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.
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.
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.
Zahra Amir Azdi, Soheila Rahmani, Parisa Kolahi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a widespread chronic pain disorder that is associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive problems and is associated with high levels of alexithymia and rumination. Given the role of psychological factors in the exacerbation of symptoms, mindfulness-based interventions have been considered as a complementary approach. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on alexithymia and rumination in female patients with fibromyalgia. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included all female patients with fibromyalgia who referred to Sina Hospital in Tehran during June and July 2025. Among the eligible individuals, 30 individuals were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group participated in 8 90-minute sessions of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Rumination Scale. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Findings: The results showed that after controlling for pre-test scores, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the variables of alexithymia and rumination (P < 0.001). So that the mean scores of the experimental group in both variables were significantly reduced. The effect size calculation showed that the mindfulness intervention had a significant effect on reducing rumination and a moderate effect on reducing emotional alexithymia. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the mindfulness-based stress reduction program can be used as an effective psychological intervention in improving emotional alexithymia and reducing rumination in female patients with fibromyalgia. It is suggested that this approach be used as a complementary treatment in chronic pain treatment centers.
Mohammad Mehdi Zeidabadinejad, Ahmad Torabi, Fatemeh Mohammadifar, Zahra Nori, Roya Tovakoli,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Intensive Short‑Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) on reducing obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence in patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study employed a quasi‑experimental design with a pretest‑posttest and one‑month follow‑up, including two experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population comprised all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who attended treatment centers in Tehran during autumn 2025. From this population, 72 individuals were initially selected using purposive sampling; after attrition, the final sample consisted of 45 participants who were randomly assigned to three groups (15 participants per group). MBSR and ISTDP were each delivered individually over eight 90‑minute sessions to the experimental groups, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Maudsley Obsessive‑Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Results of repeated‑measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that both MBSR and ISTDP significantly reduced obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improved treatment adherence, and these effects remained stable for at least one month post‑intervention. Furthermore, Bonferroni post‑hoc tests showed that MBSR was significantly more effective than ISTDP in reducing obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence (p < 0.05). This superiority may be attributed to MBSR’s capacity to enhance emotion regulation, reduce stress, and increase body awareness—factors that play a decisive role in managing chronic diseases and health‑oriented behaviors. Therefore, incorporating mindfulness‑based interventions as an effective approach alongside other psychological treatments may help improve treatment outcomes and quality of life in patients with NAFLD.
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.
Shiva Kaveh Ahangari, Zohreh Ganbari, Fatemeh Ameneh Aghareb Parast, Elnaz Baniani, Zahra Sadat Hoseini,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
One of the fundamental indicators in explaining the quality of marital relationships is marital conflict, which, if managed ineffectively, becomes one of the main grounds for tension and the breakdown of family relationships. The present study compared the effectiveness of Gottman couple therapy with Glasser’s reality therapy-based couple therapy on cognitive flexibility and sense of coherence in couples experiencing conflict. The statistical population of the study consisted of couples referred to the Zehn Ara Psychology Clinic in Tehran in the year 1404 (2025–2026) due to marital conflict. The sampling method was convenience and purposeful. To collect data, the Dennis and Vander Wal (2010) Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire and Antonovsky (1993) Sense of Coherence Questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The findings showed that Gottman couple therapy was more effective than Glasser’s reality therapy on cognitive flexibility and sense of coherence in women experiencing conflict. It can be concluded that Gottman couple therapy is more effective in improving cognitive flexibility and sense of coherence in women with marital conflict. Therefore, based on the research findings, it can be utilized to reduce problems in individuals experiencing marital conflicts.
Masoomeh Hoseinian, Roya Tavokoli,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of self-compassion training on levels of self-criticism and sense of coherence in women with depressive symptoms. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all women with depressive symptoms referring to counseling centers in Qom. Among them, 30 participants were selected through purposeful sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (15 participants) or the control group (15 participants). The research instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory-II for screening, the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale by Thompson and Zuroff, and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire by Flensborg-Madsen. The experimental group received group self-compassion training, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA and ANCOVA). The findings indicated that after controlling for the pretest effect, the difference between the experimental and control groups in the posttest phase was statistically significant for both levels of self-criticism and sense of coherence. The educational intervention accounted for 29.1% of the variance in self-criticism and 59.0% of the variance in sense of coherence. Furthermore, the results showed that this training significantly reduced internalized and comparative self-criticism while enhancing the components of sense of coherence, including comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. In conclusion, by weakening self-criticism mechanisms and strengthening the structure of the sense of coherence, self-compassion training serves as an effective approach for improving the mental health indices of depressed women, and its application in counseling centers is recommended. |
Fatemeh Ghasempour, Masoumeh Taheri, Sheyda Esmailzadeh, Seyede Fateme Esmaeilpour, Soheila Esgandani,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of integrated group-based acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion on distress tolerance and resilience against suicide in married women with experience of domestic violence. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest and one-month follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all married women with experience of domestic violence who referred to family counseling centers in Isfahan. From among them, 32 people were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (16 people) and control (16 people). One person from each group dropped out before the posttest, and finally, each group continued with 15 people. The experimental group received the integrated intervention over eight 90-minute sessions, and the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Distress Tolerance Scale and the Suicide Resilience Questionnaire and were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS version 28. The findings showed that the integrated intervention significantly increased distress tolerance with an effect size of 0.481. Also, this intervention significantly increased the 'internal protector' and 'emotional stability' components of resilience against suicide with an effect size of 0.456, but it had no significant effect on the 'external protector' component. The stability of the effects on the aforementioned components was confirmed up to one month after the intervention. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that integrated acceptance and commitment therapy and self-compassion is an effective approach for increasing distress tolerance and improving the internal dimensions of resilience against suicide in married women with experience of domestic violence, but the inability of this intervention to improve the external protector requires attention in future research.
Zahra Sadat Hoseini, Zabihollah Gharlipour,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of this study is to predict marital commitment based on conflict resolution styles and communication patterns of couples in Qom city. This research is applied in nature and has a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population of the study includes all couples in Qom province, estimated at 382,590. The sampling method was non-random convenience sampling, and the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals using Cochran's formula. After distributing the questionnaires to 400 individuals, 393 questionnaires were collected. The research instruments included the 44-item Dimensions of Commitment Inventory (DCI) by Adams and Jones (1997), the 35-item Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ) by Christensen and Sullaway (1984), and the 28-item Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II) by Rahim (1983). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression in SPSS version 26. The reliability of the instruments, measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.785 for the marital commitment questionnaire, 0.833 for the conflict resolution styles questionnaire, and 0.851 for the communication patterns questionnaire. The results showed that conflict resolution styles and communication patterns can significantly predict marital commitment. Furthermore, according to standardized beta coefficients, conflict resolution styles had a greater and more direct effect on predicting marital commitment among couples.
Fatemeh Derakhshan, Mahla Salajgheh, Dr Amine Jalali,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Choice Theory-based training on responsibility and disruptive behaviors among adolescents in Kerman. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population included all adolescent students in Kerman during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The research instruments included the Responsibility Questionnaire and the Disruptive Behavior Scale. The experimental group received eight 60-minute sessions of Choice Theory-based training. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The findings indicated that Choice Theory-based training significantly increased responsibility and significantly reduced disruptive behaviors in the experimental group compared to the control group. Based on the results, Choice Theory, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and internal control, can be considered an effective intervention for improving social behaviors and enhancing responsibility in adolescents.
Mahla Salajgheh, Fatemeh Derakhshan, Amine Jalali,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Choice Theory-based training on responsibility and disruptive behaviors among adolescents in Kerman. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population included all adolescent students in Kerman during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The research instruments included the Responsibility Questionnaire and the Disruptive Behavior Scale. The experimental group received eight 60-minute sessions of Choice Theory-based training. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The findings indicated that Choice Theory-based training significantly increased responsibility and significantly reduced disruptive behaviors in the experimental group compared to the control group. Based on the results, Choice Theory, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and internal control, can be considered an effective intervention for improving social behaviors and enhancing responsibility in adolescents.
Leyla Sadat Modarresi, Parisa Kolahi, Arsalan Barekat, Taiebe Delshad, Soheila Rahmani, Amineh Jalali,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of meaning in life in the effectiveness of existential-acceptance therapy on loneliness and death anxiety among older adults with chronic physical illnesses. This semi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all older adults with chronic physical illnesses who referred to the specialized clinics of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex and the specialized clinic of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran in 2026. Among them, 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). The research instruments included Dhahiri’s Loneliness Scale, the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The experimental group received 8 sessions of 90-minute existential-acceptance therapy intervention, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and path analysis. The results indicated that existential-acceptance therapy significantly reduced loneliness and death anxiety in the experimental group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the mediation analysis confirmed that meaning in life plays a positive and significant mediating role in the relationship between this therapeutic approach and the reduction of loneliness and death anxiety. Based on the findings, existential-acceptance therapy, through the reconstruction of the meaning system, enhancement of psychological flexibility, and acceptance of existential realities, serves as an effective strategy to alleviate psychological burnout and fundamental anxieties in older adults with chronic illnesses; therefore, utilizing this protocol in health psychology clinics and specialized geriatric clinics is recommended.
