Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry
Year:2024 | Volume:10 | Issue:6|Papers Count:12

Introduction: The complex interaction of nervous, sensory, skeletal-muscular systems and memory load leads to the maintenance of postural control stability in humans. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manipulating sensory afferent information and cognitive dual tasks on postural control. Method: The current research method was semi-experimental. The statistical population included girls aged 10-12 years in one district of Tehran in 2020-2021, and 30 girls who were randomly selected and placed in two groups with and without dual cognitive tasks. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups with and without cognitive dual tasks. A Biodex balance meter was used to measure the stability of postural control. Subjects were assessed in three conditions: standing on a hard surface with eyes open, standing on a hard surface with eyes closed, and standing on foam with eyes open. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and software SPSS-26. Results: The results showed that the main effect of group was not significant (P=0. 09), but the main effect of condition and the interaction effect of group and condition (P=0. 01) were significant. Also, the results related to the index of postural control in the within-posterior direction showed that the main effect of group (F(1, 28)=4. 41, P=0. 04), the main effect of condition (F(5, 140)=174. 94, P=0. 001), and the interaction effect of group and condition (F(5, 140)=2. 69, P=0. 02) were significant. Conclusion: Based on the results, vision and dual cognitive tasks are among the most important factors affecting postural control, so performing secondary cognitive tasks led to a decrease in the stability index of postural control in girls. Therefore, in order to increase the amount of cognitive load in people, it is suggested to use multi-sensory exercises to increase people's attention capacity.

Introduction: MS is an autoimmune and destructive disease of the central nervous system with different disease progressions that lead to physical and cognitive disabilities. Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of exercise in interactive levels, cognitive rehabilitation, and selected sports exercises on the cognitive functions in patients with MS. Method: The present study was a semi-experimental project with a pre-post test design. The statistical population included all women with MS in Tehran in 2021. The sample included 30 women with MS aged 25-45 years who were randomly assigned to three groups for cognitive rehabilitation, selected sports, and interactive activities. Then, for 8 weeks and every week, 3 sessions of 90-minute, people in each group did the specific exercises of their group. The neuropsychological assessment tests of Kontab (1980) and the degree of disability progression questionnaire (1995) were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA with repeated measures, Bonferroni post hoc test, and dependent t in SPSS-21. Results: The results showed that training on interactive levels led to greater improvements in the cognitive indices of reaction time and selective attention than cognitive rehabilitation and sports training (P<0. 05). While all three training methods led to the same extent to the development of the cognitive indicators working memory and cognitive flexibility, no significant difference was found between the effectiveness of these methods (P>0. 05). Conclusion: Overall, the results showed that interactive exercises have the greatest impact on improving cognitive function in people with MS. Thus, it seems that the use of this type of exercise leads to the induction of cognitive load, so it is recommended to use this type of exercise in the rehabilitation of people with MS.

Introduction: Clinical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder are diverse and include neurodevelopmental and cognitive impairments, as well as memory deficits, which are one of the most challenging areas for these individuals. Aim: The present study aimed to develop and validate a neurocognitive rehabilitation program and evaluate its efficacy on reaction time, recognition of shape, and visual-spatial memory in high-functioning male teenagers with autism. Method: The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures and a one-month follow-up session. The population included male teenagers with autism attending special schools in Tehran during the academic year 2022-2023. A total of 30 participants were selected from this population using convenient random sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. The participants received ten one-hour sessions of intervention over a period of 1. 5 months, and Sina cognitive software was used in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Independent t-test was used to compare the change scores between the two groups, and repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the stability of the intervention's effectiveness. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in reaction time for simple reaction (t(28)=3. 16, d=0. 83, P=0. 004) and selective reaction (t(28)=8. 11, d=0. 76, P<0. 001) in the experimental group compared to the control group in the post-test and follow-up stages. Moreover, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in pattern recognition (t(28)=10. 67, d=0. 893, P<0. 001) and visual-spatial memory (t(28)=10. 90, d=0. 884, P<0. 001) compared to the control group in the post-test and follow-up stages. Conclusion: Computer-based cognitive exercises are effective in improving cognitive performance and memory in individuals with autism. If these exercises are combined with sensory and motor interventions, better and more sustainable results can be achieved.

Introduction: The most important criterion for a healthy family is choosing a suitable spouse and the couple's satisfaction with marriage. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the paradigmatic model of choosing a spouse and satisfaction in satisfied couples in Tehran. Method: The method of the current research was qualitative and of the type of grounded theory paradigm studies. The statistical population of the research includes couples who have gone to marriage counseling centers for pre-marriage counseling centers in Tehran between 2017-2019, and among them, 15 people were selected through targeted sampling. The obtained information was also analyzed through coding according to the model of Strauss and Corbin. Results: Finally, all the included paradigm patterns were obtained in the form of main components and sub-components and operational concepts. The central category included two components: wise and healthy choice and perspective transition to a stable marriage,causal conditions: macro-influencing factors and independence and differentiation of couples and relationship with the main family,background conditions: family similarities and cultural similarities,intervening conditions: components of belief and cognitive systems of couples and behavioural action of couples in the process of choosing a spouse,the strategies: marriage care strategies and communication strategies,the consequences: psychological and social consequences for couples and consequences for children. Conclusion: It can be concluded that in Iranian culture, several factors at different levels of choosing a spouse, behavioral and cognitive features of couples as well as marriage care strategies affect selection of a satisfactory spouse, Therefore, it is suggested that counselors and couple therapists to formulate their interventions based on this.

Introduction: Numerous challenges within families and contemporary societies stem from adolescent maladjustment. Consequently, understanding the influential factors affecting adaptation holds significant importance, particularly during adolescence when behavioral deviations intensify. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group education based on a health-promoting lifestyle on the emotional, social, and academic adaptability of gifted adolescents. Method: This research was conducted employing a semi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures alongside a control group. The statistical population included all high school students enrolled in the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents schools in Sanandaj during the 2021-2022 academic year. The study sample comprised 30 gifted students exhibiting scores below 15 on the adaptation criteria, selected via convenience sampling. These students were subsequently divided into two groups of 15: an experimental and a control group. The intervention for the experimental group spanned eight weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. The data collection tools included the health-promoting Lifestyle questionnaire developed by Walker (1995) and the Sinha and Sing Adjustment questionnaire (1993). Descriptive statistics, covariance analysis, and SPSS software version 22 were utilized for data analysis. Results: Findings indicated that Group Education Based on Health-Promoting Lifestyle significantly increased the overall adaptation score (F = 44. 45, p < 0. 01), emotional adaptation (F = 32. 87, p < 0. 01), social adaptation (F = 8. 83, p < 0. 01), and academic adaptation (F = 23. 54, p < 0. 01) among gifted adolescents. Conclusion: The study's outcomes suggest that healthcare practitioners and specialists can leverage the Group Education Based on Health-Promoting Lifestyle program to improve health-related attributes, particularly in improving adaptation among adolescents

Introduction: Household heads females are of the most vulnerable in the society, especially in terms of health and mental health, due to their multiple roles, financial poverty, loneliness, and many limitations and this matter determines the importance of using appropriate and effective psychological treatments for them. Aim: This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rational emotive behavioral therapy on death anxiety, interpersonal dependency and mental well-being of household heads females. Method: The research design was semi-experimental with pre-test-post-test and follow-up with a control group. 30 female heads of households in Isfahan city in 2022 were selected by purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to two control and experimental groups. The experimental group received 10, 90-minute sessions of rational emotive behavioral therapy, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Measurement tools included Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (1970), Hirschfeld's Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (1997), as well as Keyes and Magyarmo's Mental Well-Being questionnaire (2003). The data was analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance with SPSS23. Results: The results showed that behavior therapy intervention had a significant effect on death anxiety, interpersonal dependency and mental well-being with effect sizes of 0. 60, 0. 196, and 0. 424 (P=0. 001), respectively, and the effects of the intervention remained in the follow-up(P<0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that rational emotive behavior therapy can play an important role in improving the psychological characteristics of household heads females, including death anxiety, interpersonal dependency and improving mental well-being. It is suggested that rational emotive behavior therapy should be used in counseling and psychotherapy centers to improve the psychological characteristics of household heads

Introduction: Spatial ability and response inhibition skills are essential for cognition, learning, and success in both school and life. Aim: The aim of this research was to examine the effectiveness of a cognitive-emotional empowerment educational package on the spatial ability and response inhibition of female students. Method: A semi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up was employed, including a control group. The population consisted of all sixth-grade female students in Tehran during the academic year 1400-1401. A sample of 30 individuals was selected, and they were assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group received a cognitive-emotional empowerment educational package for 12 sessions of 45 minutes each week, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Research tools included forward matrices (Raven, 1956) and go/no-go test (Gordon and Karamaza, 1982). The research data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Data analysis revealed a significant difference in the mean scores of spatial ability and response inhibition between the experimental and control groups in pre-test and post-test stages (p < 0. 05). The effect size of cognitive-emotional empowerment on spatial ability and response inhibition was estimated at 0. 133 and 0. 139, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results, the cognitive-emotional empowerment educational package led to an improvement in the spatial ability and response inhibition of students. Therefore, it is recommended to use this intervention as an educational method to enhance the spatial ability and response inhibition of children.

Introduction: Body dysmorphic disorder can have detrimental effects on academic achievement and constructive activities in the lives of adolescents. Aim: This research aims to predict body dysmorphic disorder based on personality traits and cognitive distortions, with the mediating role of emotional regulation difficulty in female students. Method: The research employs a descriptive and correlational approach, relying on a structural model and path analysis. The population includes all female students aged 14 to 18 in Sanandaj during the academic year 2022-2023. A sample of 210 individuals was selected through convenience sampling, responding to questionnaires on emotional regulation difficulties (2004), personality traits (1992), cognitive distortions (2009), and body dysmorphic disorder (2013). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 and Amos version 26. Results: The results showed that the model predicting body dysmorphic disorder based on the research variables had a good fit. Cognitive distortions (p < 0. 01, t = 5. 44), neuroticism (p < 0. 01, t = 5. 99), and emotional regulation difficulty (p < 0. 01, t = 3. 92) had direct positive and significant effects. Extraversion (p < 0. 01, t =-4. 71) and conscientiousness (p < 0. 01, t =-3. 41) had direct negative and significant effects on body dysmorphic disorder. Additionally, the indirect effect of cognitive distortions (p < 0. 05, β = 0. 059), neuroticism (p < 0. 05, β = 0. 041), and extraversion (p < 0. 05, β =-0. 068) on body dysmorphic disorder through the mediation of emotional regulation difficulty was significant. Conclusion: Based on the results of neuroticism cognitive distortions are significant factors influencing body dysmorphic disorder. Therefore, it is recommended that school counselors conduct training courses addressing cognitive distortions, improving neuroticism, and enhancing emotional management skills.

Introduction: Internet addiction can lead to excessive online communication and boundary-less interactions over time. This could result in issues, such as marital boredom and marital infidelity. Aim: Investigating the mediating role of sensation seeking and impulsivity in the association of Internet addiction with marital boredom and attitude towards marital infidelity. Method: In this descriptive, correlational study, structural equation modeling was employed. The study population comprised all married employees of the Tourism Information Technology Development Company in Tehran, Iran, during 2022. A subset of 106 individuals was selected for this study via convenience sampling. The research tools included the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (1998), Marital Boredom Questionnaire (1996), Attitude Towards Infidelity Scale (2006), Sensation Seeking Scale (1978), and Impulsiveness Scale (1995). Data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient test and structural equation modeling. The analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 25 and SmartPLS Version 3 software. Results: The present findings indicated the direct, positive, and significant impact of Internet addiction on marital boredom, sensation seeking, impulsivity and attitude towards marital infidelity (P<0. 05). The results also indicated the significant direct effects of sensation seeking and impulsivity on both marital boredom and attitude towards infidelity (P<0. 05). Additionally, the bootstrap test results indicated the significant indirect effect of Internet addiction on marital boredom and attitude towards infidelity,this effect was found to be mediated by sensation seeking and impulsivity (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The use of the Internet can gradually foster dependency and alter the dynamics of relationships between couples. This can lead to conflicts, impulsivity, and a search for emotional resolution in the virtual space, ultimately resulting in marital boredom and laying the groundwork for marital infidelity. Therefore, understanding the detrimental effects of Internet addiction can aid couples in enhancing their overall lifesatisfaction

Introduction: Considering the high prevalence and negative effects of borderline personality disorders, it is important to know as much as possible about this disorder and to identify the predictors and variables of this disorder. Aim: The present study was Mediating role of experiential avoidance in predicting borderline personality disorder based on childhood trauma. Method: The present study was a correlational description. The statistical population included all male patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder admitted to psychiatric hospitals in Shiraz in 2022, which were selected using targeted sampling of 60 people. Data collection was done using the childhood trauma questionnaire (2003), the experiential avoidance questionnaire (2011) and the short scale of borderline personality disorder symptoms (2009). To analyze the data, path analysis test, structural equations and Smart PLS software were used. Results: The findings showed that there is a significant and positive relationship between childhood trauma and experiential avoidance (R2=0. 711,p<0. 05). Path analysis findings also showed that childhood trauma plays a significant role in predicting borderline personality disorder (path coefficient 0. 546) and also the avoidance of experience plays a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder, so that the path coefficient is 304. 0/ has shown a significant decrease (p<0. 05). Conclusion: The results showed that experiential avoidance has a mediating role in predicting borderline personality disorder based on childhood trauma, so it is necessary to pay attention to the component of childhood trauma along with attention to experiential avoidance as a model to reduce the severity of psychological complications.

Introduction: Covid-19 has had short-term and long-term negative psychological consequences on human societies. The results of numerous studies indicate significant effects on people's health, such as anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. Aim: The purpose of the present study was the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy on stress and anxiety in patients with covid-19. Method: The research design was a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test type with a control group, the statistical population of the study included all the people infected with the disease of Covid-19 in Isfahan city, and through convenience sampling, 30 people who recovered from Covid-19 were selected and through simple random method they were assigned in two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). Corona Stress Scale (CSS-18) of Salimi, Abedini Chamgordani, Ghasemi Nafchi, Tabashir (2021) and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) of Alipour, Ghadami, Alipour, Abdollahzadeh (2020) were completed by the participants in the two stages of pre-test and post-test in the experimental and control groups. . Univariate covariance analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results of univariate covariance analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the mean post-test scores of the control and experimental groups. The mean stress and anxiety scores of the experimental group were significantly reduced compared to the control group, and mindfulness therapy intervention was effective in reducing the stress and anxiety of patients with covid-19 in the post-test phase (P<0. 01). Conclusion: The results showed that mindfulness therapy has a positive and significant effect on improving the stress and anxiety of covid-19 patients, and according to the research findings, mindfulness therapy can be proposed to reduce the effects and consequences of covid-19 disease.

Introduction: Infertility is a prevalent condition in women in the reproductive age, which is often followed by psychological problems. Aim: This study examined the effectiveness of schema therapy vs. mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on worry and psychological well-being in infertile women. Method: This research was conducted in the form of a multi-group quasi-experimental design with pre-test-post-test and follow-up with a control group. Among the infertile women referred to infertility centers in Sari city in 2022, 45 women were selected using an available sampling method and randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The schema therapy group received 12 sessions and the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group received interventions related to their group in 8 sessions once a week. The participants of three groups completed Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWBS,1990) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ,Meyer et al., 1990) in the pre-test, post-test and 3-month follow-up phases. Analyses were performed using Student's t test, Chi-squared, and mixed ANOVA where appropriate. Results: There was a significant difference between the schema-based therapy and mindfulness groups with the control group. Both schema therapy and MBCT had significant effects on reducing worry and increasing psychological well-being in infertile women (P<0. 001). Also, no significant difference was observed between the schema therapy and MBCT groups on worry and psychological well-being in the post-test and follow-up (P>0/05). Conclusion: This study showed similar effects of both the schema and mindfulness-based therapies on the worry and psycholgical well-being in infertile women in Iran. Therefore, experts, researchers and therapists in this field can use these interventions as effective treatment options to improve the psychological functions of infertile women along with their medical treatments