The effect of group counseling with an interpersonal approach on depression and improving the marital relationships of betrayed mothers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of group counseling with an interpersonal approach on depression and improving the marital relationships of betrayed mothers. The method of the present study was quasi-experimental (pre-test and post-test) with the control group in terms of data collection. The statistical population of the study included all the mothers of students who were betrayed by their spouses and had a level of education and higher and all of them referred to family counseling centers in district 10 of Tehran during 1400 and asked for counseling services. 15 patients in the experimental group, 15 patients in the control group) were considered as the sample size. Data collection method was based on three questionnaires of mental disorders syndrome Dragotis et al. (1984), Waghan's wife infidelity questionnaire (2008) and a researcher-made questionnaire to improve marital relations by modeling Guttman questionnaire. Analysis of information obtained from the questionnaires was performed through SPSS software in two descriptive and inferential sections (analysis of covariance). The results of data analysis showed that the effect of group counseling with individual intuitive approach on depression of betrayed mothers was 0.170 and the effect of group counseling with interpersonal approach on improving marital relationships of betrayed mothers was 0.202. Group counseling allows women to take more responsibility for their husbands' mistakes and breaches of contract, to face a part of their being that has led to the formation of an illicit relationship, and to change themselves in a way that re-establishes intimacy between themselves and their husbands. The results of this study can also be a guide and help for counselors and specialists in the field of family and community health professionals to help the vulnerable.