درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the sources that shape mental constructs in the minds of the participants and their strategies for bringing their own lives closer to that of a successful marriage. Methods: This study employs a qualitative method. Research data were collected through 30 in-depth interviews with 15 Tehranian couples. The data were coded using MAXQDA software, version 2020. The number of participants was determined upon reaching saturation. In the first stage of coding, a total of 860 codes or initial concepts were extracted from the interview transcripts. Findings: The findings of the study indicate that mental constructs of marriage are acquired, modifiable, and constructed entities that are the result of family upbringing and parental relationships, the dominant society and culture, and personal experiences after marriage. The strategies provided by participants for maintaining or achieving a successful marriage amounted to 51 suggestions and strategies, with the highest levels of agreement and recurrence around concepts such as patience, mutual respect, learning problem-solving skills, self-restraint, and communication. Conclusion: This study highlights that mental constructs of successful marriage are shaped by family, lived experiences, and societal influences, emphasizing the importance of empathy, mutual respect, and communication for marital satisfaction and stability.

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the strategies and consequences of non-marriage among single men. Methods and Materials: The study was carried out using a qualitative approach and grounded theory methodology. The study population consisted of men whose age ranged between 33 and 45 years, considering the average age of marriage for men in the city of Kazerun in 2023 was 30.9 years. All participants were residents of Kazerun County in Fars Province. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling based on inclusion/exclusion criteria until theoretical saturation was reached (15 participants). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's (1998) grounded theory approach, including open, axial, and selective coding. Findings: In the open coding phase, out of 232 identified codes, 33 open codes related to strategies and 56 open codes related to consequences were extracted. These codes were categorized into different concepts during axial coding. Finally, in the selective coding phase, the main categories and related outcomes of non-marriage were identified. The most significant strategies for not pursuing marriage included improving economic conditions, enhancing mental and physical well-being, developing alternative relationships, and seeking emotional or financial bonds. On the other hand, mental and psychological consequences, objective consequences, and environmental consequences were among the major outcomes associated with prolonged singlehood in men. These included negative emotions such as depression, isolation, wasted time and energy, and economic and social problems. Conclusion: This study revealed that the decision not to marry among men is the result of a combination of psychological, social, cultural, and economic factors that influence individual choices. Based on the findings, it is recommended that social and cultural policies aimed at supporting youth and facilitating marriage are essential. Moreover, identifying and thoroughly examining cultural and social barriers to marriage could help reduce the rate of singlehood and increase the willingness to marry among young people.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions using coaching and self-learning methods on marital satisfaction and couple intimacy. Methods and Materials: This semi-experimental study followed a pre-test–post-test design with a control group and two experimental groups (coaching and self-learning). The statistical population consisted of couples who visited family counseling centers in District 8 of Tehran in 2022 and reported low levels of marital satisfaction and intimacy. A purposive sampling method was used to select 45 participants, who were equally divided into three groups of 15. The coaching group received eight 90-minute cognitive-behavioral sessions, while the self-learning group was given a structured 73-page manual to follow independently over two months. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Thompson and Walker Marital Intimacy Scale. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the results. Findings: ANCOVA results indicated that cognitive-behavioral interventions using the coaching method significantly improved marital satisfaction (η² = 0.30, p < .01) and couple intimacy (η² = 0.372, p < .01), compared to the control group. Similarly, the self-learning method showed significant improvement in marital satisfaction (η² = 0.19, p < .01) and intimacy (η² = 0.23, p < .01), although the effect sizes were smaller. Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral interventions, particularly through coaching, are effective in enhancing marital satisfaction and intimacy. The presence of a coach facilitates deeper understanding, accountability, and behavioral change, making it a more impactful approach compared to self-directed learning.

The present study aimed to evaluate the usability of serious games in increasing visual attention among children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research had a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group with a follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of elementary school students with autism in Tehran in 2024. Using a convenience sampling method, 20 children diagnosed with autism from a specialized autism school were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in 20 sessions of serious game content through computer games but the control group received no interventions. Data were collected using the Visual-Auditory Integration Test before, after, and two months after the intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that serious games had a significant effect on the visual attention of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These results suggest that serious games can improve visual attention in children with autism. Therefore, it is suggested to use such interventions to improve executive functions and academic performance in children with ASD.