QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK
Year:2024 | Volume:12 | Issue:4|Papers Count:6

Introduction: Self-harming behaviors often lead caregivers to feel helpless. Research indicates that staff experiences in managing individuals who self-harm significantly impact recovery and the overall outcome of care. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an acceptance-based emotional regulation training program for deliberate self-harm on the attitudes and knowledge of social emergency staff within a welfare organization. Methods: This research utilized a semi-experimental pre-test/post-test design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all social assistants from the welfare organization in Yazd Province. A total of thirty staff members were selected through convenience sampling, with fifteen individuals randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group participated in eight ninety-minute sessions of the emotional regulation training program based on acceptance (Gratz, 2010), while the control group did not receive any training. Participants completed the self‐harm antipathy scale (SHAS) and staff knowledge and attitudes toward deliberate self-harm in adolescents questionnaires, both before and after the intervention. Results:  Results from the covariance analysis demonstrated that the acceptance-based emotional regulation training program significantly improved(P<0.05) attitudes toward self-harm and its sub-components. However, it did not significantly enhance(P>0.05) knowledge about self-harm. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that negative attitudes toward clients with borderline personality disorder can be modified through targeted training. Nevertheless, additional educational resources are necessary to improve staff knowledge regarding self-harm.

Introduction: The emerging phenomenon of fake divorce is a form of consensual divorce, intended not to separate couples but to achieve other goals, such as obtaining economic and social benefits from being single or divorced. This practice has been increasing in recent years. This research aims to analyze the sociological and economic consequences of fake divorce and to explore the lived experiences of formally divorced women who are pensioners of the Social Security Organization, using a grounded theory approach. Methods: The qualitative research was conducted in Mallard City in 2022. Fourteen divorced women who are pensioners from the Mallard Social Security branch were selected through purposeful and theoretical sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and NVivo 10 software was employed for data analysis. Results: The research findings revealed one hundred seventy-three open categories, fifty-two central categories, and ten selective categories. These were organized into a paradigm model, where the central phenomenon identified was "the feeling of economic and family insecurity in women" who are formal pensioners of the Social Security Organization. Conclusions: Fake divorce and the receipt of alimony have both economic and social implications for women, which can enhance their financial conditions. Additionally, the positive social aspect includes increased empowerment and decision-making capabilities for women. However, there are negative consequences as well, such as rising family conflicts, loss of job opportunities, and deprivation of legal rights as a spouse due to divorce.

Introduction: Non-suicidal self-injury is a prevalent behavior among individuals. While various factors, including family dynamics, are associated with this behavior, there has been limited focus on the mediating factors in this relationship. This study aims to explore the mediating role of anger rumination in the connection between family functioning and non-suicidal self-injury. Methods: This research is fundamental, cross-sectional, and descriptive-correlational in nature. The study population consisted of students from the Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur branch, in 2023. A sample of two hundred fifty-two students was selected through a cluster sampling method. Participants completed the short version of the Family Assessment Device (FAD-SF), the Anger Rumination Scale (ARS), and the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling methods. Results: The findings indicated that family functioning has a significant direct effect(P< 0.05) on non-suicidal self-injury. Additionally, the indirect effect of family functioning on non-suicidal self-injury, mediated by anger rumination, was also significant (P< 0.05). The model demonstrated a good fit, with the following indices: CFI = 0.98, NNFI = 0.98, IFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.95, and RMSEA = 0.057. Conclusions: The results indicated that anger rumination indirectly contributes to the impact of poor family functioning on non-suicidal self-injury. It is important to recognize these psychological factors within the context of psychopathology and to develop prevention and intervention programs targeting them, as this could be beneficial.

Introduction: Addiction negatively impacts a person's life, and due to its chronic nature, relapses are common. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate positive and constructive characteristics that enhance the resilience of individuals in recovery. Character strengths, a concept emerging from positive psychology, can contribute to empowering recovered addicts. The purpose of this study was to develop a character strengths-based intervention program for recovered addicts and to assess its effectiveness on experiential avoidance, happiness, and marital intimacy. Methods: The study was conducted in two parts. The first part focused on the development and validation of the character strengths-based intervention through several stages. The second part employed a multiple baseline design to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness. The study population comprised recovered addicts in Ahvaz, Iran. Five individuals who had recovered from opioid addiction and five who had recovered from stimulant addiction were selected through a voluntary sampling method. Participants completed an experiential avoidance questionnaire, the Happiness Inventory, and an Intimacy Scale. Data were analyzed using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR), Content Validity Index (CVI), Reliable Change Index (RCI), percentage improvement, Conservative Dual Criterion (CDC), and six criteria for evaluating effectiveness. Results: The character strengths-based intervention was found to be valid and significantly reduced experiential avoidance while increasing happiness and marital intimacy among recovered addicts (P> 0.01). Conclusions: These findings have important implications for family and rehabilitation counselors. This intervention can be an effective tool for empowering recovered addicts.

Introduction: Women empowerment is a crucial means of achieving gender equality and improving living conditions for women. Over the past few decades, many government and non-governmental organizations around the world, including in Iran, have pursued empowerment programs. Kerman City is also implementing such programs. This study explores the motivations and reasons behind women's participation in these empowerment initiatives. Methods: This research adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing the data-based method proposed by Strauss and Corbin. Participants were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling, specifically women who had taken part in empowerment programs. In total, fifteen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results: From the data analysis, several categories emerged, including family breakdown, learned hardship, feelings of failure and loneliness, determination, the necessity of work, empathy and support for others, and economic challenges. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the motivations for Kerman women's participation in empowerment programs are grounded in the central themes of environmental determinism and risk-taking. The living conditions and personal characteristics of the women involved provide a conducive environment for their successful engagement in these empowerment initiatives.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Psychodrama Couple Therapy and Integrated Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) in improving dyadic adjustment among couples in Tehran in 2019.  Methods: This semi-experimental study utilized a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all couples who were referred to the Dramatherapy Center of Iran in 2019. The study sample included thirty-six individuals, or eighteen couples, selected through an available sampling method. Data were collected using the Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and analyzed using both single-variable and multivariate analysis of covariance.  Results: The findings indicated a significant difference (P<0.05) in the effectiveness of Psychodrama Couple Therapy compared to Integrated Behavioral Couple Therapy on couples’ dyadic adjustment.  Conclusions: The results suggest that Psychodrama Couple Therapy has a greater positive impact than Integrated Behavioral Couple Therapy across all subscales, including agreement, expression of love, connection, and overall satisfaction among couples. Therefore, Psychodrama Couple Therapy can be recommended for improving dyadic adjustment in couples.