International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

The Effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Training on We-ness and Couple Burnout among Married Women in Isfahan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ali Rahimhallaj
Maryam Fatehizade
Mohammad Reza Abedi
Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
10.30491/ijbs.2026.574901.2307
Abstract
Introduction: The present study examined the effectiveness of mentalization-based training in enhancing we-ness and reducing couple burnout among married women in Isfahan, Iran.
Method: This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design included 28 married women who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 14) or a control group (n = 14). The intervention group received five weekly 90-minute sessions of mentalization-based training, whereas the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the We-ness Questionnaire and the Couple Burnout Measure and analyzed with multivariate analysis of covariance.
Results: Findings showed that, compared to the control group, mentalization-based training significantly increased we-ness, p = .009, partial η² = .24, and significantly reduced couple burnout, p = .003, partial η² = .31.
Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary support for the potential value of mentalization-based training in improving relational functioning among married women. However, replication with larger samples and dyadic designs is needed before more general conclusions can be drawn.
Keywords
Mentalization
We-ness
Couple Burnout
Women
Marital Relationship Quality
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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 20, Issue 1
Spring 2026
Pages 30-35