Showing 43 results for Couple
Mohammad Mohsen Mohtadi, Kiomars Farahbakhsh, Mohammadreza Salarifar,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
Aim: Previous research has primarily examined the experience of “we-ness” in marital relationships through linguistic indicators or cognitive constructs, paying less attention to how this experience emerges and evolves in couples’ everyday lives. The present study aimed to explore the lived experience of “we-ness” and to understand how it develops, is maintained, changes, and becomes consolidated within marital relationships. Methods: This study employed an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Participants consisted of eight couples in relatively intimate and stable marital relationships who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings: The findings indicated that we-ness in marital relationships is not a fixed state but rather a dynamic and evolving process. Five major themes emerged from the analysis: the formation of we-ness, relationship regulation based on we-ness, relational awareness of the couple’s shared identity, redefining we-ness during crises and challenging relational situations, and the consolidation of we-ness. The findings suggest that couples gradually develop a shared identity, negotiate a balance between individuality and togetherness, become more aware of relational patterns, redefine their relationship in the face of crises, and ultimately achieve a more stable experience of we-ness. Conclusion: The results suggest that we-ness can be understood as an ongoing process involving the formation, regulation, reflection, reconstruction, and consolidation of a shared relational identity. Accordingly, attention to the quality of couples’ experience of we-ness may help therapists move beyond a sole focus on conflict resolution and instead strengthen shared identity, enhance relational awareness, and support the reconstruction of couple bonds during difficult periods of life. By introducing the concept of processual we-ness, the present study provides a framework for understanding the dynamic nature of shared identity in marital relationships.
Arefeh Kiani, Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi, Ali Sheikholeslamy,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships among couples in Neka, Iran. ▌Method: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of couples residing in Neka, from whom 150 individuals (75 couples) were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using Barton’s Communication Skills Questionnaire (1998), Chotpitayasunondh and Douglas’s Phubbing Questionnaire (2018), and the Romantic Relationships Questionnaire developed by Attridge et al. (1998). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and the measurement and structural models were evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS. ▌Findings: The proposed model demonstrated an acceptable fit. Phubbing had a significant negative effect on communication skills (β 0.62, p < .01) and romantic relationships (β= -0.57, p < .01), whereas communication skills had a significant positive effect on romantic relationships (β = 0.52, p < .01). In addition, communication skills significantly mediated the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships, with an indirect effect of −0.21 (p < .01). ▌Conclusion: Higher levels of phubbing were associated with poorer communication skills and weaker romantic relationships among couples, whereas stronger communication skills were associated with better romantic relationships. Communication skills also mediated the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships. These findings highlight the relevance of both phubbing and communication skills to couples’ romantic relationships and support the potential value of interventions aimed at promoting healthier smartphone use and strengthening couples’ communication skills
Nima Saberi, Davud Nodehi, Ahmad Salami,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: Childbearing is a key component of demographic change and an important element of sustainable development, particularly in countries experiencing below-replacement fertility. In Iran, declining fertility has led to the adoption of new policies aimed at supporting population growth. Accordingly, this study aimed to systematically identify and categorize the psychological predictors associated with childbearing intention based on studies conducted over the past decade. ▌Methods: This systematic review included Persian- and English-language studies published between 2016 and 2026 on psychological predictors of childbearing intention. PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Magiran were systematically searched using combinations of keywords related to childbearing intention and psychological factors. Quantitative and qualitative studies relevant to psychological factors associated with childbearing were considered eligible. The search, screening, and final selection of studies were conducted independently by two reviewers. Of 402 initially identified records, 38 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. ▌Findings: The 38 included studies yielded two broad categories and 12 subcategories of psychological factors associated with childbearing intention. Factors associated with increased childbearing intention included positive attitudes and norms toward parenthood, perceived self-efficacy, marital satisfaction and emotional support, facilitating personality characteristics, identity-related motives, and positive emotions. Factors associated with decreased childbearing intention included negative attitudes and emotions, future and parenting anxiety, dysfunctional beliefs, individualistic orientations, psychological uncertainty, inhibiting personality characteristics, and negative schemas. Overall, factors associated with reduced childbearing intention appeared more prominent across the reviewed studies. ▌Conclusions: Psychological factors play an important role in couples’ childbearing intentions. Positive attitudes toward parenthood, self-efficacy, marital satisfaction, and emotional support may facilitate childbearing intention, whereas future anxiety, dysfunctional beliefs, negative emotions, and individualistic orientations may inhibit it. These findings underscore the importance of addressing cognitive and emotional factors alongside socioeconomic considerations. Psychological and educational interventions aimed at reducing future anxiety and dysfunctional beliefs while strengthening self-efficacy and positive attitudes toward childbearing may be useful in informing counseling programs and evidence-based population policies
