Journal of

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Body image is one of the primary elements constructing each person’s personality, which relies on the perception and feelings everyone has about their body. One of the influential factors affecting the evolution of body image is cyberspace. This study is aimed to investigate the influential factors on students’ body image as cyberspace users. The present research has applied a qualitative research approach, and has also examined the theoretical foundations. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview, through which 19 students aged from 8 to 13 were chosen as the sampling group via a three- staged codification process: open, central and selective process. Open codes included 49 concepts, and central codes were comprised of 9 categories as: the potentiality of being influenced by people, waning religious beliefs, lack of knowledge, the impact of extreme beautification (plastic surgery), the influence of publicity, cultural differences’ impact, the widespread usage of cyberspace, psychological factors and evolution of values. In the contemporary period, cyberspace has changed cultural norms about gender and body definition. If people follow the devised norms by cyberspace about body image, the developmental process of body image becomes more distorted. 

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The purpose of this study was to investigate how Iranian experts and adolescents define the 24 character strengths. With this aim in mind, through on purpose method of sampling, semi-structured interviews about definitions of the 24 character strengths were conducted with ten specialists (including psychologists, counselors, and teachers). Furthermore, the opinions of two gender-segregated groups of nine grade students about character strengths’ definitions were discussed in focus groups for girls (N= 7) and for boys (N= 6). Students were selected based on their availability at the time of research and their willingness to take part in discussion groups. Data were analyzed using content analysis and directive approach. Results showed that there was conformity with Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) definitions and Iranian experts-adolescents’ definitions in twelve character strengths and also there were some differences in definitions of other character strengths (e.g., bravery, zest, and honesty). These similarities and differences were discussed. Based on the findings of this research, it can be claimed that there is almost compliance between definitions of the 24 character strengths in Iranian society and the definitions of the character strengths and virtues classification and this classification can be used in research related to this topic.
 

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Psychological research in Iran had a unidimensional development and the research programs was influenced by naïve realism and blind positivism. More Recent epistemological tradition like social constructionism and discursive methodologies were ignored in psychological theories and research. The aims of this study were (1) Describing methodological issues in discursive research methods; (2) applying discursive research methods in health psychology. Discourse as a concept is derived from an ontological criticism toward the definition of science based on the objective reality and empiricism. Relying only on the objectivism and empiricism for studying human phenomena is inconsistent with some of the human mind features like intentionality and desire for cognitive consistency. Discursive approaches in health psychology is appropriate for investigating phenomena like noncompliance, representation of illness in patients’ mind and factors affecting in holding responsibility in health-related behaviors. Furthermore, discursive methods could reveal how social discourse and social power could determine the definition of health and responsivity for health related issues. Some of the main analytic methods in discursive methodologies are conversation analysis, identification the discursive performance, finding discursive strategies, and discovering interpretative repertoires. Discursive methodologies could investigate health from the ways of applying language in social context and produce knowledge related to ways people position themselves toward health discourses. So, applying discursive methodologies in health psychology could help health psychologists to find better ways to promote health care and produce novel insights about how clients construct health and illness.        
 

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Recovery is a process by which one promotes health, lives meaningfully, and participates in a community outside the mental health system. Focusing on biotherapeutics and drug therapy has neglected to consider the non-biological factors affecting recovery and planning for its correction. The present study aimed to develop a comprehensive and integrated model for facilitators of recovery in bipolar disorder. This research was a qualitative and grounded theory study. Participants were 31 individuals with ameliorated bipolar disorder who were selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Data were collected using triangulation method (semi-structured interview, narrative interview and interview with family member). Systematic method of Strauss and Corbin was used for data analysis. The model extracted includes causal conditions, mediators, strategies, and recovery outcomes in people with bipolar disorder. The categories extracted include individual (low sensitivity to stigma disorder, positive attitude, active lifestyle, balanced spirituality, intimacy perception, internal control locus), family (positive family atmosphere and family awareness and participation), and social (social support, Positive image of community, perception of justice, low social stigma, employment and social networks). This finding could be a step towards multidimensional treatment of bipolar disorder and focus on its non-biological aspects.

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Self-differentiation is a contextual phenomenon and dependent on social conditions that is formed and experienced in a dynamic process under the influence of various conditions. Considering this issue, the question was raised, what are the basic components in the formation of self-differentiation? For this purpose, the qualitative approach, the systematic design of grounded theory at the level of conceptual ordering has been used. Through theoretical sampling and according to theoretical saturation, 17 people were interviewed. Data analysis was done using the first stage of theoratical coding method. After data analysis, 112 primary codes were identified, then 28 subcategories and 3 categories were formed. The findings show that self-differentiation emerges and flows in the form of independent thoughts, behaviors and attitudes along with identity seeking and social dignity. As a result, in the formation of self-differentiation, the basic components are mainly experienced as intellectual independence, but identity seeking and social dignity are another part of these components that are experienced. The findings of this study, guidance for future researches and provided a deeper understanding of this psychological characteristic in the cultural context, which can also have practical consequences in family therapy with regard to multicultural issues.