Dr Maryam Rahimian, Dr Parvaneh Shamsipour, Mis Nahid Barizi,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of goal setting on declarative memory performance in tasks with different cognitive loads. 60 female students were selected randomly and divided into short-term goals, long-term goals with high and low cognitive loads and the control groups. For this purpose, the Petersburg sleep quality questionnaire, Goldberg mental health questionnaire, inventory cognitive function, Annette handedness questionnaire, and Stroop software (task with high cognitive load) and color matching chain (task with low cognitive load) were used. All groups practiced four training sessions in four days based on type of goal setting instructions. The retention test was performed 24 hours after the acquisition phase. Data were analyzed using the factorial repeated measures ANOVA (acquisition phase), two-way analysis of variance, one way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test (retention test). Results showed significant differences among experimental groups in the acquisition phase (P<0.05). The short term goals group performed better than the other groups in the retention test and task with high cognitive load (stroop task). Also, the short term goals group had better performance than control group in the low cognitive load task (color matching task chain). Furthermore, comparing the groups in tasks with high and low cognitive loads in the retention test showed that the short and long term goals groups in task with high cognitive load performed better than the short and long term goals groups in task with low cognitive load. Thus, the results indicate that goal setting instructions are more effective in task with high cognitive load.
Ms. Somaye Keshavarzi, Mr. Eskandar Fathi Azar, Mr. Mir Mahmoud Mirnasab, Mr. Rahim Badri Gargari,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the effect of metacognitive awareness on decision-making styles and emotion regulation in female high school students during 2016 in Tabriz, Iran. We conducted a pre- and post-test quasi-experimental research design with a control group. Two classes were selected by cluster sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental (n=19) and control (n=19) groups. A metacognitive awareness intervention program was performed in eight sessions (once a week in 90-minutes) for the experimental group but the control group did not receive any intervention and served as the benchmarking point of the comparison. The Decision Styles Questionnaire (Leykin & DeRubeis, 2010) and Regulation of Emotion Questionnaire (Phillips & Power, 2007) were administered. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The result showed a significant decrease in the score of the avoidant, anxious, intuitive, and spontaneous dimensions as well as a significant increase in the score of the dependent dimension of decision-making styles in the experimental group compared with the control group. Moreover, the scores of the dysfunction dimension of emotion regulation decreased significantly in the experimental group, while, the scores of the function dimension increased significantly.
Hossein Matoori, Elkhas Veysi, Bahman Gorjian, Mehran Memari,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (10-2020)
Abstract
One of the well-known conceptual metaphors is the metaphor of "time as space". Time as an abstract concept is conceptualized by a concrete concept like space. This conceptualization of time is also reflected in co-speech gestures. In this research, we try to find out what dimension and direction the mental timeline takes in co-speech gestures and under which metaphorical sources of space it takes place. For this purpose, six possible metaphorical sources adopted from space on three axes of sagittal, lateral, and vertical in six spatial directions were examined on the words tomorrow and yesterday. Participants were 137 students ranging in age from 18 to 30. The frequency of occurrence and the average percentage in co-speech gestures showed that the horizontal-sagittal axis back to front adopted from metaphorical-spatial source of linguistic metaphors with 55.75%; and right to left horizontal-lateral axis adopted from metaphorical-spatial source of Persian writing direction with 30.1% were the two influential factors in activating these dimensions and directions. The results of this study showed that language can play an important role in the representation of the mental timeline in co-speech gestures through the embodied sensory-motor experiences that we have from language as a conventional-cultural artifact in writing or linguistic metaphors.
Hamid Khanipur, Mahsan Pourali, Mojgan Attar,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (12-2020)
Abstract
Unethical decision-making could be considered as both selfish and self-beneficial in addition to being aimed at benefiting others. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential relationship among the sense of power, the sense of status and status seeking styles (i.e., prestige and dominance) with two forms of unethical decision-making. Participants were 150 citizens of Tehran, who voluntary participated in this study. Data were gathered by the sense of power scale, the sense of status scale, the dominance-prestige scale, and the unethical decision-making questionnaire (self-beneficial and other-beneficial forms). The multiple regression analysis showed that dominance was positively and prestige was negatively associated with self-beneficial unethical decision-making, whereas dominance was positively associated with other-beneficial unethical decision-making. The relationship between the sense of power and the sense of status with two forms of unethical decision-making was not significant. The results of this study supported the conceptual distinction between two forms of unethical decision-making. It seems that the sense of power or the sense of status alone could not explain unethical decision-making, and status seeking styles (i.e., prestige and dominance) would be the main mental mechanisms which contribute to the tendency for unethical decision-making.
Raziyeh Sajedi, Samaneh Shojaie, Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkord, Seyed Mohammad Kazem Vaez Mousavi,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Efforts to further progress in practice and learning have introduced cognitive imagery and action observation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different practice ratios on consolidation the motor memory of girls with cognitive load. This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest, acquisition and retention design. The statistical population of the study includes primary school students in the 18th district of Tehran in the academic year of 97-98 who were selected by convenience sampling method. 98 elementary school girl students in the age range of 8-12 years were randomly divided into 10 groups (physical practice, motor imagery, action observation, motor imagery - physical practice and action observation - physical practice) based on inclusion criteria. Were. Demographic, motion imaging (MIQ-R) and motion imaging resolution (VMIQ-2) questionnaires, Strope task and serial color matching task were used to collect information. Participants made an effort in the 1920 acquisition phase and 48 hours later in an 80-block memorial session. To analyze the data, analysis of covariance test 2 (assessment steps: acquisition, retention) × 5 (experimental groups) with repetition on the factor of assessment steps, SPSS software was used. The results of analysis of variance showed that the main effect of practice type and cognitive load type was significant (p <0.05). The results of Bonferroni post hoc test showed that the participants in the practice observation and imaging group with low cognitive load had the best performance and the participants in the practice group with low cognitive load had the weakest performance compared to the other groups. Performing practice in a combination of observation and imaging will lead to better performance in learning and consolidation motor memory.
Hossein Matoori,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (8-2021)
Abstract
| In this research, the horizontal and vertical direction of the time line in the minds of Persian speakers is examined from the perspective of Lakoff and Johnson conceptual metaphors. The mental timeline as an abstract concept according to our cognitive experiences and embodied mind may be conceptualized metaphorically under the influence of concrete concepts of space in our mind. In this research, a type of experimental experiment in the form of arranging colored cubes of time is used in different dimensions and possible directions in the concepts of the days of the week, including Saturday, Sunday, and Monday; the three main meals that include breakfast, lunch and dinner; and the concept of time that includes the yesterday, today and tomorrow. A total of 45 male and female employees between the age of 27 and 45 from the Islamic Azad University of Khorramshahr-Persian Gulf International Branch participated in this experiment. Percentage and average frequency of sorting colored cubes in the three concepts of time showed that, respectively, the horizontal lateral axes from right to left are adopted from the writing direction of Persian language with 45.6% as the first; the horizontal axis of the back-front paradigm is taken from the walking and looking direction, and linguistic metaphors, with 25.7% as the second; and the horizontal axis left to right taken from the writing direction of numbers and mathematics with 14.6% are considered as the third adopted sources of abstract concepts of time in Persian. The results show that in the minds of Persian speakers, the cognitive experience for writing the language due to repetition and sensory-motor experience is still represented as the most dominant pattern, and after this pattern walking and looking forward has a considerable affects on the representation of the direction of mental timeline. |
Fatemeh Molavi, Dr Abbas Habibzadeh, ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of psychological well-being on academic burnout through the mediation of achievement goals.
Research method: The method of the current research was the correlation design through structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all students of psychology and educational sciences of the Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University of Qom in the academic year 2019-1400, who were selected by available sampling method in the number of 440 people. In order to collect data, three questionnaires were used: Moslesh's academic burnout, Rif's psychological well-being, and Midgley's and colleagues' progress goals. Pearson correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis.
Findings: The findings showed that psychological well-being with a standard coefficient of 0.60 was effective on goal orientation and with a standard coefficient of -0.25 on academic burnout. Also, goal orientation with a standard coefficient of -0.55 was effective on academic burnout. All effects were significant at P>0.001 level. The results showed that psychological well-being has an effect on academic burnout through the mediation of achievement goals.
Conclusion: In order to reduce academic burnout, it is suggested to the experts in the field of education to pay special attention to the components of psychological well-being and goal orientation in students.
Mohsen Jalali, Amineh Khedmati Nojeh Deh Sadat, Ahmad Torabi, Maryam Naderi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
HIV is associated with extensive physical and psychological consequences, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. Cognitive rehabilitation is a novel intervention aimed at improving cognitive and psychological functioning in these individuals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation intervention on reducing depression, improving working memory, and enhancing attention in patients with immune deficiency. This quasi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest control group design and was conducted in Izeh, Iran, in 2023. A total of 30 patients with HIV were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants per group). Instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory, Working Memory Assessment, and Continuous Performance Test to measure attention. The experimental group underwent 12 sessions of cognitive rehabilitation (60 minutes each, three times a week), while the control group received no intervention. Posttests were administered to both groups after the intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) in SPSS.23. The results showed that cognitive rehabilitation significantly reduced depression and improved working memory and attention in the experimental group compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.001). These findings suggest that cognitive rehabilitation is an effective approach for enhancing cognitive and psychological outcomes in patients with immune deficiency and can be utilized in therapeutic settings.
Maeede Teymori, Mohammadreza Shaeeri, Hojjatollah Farahni,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
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Cognitive-emotional internalizing and externalizing problems are among the most significant psychological challenges of childhood, potentially affecting children's mental and social well-being in the future. Maternal depression has been identified as a key factor contributing to these problems; however, the underlying mechanisms of this association remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of mindful parenting in the relationship between maternal depression and children's cognitive-emotional internalizing and externalizing problems.
This applied research employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all mothers of elementary school children in Tehran during the 2023-2024 academic year, from whom 385 participants were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21; Antony et al., 1998), the Mindful Parenting Questionnaire (MIPQ; McCaffrey, Reitman, & Black, 2015), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001), completed by mothers. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS23 and LISREL 8.
The results of structural equation modeling indicated that the proposed model had a good fit. Findings showed a significant positive relationship between maternal depression and children's cognitive-emotional internalizing and externalizing problems (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the "being in the present moment with the child" component (a subdimension of mindful parenting) significantly mediated this relationship. Specifically, maternal depression, by reducing the mother's mindful presence in interactions with the child, led to an increase in children's cognitive-emotional problems.
These findings highlight the importance of training parents in mindfulness skills, particularly the ability to be present with their children, as an effective strategy for mitigating the negative impact of maternal depression on children's cognitive-emotional well-being. Consequently, intervention programs in child and family mental health should emphasize the enhancement of mindful parenting among parents.
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Hojjatollah Mohammadzadeh, Alireza Aghayousfi, Emad Yousefi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
This study examined the prediction of addiction tendency based on differentiation of self, self-construal, and coping styles. The primary aim was to identify the psychological factors significantly predicting addiction tendency and to analyze the relationships among these variables. The statistical population included all undergraduate students at Payame Noor University of Qom in 2021. Using simple random sampling, 285 students from various faculties were selected as the sample. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including the Addiction Tendency Scale, Differentiation of Self Inventory, Self-Construal Scale, and Coping Styles Inventory. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were applied to analyze the data.The results indicated that differentiation of self, self-construal, and coping styles significantly predicted addiction tendency. Among these variables, coping styles had the highest predictive coefficient (β = 0.50), followed by differentiation of self (β = 0.45) and self-construal (β = 0.32). The findings revealed that individuals with lower differentiation of self and less effective coping styles are more likely to exhibit addiction tendencies.This study highlights the crucial role of psychological factors in understanding addiction tendencies and has significant implications for designing preventive and therapeutic interventions. The findings can serve as a scientific basis for promoting mental health and reducing high-risk behaviors, including addiction.
Leila Fatehi Khoshknabk, Dr Majid Mahmood Alilo, Dr Ali Asgharzadeh, Dr Amir Panahali, Dr Akbar Rezaei,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare recognition memory and memory confidence among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) subtypes—washing and checking—and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) using an experimental post-event design. The sample consisted of 45 patients referred to Razi Hospital Clinic in Tabriz in 2023, divided into three groups of 15 each: washing-type OCD, checking-type OCD, and GAD. Participants were aged 20 to 45 years, had at least a high school diploma, and included both genders. Memory was assessed using two computerized word lists, comprising recognition and recall tasks. Data were analyzed through multivariate analysis. Findings indicated significant differences among groups in recognition memory and memory confidence (p < 0.05), with the checking-type OCD group demonstrating poorer performance compared to the other groups. These results highlight the differential impact of emotional disorders on cognitive memory components and emphasize the need for targeted cognitive and psychotherapeutic interventions to improve memory functioning in OCD and anxiety patients.
Maliheh Pazooki, Elahe Jafarpoor, Zahra Hajati, Sara Malakmohammadi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of cognitive self-efficacy in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and psychological vitality in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. The statistical population consisted of all clinical medical students at Golestan University in 2024, from which a sample of 120 students was selected through non-random convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form (1998), the Cognitive Self-Efficacy Scale by Sherer et al. (1982), and the Psychological Vitality Scale developed by Kahn and Crawford (2003). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that early maladaptive schemas had a significant negative relationship with psychological vitality, and this relationship was mediated by reduced cognitive self-efficacy. In other words, early maladaptive schemas lead to decreased psychological vitality in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder by weakening cognitive self-efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of addressing early maladaptive schemas and enhancing cognitive self-efficacy as therapeutic strategies to improve psychological vitality and overall mental well-being in individuals suffering from anxiety. Accordingly, it is recommended that psychological interventions simultaneously target schema modification and self-efficacy enhancement.
Feresheh Reza, Javanshir Asadi, Arastoo Mirani, Afsaneh Khajevand Khoshli,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing perfectionism and cognitive error of thought-action equivalence in women with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all women with obsessive-compulsive disorder referring to Sarohana Clinic in Pasdaran district of Tehran in 1404. The research sample was selected using an accessible and purposeful method and included 45 people who were randomly assigned to three groups (cognitive-behavioral therapy, short-term psychodynamic therapy, and control). The data collection tools included the revised cognitive error of thought-action equivalence scale of Shafran et al. (1996), the Ahvaz Perfectionism Questionnaire, and the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Questionnaire (1977). The cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention was implemented in eight group sessions, once a week for 40 minutes for the experimental group. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance and post hoc tests. The findings showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly reduced perfectionism and cognitive error of thought-action equivalence (moral dimensions, probability for self and probability for others) compared to the control group. The results of this study indicate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing harmful cognitive variables in women with obsessive-compulsive disorder and can be used as an effective intervention in improving the symptoms of this disorder.
Nasrin Bozorgpoor Niazi, Dr Fatemeh Shahabizadeh, Dr Mahboobeh Faramarzi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
| This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), combined with physiotherapy, on psychological well-being and executive functions among elderly individuals suffering from chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis. The research followed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments, along with a control group. The statistical population included elderly individuals over 60 years old diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritic pain, selected through purposive sampling. A total of 45 participants were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The intervention groups received compassion-focused and mindfulness-based CBT, either with or without physiotherapy. Data were collected using Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale and the Stroop Executive Function Test and analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Findings indicated that the interventions, particularly the combined CBT with physiotherapy, significantly improved components of psychological well-being (self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy) and executive functions. These effects remained stable at follow-up. Although improvements were observed in personal growth, environmental mastery, and purpose in life, no significant differences were found between the two intervention groups in these dimensions. Effect size analysis suggested a large clinical impact. Overall, the results support the integration of psychotherapy and physiotherapy as an effective approach to promoting mental health and cognitive functioning in elderly patients with chronic pain. |
Adnan Vaezi, Hossein Bigdeli, Mohsen Ahmadi Tahor Soltani ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to analyze the structural model of adolescents’ achievement goal orientation based on theory of mind and working memory within a cognitive-social framework. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the study investigated the direct and indirect effects of theory of mind on the four dimensions of achievement goal orientation (mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance), with working memory as a mediating variable. The research design was descriptive-correlational, and the statistical population included all high school students (second level) during the 2023–2024 academic year. A sample of 315 students was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Achievement Goal Orientation Questionnaire (Elliot & McGregor, 2001), the Theory of Mind Questionnaire (Baron-Cohen, 2001), and the Working Memory Test (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980). SEM results revealed that theory of mind significantly predicted achievement goal orientations, both directly and indirectly through working memory. A significant positive relationship was also found between theory of mind and working memory. The model showed a good fit, underscoring the crucial role of cognitive-social processes in shaping adolescents’ academic motivation. |
Hava Mahmoudzadeh Kenari, Dr Afsaneh Khajevand Khoshli, Dr Javanshir Asadi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents is associated with maladaptive cognitive–emotional patterns, including thought–action fusion and intolerance of uncertainty, which can impair academic performance and interpersonal relationships. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and metacognitive therapy on these constructs in adolescent girls with OCD. The quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group and included 45 high school girls in Babolsar, selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants each. Interventions consisted of eight weekly 90-minute group sessions. Data were collected using the Thought–Action Fusion Scale and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Questionnaire and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results indicated that both interventions significantly reduced thought–action fusion and intolerance of uncertainty compared to the control group, and pairwise comparisons showed that metacognitive therapy was more effective in reducing thought–action fusion, whereas emotion-focused therapy was relatively more effective in reducing outcomes related to intolerance of uncertainty. These findings suggest that targeted psychotherapeutic interventions can improve maladaptive cognitive–emotional patterns associated with OCD in adolescents and reduce anxiety and compulsive behaviors. The results provide guidance for selecting tailored treatments based on individual clinical needs and for designing school- and clinic-based intervention programs.
Mohammad Mahdi Zeidabadinejad, Noshin Noori, Leila Fatehi Khoshknabk, Sara Malakmohammadi, Ziba Poursadegا Gavgani,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in reducing cognitive fusion and interpersonal needs among students experiencing suicidal ideation. Employing a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments, participants were selected based on predefined criteria and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received MBCT sessions, and data were analyzed using covariance analysis (ANCOVA). Results demonstrated that MBCT significantly decreased overall cognitive fusion, particularly the fusion component, and significantly reduced total scores of interpersonal needs, including perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Additionally, a significant reduction in the severity of suicidal thoughts was observed in the intervention group compared to controls, whereas changes in cognitive defusion were not statistically significant. Follow-up data indicated that the positive effects of the intervention were maintained to a satisfactory degree over time. These findings support the clinical utility of MBCT as an effective intervention to improve maladaptive cognitive and interpersonal processes associated with psychological vulnerability in at-risk students. The study underscores the potential of MBCT in suicide prevention and mental health promotion, and recommends further research with larger samples and integrative interventions to explore underlying mechanisms and long-term efficacy. |
Mahsa Rohani Otaghs Sara, Afsaneh Khajound Khoshli, Elnaz Pooaahmadi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on marital conflict and perceived responsiveness of the spouse in women affected by infidelity. Marital infidelity is considered one of the most important crises in couples' relationships, which has widespread consequences, including the intensification of marital conflicts and damage to the spouse's perception and perceived responsiveness. In this regard, schema therapy, as an integrated and deep approach focusing on identifying and modifying early maladaptive schemas, can help rebuild couples' emotional and cognitive relationships. This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all married women referring to counseling centers and psychological clinics in Babol in the winter of 1403 who had reported experiencing infidelity of their spouse. Among them, 45 people were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to three groups: schema therapy, compassion therapy, and control. The schema therapy group received ten ninety-minute sessions of intervention, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Marital Conflict Questionnaire and the Perceived Spouse Responsiveness Scale, and the data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. The findings showed that schema therapy significantly reduced marital conflicts and improved perceived spouse responsiveness in women affected by infidelity. Also, the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing marital conflict was greater than compassion therapy. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that schema therapy is an effective approach to improving the psychological consequences of infidelity and can be used as an efficient intervention in family counseling centers and in the treatment of disorders resulting from marital crises.
