]>
IRCT20260627069978N1 IRCT 2026-07-07 Islamic Azad University The Effectiveness of Spirituality Therapy Training The Effectiveness of Spirituality Therapy Training on Distress Tolerance, Cognitive Flexibility, and Marital Stress in Conflicted Couples 2026-08-06 anticipated 60 Complete https://irct.ir/trial/91238 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Double blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Parallel, Purpose: Education/Guidance, Randomization description: In this study, a simple randomization method was used to assign participants to the experimental and control groups. The unit of randomization in this study was the couples visiting the counseling center. First, a complete list of eligible couples based on the study entry criteria was prepared. Then, a unique numeric identification code was assigned to each couple. These codes were entered into the Random Number Generator software, which generated a random number for each couple. After these numbers were generated, the couples were sorted in ascending order according to their random numbers. Then, the participants were sequentially assigned to two groups; the first 15 couples on the list were assigned to the experimental group, and the next 15 couples to the control group. By this method, the order of entry into the study and the researcher’s knowledge of the participants had no role in group selection. For allocation concealment, the person responsible for entering data into the software was independent of the clinical operations team and could not be aware of or alter the allocation process. Additionally, the identification codes were kept confidential and separate from other participant information. Therefore, it was not possible to predict the group assignment for any couple before the completion of the randomization process, Blinding description: In this study, to blind the outcome assessors who are responsible for collecting and scoring the questionnaires, they are unaware of the couples' allocation to the experimental or control group. The clinical caregiver and the person responsible for data analysis are also blinded to the group allocation. Data are recorded and analyzed using numerical identification codes, and information about the grouping of participants is not made available to the data analyst. In this way, an attempt has been made to minimize the possibility of bias in the outcome assessment process and statistical analysis. N/A Marital conflicts between couples. Intervention 1: Intervention group: The spiritual therapy intervention consists of eight 90-minute sessions designed to enhance the higher dimensions of human beings and strengthen the individual’s connection with God or a higher power. In the first session, group members get acquainted with one another, and a warm and trusting atmosphere is created. In this session, the concepts of spiritual therapy, its role in life, and the difference between spirituality and religion are presented, along with the importance of belief and acceptance. The second session is dedicated to increasing self-awareness, which includes recognizing and regulating one’s own and others’ emotions using guided imagery methods, identifying needs, and planning for the present and future. Spiritual freedom, acceptance of God, and human responsibility in life are also discussed. The third session focuses on listening to the inner voice. Participants engage in practices such as meditation, daily writing, and deep breathing to rediscover the meaning and spiritual values within themselves, and trust in intuition and inner guidance is examined. In the fourth session, confession of sins and attention to injustices done to oneself and others in the presence of God are considered, and the method of spiritual dialogue and prayer with God or a higher power is explained. The fifth session is devoted to kindness and performing spiritual acts individually and collectively to increase self-esteem and a sense of usefulness. Also, delegating matters to God, cleansing negative thoughts, coping with anxiety, and strengthening willpower are among other topics discussed in this session. In the sixth session, a pleasant connection with sacred entities is strengthened to reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and the concept of love for self and others along with acceptance of suffering in life is presented. In the seventh session, forgiveness of self and others is the focus; feelings of guilt and resentment decrease, and the benefits of forgiveness for improving mental and spiritual health are taught. The eighth session addresses death and fear of it, which through strengthening spiritual beliefs, reliance on a higher power, and practicing gratitude helps reduce anxiety related to death. At the end, all the materials from previous sessions are summarized and reviewed to consolidate learning. This therapeutic program is designed based on the research of Saalebi Fard et al. (2022) and is delivered to the experimental group in eight 90-minute sessions. Intervention 2: Control group: They do not receive any intervention or treatment. No - There is not a plan to make this available Justification or reason for not sharing IPD is Participant data is completely confidential and I do not intend to publish it.
public Zeinab Shahriari
Phase 2 Padadshahr, Third Station, Jahad Residences, 4th Baharan, No. 41
Ahvaz Iran (Islamic Republic of) 6184911684 +98 916 620 0632 zeynab.shahriari64@gmail.com Islamic Azad University scientific Zeinab Shahriari
Phase 2 Padadshahr, Third Station, Jahad Residences, 4th Baharan, No. 41
Ahvaz Iran (Islamic Republic of) 6184911684 +98 916 620 0632 zeynab.shahriari64@gmail.com Islamic Azad University Iran (Islamic Republic of) Be between 25 and 45 years old. Have at least 2 years of marital life. Have marital conflict. Have at least a high school diploma. Be willing to cooperate and participate in couple therapy sessions. 25 years 45 years Both Having mental disorders and taking psychiatric medications Having physical problems that interfere with the intervention process Z63.0 Problems in relationship with spouse or partner Behavior N/A Intervention group: The spiritual therapy intervention consists of eight 90-minute sessions designed to enhance the higher dimensions of human beings and strengthen the individual’s connection with God or a higher power. In the first session, group members get acquainted with one another, and a warm and trusting atmosphere is created. In this session, the concepts of spiritual therapy, its role in life, and the difference between spirituality and religion are presented, along with the importance of belief and acceptance. The second session is dedicated to increasing self-awareness, which includes recognizing and regulating one’s own and others’ emotions using guided imagery methods, identifying needs, and planning for the present and future. Spiritual freedom, acceptance of God, and human responsibility in life are also discussed. The third session focuses on listening to the inner voice. Participants engage in practices such as meditation, daily writing, and deep breathing to rediscover the meaning and spiritual values within themselves, and trust in intuition and inner guidance is examined. In the fourth session, confession of sins and attention to injustices done to oneself and others in the presence of God are considered, and the method of spiritual dialogue and prayer with God or a higher power is explained. The fifth session is devoted to kindness and performing spiritual acts individually and collectively to increase self-esteem and a sense of usefulness. Also, delegating matters to God, cleansing negative thoughts, coping with anxiety, and strengthening willpower are among other topics discussed in this session. In the sixth session, a pleasant connection with sacred entities is strengthened to reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and the concept of love for self and others along with acceptance of suffering in life is presented. In the seventh session, forgiveness of self and others is the focus; feelings of guilt and resentment decrease, and the benefits of forgiveness for improving mental and spiritual health are taught. The eighth session addresses death and fear of it, which through strengthening spiritual beliefs, reliance on a higher power, and practicing gratitude helps reduce anxiety related to death. At the end, all the materials from previous sessions are summarized and reviewed to consolidate learning. This therapeutic program is designed based on the research of Saalebi Fard et al. (2022) and is delivered to the experimental group in eight 90-minute sessions. Control group: They do not receive any intervention or treatment. Distress tolerance. Timepoint: before performing the intervention and two weeks after completion of the intervention. Method of measurement: Simmons and Gahr Distress Tolerance Questionnaire (2005). Functional flexibility. Timepoint: before performing the intervention and two weeks after completion of the intervention. Method of measurement: Connor and Davidson Functional Flexibility Questionnaire (2003). Marital stress. Timepoint: before performing the intervention and two weeks after completion of the intervention. Method of measurement: Marital Stress Questionnaire (Erth Gomer et al., 2000). Islamic Azad University Approved 2026-06-23 Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz, Farhang Shahr Ahvaz Khouzestan Iran (Islamic Republic of)