Journal of Counseling Research

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.

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.