Qualitative Analysis of the Viewpoints of Muslim Couple Therapists on Individual-Based Couple Therapy

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

10.30471/psy.2026.11060.2333

Abstract

Extended Abstract
 
Introduction and Objectives: One-way couple therapy (zawjdarmānī-yi yakṭarafah) as a new approach tries to bring about positive changes in the relationship by focusing on one of the spouses. This therapy is based on the principle that if one of the spouses can correct their behaviors and beliefs, it may have a positive effect on the entire family system. Increasing the quality of marital relationships through the efforts of one spouse, together with the enhancement of marital skills and personal development, can play an effective role in improving marital relationships, even when the other spouse is unwilling to seek treatment.
God-centered family therapy theories (khudāmiḥwar), by offering a different perspective to clients who come to counseling unilaterally due to hopelessness about the other spouse’s cooperation, emphasize a spiritual outlook and acceptance of divine destiny (qadr-i ilāhī). This approach has been able to provide a sense of peace for the individual, helping them cope with their spouse’s inconsistency.
Specifically, Islamic sources can provide a basis for the precise extraction and explanation of the root causes of couple therapy and for presenting therapeutic solutions for one-way couple therapy. Despite numerous analyses in this regard, the present research seeks to analyze the qualitative viewpoints of Muslim couple therapists to summarize and present techniques based on Islamic teachings. Accordingly, the research question is: What is the qualitative analysis of the viewpoints of Muslim couple therapists based on individual-based couple therapy?
Method: In this research, to analyze the data obtained from interviews (which were transcribed into text), the qualitative content analysis method (taḥlīl-i muḥtawā-yi kayfī) was used, as it is the most appropriate technique for analyzing this type of data.
First, open coding (kādguzārī-yi bāz) was performed in several stages. Initially, lines that responded to the open-ended questions in the conversations were identified. Then, by proceeding to axial coding (kādguzārī-yi miḥwarī), the open codes, meanings, and related and common concepts were extracted. Finally, selective coding (kādguzārī-yi intikhābī) was performed.
According to the research objective and based on the deductive logic (manṭiq-i qīyāsī) of the interviews, 190 initial open codes were coded based on the apparent meanings of the data in the first stage. The concepts related to the categories were specified as meaningful items. In the next step, based on the inductive method (rawish-i istiqrāyī), the common and different meanings and concepts of the axial codes were identified, and subcategories were determined. In the final stage, the main categories were obtained through selective coding.
Thus, the main categories of coding were extracted directly from the transcribed interview files. Two coders then read all the transcribed interview texts and identified distinctive concepts to reach agreement. To ensure reliability (iʿtimādpazīrī), the researcher attempted to set aside their assumptions when collecting information. Also, by spending sufficient time, the researcher provided the necessary diversity in professional backgrounds and approaches, education, and trained disciplines. In this way, the level of confidence in the findings was increased to an appropriate level.
Results: Causal theme (mażmūn-i ʿillī): The issue of negative attitude and fear of being judged in counseling sessions was discussed. Many studies have been conducted in this area. Research has shown that improving attitudes and changing people’s beliefs about counseling and seeking help can prevent numerous psychological and family harms. This aligns with the fact that the public culture is not positive toward psychologists and counselors, and therefore many people do not refer to a psychologist or couple therapist for various reasons.
Most interviewees agreed that establishing communication with the absent spouse through invitations under various pretexts is a way forward. In this regard, writing a non-threatening letter can be a means of indirect communication. In sum, building a bridge of communication through various methods is recommended by most researchers and interviewees.
Strategic theme (mażmūn-i rāhburdī): It was stated that the most important principle in individual-based couple therapy is teaching strategies for reducing stress and anxiety and training religious relaxation techniques (tikinīkhā-yi ārāmishbahsh-i dīnī) to the attending spouse. The findings in this area indicate that religious beliefs and values can act as a source for strengthening the marital relationship, reducing conflicts, increasing couples’ satisfaction, and enhancing resilience in marital adjustment.
Discussion and Conclusion: The research results show that the integration of religion and spirituality (talfīq-i dīn wa maʿnaviyyat) in couple therapy can be effective, especially for religious couples. Of course, this method should be implemented according to the specific beliefs of each couple and with respect for cultural sensitivities.
Limitations of this research include: the lack of quantitative and qualitative research (both domestic and international) in this area, difficulty in obtaining availability from interviewees, and using interviews as the sole means of data collection, which may create biases in responses. Therefore, caution should be exercised in generalizing the findings.
Based on the results of this study, the following are suggested to strengthen individual counseling with one of the spouses:

A national attitude toward the subject of counseling and referral to psychologists and couple therapists should be changed by the media, so that people can refer to counselors without undue considerations and resolve their problems.
This research should also be conducted among non-Muslim couple therapists, and the results made available.
Comparing the results of this research with an independent study involving interviews with non-Muslim counselors is considered and recommended.
Additionally, it is suggested that a protocol for individual-based couple therapy with an Islamic approach be prepared, and after measuring its validity and reliability, it be made available to psychologists and couple therapists in counseling centers, so that the individual counseling process can proceed with desirable speed while benefiting from religious teachings.

Acknowledgement: The authors, with gratitude to God, express their utmost appreciation and thanks to all the people who accompanied them in this research.
Conflict of Interest and Financial Support: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in this article, and all research costs were provided by them.

Keywords

References

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