilities and cognitive–emotional adaptation in blended families. ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that acceptance- and social skills–based self-help educational interventions can serve as an effective tool for promoting mental health and improving cognitive and emotional adjustment among adolescents in blended families.
 

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Aim: The aim of the present study was to develop a culturally grounded framework for mystical psychotherapy based on Rumi’s teachings; a framework that, drawing on the capacities of Iranian–Islamic mysticism, offers a deeper understanding of human nature, the origins of psychological suffering, and the path of treatment. ▌Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis. Initially, the fundamental concepts of psychotherapy theories were identified as primary (deductive) themes. Subsequently, the six volumes of the Masnavi Ma‘navi were analyzed as the main data source, and themes related to Rumi’s teachings, along with emergent themes, were inductively extracted. In total, approximately 600 initial codes were generated, which were then integrated and organized into 44 subthemes and 11 main themes. To assess credibility, the findings were reviewed and confirmed by five experts in psychology and mystical literature, and the overall content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) was found to be higher than 0.79. ▌Findings: According to Rumi’s perspective, human beings possess a divine, healthy “authentic self” while simultaneously becoming entangled in “false selves” generated by the mind, which constitute the primary source of psychological suffering. The most significant sources of disturbance include being trapped in mental consciousness, the illusion of perfection, and attachment to transient pleasures. Mental health depends on liberation from illusory selves and a return to authentic presence and the experience of inner unity and integration. Within this framework, interpersonal conflicts are rooted in intrapersonal conflicts, and the ultimate goal of therapy is the unveiling of the authentic self, the attainment of witnessing awareness, the experience of genuine inner peace and joy, and human transcendence. ▌Conclusion: A mystical psychotherapy framework based on Rumi’s perspective can function as a culturally rooted and complementary approach to conventional therapies, contributing to the enhancement of psychological well-being, the management of inner conflicts, the cultivation of wisdom, and individuals’ spiritual growth. By emphasizing self-knowledge, transcending mental identities, and elevating awareness, this framework has the capacity to provide a foundation for developing therapeutic interventions aligned with Iranian–Islamic culture.

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Aim: The main aim of the present study was to develop a causal model of marital stability based on self-differentiation with the mediating role of conflict management. ▌Method: This study employed a correlational design. The sample consisted of 200 married women selected through cluster sampling from among the parents of students attending first-level secondary schools in District One of Kermanshah. Participants completed the Conflict Management Questionnaire (ENRICH; 1982), the Self-Differentiation Questionnaire (Skowron & Smith, 2003), and the Marital Stability Questionnaire (Edwards et al., 1987). The collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) software, and structural equation modeling with path analysis was applied to examine the relationships among the research variables. ▌Finding: This study employed a correlational design. The sample consisted of 200 married women selected through cluster sampling from among the parents of students attending first-level secondary schools in District One of Kermanshah. Participants completed the Conflict Management Questionnaire (ENRICH; 1982), the Self-Differentiation Questionnaire (Skowron & Smith, 2003), and the Marital Stability Questionnaire (Edwards et al., 1987). The collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) software, and structural equation modeling with path analysis was applied to examine the relationships among the research variables. ▌Conclusion: Individuals with higher levels of self-differentiation manage marital conflicts more effectively, as they possess greater emotional regulation abilities and have achieved higher levels of personal growth. This enables them to engage in more constructive interactions with their spouses and to manage their behaviors more effectively, ultimately leading to greater marital stability and satisfaction.

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▌Aim: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the number of children and duration of marriage with depression, anxiety, and general health among women with a history of induced abortion. ▌Methods: This descriptive–analytical study employed a correlational and comparative design. The study population consisted of 284 married women aged 15–49 years who had experienced at least one induced abortion during the year 1403 (Iranian calendar). Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, 1961), the Cattell Anxiety Scale (Cattell, 1973), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ; Goldberg, 1970). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20, applying one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the chi-square test to examine relationships among variables. ▌Findings: The results of one-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in the mean scores of depression, anxiety, and general health across different levels of the current number of children in the family among women with a history of induced abortion (Depression: F = 2.88, p < 0.05; Anxiety: F = 2.78, p < 0.05; General Health: F = 2.53, p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences were observed in the components of somatic symptoms and anxiety symptoms (Somatic Symptoms: F = 2.85, p < 0.05; Anxiety Symptoms: F = 3.57, p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found in social functioning and depressive symptoms (p > 0.05). Post-hoc test results showed that the mean anxiety symptom score in the childless group was significantly lower than that of women with two and three children (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results of the chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between duration of marriage and the rate of induced abortion (χ²(12) = 21.19, p = 0.048). ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that variables related to family structure and the marital life cycle play an important role in women’s psychological experiences following induced abortion as well as in their decision-making patterns. Accordingly, considering these factors in the design of preventive interventions and counseling programs may contribute to improving women’s mental health and reducing the negative consequences of induced abortion.
Keywords: Induced

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▌Aim: Families are configured in various forms, and blended families represent one type of family structure that can affect adolescents’ psychological well-being. The present study aimed to develop a conceptual model of factors contributing to maladjustment among adolescent boys aged 13–18 years in blended families, based on the conditions and consequences framework of grounded theory. ▌Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a grounded theory approach in 1402 (Iranian calendar). The target population consisted of adolescent boys aged 13–18 years from blended families who were attending school in three educational districts, including Districts 1 and 2 of Shahrekord County and the education district of Gandoman City in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Twelve male students aged 13–18 years were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the Strauss and Corbin coding method. ▌Findings: Coding of the interview data resulted in the identification of 81 open codes, 24 axial codes, and 6 main categories related to factors contributing to maladjustment among adolescent boys in blended families. The findings indicated that lack of secure attachment emerged as the central category in the development of maladjustment among adolescents in blended families. This category was influenced by causal conditions (life ups and downs), contextual and background conditions (cultural conditions and background), and intervening conditions (characteristics of the stepfamily and the quality of interpersonal relationships). In response to the lack of secure attachment, adolescents employed coping strategies that included certain defense mechanisms (idealization, fantasy, retreating into smartphones/virtual space, and emotional disengagement), which ultimately led to consequences such as academic and psychological problems among adolescent boys in blended families. ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that adolescents’ vulnerability to maladaptive behaviors in blended families is not solely attributable to the conditions of the blended family itself. Rather, stressful events arising from previous family circumstances and the developmental characteristics of adolescence, in combination with blended family conditions, contribute to adolescent maladjustment.
 

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 Aim: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy and schema therapy on divorce tendency and marital interactions among couples applying for divorce with less than five years of marital life. ▌Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with two intervention groups (positive psychotherapy and schema therapy) and one control group, conducted across three phases: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all couples with less than five years of marital life who referred to counseling centers in Ahvaz City for divorce applications in the year 1403 (Iranian calendar). The sample included 45 couples who were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (15 couples per group). The control group received no intervention. The positive psychotherapy group participated in eight 90-minute sessions, while the schema therapy group received seven 90-minute sessions. Data were collected using the Divorce Tendency Questionnaire (Rosset et al., 1986) and the Marital Interaction Stability Questionnaire (Gottman, 1999). Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS software. ▌Findings: The results indicated that both schema therapy and positive psychotherapy were effective in reducing divorce tendency and improving marital interactions among couples applying for divorce at the posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.001). Positive psychotherapy was more effective than schema therapy in enhancing marital interactions among couples with less than five years of marital life at both posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.001). However, schema therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than positive psychotherapy in reducing divorce tendency among these couples (p < 0.01). ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that positive psychotherapy, through strengthening positive emotions and increasing intimacy, is more effective in improving marital interactions among couples applying for divorce. In contrast, schema therapy, by focusing on modifying maladaptive schemas and deep cognitive–emotional patterns, shows greater effectiveness in reducing divorce tendency. Therefore, therapists may select each approach as a targeted and appropriate intervention based on the specific problems and needs of couples

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▌The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual dissatisfaction and marital conflicts with psychological distress, with the mediating role of addiction to mobile-based social networks, among married teachers in Qazvin Province. ▌Methods: This study employed a correlational design using path analysis. The statistical population consisted of all married male and female teachers in Qazvin City during the year 1403 (Iranian calendar). The research sample included 350 married teachers who were selected using convenience sampling. Participants completed the Psychological Distress Questionnaire (Kessler et al., 2002), the Mobile-Based Social Network Addiction Questionnaire (Ahmadi et al., 1395), the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (Shakib et al., 1400), and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (Sanaei, 1387). Data were analyzed using path analysis with SPSS and AMOS software. ▌Findings: Examination of the path coefficients indicated that marital conflict and sexual Examination of the path coefficients indicated that marital conflict and sexual dissatisfaction had positive and direct effects on psychological distress. The significance testing of indirect effects also demonstrated that addiction to mobile-based social networks played a mediating role in the relationship between marital conflict and sexual dissatisfaction with psychological distress. ▌Conclusion: Considering the role of addiction to social media in the development of Considering the role of addiction to social media in the development of psychological distress, it is necessary to incorporate social media addiction into the formulation and content development of intervention programs aimed at treating psychological distress.

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▌Aim: Marital instability has been one of the most significant challenges faced by families over the past half century. The present study aimed to examine the moderating role of communication patterns in the relationship between alexithymia and marital instability. ▌Methods: This study employed a descriptive–correlational design and was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all married men and women in Gotvand County, Khuzestan Province. A sample of 203 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Research variables were measured using the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Christensen & Sullaway, 1985), the Marital Instability Questionnaire (Edwards & Booth, 1987), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (1997). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and SmartPLS software. ▌Findings: The results indicated significant positive relationships between the mutual avoidance communication pattern, the demand/withdraw communication pattern, alexithymia, and marital instability. In contrast, the relationship between the mutual constructive communication pattern, alexithymia, and marital instability was negative and significant. Moreover, the findings showed that the mutual constructive and mutual avoidance communication patterns played a moderating role in the relationship between alexithymia and marital instability, whereas the demand/withdraw communication pattern did not exhibit a moderating effect in this relationship (p < 0.001). ▌Conclusion: Based on the findings, training couples to develop and adopt a mutual constructive communication pattern—given the significant relationship between alexithymia and marital instability—may serve a moderating function in reducing divorce rates

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Objective: Suicidal ideation is a significant public health concern influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between romantic breakup and suicidal ideation, with the mediating roles of loneliness and meaning in life.
Method: This study employed a correlational descriptive design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all students residing in Tehran, aged 18 to 35 years. A sample of 424 participants was selected through convenience sampling. The instruments included the Romantic Breakup Questionnaire (Rosse, 1999), Suicidal Ideation Scale (Beck et al., 1979), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger et al., 2006), and Loneliness Scale (DiTommaso et al., 2004). Data analysis was conducted using SEM with SPSS and AMOS software.
Findings: The results indicated that the data fit the proposed model well, and all direct and indirect paths were significant. Romantic breakup had a direct positive effect on suicidal ideation (β = 0.15) and on loneliness (β = 0.46), and a direct negative effect on meaning in life (β = -0.20). Meaning in life had a negative direct effect on suicidal ideation (β = -0.22), while loneliness had a positive direct effect on suicidal ideation (β = 0.29). The indirect effects were also significant through the mediation of meaning in life (95% CI [0.02, 0.08]) and loneliness (95% CI [0.09, 0.18]) on suicidal ideation.
Conclusion: Part of the impact of romantic breakup on suicidal ideation is exerted through changes in loneliness and meaning in life. Interventions focusing on strengthening social bonds and encouraging participation in meaningful activities may help reduce the risk of suicide among individuals who have experienced a romantic breakup.
 

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Objective: This research was conducted with the aim of predicting suicidal ideation based on self-worth, fear of intimacy and covert communication aggression in women who have experienced marital infidelity.Method: This study employed a descriptive-correlational research design, focusing on the correlation between variables. The target population consisted of married women who had experienced marital infidelity by their spouses and attended counseling and psychotherapeutic centers in Tehran during the year 1402. Using purposeful sampling, a total of 150 participants were selected. Results: The results showed that there is a negative and significant correlation between the feeling of self-worth (r=-0.47 and P<0.005) and its components with suicidal ideation in women who have experienced marital infidelity. This relationship was positive and significant between fear of intimacy (r=0.21 and P<0.008) and covert communicative aggression (r=0.40 and P<0.002) with suicidal ideation in women, respectively. Also, the regression analysis showed that the highest and lowest ability to explain suicidal ideation in women is related to the component of emotional withdrawal (β=0.42) and the components of piety/piousness (β=0.09). β) and ruining the social image (β=0.09).
 

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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

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