Iranian Social Psychology association Social Psychology Research 2251-8002 16 61 2026 05 22 The effectiveness of Imago Therapy (Communication Imagery) on Self-silencing and Emotional blackmail in women with marital conflicts The effectiveness of Imago Therapy (Communication Imagery) on Self-silencing and Emotional blackmail in women with marital conflicts 151 170 245371 10.22034/spr.2026.526600.2144 FA Javad Ardeshirpey Master of General psychology, Department of Psychology, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran. 0000-0001-5862-0753 AliReza Bakhshayesh Associate Professor, Department of Psycholog, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran. 0000-0002-2120-3806 Marzieh Geshani Associate Professor, Department of Psycholog, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran. 0009-0005-6907-7588 Fatemeh Pourjafar Master of Clinical psychology, Department of Psychology, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran. Journal Article 2026 01 05 Introduction: Marital conflicts are among the key factors that weaken the foundation of the family, with women being particularly affected by such conflicts. Self-silencing and emotional blackmail appear to be influential factors contributing to marital conflicts. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Imago Therapy (a relationship-focused approach) on self-silencing and emotional blackmail in women experiencing marital conflicts. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population included all women seeking services at counseling centers in Yazd in 2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar). A total of 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Assessments were conducted using the Marital Conflicts Questionnaire (Sanai & Barati, 1990), the Self-Silencing Scale (Jack, 1991), and the Emotional Blackmail Scale (Karnani, 2018). The experimental group received Imago Therapy across eight sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: The results showed that Imago Therapy was effective in reducing self-silencing and emotional blackmail among women with marital conflicts. The greatest effect of the intervention was observed on the self-silencing variable (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on these findings, Imago Therapy (a relationship-focused approach) can be used to reduce destructive emotional patterns between couples, particularly self-silencing and emotional blackmail. Introduction: Marital conflicts are among the key factors that weaken the foundation of the family, with women being particularly affected by such conflicts. Self-silencing and emotional blackmail appear to be influential factors contributing to marital conflicts. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Imago Therapy (a relationship-focused approach) on self-silencing and emotional blackmail in women experiencing marital conflicts. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population included all women seeking services at counseling centers in Yazd in 2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar). A total of 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Assessments were conducted using the Marital Conflicts Questionnaire (Sanai & Barati, 1990), the Self-Silencing Scale (Jack, 1991), and the Emotional Blackmail Scale (Karnani, 2018). The experimental group received Imago Therapy across eight sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: The results showed that Imago Therapy was effective in reducing self-silencing and emotional blackmail among women with marital conflicts. The greatest effect of the intervention was observed on the self-silencing variable (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on these findings, Imago Therapy (a relationship-focused approach) can be used to reduce destructive emotional patterns between couples, particularly self-silencing and emotional blackmail.

https://www.socialpsychology.ir/article_245371_7345ed06be3a7f65a9541e2360d9c6d9.pdf