Journal of Counseling Research

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Aim: The present study examined everyday memory performance in children with cancer before, during, and after chemotherapy. ▌Methods: This research employed a causal-comparative design and included 23 healthy children without illness, 12 children before treatment, 23 children undergoing treatment, and 14 children after treatment, aged 8 to 17 years. Participants were selected through convenience sampling from Mahak Hospital and schools in Tehran. Memory performance was assessed using the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (Wilson et al., 2008). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (analysis of variance). ▌Findings: The results indicated that the performance of children and adolescents with cancer in everyday memory, new learning, spatial memory, orientation, verbal memory, and prospective memory did not differ significantly across the four study groups. However, the mean visual memory score in the cancer groups during and after treatment was significantly lower than that of the healthy group and the pre-treatment group, and this difference was statistically significant (F = 2.261, p < 0.05). ▌Conclusions: Based on the findings, chemotherapy leads to a reduction in visual memory performance in children with cancer during and after treatment. On the one hand, this decline may be attributed to the effects of chemotherapy drugs on the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, resulting in memory impairment. On the other hand, memory is strongly influenced by stress and psychological difficulties associated with cancer and its intensive treatments, as well as by the lack of adequate cognitive support.

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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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Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine university counseling center counselors’ perceptions of their role in preventing psychoactive substance use among students. ▌Methods: This study adopted a qualitative approach and was conducted using thematic analysis. The study population consisted of counselors working in university counseling centers. The sample included 13 counselors with experience in the field of addiction from the counseling centers of the University of Tehran, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Alzahra University, Sharif University of Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran University of Science and Technology, Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi University, Isfahan University of Technology, University of Isfahan, University of Tabriz, University of Gilan, University of Shiraz, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Participants were selected using criterion-based purposive sampling. Data related to the research question were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. ▌Findings: Following interview analysis and coding, 30 sub-themes and 9 main themes were identified. These included: counselors’ attention to risk factors; raising awareness among students; raising awareness among influential individuals connected with students; preventive education; therapeutic intervention based on professional frameworks; counselors’ attention to facilitative components in prevention; the effective capacity of universities in prevention; barriers influencing counselors’ attention to prevention; and the role of community-based factors in prevention. ▌Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that although university counseling center counselors emphasize awareness-raising activities and skills training, they place greater emphasis on treatment and secondary and tertiary prevention. In the domain of primary prevention, they considered other factors to be more influential. Therefore, university counseling centers need to take more effective action in primary prevention and expand their efforts in this area. Accordingly, the development of a coherent prevention program and the organization of training courses for counselors by higher-level authorities across all universities are considered essential 

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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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▌Aim: Identifying vocational interest assessment tools that both possess acceptable psychometric properties and remain aligned with contemporary developments represents a current challenge in Iran. The objective of this scoping review was to compile a comprehensive inventory of vocational interest assessment tools available in Iran for which psychometric properties have been examined. ▌Methods: This study was conducted as a scoping review. The study corpus consisted of Persian-language articles on educational and vocational interest inventories published in Iran. A total of 54 articles were retrieved from the Civilica, Comprehensive Portal of Humanities, Noormags, MagIran, and SID databases. The article selection process followed the PRISMA-ScR flow diagram, and after screening, 12 articles published between 1377 and 1397 (Solar Hijri calendar) were included in the final review. ▌Findings: The review identified five vocational interest assessment instruments. Analyses indicated that the majority of research focused on Tracey’s Personal Globe Inventory (8 studies), followed by instruments based on Holland’s Hexagonal Model (4 studies). ▌Conclusion: Examination of the psychometric properties of these instruments revealed a predominant emphasis on internal structure validity and internal consistency reliability. Notably, no vocational interest assessment tool grounded in Iran’s indigenous cultural context has yet been developed. Future research is therefore necessary to address existing gaps in validity evidence for vocational interest assessment tools in Iran.

 

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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 aim of the present study was to investigate the structural effect of insecure attachment styles on body dysmorphic symptoms in students, with the mediating roles of mentalization and self-compassion.
Methods: This research employed a descriptive-correlational method. The statistical population included all first and second grade high school students in Karaj during the 2024–2025 academic year. A sample of 397 students was selected through multistage cluster random sampling. The instruments used included the Fear of Body Image Concern Inventor (Littleton et al., 2005), Attachment Styles Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), Mentalization Scale (Dimitrijević et al., 2018), and the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003b). Correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed for data analysis.
Findings: The results showed that both avoidant (β = 0.15, P = 0.004) and ambivalent (β = 0.16, P = 0.002) dimensions of insecure attachment had a direct and significant effect on body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. Furthermore, the indirect effect of insecure attachment styles, including avoidant (β = 0.199, P = 0.001) and ambivalent (β = 0.218, P = 0.001), on body dysmorphic disorder symptoms through the mediating variables of mentalization and self-compassion was confirmed, and the model demonstrated a good fit.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, insecure attachment styles, by reducing mentalization and self-compassion, contribute to increased body dysmorphic disorder symptoms in students. These results emphasize the necessity of considering mediating variables in clinical and educational interventions related to body dysmorphic disorder. It is suggested that in preventive and therapeutic programs, enhancing mentalization and self-compassion, along with addressing insecure attachment styles, be taken into consideration.
 

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Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on internalized shame in students with social anxiety.

Methods: The present research method is a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test type with a control group. The statistical population of the research includes all male students with symptoms of social anxiety in the second year of high school in the academic year of ۱۴۰۲-۱۴۰۱ in Ardabil city. 34 people were selected by purposive sampling method after social anxiety test (SPIN) and clinical interview and were divided into two groups of ۱۷ people, experimental and control. The experimental group received the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) protocol of Fleming, Kukowski, and Harris, but the control group did not receive any training. Before and after the treatment sessions, The Internalized Shame Questionnaire (ISS) were used. Data were analyzed by multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance.

Results: The findings indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of internalized shame. The results showed that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has a significant effect on the initial internalized shame in students with social anxiety (p<۰.۰۵).

Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy plays a significant role in reducing feelings of internalized shame among students with social anxiety.
 

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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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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.