Applied Family Therapy Journal
Volume:6 Issue: 1, Spring 2025

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Bowen intergenerational family therapy on reducing marital conflicts and enhancing interpersonal forgiveness.

This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases, incorporating a control group. The statistical population consisted of families who visited the counseling and psychology center in District 1 of Karaj in 2023. Eight families were selected through convenience and voluntary sampling and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, each comprising four families. Data were collected using the Differentiation of Self Inventory, the Forgiveness Questionnaire, and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire. The intervention, based on Bowen intergenerational therapy, was conducted over eight weekly group sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Data analysis involved univariate and multivariate covariance analyses using SPSS software.

The findings revealed that Bowen intergenerational therapy significantly impacted both marital conflicts and interpersonal forgiveness. Specifically, the experimental group showed a marked decrease in marital conflict scores from 154.1 (SD = 11.3) in the pre-test to 139.4 (SD = 10.9) in the post-test, which remained stable at 139.2 (SD = 10.3) in the follow-up phase. Similarly, interpersonal forgiveness scores increased from 78.4 (SD = 5.7) in the pre-test to 114.2 (SD = 9.9) in the post-test and remained at 111.1 (SD = 8.9) during the follow-up phase. These changes were statistically significant compared to the control group, which showed no significant changes.

The study concludes that Bowen intergenerational family therapy is effective in reducing marital conflicts and enhancing interpersonal forgiveness. The findings align with previous research, underscoring the therapy's potential to address relational issues and improve emotional regulation within families.

Considering the significance of population and its optimal growth in Iran, the present study examined the low motivation of young couples for childbearing in Shiraz by developing a conceptual model using a quantitative approach.

This research is applied in terms of its goal. The statistical population of this study includes all young couples without children in Shiraz in 2021 (based on the 2016 census, approximately 14% of couples are childless). According to the population size, the number of questions, Cochran's formula, and the G-power sample adequacy index, the approximate sample size consisted of 300 young childless couples, who were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and based on factor analysis, the conceptual model of factors was explained and extracted. To test the model, the structural equation modeling approach was employed. The software used in this research was SPSS and AMOS.

The results showed significant differences between the component of economic support and the components of personal growth inhibition, body self-concept, semantic attitude, communicative attitude, and social judgment. According to the model's fit indices, it was observed that the X2/df index was equal to 3.70, which is at an acceptable level. Additionally, the values of the RMSEA index were 0.08, CFI was 0.843, FMIN was 3.21, NFI was 0.798, ECVI was 3.70, and IFI was 0.844, all of which were at an appropriate level. Therefore, the model had a good fit.

Based on the research findings, it is recommended that researchers focus on improving attitudes in the areas of body self-concept, social judgment, semantic attitude, and communicative attitudes regarding childbearing.

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of attachment-based play therapy and parent-child relationship-based play therapy on internalizing and externalizing behavioral disorders in children with learning disabilities.

This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. A total of 45 children with learning disabilities were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: attachment-based play therapy, parent-child relationship-based play therapy, and a control group. The study used the Achenbach and Rescorla (2001) Behavioral Disorders Questionnaire to measure internalizing and externalizing behaviors at each stage. Both experimental groups received nine 60-minute therapy sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA to compare the effectiveness of the interventions.

The findings indicated that both attachment-based play therapy and parent-child relationship-based play therapy significantly reduced internalizing and externalizing behavioral disorders in children with learning disabilities, with large effect sizes (η² = 0.864 and η² = 0.773, respectively). Repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA confirmed the interventions' effectiveness (p < 0.001), and Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed significant differences between the experimental groups and the control group, but no significant differences between the two experimental groups. The positive effects were sustained over time, demonstrating the long-term efficacy of both therapeutic approaches.

Both attachment-based play therapy and parent-child relationship-based play therapy effectively reduce internalizing and externalizing disorders in children with learning disabilities, with lasting effects over time.

The present study aimed to examine the structural model of the relationship between parental stress and couples' communication patterns with democratic parenting, with the mediating role of wisdom.

The research method was applied in nature, considering the potential use of the data, and the design was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consisted of parents of elementary school students in Tehran during the 2022-2023 academic year, from which 639 participants were selected through cluster sampling. Data collection tools included the Parental Stress Index by Abidin (1990), the Couples' Communication Patterns Scale by Christensen and Salovey (1984), the Sense of Coherence Scale by Antonovsky (1993), and the Authoritative Parenting Questionnaire by Robinson et al. (2001). The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

The results showed that the stress index, demand/withdrawal, and criticism/defense patterns had a significant negative relationship with authoritative parenting (P < 0.01). Wisdom and constructive interactions demonstrated a positive relationship with authoritative parenting (P < 0.01). Additionally, the results of the modeling indicated that the model had a good fit, and wisdom could mediate the relationship between parental stress, constructive interactions, and demand/withdrawal with authoritative parenting.

The findings showed that the variables of parental stress, couples' communication patterns, and wisdom influence parenting.

The present study aimed to predict marital burnout in individuals married for 5 to 10 years based on attachment styles, with the mediating roles of marital self-regulation and marital intimacy.

Methods and Materials: This study was analytical-correlational in nature, employing path analysis. The sample consisted of 384 married individuals (164 men and 220 women) who were selected through convenience sampling. The participants were aged between 25 and 45, with a marriage duration of 5 to 10 years. Data were collected using validated questionnaires, including the Marital Burnout Scale (Kayser, 1996), the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (Collins & Read, 1990), the Behavioral Self-Regulation for Effective Relationships Scale (Wilson et al., 2005), and the Intimacy Scale (Walker & Thompson, 1983). SPSS and Amos software were used for data analysis, applying structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine direct and indirect effects.

The results indicated that marital self-regulation and intimacy mediated the relationship between attachment styles and marital burnout. Avoidant and anxious attachment styles positively predicted marital burnout, while secure attachment negatively predicted it. Additionally, self-regulation and intimacy were significant mediators, with higher levels of self-regulation and intimacy associated with lower marital burnout. Avoidant and anxious attachment styles negatively influenced self-regulation and intimacy, which in turn increased marital burnout.

The study concluded that attachment styles significantly impact marital burnout, with self-regulation and intimacy playing crucial mediating roles. Individuals with insecure attachment styles (avoidant and anxious) are more prone to marital burnout, whereas secure attachment leads to lower burnout. Interventions aimed at improving self-regulation and intimacy in couples may help mitigate the effects of insecure attachment styles on marital burnout.

The objective of this study is to explore the lived experiences of Zoroastrian-Muslim interfaith marriages in Iranian society, focusing on the challenges, outcomes, and strategies adopted by couples.

This qualitative study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to understand the participants' perspectives. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 male participants involved in interfaith marriages between Zoroastrians and Muslims in Iran. Theoretical sampling was used, and interviews were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, with data saturation achieved after the 13th interview. The Atlas.ti software was used for coding and analysis to derive themes from the participants' narratives.

The findings reveal both positive and negative outcomes of interfaith marriages. Negative consequences include social exclusion, personal dissatisfaction, and emotional stress due to religious and cultural conflicts. These challenges were exacerbated by legal constraints, such as the requirement for non-Muslims to convert to Islam for formal marriage registration. On the other hand, positive outcomes included personal growth, intellectual development, and enhanced social cohesion through exposure to different religious and cultural perspectives. Acceptance of differences and maturity were key factors in successful marriages. Social exclusion and family opposition were prevalent but varied based on gender and minority status.

Interfaith marriages in Iran, particularly between Zoroastrians and Muslims, are fraught with complexities. While many couples experience significant challenges related to social exclusion and cultural conflicts, others find personal growth and mutual understanding through their relationships. These marriages reflect broader societal dynamics, where religious hegemony and legal frameworks play crucial roles in shaping outcomes. The study highlights the need for legal reforms and social support to foster inclusivity in interfaith marriages.

This study aims to examine the structural model of adolescent self-control within the family context, focusing on the contributions of parenting styles, family emotional support, and cognitive flexibility, with rumination as a mediating factor.

Methods and Materials: Using a correlational design, this study targeted a population of adolescents aged 12–18 years attending urban schools in Azarshahr, Iran, in 2023. A sample of 385 adolescents was selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Parenting Styles Questionnaire (Darling & Toyokawa, 1997), Family Emotional Support Scale (Pierce, Sarason, & Sarason, 1991), Cognitive Flexibility Scale (Dennis & Vander Wal, 2010), and Rumination Response Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991). Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS software, applying structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized model.

The findings revealed significant direct effects of parenting styles, family emotional support, and cognitive flexibility on adolescent self-control (p < .05, effect size = .2). Rumination significantly mediated the relationships between these factors and self-control, underscoring its role within this dynamic.

The results indicate that fostering positive parenting styles, supportive family environments, and flexible cognitive abilities can enhance adolescent self-control, with reduced rumination serving as a beneficial mediator. This model highlights the potential of family-centered approaches in promoting adolescent self-regulation.

This study aims to explore the impact of spiritual intelligence and family cohesion on youth addiction prevention.

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and authoritative reports published between 2000 and 2024. Databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords related to spiritual intelligence, family cohesion, and youth addiction. Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining the relationship between these variables and their role in substance abuse prevention among adolescents and young adults.

The review identified several protective mechanisms through which spiritual intelligence contributes to resilience, such as self-awareness, moral integrity, and emotional regulation. Similarly, family cohesion, characterized by effective communication, emotional support, and strong parental bonds, was found to significantly reduce the risk of substance abuse in youth. An interactive effect was observed, where spiritual intelligence and family dynamics together enhanced adolescents’ ability to cope with stress and peer pressure, minimizing the likelihood of engaging in addictive behaviors.

Spiritual intelligence and family cohesion are crucial protective factors in preventing youth addiction. Early interventions that focus on fostering spiritual intelligence and strengthening family relationships can effectively reduce addiction risk. The article emphasizes the need for educational programs and community-based initiatives to promote these protective factors from adolescence.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing negative affect, improving emotional processing, and enhancing psychological hardiness in women experiencing domestic violence.

Methods and Materials: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants, divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention group underwent eight 90-minute ACT sessions over eight weeks, while the control group received no treatment. Outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up stages using validated tools for Negative Affect, Emotional Processing, and Psychological Hardiness. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with SPSS-27.

Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group across all variables. For Negative Affect, mean scores decreased from 3.52 (SD = 0.45) at pre-intervention to 2.89 (SD = 0.39) post-intervention and 2.45 (SD = 0.33) at follow-up (F(1,28) = 30.19, p = 0.001, η² = 0.52). Emotional Processing scores increased from 3.20 (SD = 0.40) to 3.80 (SD = 0.37) post-intervention and 4.25 (SD = 0.31) at follow-up (F(1,28) = 34.38, p = 0.001, η² = 0.55). Psychological Hardiness improved from 3.15 (SD = 0.38) to 3.95 (SD = 0.35) post-intervention and 4.10 (SD = 0.32) at follow-up (F(1,28) = 36.57, p = 0.001, η² = 0.58). The control group showed minimal changes across all measures.

ACT was highly effective in reducing negative affect, improving emotional processing, and enhancing psychological hardiness in women experiencing domestic violence. The results suggest that ACT is a valuable therapeutic approach for this population, with sustained benefits over time.

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.

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.

The results indicated that all three educational-therapeutic packages were effective in reducing conflicts and increasing marital satisfaction.

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.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of body checking behavior and body image in the relationship between emotional regulation and coping styles with binge eating disorder.

The research design was a cross-sectional descriptive study of a correlational nature. The target population consisted of all women visiting clinics in Shiraz, and a sample of 200 women was selected using the convenience sampling method. The measurement tools used in this study included the Body Checking and Body Image Questionnaire, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Coping Styles Questionnaire, and the Binge Eating Disorder Scale. The obtained data were analyzed at both descriptive and inferential levels. In the descriptive section, indices such as mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum scores were calculated. At the inferential level, Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis with structural equation modeling were conducted.

The results indicated that body checking behavior and body image, as mediating variables, create a significant relationship between emotional regulation and coping styles with binge eating disorder. Both emotional regulation and body checking behavior directly and indirectly predicted binge eating disorder. Additionally, coping styles, particularly problem-focused coping, helped reduce binge eating behaviors, whereas emotion-focused and avoidant coping styles had more negative effects on this disorder.

These results emphasize that body image and checking behaviors can increase body dissatisfaction and contribute to the persistence of binge eating disorder.

This study aimed to qualitatively investigate the factors influencing remarriage attitudes in widowed women in Isfahan.

The research employed a qualitative approach using thematic analysis. The research population consisted of widowed women from Isfahan who had experienced the death of their spouse at least three years prior to 2024. The sample size for this qualitative study was 17 participants, determined based on theoretical saturation, and a snowball sampling method was employed. To analyze the data obtained from the interviews, coding was performed using MAXQDA software. After organizing the initial codes, 13 organizing themes and 4 overarching themes were identified.

Based on the findings, the factors influencing remarriage attitudes were classified into four main themes: cultural and social issues, perceptions of the future, emotional and sexual issues, and economic issues. The subthemes under these categories were as follows: the economic issues theme included two subthemes: living below the poverty line and job limitations. The emotional and sexual issues theme included four subthemes: the need for companionship with the opposite sex, the need for sexual relationships, availability of sexual partners, and the duality of fear and need. The perceptions of the future theme included three subthemes: uncertain outcomes, marital stability, and hopelessness about future marriages. The cultural and social issues theme included four subthemes: social deprivation, cultural stereotypes, rebuilding after the loss of a spouse, and gender stereotypes.

This study highlights the complex factors influencing widowed women’s inclination towards remarriage, including economic, emotional, social, and cultural challenges, underscoring the need for tailored support and societal change.

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group compassion training and group choice theory training on mindfulness and needs satisfaction in couples at risk of divorce in Rasht.

This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group, including a follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of couples at risk of divorce who referred to counseling centers approved by the Welfare Organization of Rasht in 2023. A total of 60 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (compassion training and choice theory training) and one control group (20 participants in each group). The research utilized the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale as the main instruments. Both interventions were conducted in eight 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS 26.

The results revealed significant differences in the effectiveness of group compassion training and group choice theory training (p < .01). Group compassion training was found to be more effective than choice theory training in improving mindfulness and needs satisfaction. Both training types significantly impacted mindfulness and needs satisfaction in couples at risk of divorce (p < .01).

Both group compassion training and group choice theory training were effective in improving mindfulness and needs satisfaction among couples at risk of divorce, with compassion training showing greater effectiveness. These findings suggest that compassion training may provide a more suitable approach for enhancing psychological well-being in couples facing marital challenges.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This study aimed to explore how adoptive parents construct their identities and meaning of parenthood following experiences of infertility.

This qualitative research employed a narrative methodology to investigate the lived experiences of 31 adoptive parents residing in Austria, all of whom had previously experienced infertility. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, ensuring diversity in gender, relationship status, and duration since adoption. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic narrative analysis with the assistance of NVivo software. Theoretical saturation guided the cessation of data collection. Data analysis focused on identifying shared themes and patterns in the way participants narrated their transition from infertility to adoptive parenthood.

Three major themes emerged from the data: Redefining Parenthood, Emotional Journey, and Social and Relational Adjustments. Within these categories, participants described subthemes such as letting go of biological ties, reconstructing identity, symbolic rituals, emotional ambivalence, hope and renewal, navigating social stigma, and coping with institutional processes. Participants emphasized the importance of narrative reconstruction, spiritual or moral reframing, and peer support in legitimizing their parental identity. Despite the fulfillment found in adoption, many expressed that emotional residues from infertility persisted, shaping their experience of parenthood in both subtle and explicit ways.

The findings highlight that adoptive parenthood after infertility is a complex, emotionally layered, and socially negotiated process. Narrative identity construction plays a vital role in helping individuals reconcile reproductive loss with the joys and challenges of adoption.

This study aimed to explore how parents in mixed heritage families in Malaysia engage in ethnic-racial socialization and transmit cultural identity to their children within the context of a multicultural society.

Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 parents from diverse mixed heritage backgrounds residing in Malaysia. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and theoretical saturation guided the endpoint of data collection. Interviews focused on participants’ practices, challenges, and perspectives regarding cultural identity transmission in the home. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using NVivo software, employing open, axial, and selective coding to generate a conceptual framework grounded in participants’ narratives.

Five main categories emerged: Cultural Identity Transmission, Language and Communication, Navigating Racial Bias, Family Dynamics, and Community and Social Engagement. Parents engaged in intentional practices such as storytelling, celebration of traditions, and bilingual upbringing to reinforce cultural heritage. They also described emotional and strategic responses to racial bias, as well as negotiation between co-parenting and intergenerational influences. Language was both a bridge and a barrier, shaping identity and familial cohesion. Parents sought external support through cultural events and digital communities to validate and enrich their children’s mixed identities. These findings highlight the emotional labor and adaptive strategies involved in raising bicultural children in socially stratified environments.

Ethnic-racial socialization in mixed heritage families is a complex, multifaceted process involving intentional practices, emotional negotiations, and contextual adaptations. Parents act as cultural mediators, balancing heritage preservation with societal integration.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a strength-based parenting program in enhancing family cohesion and reducing marital conflicts among parents.

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.

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.

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.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a forgiveness-based intervention in enhancing marital commitment and restoring trust among married individuals experiencing relational distress.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 married participants from Indonesia, randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention group received six structured forgiveness-based therapy sessions over six weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Standardized measures of marital commitment and trust were administered at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with SPSS version 27.

Results from repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time × group interaction effects for marital commitment (F(2, 54) = 17.12, p < .001, η² = .39) and trust (F(2, 54) = 19.68, p < .001, η² = .42). Bonferroni post-hoc analyses indicated that both marital commitment and trust significantly increased from pre-test to post-test (p < .001) and were maintained at the five-month follow-up (p < .001), with no significant decline between post-test and follow-up (p > .05).

The therapeutic gains were not only immediate but also sustained over time, supporting the use of structured forgiveness interventions in marital counseling settings. These findings highlight the potential of forgiveness as a valuable tool in relationship repair and emotional healing.

This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of co-parenting quality and parenting stress in relation to child behavioral adjustment among parents in Morocco.

A correlational descriptive design was employed involving a sample of 396 parents selected based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table. Participants completed three standardized instruments: the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to assess child behavioral problems, the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form (PSI-SF) to measure perceived parenting stress, and the Co-parenting Relationship Scale (CRS) to evaluate co-parenting quality. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to examine the bivariate associations between the dependent variable and each independent variable. Multiple linear regression was then conducted to evaluate the joint predictive power of parenting stress and co-parenting quality on child behavioral adjustment, with all assumptions for regression analysis thoroughly checked and confirmed.

Results showed a significant positive correlation between parenting stress and child behavioral problems (r = .56, p < .01), and a significant negative correlation between co-parenting quality and child behavioral problems (r = –.42, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that parenting stress (β = .48, t = 8.60, p < .01) and co-parenting quality (β = –.31, t = –6.75, p < .01) were both significant predictors of child behavioral adjustment. The overall model was significant (F(2, 393) = 129.72, p < .01), explaining 40% of the variance in child behavioral outcomes (R² = .40, Adjusted R² = .39).

The findings highlight the critical roles of both relational and psychological parenting factors in child development. Interventions aiming to reduce parenting stress and enhance co-parenting quality may be effective in improving behavioral outcomes in children, especially in non-Western cultural contexts like Morocco.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental overcontrol and adolescent social withdrawal, with fear of negative and positive evaluation as potential mediating variables.

The research employed a descriptive correlational design and included a sample of 551 Nigerian adolescents selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie table. Data were collected using standardized self-report instruments: the Psychological Control Scale–Youth Self-Report (PCS-YSR) for parental overcontrol, the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE), the Fear of Positive Evaluation Scale (FPES), and the Withdrawn/Depressed subscale of the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated using SPSS-27, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted via AMOS-21 to examine direct and indirect pathways among the variables.

Pearson correlation analysis showed that parental overcontrol was significantly associated with fear of negative evaluation (r = .51, p < .001), fear of positive evaluation (r = .47, p < .001), and social withdrawal (r = .42, p < .001). SEM results confirmed that the structural model had good fit indices (χ² = 146.23, df = 84, χ²/df = 1.74, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.041). Parental overcontrol had significant direct effects on fear of negative evaluation (β = .51, p < .001), fear of positive evaluation (β = .48, p < .001), and social withdrawal (β = .27, p < .001). Both fears significantly predicted social withdrawal (FNE: β = .45, p < .001; FPE: β = .38, p < .001). Indirect effects of parental overcontrol on social withdrawal via FNE (B = 0.19, p < .001) and FPE (B = 0.14, p < .001) were also significant.

These findings highlight that fear of evaluation—both negative and positive—serves as a psychological mechanism linking parental overcontrol to social withdrawal in adolescents, emphasizing the importance of addressing cognitive-affective vulnerabilities in preventive and therapeutic interventions.