Helia Behrouznia, Keyvan Salehi, Yaser Madani, Somayeh Shahmoradi,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Single-session therapy is a method designed to address the client's issues in the shortest possible time and emphasizes efficiency and maximum use of time. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of single-session therapy on marital intimacy, Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods explanatory design. The statistical population included all couples who visited to the Behzist Clinic in Tehran in 2023 with marital problems with marital problems. A total of 30 couples were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. In the quantitative phase, the effect of this intervention was assessed using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group, and using and the Walker and Thompson Marital Intimacy Scale (1983). In the qualitative phase, data from semi-structured interviews were collected with the same participants from the experimental group and analyzed by descriptive phenomenology method following the Colaizzi method. Findings: The quantitative results indicated that single-session therapy significantly improves marital intimacy (P ≤ 0.05). The qualitative findings also revealed improvements in marital intimacy, aligning with the subscales and questions of the Marital Intimacy Scale and supporting the quantitative results. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that single-session therapy can be used as a practical, short-term, and effective approach to improve marital intimacy, and its results can be useful for therapists and future researchers and encourage couples to use this method to enhance intimacy in their marital life.
Elahe Pakseresht, Kosar Dehdast,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: In response to the growing need for contextualized criteria for spouse selection in Iranian society, this study explores the lived experiences of young women regarding such criteria, based on the Sahmgozari (participatory contribution) approach rooted in Islamic ontology. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, purposeful sampling was conducted with 16 married young women who exhibited key indicators of the Sahmgozari lifestyle—such as feelings of tranquility and personal development, agency, and formative relationships. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were then coded and analyzed. Findings: The analysis yielded three main pre-marital criteria for achieving the “desired self as a contributor in marital life.” The first criterion was development-oriented and tranquility-promoting attitudes in spouses; the second was awareness and preparedness regarding factors of similarity and difference; and the third was awareness of personal growth and maturity trajectories. Conclusion: Spouse selection criteria based on the Sahmgozari approach can broaden young women’s perspectives on marriage and support them in making rational and meaningful choices.
Sadegh Kasir, Abbas Amanelahi, Gholamreza Rajabi, Zabihollah Abbaspoor,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
crisis with psychological, familial, social, and cultural repercussions. This study aimed to explore and explain the consequences of infertility in infertile men, with a specific focus on their sexual performance. Methods: This qualitative research employed a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 infertile men who sought treatment for infertility during 2023, using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) grounded theory methodology through open, axial, and selective coding. Findings: Data analysis resulted in 25 open codes and four main categories, which were organized into two core themes: individual consequences and couple-related consequences. The couple-related consequences included emotional-relational distress caused by childlessness and a sense of helplessness in managing sexual conflicts within the relationship. Individual consequences involved sexual difficulties stemming from childlessness and emotional distress related to sexual dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The findings highlight that infertility negatively affects the sexual performance of infertile men, leading to issues such as reduced sexual desire, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. A decline in the quality and frequency of sexual activity was also observed. These challenges contributed to sexual dissatisfaction and emotional distress among participants. The study suggests that infertile individuals and couples may benefit from referrals to specialists in sexual health and couple therapy
Maryam Sayad Shirazi, Naemeh Nouri,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Marriage, as a key social institution, is increasingly confronted by the challenges of modern life, underscoring the importance of premarital counseling. This study seeks to examine existing gaps in premarital counseling from the perspectives of experts, identify its shortcomings, and propose strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of these services. Methods: This qualitative, exploratory research utilized thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants (10 women and 5 men) and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the data. Results: Following the analysis, meaningful statements were categorized into 120 basic themes, 5 organizing themes, and 16 overarching themes. The five organizing themes included: (1) essential components of premarital counseling, (2) enabling contexts for its development, (3) current challenges and deficiencies, (4) necessary strategies and interventions, and (5) the outcomes of premarital counseling. Conclusion: The findings suggest that enhancing the effectiveness of premarital counseling in Iran requires adapting validated international models to local cultural contexts, standardizing counseling services, engaging systemic institutions, leveraging purposeful technology, and addressing cultural and structural barriers. These improvements can help reduce divorce rates and foster more stable and healthy marital relationships in society.
Omid Mohammadi, Masoumeh Asmaeili,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
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.
Motahareh Norouzi, Mohammad Sajjad Seydi, Alireza Rashidi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
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
Fatemeh Bayat, Abolfazl Hatami Varzaneh, Fatemeh Jahanbakhshi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
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
Jamshid Jarareh, Mohammad Hossein Babazadeh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
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.
Neda Mazloompour, Mohammad Masoud Dayarian, Nayere Arianfar,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
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
Kiomarth Farahbakhsh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
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.
