Marital conflict

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on marital conflict and quality of life in veterans of the Iran-Iraq war. The research was a quasi-experimental design using pre-test and post-test with a control group. The statistical population of this study included all veterans who referred to the counseling center of the Foundation of Martyrs in Mashhad in 2022. Using purposive sampling based on the initial questionnaire scores, 30 individuals were selected and randomly assigned to two groups of 15 participants, experimental and control. Kansas Marital Conflict Scale (KMCS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL-BREF) questionnaire were used to measure marital conflict and quality of life, respectively. One-way and multivariate analysis of covariance tests were used for data analysis. The results showed that ACT was effective in reducing marital conflict (P=0.001, F=15.993) and improving quality of life (P=0.001, F=67.934) in the research sample. These findings suggest that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be used to reduce marital conflicts and improve the quality of life of veterans in clinical settings.

Aim: the present paper aims at investigating the mediating role of marital conflict about work-family conflict and working women’s job burnout. Method: this research is a descriptive-correlation study. The sample includes 200 women working in Tehran hospitals in 1400, who were chosen through convenient sampling method. In order to collect data, a questionnaire about work-family conflict, job burnout, and marital conflict was used. Moreover, in order to analyze the data, Pearson’s coefficient of correlation was used and AMOS-24 and SPSS-25 were used for path analysis. Results: results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between marital conflict and job burnout (β=0.391, P˂0.001). Work-family conflict also has a significant positive relationship with marital conflict (β=0.221, P˂0.001). According to regression and path analysis, work-family conflict cannot prognosticate job burnout on its own and can express job burnout changes through marital conflict (β=0.086, P˂0.001). Conclusion: due to their traumatic workplace, working women fall under the influence of work stress, which shall lead to job burnout if marital conflict heightens.

Research in the field of psychological issues of women teachers is one of the basic activities that has a multifaceted effect on the condition of women, families, and students.The purpose of this study was investigating the relationship between virtual education activity of woman teachers and family function, marital conflict and boredom in COVID-19 quarantine.MethodThe research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population included all woman teachers in Mashhad, Tabadakan district which 390 people were selected by available and voluntary sampling method. The required information was collected through the Epstein et al, Family Functioning Scale( 1983), the Sanai and Barati Marital Conflict Scale (2003) and the Pinnes Marital Boredom Scale (1996). Pearson correlation test and regression analysis were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 21ResultsFindings showed that there is a significant relationship virtual education activity of woman teachers and family function, conflict and Marital Boredom in corona quarantine virtual education (p <0.05) and the variable of virtual education activity is able to measure family function, marital conflict and boredom.ConclusionConsidering that, in the future, virtual education is a part of educational programs, it is suggested to pay attention to the empowerment of women teachers in virtual education and to formulate methods of virtual education that are compatible with the functions of the family in order to improve the quality of family functioning and reduce marital conflict and burnout among woman teachers

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a combination of emotion-oriented and solution-focused therapy on anger and marital adjustment in women with marital conflict. Methods: This study was applied in terms of purpose and semi-experimental data collection method with pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included women with marital conflicts in Tehran in 2019. Thirty women with marital conflicts were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent 10 sessions of combined emotional and pathological therapy for two and a half months, while the control group did not receive the present intervention. The questionnaires used in this study included the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ), Anger Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ). The data were analyzed using covariance analysis. Results: The results showed that the combination of emotion-oriented and solution-focused therapy on anger management (P 000 0001; Eta = 0.41; F = 12.71) and marital adjustment (P 000 0001; Eta = 0.45; 15.25 F) Women are affected. Conclusion: Considering the significant effect of combination therapy based on emotion and solution, it is recommended to use this combination therapy in order to improve marital adjustment and anger of women with marital conflicts.

Aim: The present study investigated the moderating role of interpersonal mindfulness in the link between interpersonal sensitivity and marital conflict.Method: The Research method is a descriptive-correlation type of structural equation modeling. The statistical population consists of married students of Alzahra and Tehran University, and 182 people were randomly selected by sampling by multi-stage cluster method. Questionnaires on interpersonal mindfulness (IMS), interpersonal sensitivity (ISS), and marital conflict (MCQ) were given them. Statistical data analysis at the descriptive and inferential levels was performed with SPSS and Smart-PLS 3. Result: Partial least square-structural equation modeling showed a significant positive association between interpersonal sensitivity and marital conflict (β= .43, t= 6.47 > 2.58, p < 0.001) and the interaction effect of interpersonal mindfulness and interpersonal sensitivity had a significant relationship with marital conflict (β = .15, T-values= 2.43, p < 0.05. Thus, the moderating role of interpersonal mindfulness in the link between interpersonal sensitivity and marital conflict was confirmed.Conclusion: couples with a high level of interpersonal sensitivity are likely to experience more marital conflict, and the predictive effect of interpersonal sensitivity on marital conflict   is significantly weakened by increasing the level of interpersonal mindfulness, thus interpersonal mindfulness plays a moderating role in the link between interpersonal sensitivity and marital conflict. Therefore, interpersonal mindfulness training is suggested to family counselors to reduce conflicts and marital problems in couples who suffer from interpersonal sensitivity. In addition, The findings of this research can provide valuable information for families, psychologists, and society.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of schema-focused couple therapy and emotion-focused couple therapy on marital offense forgiveness in couples with marital discrepancies in Ilam city. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The study population comprised 105 couples who sought counseling in Ilam during the second half of the year 2021. From this population, 30 couples were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to three groups: emotion-focused intervention (10 couples), schema-focused intervention (10 couples), and a control group (10 couples). The emotion-focused group received Johnson's training package (2012) over 9 sessions, and the schema-focused group received the Young, Klosko, & Weishaar package (2003) also over 9 sessions. The control group did not receive any intervention. The research instrument used was the Marital Offense Forgiveness Scale by Paleari, Regalia, and Fincham (2009). Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Findings: Schema-focused couple therapy had a significant effect on marital offense forgiveness (F = 5.85, p = .025). Emotion-focused couple therapy also had a significant effect on marital offense forgiveness (F = 5.81, p = .045). These effects were reported to be stable at the follow-up stage. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of schema-focused couple therapy versus emotion-focused couple therapy on marital offense forgiveness. Conclusion: Both schema-focused and emotion-focused couple therapies are effective methods for enhancing marital offense forgiveness in couples with marital discrepancies.

Objective: Marital conflict is one of the serious problems in couples' interactions, which is considered as the cause of marital infidelity or divorce in many cases. This research was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of schema therapy and emotion focused therapy on the attitude towards marital infidelity of people with marital conflict. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with two experimental groups and a control group along with a follow-up test period. From the statistical population of women referring to the clinics of the 1st district of Tehran, 45 people were selected using the available method and replaced in three groups using a random method. Whatley's marital infidelity questionnaire (2006) was used. First, the pre-test of the attitude towards extrapolation was implemented for all three groups, then schema therapy (Yang, 2003) and emotion focused therapy (Greenberg, 2004) were implemented for the experimental groups, but no intervention was applied for the control group; Finally, the post-test and the follow-up test were performed for all three groups. Findings: The results of the repeated measurement test showed that both schema therapy and emotion focused groups are effective in reducing attitudes towards marital infidelity (f=8.447 and p=0.001). Bonferroni's post hoc test showed that there is no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two schema therapy and emotion focused approaches. Conclusion: To improve the attitude towards marital infidelity of people with marital conflict, it is suggested to use both schema therapy and emotion focused interventions.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a strength-based intervention on altering attitudes toward marital infidelity and enhancing sexual self-concept among women experiencing marital conflict. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 30 women from the Mehravar Counseling Center in Tehran, divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention consisted of eight 75-minute sessions based on strength-based principles. Data were collected at three points using the Attitudes Towards Infidelity Scale (ATIS) and the Sexual Self-Concept Inventory (SSCI). Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with repeated measurements and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, utilizing SPSS-27. Findings: The intervention group showed significant improvements in both measured outcomes. Attitudes toward marital infidelity decreased from a pre-test mean of 42.53 (SD = 5.67) to 37.82 (SD = 5.12) at follow-up. Sexual self-concept increased from a pre-test mean of 30.88 (SD = 4.45) to 35.64 (SD = 3.72) at follow-up. The ANOVA results revealed significant time effects and time x group interactions for both variables (p < .001). Conclusion: The strength-based intervention was effective in significantly improving attitudes toward marital infidelity and sexual self-concept among women with marital conflicts. These findings suggest that such interventions can be beneficial in marital counseling settings, offering a promising approach for enhancing marital satisfaction and individual well-being.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between child ADHD symptoms and maternal quality of life, considering the mediating roles of marital conflict and mother-child conflict. Methods: The research method is descriptive and correlational. The statistical population consists of all mothers of elementary school children in Rasht city during the 2019-2020 academic year. Using convenience sampling, 160 mothers were selected. The World Health Organization Quality of Life – Short Form (1996), the Child Symptom Inventory (Parent Form) by Sprafkin, Lani, and Gadow (1994), the Marital Conflict Questionnaire by Barati and Sanaei (2000), and the Pianta Parent-Child Relationship Scale (1994) were utilized. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings: The results indicated that child ADHD symptoms alone do not have a significant relationship with maternal quality of life (P > 0.05). However, marital conflict has a significant negative relationship with quality of life (P < 0.05), and mother-child conflict also has a significant negative relationship with quality of life (P < 0.05). Furthermore, marital conflict and mother-child conflict mediate the relationship between child ADHD symptoms and maternal quality of life (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the presence of child ADHD symptoms, when combined with the mediating factors of marital conflict and mother-child conflict, negatively impacts maternal quality of life. Additionally, both marital conflict and mother-child conflict directly negatively affect maternal quality of life.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to predict marital satisfaction in married women based on cognitive emotion regulation strategies with the mediating role of resilience. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed a structural equation modeling approach. The statistical population included all married women experiencing marital conflict who visited clinics and counseling centers in District 5 of Tehran in 2021. From this population, 250 women were selected using a non-random, convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the Sanaei Marital Conflict Questionnaire (1998), the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (1981), the Garnefski and Kraaij Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (2006), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). The data were analyzed using correlation tests and structural equation modeling. Findings: The results indicated a positive and significant relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and resilience with marital satisfaction (P < 0.01). The findings supported the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and marital satisfaction in married women experiencing marital conflict (P < 0.01). Additionally, the modified model showed a good fit. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that resilience and cognitive emotion regulation strategies play an important role in marital satisfaction. It is essential to consider these critical variables in counseling programs for women experiencing marital conflict.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Paradox Timetable Cure (PTC), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Matrix (ACTM), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) on differentiation and emotional self-regulation in women experiencing marital conflicts. Methods: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. The study sample consisted of 60 women with marital conflicts, selected through purposive sampling from an initial group of 154. The participants were randomly assigned to four groups: PTC, MACT, EFT, and a control group, each containing 15 members. The intervention included ten 90-minute sessions for each therapy group, while the control group received no treatment. Data were collected using the Differentiation of Self Inventory and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for data analysis. Findings: The results indicated significant improvements in differentiation and emotional self-regulation across all three therapeutic approaches compared to the control group. ACTM and EFT were found to be slightly more effective than PTC in enhancing differentiation and emotional self-regulation (MACT and EFT p = .000, PTC p = .004 in differentiation; ACTM and EFT p = .000, PTC p = .001 in emotional self-regulation). Conclusion: All three therapeutic approaches—PTC, MACT, and EFT—were effective in improving differentiation and emotional self-regulation in women with marital conflicts. However, ACTM and EFT demonstrated marginally higher effectiveness compared to PTC. These findings suggest the utility of these therapies in clinical settings for addressing marital conflicts.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a strength-based parenting program in enhancing family cohesion and reducing marital conflicts among parents. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 30 participants (15 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group), all of whom were parents residing in Italy. The intervention group participated in a nine-session, strength-based parenting program delivered over nine weeks, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Both groups completed assessments at three time points: pretest, posttest, and a five-month follow-up. The standardized tools used included the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV (FACES IV) to measure family cohesion and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ) to assess marital conflicts. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS version 27. Findings: The repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant time × group interaction effects for both family cohesion (F(2,56) = 16.63, p < .001, η² = .39) and marital conflicts (F(2,56) = 18.38, p < .001, η² = .41). Post-hoc comparisons revealed that the intervention group experienced significant increases in family cohesion from pretest to posttest (Mean Difference = 6.87, p < .001) and follow-up (Mean Difference = 6.14, p < .001). Similarly, marital conflicts significantly decreased in the intervention group from pretest to posttest (Mean Difference = -10.85, p < .001) and remained lower at follow-up (Mean Difference = -11.19, p < .001), with no significant changes observed in the control group. Conclusion: The strength-based parenting intervention proved effective in promoting family cohesion and reducing marital conflict over time, with sustained benefits evident at a five-month follow-up. These findings highlight the value of strengths-focused approaches in enhancing family relationships and emotional well-being.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Olson's marital enrichment training, Lazarus's multimodal therapy, and Islamic approach-based marital skills training on marital satisfaction and conflicts among couples. Methods: The present study is applied in terms of its objective and quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design, involving three experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population included couples who referred to psychology centers and clinics in Isfahan during the second half of 2023. Among them, 80 participants (40 couples) with low compatibility and dissatisfaction with marital life were selected using a non-random convenience sampling method. They were then randomly and equally divided into four groups of 20 individuals (10 couples per group). The measurement tools included the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (Fowers & Olson, 1998), the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (Sanaei & Barati, 2008), and the intervention packages for multimodal therapy based on Lazarus's approach, Olson's marital enrichment program, and Islamic approach-based marital skills training (Salarifar, 2021). Each experimental group underwent eight 90-minute training sessions. Findings: The results indicated that all three educational-therapeutic packages were effective in reducing conflicts and increasing marital satisfaction. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that qualitative research be conducted to identify the factors contributing to marital dissatisfaction and conflicts. Subsequently, any of these three therapeutic and educational approaches can be utilized for more in-depth resolution of couples' issues.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and metaphor therapy on marital burnout in women with marital conflicts. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design, a control group, and a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population included women with marital conflicts who visited counseling centers in Shiraz in 2023. A total of 60 participants were selected voluntarily and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The research instrument was the Marital Burnout Questionnaire (Pines, 1996, CBM). The educational interventions, based on the cognitive-behavioral approach (Gehart, 2012) and the metaphor-based approach (Coup, 2013), were conducted in eight 60-minute sessions for the two experimental groups. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Findings: The results indicated a significant difference in the posttest and follow-up stages between the control group and the CBT group (p < .001) and the metaphor therapy group (p < .001). The effectiveness of CBT and metaphor therapy in improving marital burnout was 59.6% and 29.7% in the posttest, and 69.2% and 34.8% in the follow-up stage, respectively. Additionally, the findings showed a significant difference between the two experimental groups in both the posttest and follow-up stages, with differences of 26.3% and 37.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that both CBT and metaphor therapy lead to improvements in marital burnout among women. Family therapists can utilize these educational approaches to enhance marital relationships in couples experiencing conflicts.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a structural equation model for predicting marital conflict based on early maladaptive schemas, gender stereotypes, and emotional needs, with the mediating role of coping styles. Methods and Materials: The research adopted a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population included 1,760 married men and women with marital conflicts who had sought counseling services in Tehran in 2024. Using purposive sampling, 500 participants were selected who had been married for at least six months and voluntarily completed six standardized questionnaires: the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ), Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form, Bem Sex Role Inventory (short form), Emotional Needs Questionnaire, Young-Rigg Schema Avoidance Inventory, and Young’s Overcompensation Inventory. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS software through both descriptive and inferential statistics, including path coefficients and indirect effects. Findings: The results showed that disconnection and rejection schema (β = 0.413, p < 0.001), other-directedness (β = 0.214, p < 0.001), avoidance coping (β = 0.217, p < 0.001), and overcompensation coping (β = 0.122, p = 0.010) were significant direct predictors of marital conflict. Emotional needs significantly predicted both avoidance (β = 0.175, p = 0.014) and overcompensation coping (β = 0.246, p < 0.001). Gender stereotypes also played a role, with neutrality negatively predicting marital conflict (β = –0.229, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis confirmed significant indirect effects of impaired autonomy and emotional needs on marital conflict via avoidance coping, and of impaired limits and over-vigilance via overcompensation coping (p < 0.05). However, several indirect paths through gender stereotypes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings support a comprehensive model where early maladaptive schemas, emotional needs, and gender stereotypes predict marital conflict through maladaptive coping styles. These insights can inform schema-based couple therapy by addressing cognitive-emotional vulnerabilities and promoting healthier coping mechanisms in marital relationships.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program based on the Marital Distress Tolerance Model on reducing marital conflicts among conflicting couples in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population included all conflicting couples who visited psychological and counseling centers in Tehran. One center was randomly selected, and 30 couples were chosen through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 couples each). The experimental group received a 9-session intervention based on a structured educational package developed from the causal model of marital distress tolerance, focusing on cognitive flexibility, family health, and social problem-solving skills. Data were collected using the Barati and Sanaei Marital Conflict Questionnaire and a researcher-developed content validity instrument evaluated by experts. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the data through SPSS software. Findings: The results of the MANCOVA indicated that the educational program had a statistically significant effect on all dimensions of marital conflict, including reduced sexual relations (F = 28.438, p < .001), increased emotional reactions (F = 18.448, p < .001), separation of financial matters (F = 29.932, p < .001), reduced cooperation (F = 22.822, p < .001), reduced relationships with spouse’s relatives (F = 18.549, p < .001), increased relationships with one’s own relatives (F = 10.030, p = .005), and increased seeking support from children (F = 65.565, p < .001). Conclusion: The study confirmed that the educational program based on the marital distress tolerance model significantly reduced marital conflicts across multiple dimensions, supporting the model’s applicability in therapeutic interventions for couples experiencing relational distress.