Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Objective: This research aimed to develop and validate a couple relationship enrichment package based on couple caregiving.
Research Methodology: A mixed-methods exploratory design, comprising two qualitative and quantitative phases was adopted for this study. A grounded theory approach was employed in the qualitative phase. The study population in this phase consisted of all couples with marital satisfaction and couple caregiving residing in Aligudarz city in 2023. A sample of 10 couples was selected using purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. The research instruments included semi-structured interviews, the Caregiving Questionnaire (Kunce & Shaver, 1994), and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (1982). Data analysis was conducted using Strauss and Corbin's systematic approach. Subsequently, an enrichment package incorporating various concepts and techniques was developed based on a review of prior research. Five experts in the fields of psychology and counseling were selected through convenience sampling to assess the content validity of the package.
Findings: The qualitative findings led to the identification of couple caregiving domains, causal conditions: life history, conscious marriage; contextual conditions: individual and couple contexts; efficient couple relationship; Intervening conditions: behavioral and cognitive facilitating factors; Strategies for sustaining and improving care, and personal outcomes for the caregiver and care recipient and couple outcomes. The content of the couple relationship enrichment sessions was structured into nine weekly 90-minute sessions. The content validity index was 0/85, and the content validity ratio was 1.
Conclusion: The couple relationship enrichment package based on couple caregiving is valid for educational and research applications and is recommended for couples.
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