Effectiveness of life review therapy on quality of life in the late life at day care centers of Shiraz, Iran: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Life review therapy, used as part of a comprehensive therapy plan for increasing the quality of life of the elderly, helps them to resolve their past conflicts, reconstruct their life stories, and accept their present conditions. The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of life review therapy on the quality of life of the elderly

Methods: The present study was a randomized controlled trial with a pre-posttest design during April to Aug 2014. The study was conducted on 35 members of the elderly day care centers in Shiraz, Iran, that were randomly assigned to two groups [experimental and control]. The subjects in the experimental group attended 8 two-hour sessions of life review therapy. The quality of life of the elderly participants was evaluated before, immediately, one month, and three months after the intervention using the quality of life questionnaire [WHOQOL_BREF]. Data analysis was conducted through SPSS version 22, using statistical tests including Chi-square, repeated measures test and T-test, with the significance level of 0.05

Results: The results of the study showed that life review therapy interventions significantly improved the quality of life of the elderly [P<0.05]. Moreover, group interaction with passage of time was also significant, which indicates that the pattern of changes has been different between the two groups

Conclusion: The findings of the study confirm the research hypotheses, showing that the application of life review is effective and viable. It is recommended that all nursing homes and even the families of the elderly should employ this convenient, inexpensive, quick, and practical method

Relationship between body image and psychological well-being in patients with morbid obesity

Background: Morbid obesity is rising around the world. It can cause unpleasant appearance and body image. Most of the studies have aimed to evaluate the psychopathology of overweight and obesity and paying attention to mental well-being in morbid obese individuals is rare. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between body image and psychological well-being in morbid obese patients

Methods: This cross-sectional study, using simple random sampling method, was done on 124 morbid obese patients who referred to obesity clinic in Shiraz from 2016 to 2017. The data were collected by body image index and psychological well-being questionnaire. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient test, ANOVA, and Regression analysis

Results: The results showed a significant relationship between body image and psychological wellbeing [r=0.43] [P<0.001], and between the total score of the body image and all the subscales of psychological well-being except autonomy and purpose in life [P<0.05]. There was also a significant relationship between the total score of psychological well-being and all the subscales of body image [P<0.05]. However, there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the body image and those of psychological well-being in different categories of body mass index [BMI] [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Final results indicated that body image defects caused by obesity could lie in negative psychological well-being in all aspects. This study can promote health clinicians' knowledge in supporting of mental status of obese individuals. It is suggested that preventing and supporting intervention should be performed as effective methods for encountering and coping with psychological effects of obesity

Changes in daily life of Iranian patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a qualitative study

Background: Although Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator [ICD] saves the life of patients with life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias, it causes various challenges in their life span. Considering the increase in the number of ICD users, more knowledge is required regarding changes in the patients' life after device implantation. The aim of this study was description of changes in daily life of patients after ICD implantation

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through content analysis method. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. They included 3 women and 9 men whose ages ranged from 24 to 74 years, with the mean age of 42.58+1.55 years. They had implanted ICDs in order to treat life-threatening dysrhythmias. The study data were collected through interview and field notes from November 2013 to October 2014. The data were simultaneously analyzed using constant comparative analysis

Results: Through analysis of the study data, 2 categories were emerged representing dimensions of changes in daily life of the patients with ICD. These categories were changes in the social role and familial challenges after implantation. Change in social role included the following subcategories: "Change in manifestation of routines", "Shift in leisure time", "Change in job and education status", and "Change in interaction between the patient and society members". In addition, familial challenges after implantation consisted of 2 subcategories, namely "Difficulty in marriage" and "ICD implantation and a range of familial changes"

Conclusion: The study findings can be of great importance in nurses' clinical practice for providing the patients with holistic care, education, support, and follow-up. They can also be used as a guide assisting clinical treatment of the patients with ICD

effect of emotional focused intervention on spousal emotional abuse and marital satisfaction among elderly married couples: a randomized controlled trial

Background: This study examined the impacts of an Emotional Focused Intervention on emotional abuse behaviors and marital satisfaction among the elderly married couples

Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was carried out in Shiraz-Iran, during September 2013-2014. The elderly couples were invited to join an emotional focused intervention, following the advertisement and announcement on bulletin boards in the elderly day clinic centers and all governmental primary health care centers. Then, 57 couples [114 participants] who were eligible for study were assigned in two groups by block randomization [29 in the experimental and 28 in the control group[.The couples in the experimental group received intervention twice a week for four weeks. Each session lasted 90 minutes. The control group didn't receive any intervention and the subjects were put in the waiting list. The outcome measures were evaluated by Multidimensional Measure of Emotional Abuse Questionnaire [MMEAQ] and Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire for Older People [MSQFOP]. Repeated measurement ANOVA was used to detect any significant changes between groups in their mean scores of emotional abuse behaviors and marital satisfaction from pre- to post-test, and 3 months after the intervention. Analysis of data was performed using SPSS, version 19, and P

Results: The mean duration of marriage was 39.56+/-9.64 years. In the experimental group, the abusive behaviors decreased significantly [P<0.001] at times 2 and 3 compared with time 1, and marital satisfaction improved significantly only at time 3 [P<0.001]. These differences were not significant in the control group

Conclusion: Emotion-focused couple-based interventions are helpful in reducing the spousal emotional abuse and improving marital satisfaction in among the elderly couples

Social well-being and related factors in students of school of nursing and midwifery

Background: According to the World Health Organization viewpoint, social well-being is an important dimension of health along with physical and mental aspects. Evaluation of social wellbeing is necessary in students, especially in medical sciences students due to future responsibility as health care professionals. The present study attempted to investigate the level of social well-being, five domains of it [like actualization, integration, contribution], and some related factors in the school of nursing and midwifery students

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between Julys to December 2015 and comprised 346 students in the school of nursing and midwifery in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Social well-being, socio-demographic status and physical activity were measured by valid questionnaires. Univariate linear regression analysis, multiple imputation method, ANOVA and independent sample t-test were used as different statistical methods. The P values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant

Results: The mean score of social well-being was 50. The minimum and maximum scores of social well-being were 20 to 100. Married students had higher social well-being than single students in univariate linear regression [Beta: 2.111, 95% CI: [0.387 to 3.738], P=0.017]. Also, social integration had higher scores in married students [P=0.015]. Social actualization was higher in male students [P=0.015]; on the other hand, social contribution was higher in female students [P=0.026]

Conclusion: The results of our study showed that social well-being status of students in this research was not satisfactory. Designing and conducting programs for promotion of social well-being, for example preparing facilities for marriage of students, can be helpful. Evaluation of social well-being in students of other schools with multicenter studies seems to be useful

Dynamics of self-directed learning in M.Sc. nursing students: a qualitative research

Introduction: Working in the complex and ever changing healthcare settings forces the nurses and nursing students to be equipped with lifelong learning skills. One of the lifelong learning skills is self-directed learning. This study aimed to explore the M.Sc. nursing students' self-directed learning activities

Methods: A qualitative design using conventional content analysis approach was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve Iranian M.Sc. nursing students who were selected using purposive sampling

Results: Data analysis indicated that the M.Sc. nursing students performed different activities in their self-directed learning. These activities were categorized into four main themes and ten subthemes. The main themes were [sensory perceptions], [knowledge construction], [problem-centered orientation], and [interaction with others]

Conclusion: According to the findings, the M.Sc. nursing students performed different intellectual and experiential self-directed activities for promoting their learning. Besides, the students' perseverance and inquisitiveness played an important role in their self-directed learning in the challenging clinical environments

Comparison of the temperament and character of patients referred to cosmetic nasal surgeon in Shiraz hospitals, 2015

Background: Rhinoplasty is the most common cosmetic surgery which has been dramatically increasing in Iran. Currently, Iran is ranked the first in the world in rhinoplasty. In the present study, we aimed to assess the character and temperament traits of the applicants referred to rhinoplasty surgeons in Shiraz, southwest Iran in 2015

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 500 participants among rhinoplasty applicants for case and among students and clerks residing in Shiraz by convenience sampling method in 2015. The two groups were matched regarding the gender, age and educational level. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and temperament and character inventory to assess the four dimensions of temperament [including novelty seeking; harm avoidance; reward dependence; persistence] and the three dimensions of character [including self-directedness; cooperativeness; self-transcendence]. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. Chi- square and t-test were used as appropriated

Results: The mean +/- SD age of the participants was 27.43 +/- 6.6. The results showed a significant difference between the case and control groups with respect to the temperaments of novelty [9.47 +/- 2.80], harm avoidance [9.12 +/- 3.3], persistence [2.69 +/- 1.04], the characters of cooperativeness [15.38 +/- 4.02], and self-transcendence [9.48 +/- 3.41]

Conclusion: Evaluating character and temperament traits in rhinoplasty applicants will be so helpful in identifying and predicting good candidates for such cosmetic surgery. Selecting the ideal patients can not only reduce the costs resulting from rhinoplasty imposed on families and society but also enhance the satisfaction of the patients and the surgeons

effect of family-centered psycho-education on mental health and quality of life of families of adolescents with bipolar mood disorder: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: bipolar Mood Disorder [BMD] is a type of mood disorder which is associated with various disabilities. The family members of the patients with BMD experience many difficulties and pressures during the periods of treatment, rehabilitation and recovery and their quality of life [QOL] is threatened. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of family-centered education on mental health and QOL of families with adolescents suffering from BMD

Methods: in this randomized controlled clinical trial performed on 40 families which were mostly mothers of the adolescents with BMD referred to the psychiatric clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during 2012-13.They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups

Results: the results of single factor multivariate ANOVA/single-factor multivariate analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests showed that the interaction between the variables of group and time was significant [P<0.001]. The mean of QOL and mental health scores increased in the intervention group, but it decreased in the control group at three measurement time points

Conclusion: the study findings confirmed the effectiveness of family-centered psychoeducation program on Mental Health and Quality of life of the families of adolescents with Bipolar Mood Disorder

Pain experience in hemophilia patients: a hermeneutic phenomenological study

Background: pain, as a crucial subsequence of joint hemorrhages in hemophilia patients, is chronic, debilitating, and distracting. This study aimed to describe and interpret pain experiences of hemophilia patients in their lives

Methods: this qualitative study with hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted on fourteen hemophilia patients who had been referred to a hemophilia center affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The study question was "what is the meaning of pain in hemophilia patients' lives? The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and field notes through purposeful sampling. Then, thematic analysis with van Manen's six-step methodological framework was used. MAX.QDA qualitative software package, 2010, was used to analyze the data

Results: the three main themes that emerged in this study were "alteration in physical health", "engagement in psychological problems", and "impairment in social relationships". Alteration in physical health consisted of three subthemes, namely "impairment of physical function", "change in body physics", and "disturbance in sleep quality". In addition, two subthemes including "nostalgia of pain in adults with hemophilia" and "psychological distress" emerged from engagement in psychological problems. Finally, "loss of social activity" and "change in relationships" were related to impairment in social relationships

Conclusion: the present study highlighted alteration in physical health, engagement in psychological problems, and impairment in social relationship as a result of pain in hemophilia patients. Thus, healthcare providers and family members have to pay special attention to these problems. Besides, providing complementary therapy interventions is suggested for reducing these issues

effects of laughter therapy on general health of elderly people referring to Jahandidegan community center in Shiraz, Iran, 2014: a randomized controlled trial

Aging and its social-biological process naturally impair the functions of different body organs and cause progressive disabilities in managing personal affairs and performing social roles. Laughter therapy is an important strategy which has been recommended by experts for increasing health promotion in older adults. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of laughter therapy program on public health of senior citizens. In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 72 senior citizens aged 60 and over referring to Jahandidegan [Khold-e-Barin] retirement community center in Shiraz, southwest Iran during January to February 2014. The participants were assigned into experimental [N=36] and control [N=36] groups. Data were collected using General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-28] and demographic questionnaire. The participants of experimental group attended a laughter therapy program consisting of two 90-minute sessions per week lasting for 6 weeks. We found a statistically significant correlation between laughter therapy program and factors such as general health [P=0.001], somatic symptoms [P=0.001], insomnia and anxiety [P=0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant correlation among laughter therapy, social dysfunction [P=0.28] and depression [P=0.069]. We concluded that laughter therapy can improve general health and its subscales in elderly people

General health in the elderly and younger adults of rural areas in Fars province, Iran

There are critical gaps in assessment and research on health among the elderly living in rural communities. The state of aging and health in rural areas provides a snapshot of our older adults's need to necessary public health measures .The aim of this study was to determine the self-rated general health of adults residing in rural areas and compare the general health of the elderly with younger adults. In this population based study using multistage random sampling, 2259 adults aged [>/= 15 years old] were selected from rural areas of Shiraz, southern Iran. The participants were divided into three age groups: young adults [15-39 years old n=1574], middle aged adults [40-59 years old, n=530], and the elderly [>/= 60 years of age, n=155]. Data were gathered using a translated version of the general health questionnaire [GHQ-28] and analyzed using Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests and ANCOVA analysis. SPSS software, version 16, was used for analysis. 34.8%, 31.6%, 52.3% and 7.7% of the elderly had a probable mental disorder in the somatization, anxiety, social dysfunction and depression categories, respectively. Moreover, 9.7, 7.1, 3.9 and 4.5% of the elderly had a severe mental disorder in the four mentioned subscales, respectively. Compared with younger adults, the elderly showed a significantly higher disorder in all subscales except for anxiety. Our findings showed that chronic disease had a great effect on general health. Screening programs and prevention of chronic disease by the newly established family physician in rural districts can improve the overall community health

Effect of coping strategies training on its use by thalassemia major adolescents: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Thalassemia is a chronic disease with serious clinical and psychological challenges. The incidence of thalassemia in a family member may cause a psychological crisis in all family members and in this case coping strategies are required. This clinical trial study aimed to determine the impact of training coping strategies on their use by major thalassemic adolescents referred to Dastgheib Hospital in Shiraz. In this randomized clinical trial, 87 adolescents with major thalassemia who were randomly assigned to two groups of experiment and control were enrolled. Then the experiment group attended six sessions of coping strategies training program in isolation, each lasting for one and half hour. In order to examine the coping strategies, Jalowice's coping strategy questionnaire was used in three periods including pre-intervention period and one month and two months after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using independent t-test and Chi-square. Mean scores of problem-focused coping strategies in the experiment group increased in one month and two months after the intervention from 45 +/- 12.7 to 54.8 +/- 7.3 and 55.7 +/- 7.2, respectively. Also, the difference in mean scores of problem-focused coping strategies was significant in the two groups [P<0.001]. Furthermore, the difference in mean scores of emotion-focused coping strategies was significantly different between the two groups in two months after the intervention [P=0.007]. Based on the obtained results, teaching coping strategies has improved the use of problem-focused coping strategies and also effective coping with stress and disease problems in patients with thalassemia major. Therefore, it is recommended that authorities should consider this as a part of treatment program

Exploration the supportive needs and coping behaviors of daughter and daughter in-law caregivers of stroke survivors, shiraz-lran: a qualitative content analysis

The period of hospital stay and the first month after discharge have been found to be the most problematic stages for family caregivers of stroke survivors. It is just at home that patients and caregivers actually understand the whole consequences of the stroke. The adult offspring often have more different needs and concerns than spousal caregivers. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the needs of this particular group of caregivers. Therefore, this qualitative content analysis study aimed to explore the supportive needs and coping behaviors of daughter and daughter in-law caregivers [DILs] of stroke survivors one month after the patient's discharge from the hospital in Shiraz, Southern of Iran. This is a qualitative content analysis study using semi-structured and in-depth interviews with a purposive sampling of seventeen daughter and daughter in-law caregivers. The data revealed seven major themes including information and training, financial support, home health care assistance need, self-care support need, adjusting with the cultural obligation in providing care for a parent in-law, and need for improving quality of hospital care. Also, data from the interview showed that daughter and daughter in-law caregivers mostly used emotional-oriented coping strategies, specially religiosity, to cope with their needs and problems in their care-giving role. The results of this qualitative study revealed that family caregivers have several unmet needs in their care-giving role. By providing individualized information and support, we can prepare these family caregivers to better cope with the home care needs of stroke survivors and regain control over aspects of life

How iranian medical trainees approach their responsibilities in clinical settings; a grounded theory research

Background: It seems we are now experiencing [responsibility problems] among medical trainees [MTs] and some of those recently graduated from medical schools in Iran. Training responsible professionals have always been one of the main concerns of medical educators. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research in the literature on [responsibility] especially from the medical education point of view. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim of presenting a theoretical based framework for understanding how MTs approach their responsibilities in educational settings

Method: This qualitative study was conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences [SUMS] using the grounded theory methodology. 15 MTs and 10 clinical experts and professional nurses were purposefully chosen as participants. Data was analyzed using the methodology suggested by Corbin and Strauss, 1998

Results: [Try to find acceptance toward expectations], [try to be committed to meet the expectations] and [try to cope with unacceptable expectations] were three main categories extracted based on the research data. Abstractly, the main objective for using these processes was [to preserve the integrity of student identity] which was the core category of this research too. Moreover, it was also found that practically, [responsibility] is considerably influenced by lots of positive and negative contextual and intervening conditions

Conclusion: [Acceptance] was the most decisive variable highly effective in MTs' responsibility. Therefore, investigating the [process of acceptance] regarding the involved contextual and intervening conditions might help medical educators correctly identify and effectively control negative factors and reinforce the constructive ones that affect the concept of responsibility in MTs

effects of discharge plan on stress, anxiety and depression in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Angioplasty is one of the most common methods for treating coronary artery diseases. However, a large number of those undergoing this treatment face psychological problems that negatively affect the quality of their life and recovery. We aimed to determine the effects of discharge planning on stress, anxiety, and depression in patients undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [PTCA]. In this randomized controlled trial, 80 candidates for PTCA during January to April 2013 were randomly assigned to equal experimental and control groups. The patients in the experimental group participated in two training sessions before and after the procedure and an informative booklet was used for their training. These patients were followed by phone during the two weeks after discharge. The depression anxiety stress scale [DASS-21] was completed by all subjects upon admission, at discharge, and one month after discharge. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 18. t test was used as appropriated. The experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease in their stress, anxiety and depression a month after receiving the planned discharge [P<0.001]. Although scores of stress [P=0.696], anxiety [P=0.110], depression [P=0.073] of the experimental group did not differ significantly on the day of discharge, the decrease was considerable compared with that of the control group. Using a planned discharge program in patients undergoing PTCA lowered their stress, anxiety, and depression

effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on maternal depression during pregnancy: a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Depression is one of the most debilitating disorders during pregnancy and its recovery and treatment are among the concerns of obstetrics and gynecology experts. The present study aimed to determine the effect of omega-3 supplement on mild depression during pregnancy among primiparous women. In this double-blind clinical trial, 80 primiparous women were randomly divided into 2 groups of omega-3 and placebo. The experimental group received 1 g omega-3 capsules for 6 weeks. The study data were collected by completing Beck Depression Inventory before and 6 weeks after the intervention. The results revealed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean score of depression before and after the intervention [P<0.001]. Besides, the mean difference of depression score before and after the intervention was significantly higher in the omega-3 group [P<0.001]. Considering the study results, using omega-3 supplement is a suitable method for recovery from mild depression during pregnancy with no complications for mothers and infants

effect of conflict resolution training on children's behavioral problems in Shiraz, southern Iran: a randomized controlled trial

There is evidence that marital problems can contribute to child behavior problems. In fact, the way that parents solve their conflicts, such as aggression, physical violence, and poor communication skills, can eventually culminate in aggression and emotional problems in children. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conflict resolution training on children's behavioral problems in a sample of Iranian couples. This randomized controlled trial study was carried out on the couples who referred to counseling centers in Shiraz, Iran. In this study, 56 couples were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to an intervention and a control group. The intervention group received 10 sessions of communication skills training. All the participants filled out conflict resolution questionnaire and Child Behavior Problem Checklist [CBCL]. To analyze the data we used the SPSS statistical software [version 16], using repeated measurement test, paired t-test, and independent t test. In this study, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the demographic characteristics. Also, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the mean score of child behavior problems. Besides, a significant difference was found in the intervention group's mean score of marital conflict in post-test compared to the pre-test; however, no such trend was observed in the control group. Conflict resolution skill training was effective in reducing marital conflict. Also, it showed a slight reduction in the score of child behavior problems after the intervention. But this reduction wasn't statisticaly significant

effect of group reminiscence on the cognitive status of elderly people supported by Ilam welfare organization in 2013; a randomized controlled clinical trial

Cognitive impairments, which are common problems among the elderly people, account for a wide range of aging disorders. Group reminiscence can be used as a profitable therapeutic method for preventing cognitive-behavioral disorders in older adults. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of group reminiscence on the cognitive status of elderly people. This study was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. We enrolled 100 elderly people who were under the support of Ilam Welfare Organization, western Iran in 2013. Balanced block randomization method was used to randomize the participants into intervention and control groups. Elderly people in the intervention group participated in a group reminiscence program consisted of two one-hour sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Data were collected using Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE]. The questionnaire was completed four times by the participants; before, immediately after, two and three months after the intervention. The mean +/- SD of cognitive status scores in the intervention group was 24.66 +/- 3.8 which increased to 25.02 +/- 3.67, 25.04 +/- 3.72 and 24.72 +/- 3.66 immediately after, two and three months after the intervention respectively. The results showed that the changes in the mean scores were statistically significant in the intervention group immediately after the intervention [P=0.001] and at second month [P=0.003] follow-ups. However, we found no statistically significant difference in the intervention group at the mentioned time intervals in this regards [P=1.000]. We concluded that continuous programs of group reminiscence could improve cognitive status of elderly population

effect of fathers' training regarding attachment skills on maternal-fetal attachments among primigravida women: a randomized controlled trial

Fathers' cooperation has been less taken into account in the process of pregnancy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of training the fathers regarding attachment skills on maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida women in 2013. This randomized controlled trial was performed on 150 qualified pregnant women's husbands. The intervention group took part in four 90-minute sessions of maternal-fetal attachment training held once a week. On the other hand, the control group received the routine pregnancy care. Both groups completed Spielberger's anxiety scale and Cranley's questionnaire before and after the intervention. Then, the data were analyzed using paired and independent t-test. Besides, P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The intervention group's mean score of attachment was 55.98 +/- 6.99 and 61.90 +/- 5.41 before and after the intervention, respectively. The results of paired t-test revealed a significant difference between the intervention and the control group regarding their mean scores of attachment before and one month after the intervention [P<0.001]. Additionally, the results of independent t-test showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the five dimensions of the questionnaire, namely interaction with the baby [P<0.001], acceptance of maternal role [P<0.001], differentiation between oneself and the baby [P<0.001], attribution of some features to the baby [P=0.01], and self-devotion [P=0.01]. Training the fathers regarding the attachment behaviors and skills led to an increase in the maternal-fetal attachment scores. Thus, paternal training should be considered in pregnancy care programs

effect of conflict resolution training on marital satisfaction in couples referring to counseling centers in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Marital conflicts are among the most common problems in today's society. Conflicts are unavoidable since people have different viewpoints, personalities, and goals. Marital conflicts can ultimately lead to divorce. This study aimed to assess the effects of conflict resolution training on marital satisfaction in a sample of Iranian couples. This interventional and clinical trial was performed in 2011 in the counseling centers of Shiraz, southern Iran. 56 couples, having the necessary inclusion criteria, were randomly selected using the convenient sampling method. These couples had moderate to severe scores of conflicts [>60] according to the marital conflict questionnaire. The participants were divided into experimental and control groups, using random block allocation. Then the experimental group was randomly subdivided into three groups. The experimental group received 10 sessions of conflict resolution skills training, twice a week, lasting for 1.5 hours. The level of conflict and marital satisfaction was checked before, immediately, and one month after the intervention in the experimental groups, and before and one month after the intervention in the control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16. Both groups were demographically homogenous with no statistically significant difference. The difference in the mean scores of marital conflict and marital satisfaction before, immediately and one month after the intervention was statistically significant in the experimental groups [P<0.0001] but not in the control group. Conflict resolution training is effective in reducing marital conflicts. Therefore it can be recommended for couples who have marital conflicts