Showing 415 results for Type of Study: Research
Hava Mahmoudzadeh Kenari, Afsaneh Khajound Khoshli, Javanshir Asadi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy in reducing anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty in students with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This semi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of female high school students diagnosed with OCD during the 2024–2025 academic year in Babolsar. Thirty participants were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 in each). The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of emotion-focused therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) at pretest and posttest stages. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the least significant difference test. Results indicated that emotion-focused therapy significantly reduced anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that emotion-focused therapy can be an effective approach to reduce cognitive-emotional components related to OCD in adolescents.
Adnan Vaezi, Dr Hosein Bigdeli, Dr Mohsen Ahmadi Tahor Soltani,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explain the structural model of adolescent goal orientation based on emotional schemas and working memory processing in the context of mental health. This study was descriptive-correlational and conducted with a structural equation modeling approach. The statistical population included all second-year high school students in the academic year 1403-1404, of which 315 were selected using convenience sampling, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data of 300 people were included in the analysis. The data collection tools included the Elliott and McGregor Goal Orientation Questionnaire (2001), the Leahy Emotional Schema Scale (2002), and the Nelson Cowen Working Memory Scale (2005). The data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method and PLS software. The findings showed that emotional schemas and working memory both directly and positively affect different dimensions of achievement goal orientation, and working memory plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between emotional schemas and achievement goals. The proposed model had a good fit. The results of this study emphasize the simultaneous importance of emotional and cognitive factors in the formation of adolescents' achievement goals and can be a guide for educational and psychological interventions to improve their academic motivation.
Dr. Mahmoud Zivari Rahman, Ms. Somayeh Pour Mojahad, Mr. Ali Qardashi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
M.a Marziehsadat Hejazi, Ph.d Roya Mashak,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Dr Mojgan Agahheris, Dr Mahdieh Rahmanian, Dr Ezzatollah Kordmirza Nikoozadeh, Mr Soroush Pourmousaabkenar,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Leila Kabiri, Molouk Khademi Ashkzari, Saeed Akbari-Zardkhaneh, Keyvan Salehi, Hossein Pourshahriar,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The increasing socio-cultural changes in recent years, coupled with the high prevalence of psychological health issues during the critical adolescent years and a research gap in this area, highlight the importance of investigating the factors that create a sense of well-being in adolescents. This study aimed to identify the conditions for sense of well-being and to present a conceptual framework of well-being for Iranian adolescents. A qualitative, constructivist approach and a grounded theory research design were used with the aim of conceptual ordering. The study population consisted of Iranian adolescents, mainly residing in the city of Qazvin, aged 16 to 19 years, who were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected from 2024 to 2025 through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and Coding was performed manually in two stages initial and focused Coding based on the Charmazian approach, and themes were sorted using Excel 2019. This process yielded twelve core concepts: engagement, optimism, happiness, self-relationship, relationships with others, relationship with God, relationship with existence, self and family health, personal growth, flourishing community, moral values, and material resourcesThe findings of this research provide insights for policymakers and educators to create a suitable environment for fostering well-being.
Mr. Mohammad Farhoush, Mr. Mohammad Najafi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Dr Fatemeh Soleimani, Dr Javanshir Asadi, Dr Arastoo Mirani, Dr Afsaneh Khajevand Khoshli ,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Fatemeh Behroozfar, Dr Marjan Al Behbahani,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Ali Yousefi Rudpish, Roya Tavakoli, Fatemeh Mohammadifar, Ziba Poursadegh Gavgani,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Zahra Kavousian, Faezeh Ziaei, Parisa Pakari, Parisa Hosseinzadeh Yazdi, Zeinab Hassani Asl,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Sara Entezari, Dr. Roshanak Khodabakhsh Pirkalani,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of mentalization, epistemic trust, mistrust, and credulity in the relationship between narcissistic traits (vulnerable and grandiose) and depression. A correlational design with path analysis was employed. A convenience sample of 304 adults completed Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck et al., 1996), Short Form of the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory (Sherman et al., 2015), The Mentalization Scale (Dimitrijević et al., 2018) and Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (Campbell et al., 2021). The results revealed that both dimensions of narcissism had a significant positive indirect effect on depression through reduced mentalizing capacity and increased epistemic mistrust. However, epistemic trust played a significant mediating role only in the path between vulnerable narcissism and depression. The indirect paths through epistemic credulity were also not significant. Also, the direct effect of grandiose narcissism on depression was negative, but the total effect was positive through indirect paths. These findings highlight the distinct mediating mechanisms of narcissism dimensions and underscore the importance of capacities for social information processing in understanding depressive symptoms. The results may inform the development of preventive, psychoeducational, or therapeutic programs focused on enhancing mentalization and restoring epistemic trust in individuals with narcissistic traits.
Elnaz Baniani, Fatemeh Behroozfar, Arezoo Siahcheshm, Farnoosh Nikkhak,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of media literacy and emotion regulation training on reducing anxiety and improving mental health of adolescents with cyberspace addiction. The research method was applied in terms of purpose and quasi-experimental in terms of data collection method. This study is an applied research in terms of nature and a quasi-experimental research in terms of implementation and a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population in this study included all adolescents with cyberspace addiction in Tehran between Farvardin 1404 and Shahrivar 1404 who referred to the Mind Ara Counseling Center. 45 people were selected purposefully from the statistical population and Beck Anxiety and GHQ Mental Health Questionnaires were distributed to them for response. Also, Gross's (2002) emotion regulation training intervention and Saleh Rad et al.'s (2019) media literacy training intervention were used to train students. Finally, it has been concluded that emotion regulation training has an effect on reducing anxiety and mental health of adolescents with cyberspace addiction, media literacy training has an effect on reducing anxiety and mental health of adolescents with cyberspace
Alireza Mojab Ghasrodashti, Ali Naseri,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of life skills training on internalized shame and perceived stress among university students. This research was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group and a two-month follow-up. The study population consisted of students at the Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, in 2024, from whom 72 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (36 in each group). The research instruments included the Internalized Shame Scale (Cook) and the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen). The experimental group received life skills training based on Kleinke’s protocol in 10 weekly sessions of 45 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results indicated that life skills training led to a significant reduction in internalized shame and perceived stress in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and these effects were maintained at follow-up. The findings suggest that life skills training is an effective educational and preventive intervention for improving mental health indicators among university students and can be incorporated into student mental health promotion programs.
Taeebeh Delshad, Parisa Kolahi, Leylasadat Modaresi,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the paradoxical intention technique in enhancing perceived competence among school-age boys with stuttering disorder. Stuttering disorder is recognized as one of the most common speech disorders in children, which can exert significant negative impacts on their perceived competence, self-confidence, and psychosocial functioning. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test-post-test and a control group. The statistical population consisted of boys aged 7 to 12 years referred to the Atieh Darakshan Mind Clinic and Niaava Clinic in Tehran, with purposive sampling employed. Ultimately, 30 children were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants each). The measurement instrument was the Children's Perceived Competence Questionnaire (Parandin, 2006). The experimental group underwent the paradoxical intention technique intervention over 10 sessions (twice weekly), comprising structured exercises designed to modify cognitive-emotional patterns related to speech performance and promote positive self-evaluation, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results indicated that the paradoxical intention technique significantly enhanced perceived competence in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the paradoxical intention technique can be employed as an effective psychological intervention to improve perceived competence and support mental health in children with stuttering disorder.
