Journal of Social Work Research

Abstract Silent maternal melodies; A phenomenological narrative of infant abandonment in addicted women
Motherhood as a specific, objective, familiar, distinctive, universal, and sacred symbol has influenced various aspects of women's lives, and their gender identity is strengthened by playing this role. The aim of the present study is to provide the audience with a phenomenological understanding of the maternal experience among women with substance abuse. This study uses a qualitative method and is of the hermeneutic phenomenological type. The themes were obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten mothers with substance abuse who abandoned their infants at Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran in three consecutive months. The sample units in this study were conducted using purposive and accessible sampling and thematic analysis using the Dickelman method. Finally, using thematic analysis based on the Dickelman method, five main themes were extracted to express the lived experiences of mothers with substance abuse. The main themes in this study are; "Emotional freezing in the maternal experience", "identity dissociation", "service provider bias and structural stigma in the care of pregnant women who abuse drugs", "feeling of lack of agency in choice" and "experiencing emotional contradictions between dependence and separation". The results of the study showed that the construction of addicted mothers' own motherhoods has led to a renewal of concepts within motherhood for them and others.
Keywords; Motherhood, mothers with substance abuse, phenomenology, lived experience,

Abstract Cancer is a distressing and difficult experience for women. Despite the numerous challenges posed by this disease, especially for married women, few studies have examined these challenges. The present study was conducted with the aim of explaining the challenges experienced by women with female cancers, using a qualitative method and thematic analysis technique. The study began in December 1402 and data collection and study lasted until June 1403. Purposeful sampling was conducted on 24 married women with female cancers living in Qom; participants were aged 20 to 65 years.
In total, 9 main categories and 33 sub-themes were identified, and the final theme of “multifaceted dysfunction” was extracted as a summary of the participants’ lived experiences. The main themes in the first stage were the initial painful encounter with the disease; In the treatment phase, the threat to the role of wife, mental turmoil, emotional vulnerability, decreased family support, structured limitation of services, quality of service provided by the medical staff; and in the post-treatment phase, the threat to the role of wife-motherhood, psychological and material anxiety of the disease returning. The results showed that married women with female cancers face various challenges from the moment they are informed of the disease until after treatment. Understanding these challenges can provide a proper understanding of the issues of this group of women at each stage so that specialists, in addition to medical treatments, can design more effective and comprehensive assistance programs to improve their health status in all aspects.

Abstract This study aims to identify the factors influencing the tendency toward singlehood among employed women in executive agencies in Tehran, with an emphasis on modern lifestyle indicators. A qualitative research method with a grounded theory approach was employed, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 experts in the field of family studies. The findings reveal that the tendency toward singlehood among employed women is influenced by three main categories: social transformations, financial and economic dimensions, and cultural and identity-related characteristics.
In the domain of social transformations, the redefinition of values and social attitudes, parental acceptance of new lifestyles adopted by their children, and broader shifts at both macro and micro levels were key influencing factors. In terms of financial and economic aspects, women’s participation in the economy, rising marriage costs, and increasing economic uncertainties have driven many women toward choosing a single lifestyle. Additionally, in the cultural and identity dimension, family-based cultural capital, changing patterns of leisure activities, and evolving feminine values have played a critical role in shaping women’s attitudes toward marriage.
The results of this study indicate that the tendency toward singlehood among employed women is not merely an individual choice but is closely tied to structural changes within society. Shifting social attitudes, increased participation of women in economic and academic activities, economic pressures, and cultural changes have led to delayed marriages and a growing desire for independence. These developments highlight the need for social policies that align with the needs and priorities of employed women.

Abstract The management of disaster recovery processes plays a vital role in reducing negative impacts and restoring routine in communities. These processes require precise planning, effective strategies, and coordination among various institutions to ensure resilience in the face of post-crisis challenges. The aim of this study is to identify the challenges and obstacles in the bio-psychosocial recovery process after a crisis. This qualitative study involved 20 experts in the fields of crisis and recovery. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results are divided into two main sections: (a) challenges and complexities of the recovery pathway, and (b) efficiency and dynamism of recovery systems. In the first section, considering the current situation, the problems and barriers in the post-crisis recovery process are explained, including structural, management, and resource-related obstacles. The second section focuses on strategies for developing and strengthening recovery systems to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and dynamism in dealing with crises. The findings provide solutions to improve the performance and resilience of systems in the future.

Abstract Purpose: This study examines the experience of domestic violence against Afghan women following the collapse of the government on August 15, 2021, and the Taliban's return to power.
Method: Employing a qualitative approach grounded in grounded theory methodology, the research involved semi-structured interviews with 20 Afghan women. Data were collected through purposive sampling and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding based on the Strauss and Corbin framework. The interview transcripts were coded into 200 concepts, 17 axial categories, and one core category.
Result: A paradigmatic model was developed, structured around causal conditions, strategies, and consequences. The core category identified was “the intensification of domestic violence under emerging anomic conditions.” According to the participants, the Taliban’s return has led to increased social and economic restrictions, which in turn have exacerbated domestic violence.
In the paradigmatic model, causal factors such as the decline in economic status, the emergence of a new sociopolitical context, and heightened male dominance were identified as key drivers of violence. The coping strategies adopted by women included tolerating and exercising caution to minimize potential harm.
Conclusion: This study is the first to utilize a comprehensive paradigmatic model to analyze the political impacts on domestic violence, demonstrating that the new political environment has reinforced traditional norms, patriarchal structures, and economic pressures, all of which contribute to the rise in domestic violence. Afghan women, in response, have adopted conciliatory strategies to mitigate the violence. These findings underscore the urgent need for supportive and awareness-raising programs to reduce domestic violence.

Abstract The present study aims to examine the education of working children in Tehran, focusing on four main aspects: identifying the educational needs of working children, the education they receive, the strategies these children use to meet their educational needs, and the outcomes of this education. The research population consisted of working children in Tehran, aged 11 to 15 at the time of the interviews, who benefited from specialized schooling designed for working children. Through purposive sampling, 20 children were selected, but the findings were based on the interviews of 7 children whose responses were complete. Data were collected using interviews, and the research methodology was grounded theory. The findings indicate that the educational needs of the children were partially, but not entirely, met through the services and education provided by the specialized school. Overall, the strategies employed by the children to meet their educational needs can be categorized into four groups: individual, familial, professional, and general strategies. Other outcomes of the research include fourfold improvements in education, life skills, social skills, and work-related skills. The successful experience of Sobhe Royesh School in engaging these working children and helping them escape the cycle of neglect can be considered a social policy model applicable nationwide.