Research in psychological health

Predicting marital commitment based on conflict resolution styles and communication patterns of couples in Qom city

Zabihollah Gharlipour

The aim of this study is to predict marital commitment based on conflict resolution styles and communication patterns of couples in Qom city. This research is applied in nature and has a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population of the study includes all couples in Qom province, estimated at 382,590. The sampling method was non-random convenience sampling, and the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals using Cochran's formula. After distributing the questionnaires to 400 individuals, 393 questionnaires were collected. The research instruments included the 44-item Dimensions of Commitment Inventory (DCI) by Adams and Jones (1997), the 35-item Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ) by Christensen and Sullaway (1984), and the 28-item Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II) by Rahim (1983). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression in SPSS version 26. The reliability of the instruments, measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.785 for the marital commitment questionnaire, 0.833 for the conflict resolution styles questionnaire, and 0.851 for the communication patterns questionnaire. The results showed that conflict resolution styles and communication patterns can significantly predict marital commitment. Furthermore, according to standardized beta coefficients, conflict resolution styles had a greater and more direct effect on predicting marital commitment among couples.

The effectiveness of compassion-based therapy on psychological pain, perceived burden, and suicidal thoughts

bahram Mohammad Rezaei

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) on psychological pain, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation in young girls. This quasi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all young girls with a history of suicide attempts who referred to counseling centers in Hamadan in 2025. Among them, 30 individuals were selected via purposive and convenience sampling methods and randomly assigned to an experimental group (15 participants) and a control group (15 participants). Data collection instruments included the Takata and Sakata Psychosomatic Complaints Scale (2004), the Perceived Burdensomeness Scale (derived from the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire by Hawkins et al., 2014), and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (2004). The experimental group received 8 sessions of compassion-focused therapy based on Gilbert’s protocol, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The findings indicated that compassion-focused therapy has a significant effect on reducing psychological pain, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation in young girls at the posttest stage (P < 0.01). Therefore, this therapeutic approach can be utilized as an efficient intervention to alleviate psychological distress and prevent self-harming behaviors in individuals with a history of suicide attempts.

Evaluating the Mediating Role of Meaning in Life in the Effectiveness of Existential-Acceptance Therapy on Loneliness and Death Anxiety Among Older Adults with Chronic Physical Illnesses

leyla sadat modarresi

The present study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of meaning in life in the effectiveness of existential-acceptance therapy on loneliness and death anxiety among older adults with chronic physical illnesses. This semi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all older adults with chronic physical illnesses who referred to the specialized clinics of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex and the specialized clinic of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran in 2026. Among them, 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). The research instruments included Dhahiri’s Loneliness Scale, the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The experimental group received 8 sessions of 90-minute existential-acceptance therapy intervention, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and path analysis. The results indicated that existential-acceptance therapy significantly reduced loneliness and death anxiety in the experimental group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the mediation analysis confirmed that meaning in life plays a positive and significant mediating role in the relationship between this therapeutic approach and the reduction of loneliness and death anxiety. Based on the findings, existential-acceptance therapy, through the reconstruction of the meaning system, enhancement of psychological flexibility, and acceptance of existential realities, serves as an effective strategy to alleviate psychological burnout and fundamental anxieties in older adults with chronic illnesses; therefore, utilizing this protocol in health psychology clinics and specialized geriatric clinics is recommended.

The effectiveness of education based on choice theory on responsibility and externalizing behaviors in adolescents

amine jalali

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of choice theory-based training on responsibility and externalizing behaviors among adolescents in Kerman during the 2025–2026 academic year. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all adolescent students in Kerman, from which 30 individuals were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group (15 students) and the control group (15 students). The experimental group received the choice theory-based intervention, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using standard responsibility and externalizing behaviors questionnaires and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The findings showed that choice theory-based training significantly increased responsibility and decreased externalizing behaviors in the experimental group compared to the control group, and this effect remained stable during the follow-up phase. Consequently, it can be concluded that by equipping adolescents with a self-evaluation system and replacing external control with caring habits, choice theory training serves as an effective and practical intervention for promoting responsibility and curbing behavioral challenges during adolescence, and its integration into school counseling programs is recommended.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) on Reducing Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms and Improving Treatment Adherence in Patients with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

ahmad torabi

The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Intensive Short‑Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) on reducing obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence in patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study employed a quasi‑experimental design with a pretest‑posttest and one‑month follow‑up, including two experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population comprised all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who attended treatment centers in Tehran during autumn 2025. From this population, 72 individuals were initially selected using purposive sampling; after attrition, the final sample consisted of 45 participants who were randomly assigned to three groups (15 participants per group). MBSR and ISTDP were each delivered individually over eight 90‑minute sessions to the experimental groups, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Maudsley Obsessive‑Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Results of repeated‑measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that both MBSR and ISTDP significantly reduced obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improved treatment adherence, and these effects remained stable for at least one month post‑intervention. Furthermore, Bonferroni post‑hoc tests showed that MBSR was significantly more effective than ISTDP in reducing obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence (p < 0.05). This superiority may be attributed to MBSR’s capacity to enhance emotion regulation, reduce stress, and increase body awareness—factors that play a decisive role in managing chronic diseases and health‑oriented behaviors. Therefore, incorporating mindfulness‑based interventions as an effective approach alongside other psychological treatments may help improve treatment outcomes and quality of life in patients with NAFLD.

Effectiveness of an Integrative Group-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and self-compassion Therapy on Distress Tolerance and Suicide Resilience in Married Women Experiencing Domestic Violence

Fatemeh Ghasempour

The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of integrated group-based acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion on distress tolerance and resilience against suicide in married women with experience of domestic violence. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest and one-month follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all married women with experience of domestic violence who referred to family counseling centers in Isfahan. From among them, 32 people were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (16 people) and control (16 people). One person from each group dropped out before the posttest, and finally, each group continued with 15 people. The experimental group received the integrated intervention over eight 90-minute sessions, and the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Distress Tolerance Scale and the Suicide Resilience Questionnaire and were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS version 28. The findings showed that the integrated intervention significantly increased distress tolerance with an effect size of 0.481. Also, this intervention significantly increased the 'internal protector' and 'emotional stability' components of resilience against suicide with an effect size of 0.456, but it had no significant effect on the 'external protector' component. The stability of the effects on the aforementioned components was confirmed up to one month after the intervention. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that integrated acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion is an effective approach for increasing distress tolerance and improving the internal dimensions of resilience against suicide in married women with experience of domestic violence, but the inability of this intervention to improve the external protector requires attention in future research.

Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Training on Levels of Self-Criticism and Sense of Coherence in Women with Depressive Symptoms

masoomeh hoseinian

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of self-compassion training on levels of self-criticism and sense of coherence in women with depressive symptoms. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all women with depressive symptoms referring to counseling centers in Qom. Among them, 30 participants were selected through purposeful sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (15 participants) or the control group (15 participants). The research instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory-II for screening, the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale by Thompson and Zuroff, and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire by Flensborg-Madsen. The experimental group received group self-compassion training, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA and ANCOVA). The findings indicated that after controlling for the pretest effect, the difference between the experimental and control groups in the posttest phase was statistically significant for both levels of self-criticism and sense of coherence. The educational intervention accounted for 29.1% of the variance in self-criticism and 59.0% of the variance in sense of coherence. Furthermore, the results showed that this training significantly reduced internalized and comparative self-criticism while enhancing the components of sense of coherence, including comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. In conclusion, by weakening self-criticism mechanisms and strengthening the structure of the sense of coherence, self-compassion training serves as an effective approach for improving the mental health indices of depressed women, and its application in counseling centers is recommended.

Comparing the effectiveness of Gottman's couple therapy with Glasser's reality-based couple therapy on cognitive flexibility and sense of coherence in couples with conflict

zohreh ganbari

One of the fundamental indicators in explaining the quality of marital relationships is marital conflict, which, if managed ineffectively, becomes one of the main grounds for tension and the breakdown of family relationships. The present study compared the effectiveness of Gottman couple therapy with Glasser’s reality therapy-based couple therapy on cognitive flexibility and sense of coherence in couples experiencing conflict. The statistical population of the study consisted of couples referred to the Zehn Ara Psychology Clinic in Tehran in the year 1404 (2025–2026) due to marital conflict. The sampling method was convenience and purposeful. To collect data, the Dennis and Vander Wal (2010) Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire and Antonovsky (1993) Sense of Coherence Questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The findings showed that Gottman couple therapy was more effective than Glasser’s reality therapy on cognitive flexibility and sense of coherence in women experiencing conflict. It can be concluded that Gottman couple therapy is more effective in improving cognitive flexibility and sense of coherence in women with marital conflict. Therefore, based on the research findings, it can be utilized to reduce problems in individuals experiencing marital conflicts.

The mediating role of emotional working memory in the relationship between attentional bias and depressive symptoms in the context of family interactions.

Zahra Kavousian

The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of emotional working memory in the relationship between attentional bias and depressive symptoms within the context of family interactions. Guided by contemporary cognitive–emotional models of depression, the study explored how negative attentional bias, as a core vulnerability factor, may influence depressive symptomatology through impairments in emotional working memory, and how these processes are embedded in the dynamics of family relationships. This research employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of adults aged 20–40 years living in active family systems in Tehran in 2025. A total of 350 participants were selected through purposive convenient sampling following eligibility screening. Research instruments included measures of depressive symptoms, attentional bias, emotional working memory performance, and family interaction patterns. The results demonstrated that negative attentional bias significantly predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly. Emotional working memory showed a significant mediating role, indicating that deficits in maintaining, updating, and regulating emotional information constitute a key mechanism linking attentional bias to depressive experiences. Furthermore, family interactions functioned as an amplifying contextual factor: maladaptive and conflictual family environments strengthened the indirect pathway by increasing cognitive–emotional load and reducing regulatory resources. The final structural model showed acceptable fit indices and supported the hypothesized mediational relationships. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive, emotional, and contextual variables in understanding depressive symptoms. They also underscore the potential value of interventions targeting attentional processing biases and emotional working memory capacities, particularly within family-based therapeutic frameworks.

The Effectiveness of Integrative Family Therapy (Cognitive-Behavioral and Emotion-Focused) on Improving Metacognitions and Reducing Depression in Couples

Ali Yousefi Rudpish

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated family therapy program (combining cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused approaches) on reducing depression and improving metacognitive beliefs in spouses. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all couples who referred with symptoms of depression. A sample of 30 people (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) was selected using a convenient and purposive sampling method and randomly assigned. The research instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory and the Wells and Cartwright-Hatton Metacognitive Questionnaire. The experimental group received the treatment protocol during 10 sessions, and the data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed that integrated family therapy significantly and strongly reduced depression and significantly improved metacognitive beliefs in the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, the results of the follow-up phase showed that the treatment effect remained stable in both dependent variables. Based on the findings, combining cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused approaches in the form of family therapy can be used as an effective and sustainable intervention to promote mental health and correct dysfunctional cognitive-emotional processes in spouses.

Prediction of Pain Tolerance Based on Spiritual Health and Self-Control in Patients with Cancer

marjan al behbahani

Cancer, as one of the most prevalent chronic and life-threatening diseases, is accompanied by numerous physical and psychological challenges, including chronic pain that affects patients' quality of life. The present study aimed to predict pain tolerance based on spiritual well-being and self-control in cancer patients. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on a population of 260 cancer patients referred to Nemazi Hospital in Shiraz in 2024, with a sample of 150 individuals selected via convenience sampling. Research instruments included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Sullivan et al., 1995; for inverse measurement of pain tolerance), the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Paloutzian & Ellison, 1982), and the Self-Control Scale (Tangney et al., 2004), with reliability confirmed by Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.80 to 0.85. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression in SPSS-21 software. Pearson correlation results indicated significant positive relationships between spiritual well-being (r=0.285, p<0.001), self-control (r=0.328, p<0.001), and pain tolerance. Regression analysis revealed that spiritual well-being and self-control together explained 36% of the variance in pain tolerance (R²=0.360, F=56.993, p<0.001). Spiritual well-being and self-control are effective predictors of pain tolerance in cancer patients, and it is recommended to integrate interventions focused on enhancing these factors into clinical programs to improve patients' quality of life.

Structural Equation Modeling of Tendency toward Extramarital Relationships Based on Loneliness with the Mediating Role of Sexual Quality of Life among Married Women

javanshir asadi

Extramarital relationships are among the major psychological challenges within family systems, potentially undermining mental health and marital satisfaction. The present study aimed to investigate the structural equation modeling of the tendency toward extramarital relationships based on loneliness, with the mediating role of sexual quality of life, among married women attending family counseling centers in Mashhad. The study employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all married women referred to family counseling centers in Mashhad in 2024, from which a sample of 300 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the UCLA Loneliness Scale (1980), the Tendency toward Extramarital Relationships Questionnaire, and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (2002). Data analysis was conducted using AMOS and SPSS through structural equation modeling and Pearson correlation tests. Findings revealed that loneliness had a positive and significant relationship with the tendency toward extramarital relationships (p < 0.001). Moreover, sexual quality of life played a significant mediating role in the relationship between loneliness and the tendency toward extramarital relationships, such that higher sexual quality of life reduced the negative effect of loneliness on extramarital tendencies. The model fit indices indicated an acceptable fit of the proposed model. These findings highlight the importance of reducing loneliness and enhancing sexual quality of life as effective strategies to mitigate extramarital tendencies. Accordingly, psychological and counseling interventions focusing on improving marital and sexual relationships are recommended.

Design and validation of the obsessive-compulsive personality disorder questionnaire

Mohammad Najafi

The aim of this study was to design an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder questionnaire (OCPDQ) and validate it. The present study was descriptive (correlational). First, the items of the obsessive personality questionnaire were designed based on the Farhoush and Najafi (1404) model, and its content validity was confirmed by 8 experts and were administered along with the Gibb OCPD questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression, and Diner life satisfaction questionnaires to 309 clients of counseling centers. To assess diagnostic validity, 58 participants underwent a structured clinical interview based on DSM5. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and SPSS24 and LISREL8/8 software were used in the analysis. The results showed that the OCPDQ consists of 24 items and 3 components are strictness and extreme accuracy, introverted affect, and preoccupation with order and organization. The reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.90. Its convergent validity was with the Gibb questionnaire (0.52), discriminant validity with the Depression Questionnaire (0.39) and Hospital Anxiety Questionnaire (0.23), and divergent validity with life satisfaction (-0.195) was favorable. The Construct validity, sensitivity (90%) and specificity (84%) were also favorable. Based on the results, the OCPDQ has appropriate validity.

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Reducing Stress-Related Arousal in Patients with Respiratory Problems

Mojgan Agahheris

The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on reducing stress-related arousal in patients with respiratory problems: a randomized controlled clinical trial. The present study was a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, control group, and a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of all patients with respiratory problems in 2024 (1403 in the Persian calendar). From this population, 30 individuals were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 each). All participants completed Cohen’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire (1983) before the intervention. Subsequently, the experimental group received Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in eight 90-minute sessions, held weekly. Research data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed that there was a significant difference in stress-related arousal between the two groups at the post-test and follow-up stages (p<0.05), indicating that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective in reducing stress-related arousal (p<0.05). Accordingly, it can be concluded that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be effective in reducing stress-related arousal in patients with respiratory problems.

Prediction of health anxiety based on experiential avoidance and self-compassion with mediation of emotion regulation difficulty in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Roya Mashak

The aim of the study was to predict health anxiety based on experiential avoidance and self-compassion with the mediation of emotion regulation difficulty in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population was mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Isfahan province from 1403 to 11402, of which 250 people were selected by convenience sampling. The collection tools were Salkoskis and Warwick's health anxiety (2002), experiential avoidance Bond et al. (2011), self-compassion Reis et al. (2011), and Gratz and Roemer's emotion regulation difficulty (2004). The results were analyzed using path analysis and SPSS26 and AMOS18 software. The findings showed that health anxiety on experiential avoidance, health anxiety on self-compassion, health anxiety on emotion regulation difficulty, experiential avoidance on emotion regulation difficulty, self-compassion on emotion regulation difficulty have a significant relationship, and health anxiety based on experiential avoidance has a significant relationship with the mediation of emotion regulation difficulty, and health anxiety based on self-compassion has a significant relationship with the mediation of emotion regulation difficulty. As a result, the research can help provide more targeted and effective interventions to reduce health anxiety in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

The Phenomenological Explanation of Adolescent Girls' Lived Experience of the Causes of Suicide Attempts

Mahmoud Zivari Rahman

According to the report of the World Health Organization, suicide is one of the main causes of death among young people and adolescents, in Iran, the available statistics indicate an increase in suicide, especially among adolescents, which requires deep analysis and investigation, so identifying the causes of action Adolescent suicide is considered a necessity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a phenomenological explanation of adolescent girls' lived experiences regarding the causes of suicide attempts. The research method was a qualitative descriptive phenomenological type using thematic analysis technique. The field of research includes second secondary female students studying in Hamadan schools who committed suicide in 1402. 16 people were selected as a sample by purposive sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews, and the 7-step Claysey method was used for their analysis. The findings from the interviews were extracted and classified into 9 main themes and 21 sub-themes. which includes 1- family pressures. 2- Social and cultural pressures. 3- Psychological and emotional factors. 4- Emotional and life experiences. 5-Parenting style. 6- Social relations and friends. 7- Lack of coping skills and problem solving. 8- The pressures of the school environment and educational system. 9- Environmental and social factors. This research indicates that suicide attempts among adolescent girls are a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a combination of various factors. Therefore, in order to implement effective prevention and intervention strategies, it is essential that policies and support programs take into account the different individual, familial, social, and cultural dimensions. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of focusing on coping skills, psychological support, and changes in social environments such as family and school as key approaches to reducing suicidal behaviors in adolescent girls.