Helia Behrouznia, Keyvan Salehi, Yaser Madani, Somayeh Shahmoradi,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Single-session therapy is a method designed to address the client's issues in the shortest possible time and emphasizes efficiency and maximum use of time. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of single-session therapy on marital intimacy, Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods explanatory design. The statistical population included all couples who visited to the Behzist Clinic in Tehran in 2023 with marital problems with marital problems. A total of 30 couples were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. In the quantitative phase, the effect of this intervention was assessed using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group, and using and the Walker and Thompson Marital Intimacy Scale (1983). In the qualitative phase, data from semi-structured interviews were collected with the same participants from the experimental group and analyzed by descriptive phenomenology method following the Colaizzi method. Findings: The quantitative results indicated that single-session therapy significantly improves marital intimacy (P ≤ 0.05). The qualitative findings also revealed improvements in marital intimacy, aligning with the subscales and questions of the Marital Intimacy Scale and supporting the quantitative results. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that single-session therapy can be used as a practical, short-term, and effective approach to improve marital intimacy, and its results can be useful for therapists and future researchers and encourage couples to use this method to enhance intimacy in their marital life.
Elahe Pakseresht, Kosar Dehdast,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: In response to the growing need for contextualized criteria for spouse selection in Iranian society, this study explores the lived experiences of young women regarding such criteria, based on the Sahmgozari (participatory contribution) approach rooted in Islamic ontology. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, purposeful sampling was conducted with 16 married young women who exhibited key indicators of the Sahmgozari lifestyle—such as feelings of tranquility and personal development, agency, and formative relationships. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were then coded and analyzed. Findings: The analysis yielded three main pre-marital criteria for achieving the “desired self as a contributor in marital life.” The first criterion was development-oriented and tranquility-promoting attitudes in spouses; the second was awareness and preparedness regarding factors of similarity and difference; and the third was awareness of personal growth and maturity trajectories. Conclusion: Spouse selection criteria based on the Sahmgozari approach can broaden young women’s perspectives on marriage and support them in making rational and meaningful choices.
Sadegh Kasir, Abbas Amanelahi, Gholamreza Rajabi, Zabihollah Abbaspoor,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
crisis with psychological, familial, social, and cultural repercussions. This study aimed to explore and explain the consequences of infertility in infertile men, with a specific focus on their sexual performance. Methods: This qualitative research employed a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 infertile men who sought treatment for infertility during 2023, using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) grounded theory methodology through open, axial, and selective coding. Findings: Data analysis resulted in 25 open codes and four main categories, which were organized into two core themes: individual consequences and couple-related consequences. The couple-related consequences included emotional-relational distress caused by childlessness and a sense of helplessness in managing sexual conflicts within the relationship. Individual consequences involved sexual difficulties stemming from childlessness and emotional distress related to sexual dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The findings highlight that infertility negatively affects the sexual performance of infertile men, leading to issues such as reduced sexual desire, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. A decline in the quality and frequency of sexual activity was also observed. These challenges contributed to sexual dissatisfaction and emotional distress among participants. The study suggests that infertile individuals and couples may benefit from referrals to specialists in sexual health and couple therapy
Maryam Sayad Shirazi, Naemeh Nouri,
Volume 24, Issue 93 (3-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Marriage, as a key social institution, is increasingly confronted by the challenges of modern life, underscoring the importance of premarital counseling. This study seeks to examine existing gaps in premarital counseling from the perspectives of experts, identify its shortcomings, and propose strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of these services. Methods: This qualitative, exploratory research utilized thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants (10 women and 5 men) and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the data. Results: Following the analysis, meaningful statements were categorized into 120 basic themes, 5 organizing themes, and 16 overarching themes. The five organizing themes included: (1) essential components of premarital counseling, (2) enabling contexts for its development, (3) current challenges and deficiencies, (4) necessary strategies and interventions, and (5) the outcomes of premarital counseling. Conclusion: The findings suggest that enhancing the effectiveness of premarital counseling in Iran requires adapting validated international models to local cultural contexts, standardizing counseling services, engaging systemic institutions, leveraging purposeful technology, and addressing cultural and structural barriers. These improvements can help reduce divorce rates and foster more stable and healthy marital relationships in society.
Phd Candidate in Counseling Omid Mohammadi, Ph.d. of Counseling Masoumeh Asmaeili, Ph.d. of Counseling Kumars Farahbakhsh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Abstract (The article is taken from a PhD thesis)
Objective: The growth and development of counselors is a continuous and lifelong process. Therefore, the aim of this research was to elucidate the growth and development process of family counselors.
Method: This qualitative study employed a qualitative meta-analysis approach. The population under study consisted of Persian and English articles in the field of growth and development of family counselors. In this research, 107 qualitative articles in Persian and English were reviewed, out of which 18 articles were identified as fully relevant. The relevant articles were selected through extensive searches in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, NoorMagz, and Magiran. Data analysis was conducted using a systematic review method and the inductive thematic analysis process based on the Thomas and Harden method, which included three stages: open coding, organizing codes into descriptive themes, and finally creating analytical concepts.
Findings: The thematic analysis of the qualitative studies led to the identification of 4 main themes, 13 subcategories, and 230 sub-subcategories. The main themes included "Initiation and Orientation; Activity and Exploration; Transition and Follow-up; Integration and Synergy." The subcategories included: "Non-professional Assistance; Beginner Student and Self-Doubt; Understanding Philosophy and Enhancing Professional Knowledge; Basic Level Performance; Entering the Internship Path and Receiving Supervision; Labeling Oneself as a Professional Specialist; Novice Professional Performance; Contextual Understanding of the Professional Community; Experienced Professional Performance; Deepening Personal and Professional Reflection; Integration of Personal and Professional Self; Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement; Mission-Centricity."
Conclusion: The findings indicated that a sense of responsibility and self-confidence during training helps counselors find their unique voice in the profession and achieve integration between their personal and professional selves.
Jamshid Jarareh, Mohammad Hossein Babazadeh,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of defense management strategies based on Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) in reducing anxiety and depression among students. The research design was quasi-experimental, utilizing a pre-test and post-test approach with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all students enrolled at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University in Tehran during the academic year 2023-2024. The sample comprised 14 participants, selected through convenience sampling and through an initial clinical interview, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=7) and a control group (n=7). Participants completed the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories before and after the experimental interventions. The experimental group participated in six sessions of defense management strategies based on ISTDP, while the control group received no specific intervention. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings indicated that defense management strategies based on ISTDP significantly reduced anxiety and depression among the students (p < 0.05). These results suggest that employing defense management strategies based on ISTDP can be effective in alleviating anxiety and depression in students. It is recommended that these strategies be utilized to help students achieve a better self-understanding, thereby reducing their anxiety and depression.
Mrs Motahareh Norouzi, Dr Mohammad Sajjad Seydi, Dr Alireza Rashidi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Empty nest syndrome is a type of feeling of sadness and loneliness that parents or caretakers may experience after their children leave home for the first time. In order to cope with these feelings and the challenges that arise for parents involved in the empty nest syndrome, it is necessary to identify coping strategies with high psychological well-being conditions. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating coping strategies of individuals involved in empty nest syndrome with high psychological well-being conditions. The research method was qualitative based on Phenomenology. The study population consisted of parents dealing with empty nest syndrome in Islam Abad Gharb city in 1402. In the first stage, 137 individuals responded to the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Dahashiri et al., 1392) using convenience sampling, of which 23 individuals scored above one standard deviation higher than the mean (78.66). Then, through purposive sampling and also based on entry and saturation criteria, 13 individuals were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin method (1990) in open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis of participants' experiences in exploring coping strategies led to the identification of 251 open codes and 39 axial codes, and ultimately three selective codes (individual, family, and social coping strategies). The results indicated that the utilization of effective coping strategies identified by parents dealing with empty nest syndrome with high psychological well-being will help them reduce symptoms of the empty nest syndrome and successfully transition through it.
Ms. Fatemeh Bayat, Dr. Abolfazl Hatami Varzaneh, Ms. Fatemeh Jahanbakhshi,
Volume 24, Issue 94 (8-2025)
Abstract
Aim: In some marital relationships, despite maintaining the structural stability of the family institution, the level of emotional and psychological satisfaction of the spouses remains minimal. This study examines the factors influencing women's persistence in stable yet dissatisfying marriages.Method: The present study employed a qualitative research design using a conventional content analysis approach. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 women who had remained in their marriages for at least 20 years but were dissatisfied with their marital lives.Findings: The content analysis revealed that economic factors, children, family, cultural and social beliefs, individual personality traits, and spouse-related factors were the primary reasons for the continuation of these marriages. Financial dependence, concerns about the future of children, social pressures, lack of essential skills for independence, and positive behavioral changes in the spouse were among the key factors contributing to women's persistence in such conditions.Conclusion: The findings indicate that these factors interact in a complex manner to sustain marriages. Each factor is directly or indirectly interconnected with others, reinforcing their mutual influence. Therefore, any disruption or inadequate management of these domains (such as reduced financial support, lack of trust in children, or increased social pressures) can severely threaten marital stability, potentially leading to deeper crises or even divorce. Consequently, a comprehensive and simultaneous management approach to these factors is essential for maintaining stable marriages.
