Journal of Counseling Research

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Purpose: In Iranian culture, divorce is considered to be an undesirable phenomenon that brings with it a lot of consequences and serious challenges and concerns for people, especially women. In order to deal with the phenomenon of divorce and the subsequent stigma, divorced women often have to consider coping strategies. The aim of the present study is to clarify the coping strategies of women after divorce. Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis through semi-structured interviews, with 21 divorced women living in the city of Baneh, Iran. Purposive sampling was used and the data collection process continued until data saturation was achieved. Results: The analysis of qualitative data revealed two types of strategies which included adaptable and maladaptive strategies of coping with conditions after divorce. Discussion: The results of the present study revealed that the use of coping strategies among divorced women is different depending on the personal ability, family and social support, and social capital at their disposal. Identifying strategies used by women to deal with conditions of divorce would give a more comprehensive understanding of their needs. Accordingly, empowering divorced women, teaching  them coping strategies, strengthening family support, and providing social opportunities are some measures that results in the enhancement of the coping strategies of divorced women in post-divorce situation.
 

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Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness community based intervention on post-divorce adjustment of divorced women. Method: The statistical populations of this study were all divorced women in Arak city, Iran, who have been divorce for less than 5 years in 2017. 34 women were recruited using convenience sampling and were divided into control and experimental groups (N=17).  Fisher’s divorce adjustment scale (FDAS) (2004) was administered as pre- and post – test for both groups. Experimental group participated in 10 sessions – 2 hours each – community based intervention while control group did not received any treatment. Results: Results show that community-based program was effective on divorce adjustment except for anger and social trust subscale  (p> 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that community based intervention is effective on divorce adjustment and therefore, can be used as a reliable intervention for divorced women. 

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Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop a life skills training based on native Iranian culture and to determine its effectiveness on the happiness and resilience of divorced women. Methods: The research method used was qualitative-quantitative. The statistical population for this research included all divorced women between the ages of 30 and 40 who referred to counseling and psychological services centers of city of Kerman in the first half of 1395 (Persian calendar), among whom 30 were selected thrgouh available sampling method and were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (15 subjects each). To collect data, Conner and Davidson Resilience (2003) and Oxford Happiness (1989) Questionnaires were used. The training program was performed in 11 ninety-minute sessions  in the experimental group, and the control group was placed in the waiting list. The results were analyzed using covariance analysis. Results: The findings showed that the content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated based on the Lavoshe method for 10 experts (0/83), and the content validity index (CVI) based on the Waltz and Bassel methods for this number was 0/80, and based on comparing these values with the acceptable value of both indicators, the content validity of the program is acceptable. Also, the results showed that life skills training had an impact on increasing the happiness and resiliency of the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0/01). Conclusion: According to the results, life skills program (self-awareness, coping with stress, empathy) based on indigenous culture is an appropriate and effective program for divorced women and its implementation can affect the happiness and resiliency of these individuals.

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The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of group therapy based on Acceptance and Commitment  with integrating Acceptance and Commitment therapy and compassion Focus Therapy on the psychological well-being of divorced women.The research method  was quasi-experimental based on a pre-test, post-test design and follow-up with control group. The statistical population were divorced women who were referred to Ameneh Family Counselling Center in Tehran, during of 2016-2017 years. The sample included 32 divorced women who were selected by available and purposive sampling method in three group (2 experimental groups and 1 control group) including12 persons in each group. The first experimental group was received 10 sessions of ACT techniques and second experimental group was received 10 sessions of CFACT techniques (weekly 120 minutes’ sessions), but the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instrument was Reyf’s Psychological well-being Scale (RSPWB). Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance with repeated measures. The results indicated that both Acceptance and Commitment therapy and integration  of ACT with CFT on psychological well-being of divorced women were significantly effective. Also efficacy of CFACT on increasing of psychological well-being divorced women was better than ACT. Regarding the findings, the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy And integration of ACT with CFT  is an effective treatment for  promoting of psychological well-being of divorced women.
Keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy, Compassion focus therapy, Psychological well-being, Divorced women