Showing 465 results for Type of Study: Research
Fatemeh Kaviani, Zabihollah Gharlipour,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to predict marital conflict based on emotion regulation strategies and basic psychological need satisfaction, with the mediating role of mental health among married women in Qom. This applied study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all married women living in Qom, from whom 300 participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 21 and SmartPLS 3. The findings indicated that basic psychological need satisfaction significantly predicted both marital conflict and mental health. Emotion regulation strategies significantly predicted mental health but had no direct significant effect on marital conflict. Furthermore, mental health had a significant direct effect on marital conflict and significantly mediated the relationships between basic psychological need satisfaction and marital conflict, as well as between emotion regulation strategies and marital conflict. Overall, the findings highlight the pivotal role of mental health in explaining the association of basic psychological need satisfaction and emotion regulation strategies with marital conflict. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving mental health, strengthening adaptive emotion regulation strategies, and promoting satisfaction of basic psychological needs may contribute to reducing marital conflict.
Zahra Amir Azdi, Soheila Rahmani, Parisa Kolahi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Fibromyalgia, as a chronic pain disorder, imposes a heavy psychological burden on patients; therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on rumination and alexithymia in women with fibromyalgia. The design of this study was semi-experimental, featuring a pre-test, post-test, and a 2-month follow-up with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all women with fibromyalgia who were members of the Fibromyalgia Association, from whom 30 patients were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received the MBSR intervention in eight weekly sessions, while the control group received no intervention during this period. The assessment tools included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Ruminative Responses Scale, and the gathered data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical results indicated that the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program led to a significant decrease in the scores of ruminations and alexithymia in the experimental group compared to the control group. Furthermore, post-hoc analysis confirmed the sustainability and durability of these psychological outcomes during the 2-month follow-up stage. In conclusion, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program is an efficient and sustainable tool for emotional regulation and mitigating psychological distress in women with fibromyalgia by modifying cognitive infrastructures and enhancing non-judgmental emotional awareness; thus, its application as a complementary therapy is highly recommended.
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 obsessive-compulsive symptoms and treatment adherence in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who were referred to specialized gastroenterology and liver centers in Tehran in 2025. A total of 48 participants were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, and a control group. Ultimately, the data of 45 participants were analyzed. The experimental groups received eight 90-minute intervention sessions, whereas 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) and were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post hoc test. The findings indicated that both interventions significantly reduced obsessive-compulsive symptoms and increased treatment adherence compared with the control group. Furthermore, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction demonstrated greater effectiveness than Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence, and these effects remained stable at the follow-up assessment. Overall, both therapeutic approaches were effective in improving the psychological status of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; however, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction showed superior effectiveness.
Bahram Mohammad Rezaei, Roohollah Samadi, Razieh Yousefi, Bahman Rostami, Elahe Sanami,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
|
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy on psychosomatic complaints, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation in girls with a history of suicide attempts. The study was applied research with a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included young girls with a history of suicide attempts in Hamadan, Iran, in 2025. The sample consisted of 30 participants (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) selected through convenience and purposive sampling. The research instruments included the Psychosomatic Complaints Scale (Takata & Sakata, 2004), the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (Van Orden et al., 2012), and the Scale for Suicide Ideation (Beck et al., 1979). The experimental group received compassion-focused therapy in 8 sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group received no psychological intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and SPSS software.
The findings indicated that compassion-focused therapy significantly reduced psychosomatic complaints, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation in the experimental group compared to the control group. |
Based on the results, compassion-focused therapy appears to be an effective approach in reducing psychological vulnerability related to suicide through decreasing self-criticism, increasing self-compassion, and improving emotion regulation, and can be applied in preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Mahmoud Zivari Rahman, Ms. Somayeh Pour Mojahad, Mr. Ali Qardashi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
According to the report of the World Health Organization, suicide is one of the main causes of death among young people and adolescents, in Iran, the available statistics indicate an increase in suicide, especially among adolescents, which requires deep analysis and investigation, so identifying the causes of action Adolescent suicide is considered a necessity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a phenomenological explanation of adolescent girls' lived experiences regarding the causes of suicide attempts. The research method was a qualitative descriptive phenomenological type using thematic analysis technique. The field of research includes second secondary female students studying in Hamadan schools who committed suicide in 1402. 16 people were selected as a sample by purposive sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews, and the 7-step Claysey method was used for their analysis. The findings from the interviews were extracted and classified into 9 main themes and 21 sub-themes. which includes 1- family pressures. 2- Social and cultural pressures. 3- Psychological and emotional factors. 4- Emotional and life experiences. 5-Parenting style. 6- Social relations and friends. 7- Lack of coping skills and problem solving. 8- The pressures of the school environment and educational system. 9- Environmental and social factors. This research indicates that suicide attempts among adolescent girls are a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a combination of various factors. Therefore, in order to implement effective prevention and intervention strategies, it is essential that policies and support programs take into account the different individual, familial, social, and cultural dimensions. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of focusing on coping skills, psychological support, and changes in social environments such as family and school as key approaches to reducing suicidal behaviors in adolescent girls.
M.a Marziehsadat Hejazi, Ph.d Roya Mashak,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the study was to predict health anxiety based on experiential avoidance and self-compassion with the mediation of emotion regulation difficulty in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population was mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Isfahan province from 1403 to 11402, of which 250 people were selected by convenience sampling. The collection tools were Salkoskis and Warwick's health anxiety (2002), experiential avoidance Bond et al. (2011), self-compassion Reis et al. (2011), and Gratz and Roemer's emotion regulation difficulty (2004). The results were analyzed using path analysis and SPSS26 and AMOS18 software. The findings showed that health anxiety on experiential avoidance, health anxiety on self-compassion, health anxiety on emotion regulation difficulty, experiential avoidance on emotion regulation difficulty, self-compassion on emotion regulation difficulty have a significant relationship, and health anxiety based on experiential avoidance has a significant relationship with the mediation of emotion regulation difficulty, and health anxiety based on self-compassion has a significant relationship with the mediation of emotion regulation difficulty. As a result, the research can help provide more targeted and effective interventions to reduce health anxiety in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Dr Mojgan Agahheris, Dr Mahdieh Rahmanian, Dr Ezzatollah Kordmirza Nikoozadeh, Mr Soroush Pourmousaabkenar,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on reducing stress-related arousal in patients with respiratory problems: a randomized controlled clinical trial. The present study was a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, control group, and a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of all patients with respiratory problems in 2024 (1403 in the Persian calendar). From this population, 30 individuals were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 each). All participants completed Cohen’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire (1983) before the intervention. Subsequently, the experimental group received Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in eight 90-minute sessions, held weekly. Research data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed that there was a significant difference in stress-related arousal between the two groups at the post-test and follow-up stages (p<0.05), indicating that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective in reducing stress-related arousal (p<0.05). Accordingly, it can be concluded that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be effective in reducing stress-related arousal in patients with respiratory problems.
Mr. Mohammad Farhoush, Mr. Mohammad Najafi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to design an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder questionnaire (OCPDQ) and validate it. The present study was descriptive (correlational). First, the items of the obsessive personality questionnaire were designed based on the Farhoush and Najafi (1404) model, and its content validity was confirmed by 8 experts and were administered along with the Gibb OCPD questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression, and Diner life satisfaction questionnaires to 309 clients of counseling centers. To assess diagnostic validity, 58 participants underwent a structured clinical interview based on DSM5. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and SPSS24 and LISREL8/8 software were used in the analysis. The results showed that the OCPDQ consists of 24 items and 3 components are strictness and extreme accuracy, introverted affect, and preoccupation with order and organization. The reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.90. Its convergent validity was with the Gibb questionnaire (0.52), discriminant validity with the Depression Questionnaire (0.39) and Hospital Anxiety Questionnaire (0.23), and divergent validity with life satisfaction (-0.195) was favorable. The Construct validity, sensitivity (90%) and specificity (84%) were also favorable. Based on the results, the OCPDQ has appropriate validity.
Dr Fatemeh Soleimani, Dr Javanshir Asadi, Dr Arastoo Mirani, Dr Afsaneh Khajevand Khoshli ,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Extramarital relationships are among the major psychological challenges within family systems, potentially undermining mental health and marital satisfaction. The present study aimed to investigate the structural equation modeling of the tendency toward extramarital relationships based on loneliness, with the mediating role of sexual quality of life, among married women attending family counseling centers in Mashhad. The study employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all married women referred to family counseling centers in Mashhad in 2024, from which a sample of 300 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the UCLA Loneliness Scale (1980), the Tendency toward Extramarital Relationships Questionnaire, and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (2002). Data analysis was conducted using AMOS and SPSS through structural equation modeling and Pearson correlation tests. Findings revealed that loneliness had a positive and significant relationship with the tendency toward extramarital relationships (p < 0.001). Moreover, sexual quality of life played a significant mediating role in the relationship between loneliness and the tendency toward extramarital relationships, such that higher sexual quality of life reduced the negative effect of loneliness on extramarital tendencies. The model fit indices indicated an acceptable fit of the proposed model. These findings highlight the importance of reducing loneliness and enhancing sexual quality of life as effective strategies to mitigate extramarital tendencies. Accordingly, psychological and counseling interventions focusing on improving marital and sexual relationships are recommended.
Fatemeh Behroozfar, Dr Marjan Al Behbahani,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Cancer, as one of the most prevalent chronic and life-threatening diseases, is accompanied by numerous physical and psychological challenges, including chronic pain that affects patients' quality of life. The present study aimed to predict pain tolerance based on spiritual well-being and self-control in cancer patients. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on a population of 260 cancer patients referred to Nemazi Hospital in Shiraz in 2024, with a sample of 150 individuals selected via convenience sampling. Research instruments included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Sullivan et al., 1995; for inverse measurement of pain tolerance), the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Paloutzian & Ellison, 1982), and the Self-Control Scale (Tangney et al., 2004), with reliability confirmed by Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.80 to 0.85. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression in SPSS-21 software. Pearson correlation results indicated significant positive relationships between spiritual well-being (r=0.285, p<0.001), self-control (r=0.328, p<0.001), and pain tolerance. Regression analysis revealed that spiritual well-being and self-control together explained 36% of the variance in pain tolerance (R²=0.360, F=56.993, p<0.001). Spiritual well-being and self-control are effective predictors of pain tolerance in cancer patients, and it is recommended to integrate interventions focused on enhancing these factors into clinical programs to improve patients' quality of life.
Ali Yousefi Rudpish, Roya Tavakoli, Fatemeh Mohammadifar, Ziba Poursadegh Gavgani,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated family therapy program (combining cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused approaches) on reducing depression and improving metacognitive beliefs in spouses. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all couples who referred with symptoms of depression. A sample of 30 people (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) was selected using a convenient and purposive sampling method and randomly assigned. The research instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory and the Wells and Cartwright-Hatton Metacognitive Questionnaire. The experimental group received the treatment protocol during 10 sessions, and the data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed that integrated family therapy significantly and strongly reduced depression and significantly improved metacognitive beliefs in the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, the results of the follow-up phase showed that the treatment effect remained stable in both dependent variables. Based on the findings, combining cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused approaches in the form of family therapy can be used as an effective and sustainable intervention to promote mental health and correct dysfunctional cognitive-emotional processes in spouses.
Zahra Kavousian, Faezeh Ziaei, Parisa Pakari, Parisa Hosseinzadeh Yazdi, Zeinab Hassani Asl,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of emotional working memory in the relationship between attentional bias and depressive symptoms within the context of family interactions. Guided by contemporary cognitive–emotional models of depression, the study explored how negative attentional bias, as a core vulnerability factor, may influence depressive symptomatology through impairments in emotional working memory, and how these processes are embedded in the dynamics of family relationships. This research employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of adults aged 20–40 years living in active family systems in Tehran in 2025. A total of 350 participants were selected through purposive convenient sampling following eligibility screening. Research instruments included measures of depressive symptoms, attentional bias, emotional working memory performance, and family interaction patterns. The results demonstrated that negative attentional bias significantly predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly. Emotional working memory showed a significant mediating role, indicating that deficits in maintaining, updating, and regulating emotional information constitute a key mechanism linking attentional bias to depressive experiences. Furthermore, family interactions functioned as an amplifying contextual factor: maladaptive and conflictual family environments strengthened the indirect pathway by increasing cognitive–emotional load and reducing regulatory resources. The final structural model showed acceptable fit indices and supported the hypothesized mediational relationships. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive, emotional, and contextual variables in understanding depressive symptoms. They also underscore the potential value of interventions targeting attentional processing biases and emotional working memory capacities, particularly within family-based therapeutic frameworks.
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
Marital commitment is one of the most important determinants of marital stability and relationship quality. Identifying its predictors can contribute to the development of effective educational and therapeutic interventions for couples. The present study aimed to predict marital commitment based on conflict resolution styles and communication patterns among married couples in Qom. This applied study employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population consisted of married couples living in Qom, from whom 393 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Marital Commitment Inventory developed by Adams and Jones, the Communication Patterns Questionnaire developed by Christensen and Sullaway, and Rahim's Conflict Resolution Styles Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that conflict resolution styles and communication patterns significantly predicted marital commitment. Among the conflict resolution styles, the integrating style was the strongest predictor of marital commitment, while among the communication patterns, only mutual constructive communication significantly predicted marital commitment. These findings suggest that strengthening constructive conflict resolution skills and improving communication patterns may enhance marital commitment and promote marital stability. Therefore, these components should be considered in premarital education and couple counseling programs.
Mahrokh Ajorloo, Zohreh Mortezaei Karahrody,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Emergency and crisis-oriented occupations, such as firefighting, involve high levels of operational stress that can lead to performance anxiety under acute conditions, so the present study aimed to predict performance anxiety based on resilience and sleep quality in firefighters. The design of this study was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population consisted of all active firefighters in the Fire-Fighting and Safety Services Organization, from whom a sample was selected using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Performance Anxiety Questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the obtained data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis (Enter method). Pearson correlation results indicated a significant negative relationship between resilience and performance anxiety and a significant positive relationship between sleep quality and performance anxiety. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the predictor variables significantly predicted the variance in performance anxiety among firefighters, and within this model, both resilience and sleep quality made independent and significant contributions to predicting the criterion variable. Based on the findings, performance anxiety in firefighters is significantly influenced by psychological resources and biological-hygienic indicators, therefore planning interventions to enhance psychological coping mechanisms and optimizing work shift schedules to improve personnel sleep quality can serve as essential strategies for reducing performance anxiety and maintaining the operational efficiency of firefighters.
Fatemeh Derakhshan, Mahla Salajgheh, Dr Amine Jalali,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of choice theory-based training on responsibility and externalizing behaviors among adolescents in Kerman during the 2025–2026 academic year. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all adolescent students in Kerman, from which 30 individuals were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group (15 students) and the control group (15 students). The experimental group received the choice theory-based intervention, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using standard responsibility and externalizing behaviors questionnaires and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The findings showed that choice theory-based training significantly increased responsibility and decreased externalizing behaviors in the experimental group compared to the control group, and this effect remained stable during the follow-up phase. Consequently, it can be concluded that by equipping adolescents with a self-evaluation system and replacing external control with caring habits, choice theory training serves as an effective and practical intervention for promoting responsibility and curbing behavioral challenges during adolescence, and its integration into school counseling programs is recommended. |
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.
Zohreh Esmaaili, Sahar Shakour, Samira Ramazenkhani, Hosna Rostami, Fatemeh Ghasempour,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
This review study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in reducing social anxiety among adolescents. A systematic search was conducted across Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Magiran, and IranDoc using relevant keywords. Studies assessing MBCT’s impact on adolescent social anxiety with a PEDro score above 5 were included. From 43 identified articles, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that MBCT significantly reduces social anxiety in adolescents, though variations in methodology, sample size, and assessment tools were observed. These results underscore MBCT’s potential as an effective intervention for social anxiety. It is recommended that MBCT be integrated into school-based counseling and mental health programs. Further research with standardized methodologies is needed to explore MBCT’s efficacy across diverse cultural contexts.
