The Effectiveness of a Lived Experience based Educational Package on Improving Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Mothers on the Verge of Separation

Research indicates that parents on the verge of separation experience psychological issues, including difficulties in emotion regulation. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a lived-experience-based educational package on improving emotion regulation difficulties in mothers on the verge of separation.

Methods and Materials:

 The research method was experimental, utilizing a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. From among mothers on the verge of separation, referred by the court to counseling centers affiliated with the Judiciary of Isfahan in the first half of 2022, a total of 30 mothers were selected using convenience sampling based on the study's inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 10 sessions of 90-minute training, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. The tools used in the present study included the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (Gratz & Roemer, 2004). Data were analyzed using covariance analysis.

The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the post-test phase (P < 0.05). Additionally, the follow-up results demonstrated that the lived-experience-based educational package had a positive impact on improving emotion regulation difficulties in mothers on the verge of separation (P < 0.05).

The results of the study suggest that the lived-experience-based educational package was effective in improving emotion regulation difficulties in mothers on the verge of separation. Therefore, utilizing this educational and therapeutic approach is recommended to enhance the psychological health and well-being of individuals on the brink of separation (divorce).