The effectiveness of family counseling intervention based on Rumi's spiritual Masnavi stories on improving emotion regulation and marital intimacy
Design
A controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, without blinding, randomized, on 30 patients. The rand function of Excel software will be used for randomization.
Settings and conduct
The statistical population of the present study will include all married master's degree students of Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch. In the sample selection stage, convenience sampling method will be used. After selecting the samples to a size of 30 people, based on the research entry and exit criteria, the participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: "Family counseling based on the stories of Rumi's spiritual Masnavi" (intervention group) and "waiting list" (control group).
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Entry requirements: Being married, being a student at Azad University, having emotional disorders in marital relationships as diagnosed by a psychologist.
Exclusion requirements: Not willing to participate in the research, participating in other psychotherapy sessions simultaneously with the research.
Intervention groups
Intervention group: All individuals who will receive family counseling intervention based on the stories of Rumi's spiritual Masnavi.
Control group: All individuals who will not receive any intervention.
Main outcome variables
Emotion regulation; marital intimacy
General information
Reason for update
Acronym
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number:IRCT20260611069753N1
Registration date:2026-06-15, 1405/03/25
Registration timing:prospective
Last update:2026-06-15, 1405/03/25
Update count:0
Registration date
2026-06-15, 1405/03/25
Registrant information
Name
Zoleykha Jonadeleh
Name of organization / entity
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 61 3333 3333
Email address
zjnadhle79@gmail.com
Recruitment status
Recruitment complete
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2026-07-06, 1405/04/15
Expected recruitment end date
2026-07-22, 1405/04/31
Actual recruitment start date
empty
Actual recruitment end date
empty
Trial completion date
empty
Scientific title
Effectiveness of Family Counseling Intervention Based on Rumi’s Masnavi Anecdotes on Improving Emotion Regulation and Marital Intimacy
Public title
The Effect of Family Counseling Based on Rumi’s Teachings on Marital Relationships and Emotional Adjustment
Purpose
Education/Guidance
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Being married
Being a student at Azad University
Having emotional disorders in marital relationships as diagnosed by a psychologist
Having an age range between 25 years and 35 years
Exclusion criteria:
Unwillingness to participate in research
Participating in other psychotherapy sessions simultaneously with the research
Age
From 25 years old to 35 years old
Gender
Both
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size:
30
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
The statistical population of the present study will include all married master's degree students at Islamic Azad University. In the sample selection stage, convenience sampling method will be used. After selecting a sample size of 30 people, based on the research entry and exit criteria, participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: "narrative-based family counseling intervention" (intervention group) and "waiting list" (control group). Randomization will be performed using the random block method with variable sizes (4 and 6 people) by an independent statistician who is not involved in the implementation process. The random allocation list will be generated using the RAND function in Excel software and then placed in opaque, sealed, and numbered envelopes so that the researcher and participants are not aware of the allocation sequence (allocation concealment). The envelope will be opened and the allocation group will be informed only when each participant enters the study. To ensure the equality of basic variables (such as age and length of marriage), their distribution in the two groups will be examined during the statistical analysis stage.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Not blinded
Blinding description
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Other
Other design features
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention) 2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period) 3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The measurement method will be using the Gross and John (2003) Emotional Regulation Questionnaire.
2
Description
Marital Intimacy
Timepoint
1. Pre-test (before the start of the intervention) 2. Post-test (immediately after the end of the intervention period) 3. One-month follow-up after the intervention
Method of measurement
The method of measurement will be the Thompson and Walker (1983) Marital Intimacy Questionnaire.
Secondary outcomes
empty
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention group: Intervention group: Family counseling intervention based on the stories of Rumi's Masnavi; Duration of each session: 90 minutes. Total number of sessions: 8 sessions. Sequence of sessions: Twice a week. Implementation method: family-centered, with guided conversation, story analysis, emotional reflection, and practical exercises; Therapeutic tools used; This intervention relies on utilizing the educational, moral, and meaning-making capacity of Rumi's Masnavi stories along with family therapy techniques. The main intervention tools include the following: story therapy and narrative therapy, guided therapeutic conversation, cognitive restructuring based on the teachings of the stories, reflective and introspective exercises, problem-solving exercises, and improving family interaction; Session content: First session: Pre-test, introduction to the plan and familiarization with the concept of family, effective communication and the role of Masnavi anecdotes. Second session: Analysis of anecdotes related to misunderstanding and hasty judgments and their relationship with family conflicts. Third session: Teaching patience, controlling emotions and avoiding impulsive reactions using an appropriate anecdote. Fourth session: Focusing on empathy, active listening and understanding the feelings of family members. Fifth session: Examining forgiveness, forbearance and releasing old resentments. Sixth session: Emphasis on self-knowledge and accepting one's contribution to family conflicts. Seventh session: Teaching tolerance, accepting differences and solving common problems in the family. Eighth session: Conclusion, reviewing teachings, post-test and determining follow-up time.
Category
Treatment - Other
2
Description
Control group:Control group: The control group will not receive any intervention during the research, but will receive the treatment intervention after data collection to prevent factors that threaten the internal validity of the research, such as compensatory competition from the control group or demoralization.