The Effectiveness of Imago Therapy Training on Emotional Acceptance and Spirituality among Married Female Students with Marital Conflicts

Authors: Helina Molavi, Mahdi Davaee, Fatemeh Farahani
Affiliations: Department of Counseling, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

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Journal: Hyperscience in Psychology & Social Sciences (HPSS)

Volume/Issue: 2(1), 2026 | Pages: 16-23

ISSN: 3115-8625 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55672/hpss2026pp16-23

Abstract

Marital conflict is among the most common issues faced by couples, and unresolved conflicts can lead to numerous familial problems. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Imago therapy training on emotional acceptance and spirituality among married female students experiencing marital conflicts. Imago Therapy is a relational and integrative approach based on attachment and developmental theories, which helps partners explore unconscious childhood patterns that influence their adult relationships. By fostering mutual empathy, emotional awareness, and dialogue, it facilitates greater acceptance of emotions and nurtures a deeper sense of spirituality and connection within relationships. The statistical population included all married female students who referred to the counseling center of Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, during the 2024-2025 academic year. The sample consisted of 30 participants, selected through convenience sampling, who were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 in each). After a pretest, participants in the experimental group received Imago therapy training based on the standard ten-session protocol (each session 90 minutes). A posttest and a two-month follow-up were conducted thereafter. Data were collected using the Marital Conflicts Questionnaire (MKCS) and the relevant subscales of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) assessing emotional acceptance and spirituality. Data analysis was performed using mixed repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS 26. The results showed that Imago therapy significantly increased emotional acceptance and spirituality among married female students with marital conflicts (p<.05). Accordingly, Imago therapy can play an effective role in enhancing emotional acceptance and spirituality, thereby improving the quality of marital relationships among female students.

Keywords

Imago therapy training, emotional acceptance, spirituality, marital conflicts

License: CC BY-NC 4.0 | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/