Showing 352 results for Type of Study: Research
Suzan Heydarpour, Mehdi Zare Bahramabadi, Somayeh Robat Mili, Reza Ghoban Jahromi,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Psychological counseling, supervision and consultation in the online setting have become widespread. The aim of this study was to design, develop and validate a career empowerment program for online counselors and its effectiveness on job self-efficacy. Methods: The present research was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, career empowerment sessions were developed after reviewing the literature and existing concepts in online counseling. Then, 5 psychology and counseling experts determined the content validity of the sessions. In the second stage, a semi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test and a control group, with a follow-up 2 months was used. The statistical population included online counselors in Tehran (Iran) in winter of 2024, who were evaluated by two-stage sampling. In the first stage, screening was done based on subjective sampling. In the second stage, based on the simple random method, 20 people were selected from among the qualified counselors with the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (10 individuals each). The career empowerment program was administered to the experimental group for 7 sessions, and after 2 month, a follow-up was done. Data was collected using job self-efficacy questionnaire of Riggs and Knight (1994). Findings: The results indicated that career empowerment program has acceptable content validity. Furthermore, the results of training intervention showed that career empowerment program significantly increase the symptoms of job self-efficacy in online counselors (F=21/433, sig=0.001) and this effect was also significant in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: Career empowerment program can be considered as a valid and effective program for increase job self-efficacy in online counselors
Miss Prshang Bahramyan,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of meaning therapy approach on life expectancy. Methods: This research determined the effect size of the meaning therapy approach by using the meta-analysis technique and by integrating the results of different research. The statistical population included all the articles in the field of the effectiveness of the meaning therapy approach on life expectancy, which were 15, and a total of 12 methodologically acceptable studies were selected and meta-analysis was performed on them. The sources of data search included the scientific information database, the Noor specialized journals database, the Iran Journals Information Bank, and the comprehensive humanities portal. Data analysis and effect size calculation were done using CMA3 software and g-index. Findings: The results of this meta-analysis showed that the effect of meaning therapy approach on life expectancy is (1.76) (P<0.001), which is evaluated as a large effect size according to Cohen's table. Conclusion: It seems that the meaning therapy approach can be used as a suitable method to improve life expectancy in medical and educational centers.
Hamidreza Aghamohammadian Sharbaf, Marzieh Dindoost, Samin Baharshanjani,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: One of the main challenges for psychology and counseling students to start their careers is the lack of skills in managing meetings and communicating with clients. On the other hand, most of the academic units in universities are assigned to the theoretical part and practical courses are neglected; meanwhile, the role of the internship unit for psychology and counseling students cannot be ignored. The purpose of this research was to identify the necessary standards for completing internship courses from the point of view of psychology and counseling graduate students. Methods: The present research was conducted using a qualitative method utilizing thematic analysis. The studied sample were 13 psychology and counseling masters and doctoral students in Tehran. Targeted sampling was used. A semi-structured interview was conducted, then it was transcribed verbatim, and the data was analyzed using the seven-step Colaizzi method. Findings: In this study, 3 main themes were identified, including the necessary criteria for the supervising professor, the necessary criteria for the educational-therapeutic environment and student assignments, and 11 sub-themes were identified. Conclusion: The results of the research show that improving the quality of internships for psychology and counseling students requires strengthening the three elements of the supervising professor, the appropriate educational-therapeutic environment, and the active participation of the student. This can pave the way for better training of future therapists by providing quality supervision, adequate facilities, and educational and professional support.
Ata Yavari, Seyed Bashir Hosseini,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Religion, and, in general, culture are among the most important components of national identity worldwide. Islam is considered one of the primary criteria for the national identity of Iranians. Therefore, strengthening national identity is somewhat linked to reinforcing religious foundations. Among these religious foundations, beliefs serve as the underlying base, and within the principles of belief, monotheism is regarded as the most important element. This article aims to identify the requirements and methods for teaching monotheism to adolescents through edutainment and television programs to enhance their national identity. Methods: Part of the research related to the foundational issues was conducted using documentary and library methods, while the upper-level research, due to a lack of library resources and the novelty of the concept of edutainment in our academic literature, utilized in-depth interviews with experts and specialists. In-depth and targeted interviews were conducted with specialized experts. After conducting the interviews and going through the stages of recording and documentation, the desired data was obtained Findings: In our religious and national culture, numerous uses have been made of this strategy. Since the concept of monotheism is the highest element among Islamic teachings and exists like a soul within the body of all Islamic regulations, it is essential to avoid oversimplifying its education. Shallowing this concept is harmful, and care must be taken to preserve it. Balancing entertainment and education, as well as accurately and correctly understanding today's youth, are also essential requirements in this matter.
Zahra Zahra, Maryam Fatehizade, Faramarz Asanjarani,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: This research was done with the aim of revealing the concerns of unmarried girls before marriage. Methods: The phenomenological method was used to conduct this research. For this purpose, a semi-structured interview was conducted with fifteen 20–30 year-old single girls on the verge of marriage who reported having conflicts with their parents about marriage. The data was analyzed using content analysis, based on the Claysey analysis method. Findings: In this study, 2 main themes and 20 sub-themes were extracted, which include: a). parents' perceived concerns (with 6 sub-themes); and b). girls' concerns (with 14 sub-themes). The results of the analysis showed that the perceived concerns of parents in the field of marriage include: parents' belief that youngsters seek excitement, fear of the girl getting older, fear of the girl being helpless and alone, wrong selection by the daughter, and lack of readiness and maturity, and unfamiliarity with the boy dating. The worries of single girls on the verge of marriage include: compatibility with the husband's family, problems after marriage, fear of marriage, difficulty in compatibility with the future spouse, worry about the future, feeling of being limited in marriage, lack of progress after marriage, prediction of dissatisfaction after marriage, moving away from family, fear of future spouse's possible betrayal, lack of another date in the future, excessive negligence by parents in marriage and the effect of negative characteristics of the girl in marriage and marriage with an ideal person. Conclusion: It seems that girls on the verge of marriage suffer from a fear and worry about marriage and its related issues, which brings annoying consequences such as delay in marriage, therefore changes in the organization of attitudinal-cognitive and behavioral patterns it is needed.
Dr Zahra Sadat Pour Seyyed Aghaei,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of formulating a model of marital distress based on communication patterns and attachment styles with the mediating role of resilience in homemaker women. Methods: The present research had an applied objective and utilized a descriptive correlational method with a path analysis design for data collection. The statistical population of this study consisted of all homemaker women in the Narges Akbatan Community Group in Tehran during the first three months of the year 1401 (Solar Hijri calendar), from which 384 individuals were selected as the sample group, using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Marital Distress Questionnaire, Communication Patterns Questionnaire, Attachment Styles Questionnaire, and Resilience Scale. Finally, the data were analyzed using the linear regression method within the path analysis framework, utilizing SPSS24 and AMOS23 software for statistical analysis. Findings: The results showed that communication patterns, secure and anxious attachment styles have a direct relationship with marital distress in homemaker women (p < 0.01). Moreover, resilience was able to mediate the relationship between communication patterns and marital distress, as well as the relationship between secure and avoidant attachment styles and marital distress in homemaker women (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that in order to reduce marital distress in homemaker women, identifying couples' communication styles and attempting to change unhealthy communication patterns, through resilience-based training, counseling, and other interventions, can be effective.
Kianoush Zahrakar, Aysan Sharei, Ali Salmani,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of strengths-based psychotherapy in decreasing anxiety sensitivity and panic attacks among adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Methods: The method of the present study was an experiment with a pre-test and a post-test with a control group. The present study population comprised of female teenagers diagnosed with major depressive disorder who visited the academic counseling center in city of Ardabil (Iran) between April to June 2024. In this research, 30 eligible participants were chosen through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group (15 individuals each). Data collection involved use of Beck's depression questionnaire 1996), anxiety sensitivity measures by Taylor and Cox (1998), and panic symptom assessments by Liebowitz and colleagues (1984). The experimental group received strengths-based psychotherapy consisting of 8 ninety-minute weekly sessions, and post-test evaluations were conducted for both groups to assess the intervention's impact. Data analysis was performed using multivariate covariance analysis in SPSS-24 statistical software. Findings: The results revealed that the mean scores of the experimental group for anxiety sensitivity (F=90.54, P≤0.001) and panic attacks (F=11.90, P≤0.05) were significantly lower than those of the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that strengths-based psychotherapy could serve as a novel and effective approach to reducing anxiety sensitivity and panic attacks in adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Saleh Salehi, Fahimeh Fadakar Davarani,
Volume 23, Issue 92 (2-2025)
Abstract
Aim: This research was conducted to investigate the effect of emotion-focused approach training on improving interpersonal sensitivity in couples on the verge of divorce. Methods: The research method was quantitative and semi-experimental (pre-test-post-test design, with control group). The statistical population of the present study includes couples on the verge of divorce in Tehran province, regions 11 and 12, who are between the ages of 25 and 35 years old and have been selected voluntarily and based on the inclusion criteria for the study. The sample size of the study was 20 couples on the verge of divorce, who were selected by random sampling from couples on the verge of divorce who had referred to legal centers and counseling centers in Tehran for legal matters. The data collection tool was the interpersonal sensitivity questionnaire, and to test the research hypotheses, multivariate analysis of covariance was used with the assumptions (homogeneity of regression coefficients, linearity of the relationship between variables, normal distribution of the studied characteristic, homogeneity of variances). Findings: The results of the study indicate that the dimensions of interpersonal sensitivity (interpersonal awareness, need for approval, separation anxiety, shyness, and low self-esteem) in couples on the verge of divorce who received emotion-focused approach training were lower than those in couples who did not receive this training. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the emotion-focused approach training program had a significant effect on improving interpersonal sensitivity in couples on the verge of divorce and could be considered as an effective training program by psychologists and counselors.
Razie Amini, Ahmad Sadeghi, Paisa Nilforooshan,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an intervention based on the Social Cognitive Career Self-Management Model on academic entrepreneurial intention and identity among postgraduate students at the University of Isfahan. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest control group design with random assignment. The statistical population included all postgraduate students at the University of Isfahan during the 2021–2022 academic year. Using convenience sampling, 30 participants were selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group (15 per group). Data were collected using the Academic Entrepreneurial Intention Scale (Goethner et al., 2012) and the Academic Entrepreneurial Identity Scale (Guo et al., 2019). The experimental group received the intervention in ten 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Findings: The results indicated that the intervention significantly increased academic entrepreneurial intention (F = 25.62, p < .01) and identity (F = 19.28, p < .01) among postgraduate students. Conclusion: The intervention, by enhancing process and coping self-efficacy, fostering adaptive career behaviors, encouraging career exploration and planning, and facilitating contextual and environmental influences, helped students to develop a stronger intention toward academic entrepreneurship and build their entrepreneurial identity.
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.
Haniyeh Honari Fotovat, Mohsen Golmohammadian, Mohsen Hojatkhah,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of students who have been successful in making career decisions. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed. In the quantitative phase, the Career Decision-Making Questionnaire by Betz and Taylor (1983) was used to identify successful students in career decision-making. In the qualitative phase, grounded theory methodology and in-depth interviews were applied to examine their experiences. The statistical population consisted of all female students in the 11th and 12th grades during the 2022–2023 academic year in Kermanshah, Iran. In the quantitative stage, cluster random sampling was used to select 200 participants who completed the career decision-making questionnaire. Based on their scores, students who scored more than one standard deviation above the mean were identified as successful in career decision-making. In-depth interviews were then conducted with 15 of these students. Data saturation was reached after the final two interviews. Findings: Through open, axial, and selective coding, a total of 42 concepts emerged from the students’ narratives. These were grouped into 10 axial codes and ultimately organized under 3 selective categories: self-awareness, environmental factors, and career awareness. Conclusion: The findings suggest that students' understanding of themselves, awareness of potential careers, and the influence of their surrounding environment play significant and impactful roles in their career decision-making process.
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.
Fatemeh Kafinia, Tayebeh Sharifi, Ahmad Ghazanfari,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of compassion-based mindfulness therapy and mentalization-based therapy on the resilience of mothers of children with educable intellectual disabilities. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments and a control group was used. The statistical population consisted of mothers of children with educable intellectual disabilities in Farsan during the second half of 2023. Using convenience sampling, 45 participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups (15 in each group). The first experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of compassion-based mindfulness therapy, and the second experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of mentalization-based therapy. The control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC, 2003) and a brief clinical interview. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Findings: The results indicated that both mentalization-based (p < 0.001) and compassion-based mindfulness (p < 0.001) interventions had a lasting impact on increasing overall resilience and its subscales. Moreover, no significant difference was found between the effectiveness of the two treatment methods in enhancing resilience and its components (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, both compassion-based mindfulness therapy and mentalization-based therapy can be effectively used to enhance the resilience of mothers of children with educable intellectual disabilities
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.
Phd Candidate in Counseling Omid Mohammadi, Ph.d. of Counseling Masoumeh Asmaeili, Ph.d. of Counseling Kumars Farahbakhsh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Abstract (The article is taken from a PhD thesis)
Objective: The growth and development of counselors is a continuous and lifelong process. Therefore, the aim of this research was to elucidate the growth and development process of family counselors.
Method: This qualitative study employed a qualitative meta-analysis approach. The population under study consisted of Persian and English articles in the field of growth and development of family counselors. In this research, 107 qualitative articles in Persian and English were reviewed, out of which 18 articles were identified as fully relevant. The relevant articles were selected through extensive searches in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, NoorMagz, and Magiran. Data analysis was conducted using a systematic review method and the inductive thematic analysis process based on the Thomas and Harden method, which included three stages: open coding, organizing codes into descriptive themes, and finally creating analytical concepts.
Findings: The thematic analysis of the qualitative studies led to the identification of 4 main themes, 13 subcategories, and 230 sub-subcategories. The main themes included "Initiation and Orientation; Activity and Exploration; Transition and Follow-up; 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; Mission-Centricity."
Conclusion: The findings indicated that a sense of responsibility and self-confidence during training helps counselors find their unique voice in the profession and achieve integration between their personal and professional selves.
Jamshid Jarareh, Mohammad Hossein Babazadeh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of defense management strategies based on Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) in reducing anxiety and depression among students. The research design was quasi-experimental, utilizing a pre-test and post-test approach with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all students enrolled at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University in Tehran during the academic year 2023-2024. The sample comprised 14 participants, selected through convenience sampling and through an initial clinical interview, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=7) and a control group (n=7). Participants completed the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories before and after the experimental interventions. The experimental group participated in six sessions of defense management strategies based on ISTDP, while the control group received no specific intervention. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings indicated that defense management strategies based on ISTDP significantly reduced anxiety and depression among the students (p < 0.05). These results suggest that employing defense management strategies based on ISTDP can be effective in alleviating anxiety and depression in students. It is recommended that these strategies be utilized to help students achieve a better self-understanding, thereby reducing their anxiety and depression.
Mr Abdolbaset Mahmoudpour, Dr Asyie Shariatmadar, Mrs Sayedeh Motahareh Alavi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the research is to compile and validate the training package for adapting to the empty nest syndrome and its effectiveness on the defeat and distress tolerance of the elderly. The present study was conducted in two stages. First, a consulting package for compatibility with the empty nest was compiled and content validity was used to validate it. Then, in this research, a single case or single subject experimental design was used to measure. The statistical population of this research was formed by the elderly people of empty nests in Tehran in 1401 and the sampling was accessible and targeted. The samples included 3 empty nest seniors who referred to nursing homes in Shahrara and Qolhak neighborhoods. Gilbert and Allen's distress tolerance and Defeat questionnaire was used to collect data. The empty nest syndrome adaptation training package was presented in 9 60-minute sessions with a 1-week interval between sessions. The results of the data analysis showed that the training package for adapting to the empty nest syndrome was effective on the sense of failure and the distress tolerance of the empty nest elderly. Considering that the training package for adapting to empty nest syndrome is a package based on the lived experiences of the elderly people of the empty nest, which is based on the locality and the experience of the Iranian elderly, it helps the elderly to be able to endure more distress and also reduce their sense of Defeat
Mrs Motahareh Norouzi, Dr Mohammad Sajjad Seydi, Dr Alireza Rashidi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Empty nest syndrome is a type of feeling of sadness and loneliness that parents or caretakers may experience after their children leave home for the first time. In order to cope with these feelings and the challenges that arise for parents involved in the empty nest syndrome, it is necessary to identify coping strategies with high psychological well-being conditions. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating coping strategies of individuals involved in empty nest syndrome with high psychological well-being conditions. The research method was qualitative based on Phenomenology. The study population consisted of parents dealing with empty nest syndrome in Islam Abad Gharb city in 1402. In the first stage, 137 individuals responded to the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Dahashiri et al., 1392) using convenience sampling, of which 23 individuals scored above one standard deviation higher than the mean (78.66). Then, through purposive sampling and also based on entry and saturation criteria, 13 individuals were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin method (1990) in open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis of participants' experiences in exploring coping strategies led to the identification of 251 open codes and 39 axial codes, and ultimately three selective codes (individual, family, and social coping strategies). The results indicated that the utilization of effective coping strategies identified by parents dealing with empty nest syndrome with high psychological well-being will help them reduce symptoms of the empty nest syndrome and successfully transition through it.
Ms. Fatemeh Bayat, Dr. Abolfazl Hatami Varzaneh, Ms. Fatemeh Jahanbakhshi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Aim: In some marital relationships, despite maintaining the structural stability of the family institution, the level of emotional and psychological satisfaction of the spouses remains minimal. This study examines the factors influencing women's persistence in stable yet dissatisfying marriages.Method: The present study employed a qualitative research design using a conventional content analysis approach. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 women who had remained in their marriages for at least 20 years but were dissatisfied with their marital lives.Findings: The content analysis revealed that economic factors, children, family, cultural and social beliefs, individual personality traits, and spouse-related factors were the primary reasons for the continuation of these marriages. Financial dependence, concerns about the future of children, social pressures, lack of essential skills for independence, and positive behavioral changes in the spouse were among the key factors contributing to women's persistence in such conditions.Conclusion: The findings indicate that these factors interact in a complex manner to sustain marriages. Each factor is directly or indirectly interconnected with others, reinforcing their mutual influence. Therefore, any disruption or inadequate management of these domains (such as reduced financial support, lack of trust in children, or increased social pressures) can severely threaten marital stability, potentially leading to deeper crises or even divorce. Consequently, a comprehensive and simultaneous management approach to these factors is essential for maintaining stable marriages.
