Showing 465 results for Type of Study: Research
Mahrokh Ajorloo,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of logotherapy on hope and post-traumatic growth in patients with colorectal cancer. This study was a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included patients with colorectal cancer referring to Imam Hossein Hospital in 2025, from which 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants in each group). The experimental group received logotherapy intervention, while the control group received no psychological intervention. The research instruments included the Hope Scale and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance in SPSS software. The results showed that logotherapy significantly increased hope and post-traumatic growth in the experimental group compared to the control group, and these effects remained relatively stable at the follow-up stage. Therefore, it can be concluded that logotherapy can be considered an effective psychological intervention for improving hope and facilitating post-traumatic growth in patients with colorectal cancer.
Leila Sadat Modarresi, Zahra Alsadat Haji Seyed Taghiya Taghavi, Parisa Kolahi,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of psychological capital training on academic enthusiasm of female second-year high school students. This study was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up with a control group. The statistical population of the study included all female second-year high school students in schools in District 2 of Tehran in the academic year 1403-1404, from whom 30 were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). The experimental group received psychological capital training during five sessions. Data were collected in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, and analyzed using a mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures. The findings showed that psychological capital training significantly increased academic enthusiasm in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, no significant difference was observed between post-test and follow-up scores, indicating the stability of the intervention effect in the follow-up period. Overall, psychological capital training was effective in increasing and sustaining academic enthusiasm among female high school students. Accordingly, using this intervention in school counseling and psychological programs can help improve students' academic enthusiasm.
Pooneh Nezakat, Negin Ghadami, Fatemeh Houshmand, Armaghan Atshani Kouchesfahani , Samaneh Kheradiyar,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a relationship-based mindfulness intervention on perceived stress and the quality of marital interactions among couples experiencing communication problems. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest, control group, and short-term follow-up. The study population consisted of couples seeking family counseling services in Tehran in 2025, with 30 couples selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Instruments included the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, the Marital Interaction Quality Questionnaire, and a demographic information form. The intervention consisted of eight sessions focused on mindfulness skills applied in relational contexts, including present-moment awareness, mindful listening, conflict management, and empathy cultivation. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Results indicated that the intervention significantly reduced perceived stress and enhanced the quality of marital interactions, with effects maintained at short-term follow-up. These findings align with previous studies and highlight the capacity of relationship-based mindfulness to manage conflicts, foster empathy, and improve couples’ relational skills. The study underscores the potential of this intervention as an evidence-based approach for family counselors and preventive programs targeting marital communication issues. Limitations include a small sample size, short-term follow-up, and self-report measures; future studies are recommended to utilize larger samples and longer follow-up periods to examine the durability of intervention effects.
Kumars Moradi, Houshang Jadidi, Ali Taghvaeinia,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a quality-of-life enhancement educational package on loneliness and death anxiety among older adults. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and control group. The statistical population consisted of older adults residing in the Social Security Nursing Home in Kermanshah, Iran. Thirty participants were selected through simple random sampling and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups (15 participants in each group). The experimental group received the quality-of-life enhancement educational package in 10 sessions, while the control group received no intervention. The research instruments included the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Templer Death Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The findings showed that the quality-of-life enhancement educational package significantly reduced loneliness and death anxiety among older adults in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the effect sizes were 0.51 for loneliness and 0.41 for death anxiety, indicating the substantial effectiveness of the intervention. The findings suggest that the quality-of-life enhancement educational package can be used as a comprehensive and evidence-based intervention to improve older adults’ mental health and reduce loneliness and death anxiety.
Sana Heydari, Farshid Ebrahimi,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy on the psychological well-being of couples in Kermanshah. The research was conducted as a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a 1-month follow-up. The statistical population included all married couples living in Kermanshah city between April and May of 1404. From among this population, 40 couples referred to counseling and psychological clinics were selected by available sampling method and randomly assigned to two experimental (20 couples) and control (20 couples) groups. The experimental group participated in 8 positive group psychotherapy sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research tool was RIF psychological well-being questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the statistical method of analysis of covariance. The results of covariance analysis showed that after controlling the pre-test scores, there is a significant difference between the average psychological well-being scores of couples in the experimental and control groups (P>0.05). Also, positive psychotherapy significantly improved psychological
Nazila Kazemi Jame Bozorgi, Dr Amine Jalali,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
| The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on chronic fatigue, psychosomatic symptoms, and resilience in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This applied study was conducted with a pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design with a control group and a follow-up phase. The statistical population included MS patients referring to the Hormozgan MS Association in Farvardin 1404, from whom 30 people were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). The experimental group received the mindfulness-based stress reduction program as a group during 8 intervention sessions by a psychologist, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Fatigue Scale, the Psychosomatic Symptoms Questionnaire, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures. |
The findings showed that the mindfulness-based stress reduction program intervention significantly reduced chronic fatigue and psychosomatic symptoms, as well as significantly increased resilience in the experimental group compared to the control group. The results of the follow-up phase also showed that the effects of the intervention remained largely stable. The largest effect size was related to psychosomatic symptoms, followed by resilience, which indicates the effective role of this intervention in improving emotional regulation and reducing physical symptoms related to stress. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the mindfulness-based stress reduction program can be used as an effective complementary intervention in improving the psychological and physical status of patients with MS and play an important role in improving their quality of life.
Mohsen Amiri, Jahangir Karami,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
One of the overlooked aspects of psychopathology is its cultural foundations. Just as genes can carry defective biological information and transmit it across generations, memes can also transfer defective cultural information into minds, potentially leading to psychological distress. Therefore, the present study aims to conceptualize and develop the technique of Meme Maps to trace the developmental history of pathological psychological memes in Major Depressive Disorder. This study follows a qualitative case-study approach. The research population consisted of individuals aged 18 to 25 diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in Kermanshah, in 2024. Through purposive sampling, a single participant was selected for detailed analysis. Memetic assessment revealed two primary memeplexes—Incapacity-Helplessness and Shame-Deficiency that contributed to the patient’s symptoms. Using the Meme Maps technique, the Gestational and Developmental Meme Events of these memeplexes were identified. The patient’s awareness of these Gestational Meme Events and Developmental Meme Events led to insight into the emotions corresponding to pathological memes, enabling them to destabilize the foundations of their maladaptive memeplexes. This insight further allowed the individual to counteract the extended phenotypic effects of these memeplexes. the study demonstrated the effectiveness of Meme Maps in identifying the evolutionary trajectory of pathological psychological memes in Major Depressive Disorder
Maryam Kazemi, Tooraj Sepahvand,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present research was conducted with the aim of predicting alexithymia in adolescents based on cognitive flexibility and difficulties in emotion regulation of their mothers. This research was a descriptive-analytical study and conducted in the form of a correlational design. The statistical population included adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from Arak schools along with their mothers, 459 of them were selected by random cluster sampling. The students responded to twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and their mothers to Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, and the collected data were analyzed using stepwise regression. The findings showed that limited access to emotion regulation strategies (beta coefficient= 0.240) and lack of emotional clarity (beta coefficient=0.194) of mothers had a significant role in predicting the alexithymia in adolescent and explained about 14% of its variance. Other subscales of difficulties in emotion regulation and cognitive flexibility of mothers did not play a role in explaining it. As a result, difficulties in emotion regulation in mothers can play an important role in adolescent emotional alexithymia. Accordingly, strengthening mothers' emotion regulation skills is recommended to specialists as an important priority for improving the emotional health of their children.
Mr. Hesam Soleimani, Mr. Amin Rahmati, Mr. Asem Esmaeili,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study was conducted by the structural modelling of attention to emotions (voluntary and involuntary) with worry and stress among students of Shahid Chamran university of Ahvaz with the mediating role of negative affect. The method of the present research was structural equation modeling and the population included all students of Shahid Chamran university of Ahvaz in year 1402-03, of which 312 were selected as a sample by simple random sampling. Structural equation modeling method, bootstrap test, SPSS, and AMOS version 24 software were used for data analysis. After the analysis, it was observed that the model has a good fit and the findings showed that involuntary attention to emotions is directly related to negative affect, worry and stress. But voluntary attention to emotions only has a direct relationship with negative emotions, and its relationship with worry and stress is indirect and through negative affect. Negative affect played a mediating role for the relationship between both types of attention to emotions with worry and stress.
Dr Sheida Nasseri Akbar, Dr Ezatallah Kordmirza Nikoozadeh, Dr Mahnaz Moghanloo, Dr Seyedeh Zahra Alibakhshi, Dr Amin Rafiepoor,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions of acceptance and commitment and mindfulness on the biological, psychological and social indicators of women with human papillomavirus.This study was a semi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population included all female patients with human papilloma virus who lived in Dubai and visited Al-Shafa Behavioral Diseases Clinic .Through purposive sampling, 45 subjects were selected and randomly allocated to either the ACT, mindfulness or the control group (n = 15 per group). Then the subjects of the two experimental groups were subjected to training based on acceptance and commitment therapy and training based on mindfulness for 8 sessions of 90 minutes. The data collection tool was DASS-21 (1993), Marlowe and Crown's (1996) Social Desirability Scale. the results, a tangible difference was spotted between the groups in the pre-and post-test stage and considering time impact on the mean virous (η2=0.888, F=222.695, p<0.001), depression (η2=0.953, F=562.146, P<0.001), anxiety (η2=0.760, F=88.843, P<0.001), stress (η2=0.953, F=405.704, P<0.001), and social desirability (η2=0.26, F=9.820, P<0.001). In general, the results showed that both methods of educational intervention were effective in women.
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.
Mahrookh Ajorloo,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Lupus, as a chronic autoimmune disorder, has extensive psychological consequences on the mental health of patients in addition to physical complications. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on the level of internalized shame and improving the quality of life in patients with lupus. This study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all patients with lupus referring to Imam Hussein (AS) Hospital in Tehran, from which 30 people were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 people) and control groups (15 people). Data collection tools included the Internalized Shame Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. The experimental group underwent eight 90-minute sessions of schema therapy intervention, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results of data analysis showed that after controlling for pre-test effects, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups in the post-test. Schema therapy significantly reduced internalized shame and increased quality of life scores in the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of patients in the experimental group compared to the control group. Based on the findings of this study, schema therapy is an effective intervention to reduce negative psychological burdens and improve the quality of life of patients with lupus by challenging early maladaptive schemas and replacing them with efficient behavioral patterns, and can be used alongside medical treatments.
Arshida Sayadi, Fatemeh Houshmand, Seyedeh Reyhaneh Hashemi, Tara Sotvar, Arsalan Barekat,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescence is associated with persistent deficits in self-regulation, poor self-management skills, and increased social-emotional problems, including social anxiety. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on self-management skills and social anxiety in adolescents with ADHD. The study was conducted in a quasi-experimental manner with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up. The study population included adolescents aged 13 to 15 years with this disorder, 30 of whom were selected using a convenience method and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute sessions of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, while the control group was on a waiting list. The research instruments included the Adolescent Self-Management Questionnaire and the Adolescent Social Anxiety Scale, which were administered in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance. The results showed that the implementation of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program significantly increased self-management skills and significantly reduced social anxiety in the experimental group compared to the control group, and these effects remained largely stable at the two-month follow-up. Based on the findings, the mindfulness-based stress reduction program can be used as a complementary and effective intervention in improving cognitive-behavioral functions and reducing social-emotional problems in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Seyedeh Bita Mir Ghaffari, Dr Maryam Kalhornia Golkar, Dr Taher Tizdast,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Coronary heart disease is one of the most common heart diseases and the leading cause of death in the world, and its effective management requires comprehensive approaches beyond drug treatment. Self-care, as one of the key components in controlling this disease, in the context of social support, especially family support, can help improve the quality of life of patients and reduce repeated hospitalizations. The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of a family-centered health program on self-care in patients with coronary heart disease. This quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and three-month follow-up included 30 men with coronary heart disease who were randomly divided into two intervention groups (n=15) and control groups (n=15). The intervention group participated in eight weekly 90-minute sessions of a family-centered educational-support program, while the control group did not receive any educational intervention. The results showed that the family-centered health program significantly increased self-care behaviors in the intervention group compared to the control group, and these changes were maintained for three months after the intervention. These findings emphasize the importance of family participation in improving self-care in heart patients and indicate that family-centered interventions can be effective as a complement to drug treatments in the management of heart disease. The results of the study suggest the need to integrate these approaches into the health system and recommend to policymakers to provide the basis for the systematic implementation of family-centered programs.
Marzieh Barati, Zohreh Mortezaei Karahrody,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on academic burnout and social anxiety symptoms among female upper secondary school students. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group and a one-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of female students attending public schools in Tehran, Iran, during the 2024–2025 academic year. Following an initial screening, 30 students with elevated levels of social anxiety were purposively selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group.The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Adolescent Social Anxiety Scale and the Academic Burnout Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.The results indicated that ACT significantly reduced social anxiety symptoms and academic burnout in the experimental group compared to the control group, and these effects were maintained at the one-month follow-up. Overall, the findings suggest that ACT, through enhancing psychological flexibility and reducing experiential avoidance, can improve students’ academic and social adjustment and may serve as an effective intervention within educational settings. |
Masoomeh Hoseinian, Fatemeh Mohammadifar,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) on reducing perceived stress in female students with social anxiety. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included seventh-grade female students of lower secondary schools in District 3 of Tehran during the 2024–2025 academic year. The sample consisted of 20 students with symptoms of social anxiety who were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups (10 students in each group). The experimental group received 9 sessions of 90-minute Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS-26 software.
The results showed that after controlling for the pretest effect, there was a significant difference between the two groups in perceived stress (p < 0.01). The effect size was 0.569, indicating a considerable effectiveness of the intervention. The findings indicated that Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy can significantly reduce stress in female students with social anxiety. |
Sana Heydari, Farshid Ebrahimi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
| The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy on emotional regulation of couples. This study was conducted with a semi-experimental method and a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the research included couples who referred to the counseling centers of Kermanshah city in 1404, from among them 20 couples were selected by available sampling method and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in 8 positive group psychotherapy sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The data collection tool was Garnevsky et al.'s (2001) Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the statistical method of covariance analysis. The results of covariance analysis showed that positive psychotherapy has a significant effect on emotional regulation of couples (P<0.05). Specifically, this intervention increased the adaptive components of emotion regulation, including acceptance, positive refocusing, refocusing on planning, positive reappraisal, and perspective-taking, and reduced maladaptive components, including self-blame, rumination, catastrophizing, and blaming others in couples in the experimental group compared to the control group. Research findings show that positive psychotherapy with an emphasis on positive emotions, giving meaning to experiences, identifying capabilities and Positive cognitive restructuring plays an effective role in improving couples' emotion regulation strategies. By reducing negative cognitive patterns and strengthening adaptive strategies, this approach helps couples to manage conflicts and pressures of married life in a more effective way. Therefore, positive psychotherapy can be used as an efficient intervention in couple therapy and family mental health promotion programs. |
Zeinab Avish, Fariborz Dortaj, Fatemeh Ghaemi, Noorali Farrokhi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of positive treatment and the model of family empowerment based on self-compassion on treatment adherence and quality of life in female patients with type 2 diabetes. In a semi-experimental study with a control group and pre-test and post-test, 45 women with type 2 diabetes who referred to the endocrinology department of Shahid Dr. Labafinejad Hospital in Tehran from June to July 2014 were selected by random sampling. Then the subjects were randomly divided into two experimental groups through Excel office software (the first experimental group was treated with positive treatment (n=15); the second experimental group was treated with the family empowerment model based on self-compassion (n=15) and a control group (n=15) was subjected to routine hospital treatments. The data collection tool was the questionnaire of compliance with treatment and quality of life in three stages of the baseline, after the intervention and three-month follow-up.
Ezetolah Rost, Asadolla Vaisi, Mahmoud Goudarzi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the impact of postmodern therapy and a gender-sensitive perspective on the social well-being of couples referring to counseling centers in Ilam. The research method involved a comparison between two therapeutic protocols using a repeated measures design with pre-test, post-test, and a three-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of all couples referring to counseling centers in Ilam during the second half of 2022. A sample of 45 individuals was selected using purposive sampling. Initially, the Marital Conflict Questionnaire was administered to 150 individuals referring to counseling and psychotherapy centers; subsequently, 45 individuals who obtained the highest scores were purposively selected. Data collection was conducted using Keyes’ Social Well-being Questionnaire (1998). Data analysis was performed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) via SPSS-26 software. Based on the results, the research hypothesis regarding a significant difference between postmodern therapy and the gender-sensitive perspective on couples’ social well-being was not confirmed. However, the key finding was that postmodern therapy had a significant effect on couples’ social well-being compared to the control group, whereas this effect was not significant for the gender-sensitive approach. Therefore, it appears that the postmodern approach has broader effectiveness in promoting the psychological and relational resources of couples.
