Determining the effectiveness of counseling based on Glasser's choice theory on reducing marital instability and marital dissatisfaction in women
Design
A controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, single-blind, randomized, on 30 couples. The rand function of Excel software was used for randomization.
Settings and conduct
This study will be conducted in health-treatment centers in Ahvaz. After randomly selecting eligible individuals, questionnaires will be completed and the intervention group will receive counseling. In this study, therapists will not be aware of the allocation of individuals to groups.
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Not suffering from other mental disorders such as psychosis; paranoid disorders; suicidal thoughts; not receiving any other treatment until the end of the treatment sessions; referring to one of the counseling centers in Ahvaz; giving informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria: Simultaneously receiving similar marital counseling, absence of marital problems, suffering from diagnosed severe psychiatric disorders
Intervention groups
The intervention group in this study will receive family planning counseling. This counseling will be provided to improve couples' relationships and increase awareness about contraceptive methods.
The control group will not receive any counseling and only their demographic information will be collected.
The effectiveness of counseling based on Glasser's choice theory on reducing marital instability and marital dissatisfaction among married women.
Public title
The effectiveness of counseling based on Glasser's choice theory on reducing marital instability and marital dissatisfaction among married women.
Purpose
Education/Guidance
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Not suffering from other mental disorders such as psychosis, paranoid disorders, suicidal thoughts, etc.
Not receiving any other treatment until the end of the treatment sessions
Married woman
Referring to one of the counseling centers in Ahvaz
Informed consent to participate in the research
Exclusion criteria:
Receiving similar marital counseling at the same time
Diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders
Absence of marital problems
Age
From 20 years old to 50 years old
Gender
Female
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
Outcome assessor
Data analyser
Data and Safety Monitoring Board
Sample size
Target sample size:
30
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
In this study, a block randomization method was used using statistical software.
The randomization unit was the individual and participants were stratified based on age and duration of marriage.
Randomization sequences were generated using SPSS software and allocation concealment was performed using sealed envelopes.
Allocation details were kept hidden from participants and evaluators until the end of the intervention.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Single blinded
Blinding description
In this study, single-sided blinding will be applied.
The outcome assessor and data analyst will not be aware of the assigned group of each participant.
Information about the intervention will be visible only to the intervention administrator.
The blinding process will be maintained until the end of the data analysis.
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Parallel
Other design features
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch
Street address
Islamic Azad University Ahvaz Branch، Farhangshahr، Golestan Highway
City
Ahvaz
Province
Khouzestan
Postal code
3733361349
Approval date
2025-08-02, 1404/05/11
Ethics committee reference number
IR.IAU.AHVAZ.REC.1404.288
Health conditions studied
1
Description of health condition studied
Marital instability and marital dissatisfaction in married women
ICD-10 code
Z63.0
ICD-10 code description
Problems in relationship with spouse or partner
Primary outcomes
1
Description
Marital satisfaction
Timepoint
At the beginning of the study (before the intervention began) and two months later (when the intervention ended)
Method of measurement
Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire
Secondary outcomes
1
Description
Marital satisfaction
Timepoint
At the beginning of the study (before the intervention began) and two months later (when the intervention ended)
Method of measurement
(Marital Instability Index (MLL))
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention group: The intervention group receives educational and counseling sessions designed to increase marital satisfaction. These sessions focus on improving couples' communication skills, resolving conflicts, and increasing intimacy. Information about birth control and family planning methods is also provided. The goal is to empower couples to make informed and responsible decisions about family planning and increase satisfaction with their lives together.
Category
N/A
2
Description
Control group: The control group is a group of couples who do not receive any intervention or special training and continue their normal lives. These individuals are considered as a control group to compare the effect of the interventions on the intervention group with normal conditions. The control group couples are similar to the intervention group couples in terms of demographic characteristics and other relevant factors.
Category
N/A
Recruitment centers
1
Recruitment center
Name of recruitment center
Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Unit
Full name of responsible person
Reza Sadeghi
Street address
Islamic Azad University Ahvaz Branch، Farhangshahr، Golestan Highway
City
Ahvaz
Province
Khouzestan
Postal code
3733361349
Phone
+98 61 3334 8420
Email
Sadeghi_199@ yahoo.com
Sponsors / Funding sources
1
Sponsor
Name of organization / entity
Islamic Azad University
Full name of responsible person
Pejman Taghipour Birgani
Street address
Islamic Azad University Ahvaz Branch، Farhangshahr، Golestan Highway
City
Ahvaz
Province
Khouzestan
Postal code
3733361349
Phone
+98 61 3334 8420
Email
info@iauahvaz.ac.ir
Grant name
Grant code / Reference number
Is the source of funding the same sponsor organization/entity?
Yes
Title of funding source
Islamic Azad University
Proportion provided by this source
100
Public or private sector
Public
Domestic or foreign origin
Domestic
Category of foreign source of funding
empty
Country of origin
Type of organization providing the funding
Academic
Person responsible for general inquiries
Contact
Name of organization / entity
Islamic Azad University
Full name of responsible person
Reza Sadeghi
Position
Associate Professor
Latest degree
Ph.D.
Other areas of specialty/work
Family Counseling
Street address
Islamic Azad University Ahvaz Branch، Farhangshahr، Golestan Highway
City
Ahvaz
Province
Khouzestan
Postal code
3733361349
Phone
+98 61 3334 8420
Email
Sadeghi_199@ yahoo.com
Person responsible for scientific inquiries
Contact
Name of organization / entity
Islamic Azad University
Full name of responsible person
Reza Sadeghi
Position
Associate Professor
Latest degree
Ph.D.
Other areas of specialty/work
Family Counseling
Street address
Islamic Azad University Ahvaz Branch، Farhangshahr، Golestan Highway