Journal of Counseling Research

Investigating the Relationship Between Sexual Dissatisfaction and Marital Conflicts with Psychological Distress: The Mediating Role of Addiction to Mobile-Based Social Networks Among Married Teachers in Qazvin Province

Shiva Darvishvand , Ahmad Amani — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:58:39 +0000

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual dissatisfaction and marital conflicts with psychological distress, with the mediating role of addiction to mobile-based social networks, among married teachers in Qazvin Province. ▌Methods: This study employed a correlational design using path analysis. The statistical population consisted of all married male and female teachers in Qazvin City during the year 1403 (Iranian calendar). The research sample included 350 married teachers who were selected using convenience sampling. Participants completed the Psychological Distress Questionnaire (Kessler et al., 2002), the Mobile-Based Social Network Addiction Questionnaire (Ahmadi et al., 1395), the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (Shakib et al., 1400), and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (Sanaei, 1387). Data were analyzed using path analysis with SPSS and AMOS software. ▌Findings: Examination of the path coefficients indicated that marital conflict and sexual Examination of the path coefficients indicated that marital conflict and sexual dissatisfaction had positive and direct effects on psychological distress. The significance testing of indirect effects also demonstrated that addiction to mobile-based social networks played a mediating role in the relationship between marital conflict and sexual dissatisfaction with psychological distress. ▌Conclusion: Considering the role of addiction to social media in the development of Considering the role of addiction to social media in the development of psychological distress, it is necessary to incorporate social media addiction into the formulation and content development of intervention programs aimed at treating psychological distress.

Examining the Relationship Between Number of Children and Duration of Marriage with Depression, Anxiety, and General Health in Women with a History of Induced Abortion

Fahimeh Fadakar Davarani, Mojgan karshenas — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:58:45 +0000

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the number of children and duration of marriage with depression, anxiety, and general health among women with a history of induced abortion. ▌Methods: This descriptive–analytical study employed a correlational and comparative design. The study population consisted of 284 married women aged 15–49 years who had experienced at least one induced abortion during the year 1403 (Iranian calendar). Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, 1961), the Cattell Anxiety Scale (Cattell, 1973), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ; Goldberg, 1970). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20, applying one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the chi-square test to examine relationships among variables. ▌Findings: The results of one-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in the mean scores of depression, anxiety, and general health across different levels of the current number of children in the family among women with a history of induced abortion (Depression: F = 2.88, p < 0.05; Anxiety: F = 2.78, p < 0.05; General Health: F = 2.53, p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences were observed in the components of somatic symptoms and anxiety symptoms (Somatic Symptoms: F = 2.85, p < 0.05; Anxiety Symptoms: F = 3.57, p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found in social functioning and depressive symptoms (p > 0.05). Post-hoc test results showed that the mean anxiety symptom score in the childless group was significantly lower than that of women with two and three children (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results of the chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between duration of marriage and the rate of induced abortion (χ²(12) = 21.19, p = 0.048). ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that variables related to family structure and the marital life cycle play an important role in women’s psychological experiences following induced abortion as well as in their decision-making patterns. Accordingly, considering these factors in the design of preventive interventions and counseling programs may contribute to improving women’s mental health and reducing the negative consequences of induced abortion.

The Relationship Between Alexithymia and Marital Instability: The Moderating Role of Communication Patterns

Parichehr Yavarizadeh, Roya Rasouli, Abbas Abdollahi — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:58:52 +0000

▌Aim: Marital instability has been one of the most significant challenges faced by families over the past half century. The present study aimed to examine the moderating role of communication patterns in the relationship between alexithymia and marital instability. ▌Methods: This study employed a descriptive–correlational design and was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all married men and women in Gotvand County, Khuzestan Province. A sample of 203 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Research variables were measured using the Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Christensen & Sullaway, 1985), the Marital Instability Questionnaire (Edwards & Booth, 1987), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (1997). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and SmartPLS software. ▌Findings: The results indicated significant positive relationships between the mutual avoidance communication pattern, the demand/withdraw communication pattern, alexithymia, and marital instability. In contrast, the relationship between the mutual constructive communication pattern, alexithymia, and marital instability was negative and significant. Moreover, the findings showed that the mutual constructive and mutual avoidance communication patterns played a moderating role in the relationship between alexithymia and marital instability, whereas the demand/withdraw communication pattern did not exhibit a moderating effect in this relationship (p < 0.001). ▌Conclusion: Based on the findings, training couples to develop and adopt a mutual constructive communication pattern—given the significant relationship between alexithymia and marital instability—may serve a moderating function in reducing divorce rates.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy on Divorce Tendency and Marital Interactions Among Couples Applying for Divorce

Moein Farokhtaj, Sayed Ali Marashi, Seyed Esmaeil Hashemi — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:58:58 +0000

▌Aim: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy and schema therapy on divorce tendency and marital interactions among couples applying for divorce with less than five years of marital life. ▌Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with two intervention groups (positive psychotherapy and schema therapy) and one control group, conducted across three phases: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all couples with less than five years of marital life who referred to counseling centers in Ahvaz City for divorce applications in the year 1403 (Iranian calendar). The sample included 45 couples who were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (15 couples per group). The control group received no intervention. The positive psychotherapy group participated in eight 90-minute sessions, while the schema therapy group received seven 90-minute sessions. Data were collected using the Divorce Tendency Questionnaire (Rosset et al., 1986) and the Marital Interaction Stability Questionnaire (Gottman, 1999). Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS software. ▌Findings: The results indicated that both schema therapy and positive psychotherapy were effective in reducing divorce tendency and improving marital interactions among couples applying for divorce at the posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.001). Positive psychotherapy was more effective than schema therapy in enhancing marital interactions among couples with less than five years of marital life at both posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.001). However, schema therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness than positive psychotherapy in reducing divorce tendency among these couples (p < 0.01). ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that positive psychotherapy, through strengthening positive emotions and increasing intimacy, is more effective in improving marital interactions among couples applying for divorce. In contrast, schema therapy, by focusing on modifying maladaptive schemas and deep cognitive–emotional patterns, shows greater effectiveness in reducing divorce tendency. Therefore, therapists may select each approach as a targeted and appropriate intervention based on the specific problems and needs of couples.

A Conceptual Model of Factors Contributing to Adolescent Maladjustment in Blended Families Based on Grounded Theory

Maryam Moradian, Eghbal Zarei, Kourosh Mohammadi — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:59:06 +0000

▌Aim: Families are configured in various forms, and blended families represent one type of family structure that can affect adolescents’ psychological well-being. The present study aimed to develop a conceptual model of factors contributing to maladjustment among adolescent boys aged 13–18 years in blended families, based on the conditions and consequences framework of grounded theory. ▌Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a grounded theory approach in 1402 (Iranian calendar). The target population consisted of adolescent boys aged 13–18 years from blended families who were attending school in three educational districts, including Districts 1 and 2 of Shahrekord County and the education district of Gandoman City in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Twelve male students aged 13–18 years were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to the Strauss and Corbin coding method. ▌Findings: Coding of the interview data resulted in the identification of 81 open codes, 24 axial codes, and 6 main categories related to factors contributing to maladjustment among adolescent boys in blended families. The findings indicated that lack of secure attachment emerged as the central category in the development of maladjustment among adolescents in blended families. This category was influenced by causal conditions (life ups and downs), contextual and background conditions (cultural conditions and background), and intervening conditions (characteristics of the stepfamily and the quality of interpersonal relationships). In response to the lack of secure attachment, adolescents employed coping strategies that included certain defense mechanisms (idealization, fantasy, retreating into smartphones/virtual space, and emotional disengagement), which ultimately led to consequences such as academic and psychological problems among adolescent boys in blended families. ▌Conclusion: The findings suggest that adolescents’ vulnerability to maladaptive behaviors in blended families is not solely attributable to the conditions of the blended family itself. Rather, stressful events arising from previous family circumstances and the developmental characteristics of adolescence, in combination with blended family conditions, contribute to adolescent maladjustment.

University Counseling Center Counselors’ Perceptions of Their Role in Preventing Psychoactive Substance Use Among Students

Fatemeh Jalali Najafabadi, Ebrahim Naeimi — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:59:12 +0000

▌Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine university counseling center counselors’ perceptions of their role in preventing psychoactive substance use among students. ▌Methods: This study adopted a qualitative approach and was conducted using thematic analysis. The study population consisted of counselors working in university counseling centers. The sample included 13 counselors with experience in the field of addiction from the counseling centers of the University of Tehran, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Alzahra University, Sharif University of Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran University of Science and Technology, Khajeh Nasir al-Din Tusi University, Isfahan University of Technology, University of Isfahan, University of Tabriz, University of Gilan, University of Shiraz, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Participants were selected using criterion-based purposive sampling. Data related to the research question were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. ▌Findings: Following interview analysis and coding, 30 sub-themes and 9 main themes were identified. These included: counselors’ attention to risk factors; raising awareness among students; raising awareness among influential individuals connected with students; preventive education; therapeutic intervention based on professional frameworks; counselors’ attention to facilitative components in prevention; the effective capacity of universities in prevention; barriers influencing counselors’ attention to prevention; and the role of community-based factors in prevention. ▌Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that although university counseling center counselors emphasize awareness-raising activities and skills training, they place greater emphasis on treatment and secondary and tertiary prevention. In the domain of primary prevention, they considered other factors to be more influential. Therefore, university counseling centers need to take more effective action in primary prevention and expand their efforts in this area. Accordingly, the development of a coherent prevention program and the organization of training courses for counselors by higher-level authorities across all universities are considered essential.

Exploring Vocational Interest Assessment Tools in Iran: A Scoping Review

Youssof Piltan, Mohammad Rabiei, Rezvan Salehi, Mohammad Reza Abedi — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:59:17 +0000

▌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.