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.
Mrs Arefeh Kiani, Mr Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi, Mr Ali Sheikholeslamy,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: This research aimed to investigate the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships among couples in the city of Neka.
Method: The research method was descriptive, correlational, with a structural equation modeling approach. The statistical population included all couples in the city of Neka, of whom 150 couples were selected as the sample using convenience sampling. To collect the research data, the Communication Skills Questionnaire by Barton (1998), the Phubbing Questionnaire by Chotpitayasoontorn and Douglas (2018), and the Romantic Relationships Questionnaire by Attree et al. (1998) were used. SPSS software was used for data analysis, and SmartPLS software was used to examine the model fit.
Findings: The results of the data analysis showed that the conceptual model of the research has a good and desirable fit. Phubbing has a significant negative effect on romantic relationships, phubbing has a significant negative effect on communication skills, and communication skills have a significant positive effect on romantic relationships. Furthermore, communication skills mediate the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships.
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that communication skills and phubbing are effective factors in couples’ relationships, and it is necessary for family researchers to pay serious attention to these two variables.
Nima Saberi, Davud Nodehi, Ahmad Salami,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: Childbearing is a key element in demographic transitions and a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly for countries experiencing below-replacement fertility. In Iran, the decline in fertility rates has prompted new pro-natalist policies. Accordingly, this study systematically identifies the psychological predictors associated with childbearing intention based on research conducted over the past decade. Method: This study employed a systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Magiran databases. Both Persian and English studies published between 2016 and 2026 that focused on psychological predictors of childbearing intention were included. The search was conducted using a combination of standard keywords related to childbearing intention and psychological factors. The search, screening, and final article selection processes were carried out independently by two reviewers. Findings: Based on the inclusion criteria, 38 studies were selected for review and analysis, and two main categories of psychological factors related to increased childbearing intention (including positive attitudes and norms toward parenting, perceived self-efficacy, marital satisfaction, familial emotional support, positive personality constructs, and identity motives) and psychological factors related to decreased childbearing intention (including negative attitudes and emotions, future anxiety and parenting anxiety, dysfunctional beliefs, individualism, and welfare-seeking) were extracted with 12 subcategories. Conclusion: The findings showed that psychological factors related to decreased childbearing intention dominate over factors related to increased childbearing intention and weaken childbearing intention. Designing interventional strategies and psychological trainings to increase motivation, instill hope, reduce cognitive and emotional problems, and implementing evidence-based government supportive policies and programs are recommended.
