KNOWLEDGE & RESEARCH IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
Year:2014 | Volume:15 | Issue:1 (55)|Papers Count:17

The present study was carried out in order to predict psychological well-being via resiliency and test the mediating role of optimism in the relationship between psychological well-being and resilience. To this end, a sample of 414 students of medicine (213 boys and 191 girls) was selected through multistage cluster sampling. They were asked to complete Resiliency Scale (Connor & Davidsons, 2003), Optimism Scale (Scheier and Carver, 1995) and Well-being Scale (Ryff, 1989). The results indicated that resilience can predict psychological well-being. The results showed that correlation of optimism with predictive variable (resilience) is positive and significant (P<0.01, r=0.38) and with the criterion variable (psychological well-being) is also positive and significant (P<0.01, r= 0.45). According to the results of hierarchical regression, it may be concluded that optimism plays a partial mediating (and not full) role in the relationship between resiliency and psychological well-being. Based on the findings, it can be said that part of the effect of resiliency on psychological well-being could be applied through optimism. The findings showed that regardless of the level of resilience, optimism can, to some extent, facilitate psychological well-being. All correlations were significant in the level of 0.01.

The purpose of this research was to study the relationship of job stress with blood pressure, chronic pain and counter service behaviors by considering the mediating role of mindfulness, dysfunctional attitudes and job affects. The method was correlation (strucural equation modeling). A sample included 233 employees of 4 service companies in Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiyari Province were selected by relative stratified random sampling, and completed the instruments comprised of Job Stress (Health and Safety Institute, 1999), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (Brown and Ryan, 2003), Dysfunctional Attitudes (Beck and Weissman, 1980), Job Related Affects (Fox and Spector, 1999), Chronic Pains (Kerns et al., 1985), and Counter Service Behaviors (Jalali, 2013/ 1392s.c.). Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient, structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation regression analysis. The results revealed that job stress accounted for 57 percent of variances of mindfulness, job stress and mindfulness, 37 percent of variances of dysfunctional attitude, job stress, mindfulness and dysfunctional attitudes, and 54 percent of variances of job affects (P<0.01). Mediation Mindfulness played the partial mediator role in the relationships of job stress with dysfunctional attitudes and job affects (P<0.01). The research final model of fitness indices indicated that the model was convenient.

The aim of the present research was the analysis the structural relationships of self-differentiation training with exam anxiety and self-efficacy beliefs among female students in Saveh city. The statistical Population of research included 470 female students in Saveh city during the academic year of 2011-12. By using Cochran formula and classified random sampling method, 114 students were considered as the sample size. Measuring tools were Self- Differentiation Questionnaire (DSI-R) (Skorown & Schmitt, 2003), Test Anxiety Questionnaire (Sarason, 1984), and Child and Adolescent Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SEQ-C), (Muris, 2002). Data analysis was conducted by using structural equations modeling method and with Smart PlS2 and software Lisrel 8.8 in two parts. In the first part, technical characteristics of reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity were examined and necessary corrections were made. In the second part, the significance of coefficients of software were used to evaluate the research hypotheses. The results showed that self-differentiation have significant effect on the degree of student anxiety (P<0.01) and also the mediating role that self-efficacy plays in the relationship between self- differentiation and student anxiety. It may be said that self- differentiation have significant effects on self-efficacy (P<0.01) and self-efficacy on the degree of exam anxiety (P<0.01). Also, all the sub hypotheses that measured the effect of self- differentiation dimensions (emotional reactions, mingling with others, personal positions and emotional faulting) on the degree of test anxiety were confirmed (P<0.01).

The aim of the current research was to investigate the efficacy of phoneme plays on reading performance of dyslexic boy students. The method was experimental and pre-test /post-test, with control group design was used. The statistical population for this study included all the dyslectic third grade primary boy students of the city of Isfahan. To carry out this project, 30 boy students with dyslexia were selected using multi-stage random sampling and then were randomly divided into the two groups of experiment and control groups. The tools used were Reading and Dyslexia Test (Nouri & Mordi, 2005/1384s.c.) and Ravens Children Progressive Matrices Test (Raven,) the data than analized using analysis covariance statistical method. Finding indicated were that there is significant difference between reading performance of the experimental and the control group (P<0.01). Subsequently, it can be concluded that phonemic plays can effectively improve reading performance in students with dyslexia and can be used as an educational and therapeutic method.

The aim of the present study was to compare personality characteristics and attribution styles of normal couples and those petitioning divorce. The sample size included one hundred of 23-55 year-old men and women (25 normal couples from the employees of Justice Office and 25 divorce petitioners referring to justice Office of Kermanshah in (2010-2011) who were selected by available sampling method. To collect the data the short form of Questionnaire Five Factors of Personality (NEO-FFI) as well as Attribution Style Questionnaire (ASQ) were used. This research is a survey, causal– comparative study By applying the analysis of covariance, it was found that normal couples use stable and specific attribution style and divorce petitioners use general and unstable attribution style. But there is no significant difference between inner-outer attribution styles of the two groups. Also the results showed that there is a negative relationship between neuroticism and marital satisfaction (P<0.01) and openness (P<0.03) but agreeableness (P<0.02) have positive relationships with marital satisfaction. There were significant differences between two groups of normal couples and divorce petitioners regarding the application of attribution styles and personality characteristics (P<0.01).

The present research was carried out to study the diligence of non-runaway girls in the usage of coping strategies. The type of the research is post hoc. 37 runaway girls, who were incarcerated and kept by relevant organizations, were selected via convenience sampling. Considering the mean age of the runaway girls, 37 single females residing in middle to low socioeconomic neighborhoods in Shiraz, were selected as the control group. The Coping Strategies Questionnaire (Kaver et al., 1989), Occupational Prestige Scale along with a number demographic questions was administered on the participants. The data were analyzed by applying Covariance statistical method. Results showed that there were significant differences between runaway and non-runaway girls in problem- and emotion- oriented coping strategies (P<0.0001). It means that the runaway girls compared with the non-runaway girls, were using less problem- and emotion- oriented coping strategies in facing with stress.

The goal of the present research was to examin the role of spiritual and emotional intelligence in predicting students’ forgiveness. The method of the research correlation. Statistical population of the research wase all 7700 students of Mohaghegh Ardebili University in 2009-10 (1388-89s.c.) academic year. This population, a sample & 230 students were selected by random cluster one- stage sampling. They completed Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale (Schutte, 1988), Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (King, 2008) and Forgiveness Scale (Walker & Gorsuch, 2002). The results of regression analysis showed that emotional intelligence With 0.20 Beta predict self-forgiveness significantly (P<0.01). Also results showed that emotional intelligence predicted forgiveness of others significantly (P<0.01). But, spiritual intelligence a significance predictor of self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others. According to the results and discussion, spiritual intelligence can be different from spirituality.

The aim of the present study was to compare the personality traits between Iranian and Malaysian students. The study population included all students of Islamic Azad university branch Khorasgan, Iran, and Putra university in Malaysia from whom 400 Iranian students and 400 Malaysian students, overall 800 individuals, were selected as the sample. The research tool was NEO PI-60 questionnaire, which was submitted in both Persian (for Iraninan students) and English (for Malaysiam students) languages. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of covariance. Regarding gender and age as confounding variables, the Iranian and Malaysian students showed  significant differences in the Neurotism and Extraversion dimensions (P<0.01). Results indicated that Neurotism and Extraversion levels in the Malaysian students were more than the Iranian students (P<0.01).

The aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of "solution-focused" group counseling on adjustment and its factors (emotional, social and educational) and self-efficacy of high school male students in Shahriar City. The research method was experimental (two groups with pre-test and post-test) and the statistical population included all high school male students in the academic year of 2011-2012 (1390-91s.c.) in Shahriar City. One male high school was chosen by using random cluster sampling, and then 30 students were selected and assigned in the two groups randomly. The assessment instruments included the Adjustment Inventory of High School Students with its emotional, social and educational subscales (Sinha & Singh, 1997) and General Self-Efficacy Scale questionnaires (Sherer et al., 1982). The experimental group participated in 8-sessions, 90 minute each of, "solution-focused" conseling group program, while the control group did not receive any conseling. By using analysis of covariance test, five hypotheses of the research were investigated. The results indicated that solution-focused group counseling increased overall adjustment, with its social and educational factors as well as self- efficacy of high school male students (P<0.01). But in emotional factor there was no significant difference between experimental and control groups in emotional factor.

Two divergent theoretical viewpoints exist about the contradictory economic effects of advertising namely “market power” and “economics of information” view points. The aim of the present research was to determine if these perspectives on advertising could be a separate part of generalized theoretical framework by two different types of information provided. The research method was experimental. The research population consisted of the Faculty of Education and Psychology students in University of Isfahan. Statistical sample of the research were 128 graduate and postgraduate students in the faculty who were assigned to low and high advertisement frequency groups randomly. In this research, advertising and price sensitivity were independent and dependent variables respectively, while mediating variables were consideration set size and relative strength of preference. Two distinct forms of ads memory (explicit and implicit) were constructed plus a researcher made questionnaires for relative strength of preference. Price sensitivity was measured subjectively by a direct question from the participants about how much they pay. Advertisements were made for fictitious candy, chocolate, biscuits and nonalcoholic drinks. Low frequency advertising exposure was 1-3 and high frequency was 4-6 were. based on the Findings, the first, second and third hypotheses were confirmed and relative strength of preference and consideration set size were mediating and moderating variables between advertising and price sensitivity (P<0.01). Price sensitivity in the first route (the route of consideration set size) decreased and in the second route (the route of relative strength of preference) increased (P<0.01).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of communication skills training on self regulation learning of male students of high-schools in Zanjan city in the school year 2012-13 (1391-92s.c.). The research method was experimental with pre test - post test with a control group. The tools used in this research were the Zimmerman & Mertinez-pons Self-regulation Learning Questionnaire (1986) and the UNISEF program for training communication skills (2004). The statistical population of the research included all of male high school students in grade one in Zanjan in school year 2012-13. From among them 60 students were selected by multi stage cluster random sampling method and assighned in to two experimental and control groups. Experimental intervention (communicative skills based on the UNICEF Training kit) was carried out in the experimental group in ten sessions, each session lasted ninety minutes once a week. The results of ANCOVA showed that the training of communication skills was effective in improvement of self regulation learning of students (P<0.001).

The present study investigated the predictive role of personality characteristics, self-esteem and religious orientation of employees in their organizational citizenship behavior. In a Correlational design, 310 employees of North Khorasan Head office of Education, were selected by cluster sampling and were asked to complete the organizational citizenship behavior (Moghimi, 2005), NEO Personality Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1985), Allport's religious orientation (Fegean, 1963) and (Rosenberg,1965) self-esteem Questionnaire. For data analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis were used. Stepwise regression results showed that social customs in terms of self- satisfaction, restraint (P<0.01) and order (P= 0.05) is predictable. Other personality traits, religious orientation and personal competence and self-esteem general scores were unable to predict social customs. Altruism and Mutual coordination versus restraint, intrinsic religious orientation (P<0.01) and order (P<0.05) was explained and other personality traits, extrinsic religious orientation and dimensions of self-satisfaction, self-competence and self-esteem general scores were unable to predict Altruism and  Mutual coordination; working conscience by being cautious in decision-making and self- satisfaction (P<0.05) is predictable. Protection of organizational resources in terms of order (P<0.01) and self-esteem (P<0.05) will be explained. Generosity and civility in terms of self-satisfaction, intrinsic religious orientation (P<0.01) and external religious orientation (P<0.05) was predictable. Overall among the predictor variables, personality traits were most predictive power for organizational citizenship b ehavior.