Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Investigating the factors that influence flourishing in marital life is crucial for reducing family problems, enhancing wellbeing, and improving positive functioning among couples. This study aimed to examine the relationship between teamwork skills, empathy, and self-control with couples’ flourishing, considering the mediating role of we-ness. Method: The statistical population consisted of married men and women aged 25 to 50 in Kashan, Iran, in 2024. A sample of 356 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Participants completed the Flourishing Scale (Butler & Kern, 2016), the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (2009), the Teamwork Skills Scale (Romero, 2022), the Self-Control Scale (Tangney et al., 2004), and the Weness Scale (TopcuUzer et al., 2021). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in Amos24. Results: SEM results indicated that the proposed model had a good fit with the data. Empathy (β = 0.280, p ≤ 0.001), self-control (β = 0.140, p ≤ 0.001), and teamwork (β = 0.269, p ≤ 0.001) directly predicted flourishing. Furthermore, weness significantly mediated the relationships of both empathy (β = 0.128, p ≤ 0.01) and teamwork (β = 0.131, p ≤ 0.01) with flourishing. However, the indirect effect of self-control on flourishing through weness was not significant. Conclusion: Based on these findings, counselors and couple therapists can strengthen teamwork skills and empathy to enhance couples’ sense of we-ness and shared identity, thereby supporting greater flourishing in their relationships.

Abstract Introduction: Successful entry into the labor market is a critical stage in students' professional development, and targeted educational interventions can enhance their career optimism and transition readiness. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of flourishing training and transactional analysis on students' career path optimism and readiness for the transition from university to the workforce. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest and a control group. The population comprised all unmarried final-year students enrolled at Golestan Azad University during the 2023–2024 academic year. Using convenience sampling, 45 students were selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (15 participants per group). The first experimental group received flourishing training, while the second received transactional analysis training across ten 60-minute sessions; the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Rottinghaus Career Path Optimism Questionnaire (2005) and the University-to-Work Transition Readiness Questionnaire (Sadeghi et al., 2017). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with SPSS-26. Results: Both flourishing training and transactional analysis significantly improved students' career path optimism and transition readiness (p < 0.05). Significant differences in effectiveness were observed between the two interventions, with flourishing training demonstrating a greater impact on both outcomes. Conclusion: Flourishing training enhances students' sense of competence, self-management, and self-awareness, promotes positive perceptions of their abilities, and fosters optimism, thereby facilitating a successful transition from university to work. Implementing such educational interventions is recommended to better prepare students for entering the labor market..