مقایسه اثربخشی آموزش گروهی بخشایش توأم با تئوری انتخاب و مدیریت هیجان بر خودافشاگری و پریشانی روان‌شناختی در زنان آسیب‌دیده از پیمان‌شکنی

ناهید  محمدعلی زاده; مهریار عناصری; مریم  قهرمانی; مهناز عسگریان

Authors

Nahid Mohammadalizadeh Department of Psychology, Sav.C., Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2106-510X
Mehryar Anasseri Department of Psychology , Ash.C. , Islamic Azad University , Ashtian , Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1677-7012
Margam Ghahremani Department of Psychology , Ash.C. , Islamic Azad University , Ashtian , Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8063-713X
Mahnaz Askarian Department of Psychology , Ash.C. , Islamic Azad University , Ashtian , Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9360-0018

Keywords:

Group training for forgiveness based on choice theory, emotion management, self, disclosure, psychological distress, women affected by breaking the marital contract

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group forgiveness training combined with Choice Theory and emotion management training in improving self-disclosure and reducing psychological distress among women affected by marital infidelity. This applied study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group and follow-up assessment. The statistical population consisted of married women affected by marital infidelity who attended a counseling center in District 5 of Tehran Province during 2025–2026. Sixty eligible participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 20: forgiveness training combined with Choice Theory, emotion management training, and a control group. The Choice Theory-based forgiveness intervention consisted of eight 90-minute group sessions, whereas emotion management training comprised ten 90-minute sessions. Data were collected using Snell’s Emotional Self-Disclosure Scale and Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons. Multivariate analyses demonstrated significant intervention effects on self-disclosure (Wilks’ λ=0.432, F=14.62, p=0.001, η²=0.343) and psychological distress (Wilks’ λ=0.569, F=9.11, p=0.001, η²=0.245). Significant group×time interaction effects were also observed for self-disclosure (F=18.54, p=0.001, η²=0.394) and psychological distress (F=8.12, p=0.001, η²=0.223). Bonferroni post-hoc analyses indicated that both interventions significantly increased self-disclosure and reduced psychological distress compared with the control condition. Moreover, the effects of the two interventions differed significantly for both self-disclosure (p=0.001) and psychological distress (p=0.011), with forgiveness training combined with Choice Theory producing greater improvements than emotion management training. Group forgiveness training combined with Choice Theory appears to be more effective than emotion management training in enhancing self-disclosure and reducing psychological distress among women affected by marital infidelity. This intervention may therefore represent a useful therapeutic approach for counseling and psychological programs addressing the consequences of marital infidelity.

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