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Showing 386 results for Type of Study: Research
Exploring Vocational Interest Assessment Tools in Iran: A Scoping Review
Yussef Piltan, Mohammad Rabiee, Rezvan Salehi, Mohammad Reza Abedi,
Volume 24, Issue 96 (1-2026)
Abstract
▌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.

 
The Mediating Role of Meaning in Life and Loneliness in Suicidal Ideation Following Romantic Breakdowns
Mohammadmahdi Taheri, Fatemeh Kouhneshin, Alireza Jahani, Zahra Jahanbakhshi,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
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.
 
Lived experience of factors sustaining distress after Romantic Breakup: A qualitative study
Mojtaba Hafezi, Masoud Janbozorgi, Masoud Azarbayejani,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
Ai,m: The present study aimed to explore the lived experience of factors sustaining distress following romantic breakup among women and men who had experienced a romantic breakup within the cultural context of Iran. ▌Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on Bengtsson’s (2016) qualitative content analysis method. The study population consisted of all men and women residing in the city of Qom who had experienced a romantic breakup. Using purposive sampling with maximum variation and continuing sampling until data saturation was achieved, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants (10 women and 5 men). Data analysis was carried out through four stages: decontextualization, recontextualization, categorization, and compilation. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, the four criteria of credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability were evaluated according to the standards proposed by Lincoln and Guba. To strengthen dependability, 10 experts reviewed the findings, and the Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated to confirm the adequacy of the extracted categories. ▌Results: The findings indicated that the factors sustaining distress following romantic breakup comprised 14 subcategories, 2 categories, and 1 overarching theme. These factors included sustaining reactions (failure to terminate contact, insistence on meeting again, pursuing the former romantic partner, frequent exposure to reminder cues, social withdrawal and inactivity, self-harming behaviors, and low social support) and sustaining cognitions (conflicting spiritual cognitions, conflicting personal cognitions, rumination about causal explanations, self-blame, hope for the relationship’s restoration, suppression of thoughts and emotions, and thoughts of meaninglessness and emptiness). ▌Conclusion: The findings of this study provide a basis for developing culturally grounded counseling and therapeutic interventions that can be applied in counseling centers and psychological services with the aim of reducing the clinical symptoms associated with romantic breakup.
 
The Structural Effect of Insecure Attachment Styles on Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in students: The Mediating Roles of Mentalization and Self-Compassion
Mahmoud Najafi, Narjes Ameri, Fatemeh Hassanloo,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
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.
 
Structural Relations Perceived Social Support With Exam-Related Academic Anxiety in Senior High School and Pre-University Students: The Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation
Leila Ebrahimi Varzaneh, Fatemeh Nemati Sogolitappeh, Pariya Faramarzyan,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived social support and academic anxiety in students, and the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation in this relationship. Focusing on both interpersonal and intrapersonal mechanisms, the study sought to clarify how perceived support from family, friends, and teachers can reduce exam- and entrance-test-related anxiety by enhancing students’ emotion regulation capacities. Methods: This correlational study used a multistage cluster sampling method with 210 senior high school and pre-university students in Isfahan. Data were analyzed using multiple regression in SPSS after obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. Instruments included the Sarason Test Anxiety Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the short version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, all with established reliability and validity. Findings: Findings indicated that perceived social support had a significant negative direct effect on difficulties in emotion regulation, while difficulties in emotion regulation had a significant positive direct effect on academic anxiety. Bootstrap analysis showed a significant indirect effect of perceived social support on academic anxiety through difficulties in emotion regulation, confirming its mediating role. Conclusion: Results suggest that perceived social support is associated with reduced difficulties in emotion regulation and lower academic anxiety, with part of its effect operating through improved emotion regulation skills. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening supportive networks and teaching emotion regulation strategies in educational and psychological interventions to sustainably reduce students’ academic anxiety.
The effectiveness of Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on internalized shame students with social anxiety
Sajjad Hajhosseini, Parviz Porzoor, Akbar Atadokht,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing internalized shame among students with social anxiety. ▌Methods: This study employed a semi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all male upper secondary school students in Ardabil during the 2022–2023 academic year who exhibited symptoms of social anxiety. Following administration of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and a clinical interview, 34 students were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 17) and a control group (n = 17). The experimental group received an ACT intervention based on the protocol developed by Fleming, Kukowski, and Harris, whereas the control group received no intervention. The Internalized Shame Scale (ISS) was administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA and ANCOVA). ▌Results: The findings revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups with respect to posttest scores of internalized shame. The results indicated that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) significantly reduced internalized shame in students with social anxiety (p < .05). ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is effective in reducing feelings of internalized shame among students with social anxiety and may be considered a useful intervention for this population.
The Narrative of Iranian Adolescents and Young Adults of the 12-Day War: A Qualitative Study in the Family Context
Seyyedeh Fatemeh Mousavi,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
Studying the psychological state of adolescents during war and the impact of military conflict on their mental health is an undeniable necessity. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of military hostilities in the 12-day war imposed by the Zionist regime on Iran on the psychological state of adolescents and young adults within the family context. This descriptive study employed a qualitative approach using content analysis. A total of 24 unmarried adolescents and young adults (age range 15–24 years; mean±SD = 19.33±2.71), primarily residing in Tehran province, participated virtually in a structured interview. Responses were analyzed across six domains: interpretation and perception of war, expression of emotions and psychological/behavioral reactions, coping with one's own reactions and those of others, family reactions, and future evaluation under the influence of war. In total, 23 general categories and 56 subcategories were extracted. Findings indicated that adolescents' perception of war could be examined in three categories: personal interpretation, identity-based, and value-based. Their psychological-behavioral reactions included hypervigilance, mood disturbances, ambivalent emotions, habituation and normalization, and self-resilience. Coping with reactions emerged in three patterns: distancing from reality, active psychological reactions, and spiritual reactions. Families responded through inaction, distancing, anxiety, active reactions, and spiritual responses. Future evaluation was categorized into five themes: self and socially oriented behaviors, unpredictable future, continuation of normal life routines, and perceived negative consequences. In conclusion, war as a critical and traumatic phenomenon is interpretable within the national-religious-historical identity context of each culture.

Exploring Marital Virtues among Married Men: A Phenomenological Study
Ebrahim Jahandar, Maryam Fatehizade, Leila Mirahmadi, Somayeh Jaberi,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
 Aim: The present study aimed to explore and identify marital virtues among married men. Method: A qualitative approach using interpretative phenomenological methodology was employed to achieve the research goal. The study participants were married men and women residing in the Isfahan, whose length of marriage ranged from 5 to 20 years in 2024. Participants were selected through purposive sampling from individuals accessible to the researcher, resulting in a sample of 20 participants (10 men and 10 women). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Finding: The findings were ultimately organized into 47 subcategories, 8 main categories, and 2 themes. The extracted main categories included caregiving, relational wisdom, steadfast loyalty and commitment, respect and reverence, intelligent adjustment, gentleness and emotional stability, marital prudence, and spirituality-based tranquility. Conclusion: The results indicate the existence of two broad categories of marital virtues among married men. Inner-regulatory virtues pertain to intrapersonal processes that foster psychological and moral readiness for healthy engagement with the challenges of married life. In contrast, relationship-responsive virtues emerge within direct interaction with one’s spouse and relate to how individuals respond to the needs, expectations, and demands of the marital relationship. The formation of a healthy and high-quality marital relationship requires the simultaneous presence and interaction of these two moral dimensions. It is therefore suggested that enhancing marital virtues in men may provide a foundation for improving the quality of marital relationships among married individuals.
Processual we‑ness; Lived experience; Interpretative phenomenology; Shared horizon; We‑consciousness; Couple therapy; Marital relationship
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.

Family Dynamics in Adolescents with a History of Self-Injurious Behaviors: A Qualitative Study
Zahra Khavaninzade, Simin Hosseinian, Hamid Rezaeian Faraji, Mahsima Pourshahriari,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
Aims: The present study was conducted to investigate family dynamics in adolescents with a history of self- Injurious behaviors. Method: The research method was qualitative and based on phenomenology. The target population consisted of adolescents with self-harming behaviors in Tehran in 2024 who had referred to counseling and psychological service centers. In order to conduct this study, 20 adolescents were selected through purposive sampling based on the principle of theoretical saturation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using the Braun and Clark (2006) thematic analysis method and the extracted themes were organized and summarized in the form of main and sub-themes. Results: The interviews were summarized at three levels of primary concepts (178 concepts), sub-themes, and main themes, which were divided into three main themes; The first main theme (positive family dynamics) included 13 sub-themes, the second main theme (negative family dynamics) included 27 sub-themes, and the third main theme (role of the extended family) included 4 sub-themes. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, in the lived experience of adolescents with self-injurious behaviors, family dynamics are experienced in diverse and sometimes contradictory ways. Some participants spoke of the existence of supportive interactions, favorable emotional connections, and aspects of positive family functioning, while others described family conflicts, dysfunctional communication patterns, and negative experiences in the family. Also, in the participants' experience, the extended family was also presented in some cases as a source of support and in some cases as part of challenging family dynamics. It is worth noting that observing some positive dynamics in families does not mean ignoring or downplaying self-harming behaviors, and this study merely describes the dynamics experienced by participants and does not make any judgments about the impact or causal relationship of these dynamics with self-harming behaviors.
 
Prediction of suicidal ideation based on self-worth, fear of intimacy and covert relational aggression in women with marital infidelity experience
Tahereh Nouri, Maryam Afshar,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to predict suicidal ideation based on self-worth, fear of intimacy, and covert relational aggression among women who had experienced marital infidelity. ▌Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among married women who had experienced marital infidelity by their spouses and had attended counseling and psychotherapy centers in Tehran in 2023–2024. Using purposive sampling, 150 women were selected. Data were collected using a demographic information checklist, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (Beck et al., 1979), the Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (Crocker et al., 2003), the Fear of Intimacy Scale (Descutner & Thelen, 1991), and the Covert Relational Aggression Scale (Nelson & Carroll, 2006). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS version 27. ▌Findings: Self-worth was significantly and negatively correlated with suicidal ideation (r = −0.47, p < .005), whereas fear of intimacy (r = 0.21, p < .008) and covert relational aggression (r = 0.40, p < .002) were significantly and positively correlated with suicidal ideation. Together, self-worth, fear of intimacy, and covert relational aggression explained 38% of the variance in suicidal ideation (R² = .38, p < .001). Emotional withdrawal, a dimension of covert relational aggression, had the strongest predictive contribution (β = .42), whereas piety/virtue, a dimension of self-worth (β = −.09), and social sabotage, a dimension of covert relational aggression (β = .09), had the weakest predictive contributions. ▌Conclusion: Self-worth, fear of intimacy, and covert relational aggression were significantly associated with suicidal ideation among women who had experienced marital infidelity. The findings highlight the potential importance of interventions aimed at strengthening self-worth and marital communication skills and reducing covert relational aggression, particularly emotional withdrawal, in addressing psychological and emotional vulnerability in this population.
 
investigate the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships among couples
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
Psychological Predictors of Childbearing Intention in Couples: A Systematic Review
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
Children in the Shadow of War: Exploring the Consequences of War and Coping Strategies from Parents’ Lived Experiences with descriptive phenomenological approach
Maryam Solgi, Aynaz Arabi,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: War conditions may affect young children's experiences across emotional, cognitive, and behavioral domains. Despite the importance of this issue, direct research on parents' experiences of emotional and behavioral changes in children under six years of age during wartime remains limited. The present study aimed to understand parents' lived experiences of the emotional and behavioral states of children under six years of age in the context of war-related tension and crisis and to identify the dimensions of this experience. ▌Methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Participants were 16 parents of children under six years of age who had experienced the war-related crisis and were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method. ▌Findings: Analysis of parents' lived experiences indicated that young children's experiences of war-related tension and crisis were multidimensional and were reflected in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral domains. The core theme was identified as “Consequences and the Process of Adaptation to War Crisis in Children.” This core theme comprised seven main themes: “the context in which the child's experience is formed,” “emotional arousal and insecurity,” “the child's efforts to seek security,” “the reflection of war in children's cognition and meaning-making,” “the reflection of war in children's behavior and play,” “the influence of parents' responses on the child's experience,” and “adaptation and return to normalcy.” Overall, one core theme, 6 main themes, and 17 subthemes were identified. ▌Conclusions: The findings indicate that young children's experience of war crisis is a multidimensional proc ess that begins with their exposure to the consequences of war and is manifested through fear and worry, sensitivity to sounds, feelings of danger and threat, increased need for parental presence, questions about war and death, changes in sleep and daily activities, and changes in play. Parents' responses and environmental conditions also appear to shape children's experiences of the crisis. As stressful conditions decrease, signs of gradually reduced fear and a return toward normal routines may emerge; however, some effects of the crisis may persist in certain children's experiences.
Evaluation of the Marital Burnout Model Based on Attachment Styles Considering the Mediating Role of Emotional Literacy in Divorce-Seeking Women
Ebrahim Namani, Ahmad Mohammadi Hosseini, Ebrahim Hanifpour,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
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
Effectiveness of Communication Skills Training based on the Sahmgozari approach in Enhancing Problem-Solving Ability and Family Intimacy among Married Female Employees
Zahra Amanollahi,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of communication skills training based on the Sahmgozari approach in improving problem-solving skills and family intimacy. ▌Methods: This applied study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The study population consisted of married employees in Tehran. The sample comprised 40 employees of the Tehran Water Organization who were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (20 participants in each group). The research instruments were the Family Intimacy Questionnaire developed by Walker and Thompson, the Problem-Solving Inventory developed by Heppner and Petersen, and the Sahmgozari Lifestyle Questionnaire developed by Esmaeili et al. The experimental group participated in a ten-session Sahmgozari-based communication skills training program, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS version 27. ▌Findings: After controlling for pretest scores, Sahmgozari-based communication skills training significantly improved problem-solving skills and family intimacy in the experimental group compared with the control group (p < .001). The effect size also indicated a strong intervention effect. ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Sahmgozari approach, beyond merely teaching communication techniques, can serve as an effective intervention for improving problem-solving skills and family intimacy by redefining individuals’ roles in relationships and strengthening responsibility and agency.
Developing a Model of Sacred Identity Reconstruction Following Traumatic Grief in Parents of Martyrs in Minab: A Grounded Theory Study
Zahra Sadat Pour Seyyed Aghaei, Seyede Efat Hoseini,
Volume 25, Issue 99 (10-2026)
Abstract

 

Objective: Traumatic grief in parents following the sudden and violent loss of a child shatters their meaning system and identity. However, some parents in cultural-religious contexts, drawing on spiritual resources, transform their grief into a process of self-reconstruction. This study aimed to discover and explain the model of sacred identity reconstruction following traumatic grief in parents of the martyrs of the Minab missile attack.

Method: This study used a qualitative approach with systematic grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin), conducted in 2026 in Minab County. Participants were 17 parents of martyrs (14 mothers and 3 fathers), selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.

Findings: The final model was conceptualized around the core category of "sacred identity reconstruction following traumatic grief." Causal conditions included "monotheistic worldview" and "sacred-oriented upbringing of children." The context was shaped by "Shi'a culture of martyrdom," "sanctification of place," "the family's spiritual lifeworld," "supportive extended family context," and "identity-affirming marital support." Parents used five strategies: "sacred interpretation of loss," "positive religious coping," "maintaining a symbolic bond with the martyr," "participation in collective rituals," and "social identity reconstruction." The outcome was "existential growth and transcendence," manifested in "consolidation of a new self-concept," "restoration of agency and direction," "emotional regulation and acceptance of loss," "deeper meaning and peace," and "social recognition and status."

Conclusion: Traumatic grief within the martyrdom discourse can be transformed from a purely pathogenic experience into a process of sacred identity reconstruction. These findings emphasize the necessity of attending to cultural-religious dimensions in grief interventions.


Living in the Cycle of Hope and Despair: Women’s Experience of Repeated and Unsuccessful IVF Treatments
Maryam Salimi, Saba Akbari,
Volume 25, Issue 99 (10-2026)
Abstract
Background: Repeated failures in assisted reproductive treatments, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), are not merely medical experiences but involve profound psychological, social, and identity-related consequences for women. Despite technological advances in infertility treatment, understanding the lived experience of women facing repeated cycles of failure requires qualitative investigation. This study aimed to explore the experience of “living in the cycle of hope and despair” among women with a history of multiple unsuccessful IVF treatments.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The sample consisted of 12 women who had undergone at least three unsuccessful IVF cycles and were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. MAXQDA version 20 software was employed for data management and organization.Findings: Data analysis revealed six main themes: “the cycle of hope–despair throughout treatment,” “disintegration and redefinition of maternal identity,” “experiencing time suspended in expectancy,” “socio-cultural pressures surrounding motherhood,” “emotional loneliness and complexities in marital relationships,” and “adaptation and meaning reconstruction.” Repeated IVF failures evoke a multidimensional experience of grief, identity crisis, and reconsideration of motherhood’s meaning and life’s future. Women cope with these challenges through diverse strategies such as redefining hope, relying on supportive resources, and reconstructing life meaning.Conclusion: The experience of repeated IVF failures transcends a mere medical event, representing a complex process involving confrontation with loss, social pressures, and identity reconstruction. The findings emphasize the necessity for integrating psychological and social support within infertility treatment services and designing interventions based on meaning and resilience for women undergoing treatment.  
Flourishing Within Suffering: A Phenomenological Exploration of Mothers’ Lived Experiences in Post-War Psychoeducational Contexts
Dr. Marziyeh Madanifar, Dr. Mitra Moradi,
Volume 25, Issue 99 (10-2026)
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to explore and interpret the lived experiences of mothers residing in post-war regions regarding their participation in group psychoeducational programs, and to delineate the impact of this experience on their perception of war-related suffering. Method: Employing an interpretive phenomenological approach, this qualitative study gathered data through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 mothers who participated in a structured post-war psychoeducational program. The interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Finding: Data analysis yielded four organizing themes illustrating a dynamic transformative process from “passive suffering” to “active resilience”: (1) Ontological redefinition of suffering: transforming threat into opportunity (including sub-themes: suffering as a teacher, suffering as a context for transcendence, and conscious acceptance); (2) Expansion of resilient agency: activating multilayered resources (including: active emotion regulation, resource compartmentalization, and restoration of agency through narrative); (3) Resilience networking: the catalytic role of the group (including: the group as a mirror, and internalizing the voices of others); and (4) Transformative outcomes: the emergence of the resilient self (including: transition from fear to courage, paradigmatic integration of suffering and growth, and relational agency and empathy). Findings indicated that the psychoeducational program served as a platform for rewriting the narrative of suffering, strengthening resilient metacognition, and restoring agency through supportive relationships. Conclusion: The mothers’ experiences suggest that group psychoeducational interventions in post-war contexts can function as a conduit for post-traumatic growth and the reconstruction of maternal identity, extending far beyond simple symptom reduction. By facilitating the transition from passive victimhood to active agency, these interventions enable mothers to derive new meaning from their suffering, thereby experiencing resilience not as a static individual trait, but as a dynamic, relational, and meaning-making process embedded within the family and community fabric.

Effectiveness of Career Counseling Based on Career Path Design on Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment and Productivity of Employees in Companies Affiliated with the Teachers’ Reserve Fund
- Mohammad Amin Zarei,
Volume 25, Issue 99 (10-2026)
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of career counseling based on career path design on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and human resource productivity among employees of companies affiliated with the Teachers’ Reserve Fund.
Methods: This applied study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of employees working in companies affiliated with the Teachers’ Reserve Fund. Among eligible employees, 60 participants were selected through convenience sampling and, after initial matching based on demographic and occupational characteristics, were assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in an eight-session career counseling program based on career path design, with each session lasting 90 minutes and held once a week. The control group received only routine organizational programs during the same period. Data were collected using job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and human resource productivity questionnaires. The data were analyzed using mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance.
Results: The findings indicated that the interaction effect of time and group was significant for job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and human resource productivity. The mean scores of the experimental group increased from pretest to posttest in all three variables, and this improvement was largely maintained at the three-month follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no meaningful change across the study phases.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that career counseling based on career path design can be used as an effective intervention for human resource development, increasing job satisfaction, strengthening organizational commitment, and improving employee productivity. By reconstructing career narratives, enhancing professional self-awareness, aligning individual and organizational values, strengthening career adaptability, and developing professional action plans, this intervention can improve employees’ occupational attitudes and job-related functioning.
 
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