Journal of Research in Behavioral Sciences
Year:2024 | Volume:21 | Issue:4|Papers Count:16

Aim and Background: Emotions regulation and improving relationships, especially the quality of marital relationships in couples, is of interest to many researchers, in this regard, various psychological approaches have been used to achieve this problem; The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of couple therapy based on Guttman's model on emotional turmoil and quality of marital relationships in women who have experienced infidelity. Methods and Materials: The research method was semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test design with control group. The statistical population of the research was made up of women who referred to counseling clinics in the second district of Tehran in 1402 with family problems. The purposeful sampling method was based on entry and exit criteria, and 30 people were selected and divided into two control groups (15 people) and experimental (15 people) by simple random. The research tools were emotional disturbance questionnaire by Simmons and Gaher (2005), marital quality questionnaire by Busby, Curran, Larsen, and Christensen in 1995. Analysis of covariance test was used to analyze the research data. All statistical operations of the research were considered using SPSS version 25 software with a significance level of P<0.05. Findings: The results of the research showed that after controlling for the effect of the pre-test, the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the two groups was significant for the variable of emotional disturbance and the quality of marital relations, and the mean scores of the experimental group in the variable of emotional disturbance were significantly lower than the control group (0.5 Also, the average scores of the experimental group in the quality of marital relations variable are significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of the research, it can be said that couple therapy based on Guttman's model is effective in reducing emotional turmoil and increasing the quality of marital relationships of betrayed women.

Aim and Background: With the increase of divorce phenomenon and social changes, couples' communication patterns have changed and it is necessary to discover and identify them. The purpose of this research was to analyze the communication patterns of couples on the verge of separation. Materials and Methods: The qualitative research design was of thematic analysis type and the community included all couples referred for separation to counseling centers and family courts in Isfahan city, who were selected by purposive sampling method and according to the entry criteria. These people were investigated using a semi-structured interview and the data reached saturation with 12 interviews. Data analysis was performed according to the Claizian model. Findings: After analyzing the data and coding them, 104 initial codes, 17 central codes and 3 main codes were extracted. Disregarding communication pattern, avoidant communication patterns and aggressive communication pattern in the main code and not paying attention to the other, not caring and ignoring the other, lack of companionship and empathy, not having the opportunity to be together, not participating, not giving the other a chance to speak, not expressing Emotions, forgetfulness, silence, giving reasons, condemning the other party, mental reading, alternative mechanisms, using inappropriate verbal and non-verbal ways, comparing with others, harassing the other party, lack of trust were classified in the central code. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the research, it can be concluded that neglectful, avoidant, and aggressive communication patterns can each lead to the tendency to divorce among couples. Paying attention to the categories of the current research can be effective in order to prevent marital conflicts and reduce the divorce rate.

Aim and Background: In addition to inflicting distress and functional impairment, the Cyberchondria phenomenon could cause a heavy burden to healthcare professionals by increasing in number of visitors to hospitals and medical centers. Cyberchondria can be helpful in choosing and designing psychological interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore relationships between two components of psychological flexibility (Mindfulness and Cognitive diffusion) to Cyberchondria and the possible moderator effect of COVID-19 Anxiety in this relationship. Methods and Materials: The method used in this study was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population included all students who were studying at Shiraz University in the academic year 2021-2022. Convenience Sampling was used to choose participants. Data gathering was done on the Internet because of social distancing obligations. 262 participants completed study questionnaires. The tools used in this research were the Cyberchondria severity scale (CSS), Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). The structural equation modeling method and Lisrel software were used to explore the relationship between study variables. Findings: The presented model has a good fit. No significant relationship was found between mindfulness and cyberchondria. Cognitive Diffusion also had direct and indirect (through COVID-19 Anxiety) effects on Cyberchondria. Therefore, a significant statistical relationship was confirmed between study variables. Conclusions: In sum, it seems cognitive defusion significantly contributes to cyberchondria symptoms, and COVID-19, as a mediant variable, plays a significant part in individuals' vulnerability against cyberchondria.

Aim and Background: There are claims regarding the fact that the damages caused by using social media are rather similar to those caused by using drugs. Researchers think that although the behavioral symptoms and consequences of using drugs vary by type of substance, there are several common aspects regarding drug symptoms in all types; which are hence in line with social media harms. Furthermore, during recent years, neuroscientists have examined the structures in the brain that are associated with addiction to social media and have discovered several similarities and differences about drug addiction. The main purpose of the present study was to compare addiction to drugs with addiction to social media. Methods and Materials: In this paper, we will initially describe the behavioral components of addiction to drugs and addiction to social media and then indicate the difference between "addiction" and "dependence". Findings: We will later support the hypothesis that addiction to social media is not to be considered as a dependence. Hence, we will discuss the areas of the brain which are involved in recent addiction to social media and addiction to drugs along with providing neuroimaging and experiments regarding these two fields. Conclusions: In the end, as well as enumerating the neurological similarities and differences between addiction in both fields, we suggest that instead of dividing people into the two categories of "addicted" and "non-addicted", it is better to consider "various degrees of addiction". This being the case, we can accept the addiction to social media as a special type of addiction and as a degree of addiction and thus, categorize the common characteristics and differences between this type of addiction and other types of addiction and present treatment approaches which are ideally appropriate for this certain degree of addiction

Aim and Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional disease affected by various factors. Despite the effect of personality traits on the course of this disease, few studies have investigated the effect of personality traits on the severity of the symptoms of this disease. Therefore, the present research aims to predict the severity of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome based on temperament and character of personality. Methods and Materials: The method of this research was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of this research included all patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome who referred to a gastroenterologist’s private office in, 2021, which was based on the available sampling method and based on entry and exit criteria were that 242 people were selected using Morgan's table. The participants responded to temperament and character inventory (TCI-125) and irritable bowel syndrome-symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS). The data were analyzed by Pearson correlation and stepwise regression via SPSS 22. Findings: The results showed that 54. 3% of the variance in the severity of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is explained by temperament and character traits. Among the temperament and character traits, in order, self-directedness, novelty seeking, Harm avoidance, self-transcendence and reward dependence have the greatest effect on the severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and their predictability, but persistence and cooperativeness cannot predict the severity of symptoms. Conclusions: Considering the role of personality traits in predicting the severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, special attention should be paid to personality issues in disease prediction, prevention, control, and treatment.

Aim and Background: The epidemic of corona disease in all the countries of the world, due to its vague, unpredictability and uncontrollable nature, has provided the ground for the spread of all kinds of behavioral and psychological problems. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the structural relationships of virtual education with students' cognitive outcome(academic performance) and considering the mediating role of psychological health and learning motivation. Methods and Materials: The statistical population of this descriptive research based on structural equation modeling was all the students of Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan (2021-2022) who were selected by the available sampling method in the number of 363 people and answered Questionnaires of attitude towards virtual education (Vatanparast et al. 2015), learning motivation (Kashifet al. 2013), general health (Goldberg, 1972) and Academic average. SPSS software was used to calculate descriptive and correlation indices, and AMOS software was used to model structural equations.   Findings: The results of the survey showed that there is no significant relationship between Virtual education and cognitive outcome (academic performance) (effect size:-0. 12 and P: 0. 10). According to the predicted paths, the direct effects of virtual Education on psychological health-0. 45 (P<0. 05), psychological health on academic performance 0. 18 (P<0. 05), virtual Education on learning motivation-0. 23 (P<0. 05), learning motivation was significant on academic performance (P<0. 05) 0. 34. Also, considering the mediating effect of learning motivation and psychological health  on cognitive outcome (academic performance), the standard effect size It was-0. 15 (P<0. 05), which shows the significance of this indirect path. Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be said that learning motivation and psychological health have a significant negative mediating role in the relationship between virtual education and cognitive outcome (academic performance).

Aim and Background: Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. This disease is one of the most common neurological diseases in humans and is the most debilitating disease of young people. In this regard, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment based on lived experiences of social stigma on the Mental Toughness of multiple sclerosis patients in Isfahan city. Methods and Materials: The research method was a pre-test and post-test with a control group and a one-month follow-up. The statistical population of the research was all patients with multiple sclerosis who referred to the neurologist's office in Isfahan city in 2019. The society was informed that 30 patients with MS were selected by available sampling and randomly divided into two treatment groups based on lived experiences of social stigma and the control group (15 people in each group). The subjects underwent 8 weekly 90-minute sessions. The treatment was based on the lived experiences of social stigma and the control group did not receive any treatment. The data in this research was collected by the mental toughness questionnaire (MTQ48) (Clough et al., 2007) in three stages: pre-test, post-test and follow-up and were analyzed using variance analysis with repeated measurements in SPSS software version 22. Findings: The results of mixed variance analysis with repeated measurements showed that the treatment based on the lived experiences of social stigma has created a Pnificant difference in the inter-group stage (P<0/05). Findings: The results of mixed variance analysis with repeated measurement showed that the treatment based on the lived experiences of social stigma has created a Pnificant difference in the post-test stage compared to the follow-up and the pre-test (P<0/05). Conclusion: Treatment based on lived experiences of social stigma has increased mental toughness in people with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, these results are recommended for clinical experts and health care workers.

Aim and Background: Pervasive anxiety is one of the common disorders and psychological treatments such as cognitive analytical hypnotherapy have been effective on similar disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive analytical hypnotherapy on emotional regulation and self-efficacy in people with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Methods and Materials: The research method was semi-experimental with experimental and control groups. The statistical population of this research included all people with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder who referred to the house of counseling centers of Tehran in 2022. Sampling was available and 30 people who got the highest score in anxiety questionnaire (1990) were selected as a sample and then randomly assigned 15 people to the experimental group and 15 people to the control group. and were allocated by lottery method. The experimental group underwent cognitive analytical hypnotherapy for 8 sessions twice a week for 60 minutes. The control group did not receive any intervention. In order to collect data, anxiety (1990), self-efficacy (1961) and emotion regulation (2003) questionnaires were used. In order to analyze the data, descriptive tests (mean and standard deviation) and covariance analysis were used with SPSS version 25 software. Findings: The results showed that cognitive analytical hypnotherapy has an effect on emotional regulation and self-efficacy in people with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (p<0.001) Conclusions: According to the results of this research, the use of cognitive analytical hypnotherapy intervention to increase emotional regulation and self-efficacy in people with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can be suggested

Aim and Background: Due to the complications caused by overload on the cardiovascular system and the increase of these problems during old age, nowadays, combined exercises are used to reduce these complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of combined exercises on the expression of HIF1, VEGF, UCP1 genes and the body composition of overweight elderly men. Materials and Methods: In this research; 20 elderly men randomly assigned to combined exercise group (10 people) and control group (10 people) with age range 60.70 ± 3.78 (years), weight 91.35 ± 2.66 (kg), height (meters) 1.74 ± 0.337, body mass index (kg/m2) 29.68 ± 1.67, fat mass (percent) 27.61 ± 1.22, muscle mass (kg) 30.03 ± 1.34 and The maximum oxygen consumption (milliliters/kg/minute) was 31.94 ± 2.25, were present. mixed group; They did resistance training for eight weeks and 3 sessions per week. In order to measure HIF1 and VEGF gene expression in white blood cells and PGC1a plasma levels, blood sampling was done 48 hours before the start of the first training session and also 48 hours after the last training session, while all subjects were fasting. Real-time PCR method was used to measure HIF1, VEGF and UCP1 gene expression. In order to analyze the data, independent and dependent t-test was used at a significance level of 0.05, with SPSS version 22 software. Findings: The results of the present study showed that eight weeks of combined exercises caused a significant increase in the expression of HIF1, VEGF, UCP1 genes. There was a significant decrease in fat mass and body mass index (P=0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that combined exercises with the model described in this research should be used to improve the physiological condition and improve the body composition of elderly people.

Aim and Background: The existence of problems in attachment style, interpersonal compatibility and communication pattern is evident in people with bulimia nervosa.The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy on attachment style, interpersonal compatibility and communication pattern of people with bulimia nervosa in Isfahan city. Methods and Materials: : The current research method was quantitative and of the type of semi-experimental studies with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the present study included people suffering from bulimia nervosa in Isfahan city who visited the health centers of Isfahan city in 1401. In this study, 30 women with bulimia nervosa disorder who were diagnosed by psychologists and psychiatrists were selected by sampling method. were selected as available. The people in the control and experimental groups completed the attachment style, interpersonal compatibility and communication pattern questionnaires In two stages, pre-test and post-test. Multivariate covariance test and spss-23 software were used for data analysis. Findings:  The results showed that dialectical behavior therapy had a significant effect on secure attachment style, avoidant attachment style, constructive communication, creditor woman communication pattern, mutual withdrawal communication pattern and interpersonal compatibility (p<0.05), but There was no significant effect on the anxious attachment style, the communication pattern of the creditor-debtor, and the communication pattern of the debtor's wife. Conclusions: From the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that psychologists and psychiatrists can increase the secure attachment style, interpersonal compatibility, constructive communication pattern and decrease the avoidant attachment style, the withdrawn and demanding behavior pattern of women with bulimia nervosa. Use dialectical therapy and its techniques.

Aim and Background: Today, in all human societies, special attention is given to exceptional children, especially mentally retarded children. Serious attention to Down syndrome children due to growth failure implies significant investments by governments, especially in the field of rehabilitation. Therefore, it is necessary to consider appropriate exercises, encouragement and feedback for the development of motor skills of these children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of normative feedback on Learning in adolescent with Down syndrome. Methods and Materials: Thirty boy adolescent syndrome are participated as volunteer and they are classified in three groups of control, positive and negative normative feedback randomly. The necessary information for this research was collected in 4 stages of pre-test, acquisition test, retention and transfer. The acquisition phase consisted of 7 blocks of 10 trials. In this phase, all groups received real feedback after each trial and positive and negative normative feedback groups received normative feedback about their performance after each block of 7 trials. One day after the practice phase retention and transfer test without feedback was performed to assess learning. One-Way ANOVA with Repeated Measures, ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to data analysis (P≤0.05). Findings: Positive normative feedback improved their accuracy and consistency score across practice trials, retention and transfer test, but other groups didn't improve their accuracy and consistency score. There were significant difference between control and negative normative feedback groups with positive normative feedback but there were no significant difference between control and negative normative feedback groups. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of motivational influences on motor learning in adolescent with Down syndrome and was concluded that motor learning of such children could be improved using cheer, in such a way that punishment is eliminated.

Aim and Background: Migraine headaches are one of the psychosomatic disorders that severely impair patients' quality of life and general functioning by mediating psychological problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of pain intensity in the relationship between psychosomatic components on quality of life in these patients. Methods and Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 250 patients with migraine were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria among people with migraine referred to the Pain and Neurology Clinic affiliated to Isfahan Medical Sciences in 2020 through available sampling. In the appropriate psychological situation, after justifying the goals of the research, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-26), Von Korff’s Pain Intensity Scale (PIS) and also the Diagnostic criteria for psychosomatic research Questionnaire (DCPR) were completed. Findings: The results showed that there was no significant correlation between pain intensity and other variables and only psychosomatic components had a significant negative correlation with quality of life dimensions and Also, in the path analysis model, no significant direct and indirect relationship was found between psychosomatic components and pain intensity with different dimensions of quality of life, although the proposed path analysis model showed a good fit. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest the development of psychological intervention packages based on the explanatory model for the correction of Alexithymia, irritable mood, health anxiety and type A behavior in order to improve the quality of life of migraine patients.

Aim and Background: Children and teenagers are of a particular importance in every society, and a care for their mental health makes them healthy both mentally and physically, and enable them to play their social parts better in the future. The purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of the coping power program on family problem solving, parental authority, and social information processing and emotional awareness of maladjusted children aged 9-13 Methods and Materials: The method of semi experimentation, with a pretest-post test scheme and a judge group, was a 45 day follow up; the statistical population comprised all the irregulars of 9-13 in the school year 1402-1401 of isfahan; and out of this statistical population, 40 students and parents who were qualified for the purpose of research, were accidentally put into two testing groups and one judge group, each group containing 20 people. The research tools included Rutter's Teacher Form Behavioral Questionnaire (1967), Ahmadi et al.'s Family Problem Solving (2008), Jan Buri's Parental Authority (1991), Turkaspa and Bryan's Social Information Processing (1994), and Reif et al.'s Emotional Awareness (2007). In addition, the coping power program of Luckman. (2003) was implemented during 10 sessions of 60 minutes for parents and 10 sessions of 45 minutes for children. While the group did not receive a training certificate. The data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk tests and analysis of variance with repeated measures at a significance level of 5%. Findings: The results showed that the coping power program had a significant effect on family problems, parental authority, social information processing and emotional awareness (P<0.05). Conclusions: According to the findings of the research, it can be said that coping power program is suitable for maladjusted children

Aim and Background: comparing the effect of psychological approaches in different fields, especially students' problems, is one of the topics of interest to researchers. The purpose of this research is to compare effectiveness of teaching techniques based on Eric Berne's Transactional analysis and narrative-therapeutic approach on reducing the impulsivity of abusive male students in Zahedan. Methods and Materials: The design of the descriptive research was causal-comparative, in order to investigate the hypotheses of the research, 45 badly behaved students who referred to the Omid Zahedan clinic were studied, the training package of techniques based on the narrative-therapeutic approach and Erik's exchange analysis. They were trained and subjected to impulsivity test and the results were analyzed using SPSS software using multivariate analysis of variance. Findings: The results of the research showed that teaching techniques based on the narrative therapy approach is effective in reducing the impulsivity of mistreated students in Zahedan city, and also teaching techniques based on the exchange analysis approach is effective in reducing the impulsivity of mistreated students in Zahedan city (P<0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of the research, it can be said that the impulsivity of poorly supervised students has been significantly reduced by teaching techniques based on Eric Burn's narrative-therapeutic approach and exchange analysis.

Aim and Background: One of the foremost challenges that women face in their lives is the issue of becoming a mother, which can influence their mental well-being. The present study aimed to Comparison of the Effectiveness of a Motherhood Role Acceptance Training Package with Group Positive Psychotherapy on the Social Competence of Married Women Childless. Methods and Materials: The research method was a quantitative and semi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest-follow-up design employed. Fifty-three women from the statistical population of all married women without children in Isfahan City who did not want to have children were selected by purposeful sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups received a training package on the acceptance of the maternal role and positive psychotherapy. The participants were assessed using a social competence questionnaire. Findings: The findings indicate that the educational package of Motherhood Role Acceptance and positive psychotherapy both had an effect on the social competence of married women without children. However, based on the findings, the effectiveness of the training package Motherhood Role Acceptance was more than that of group-positive psychotherapy. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the educational package of Motherhood Role Acceptance and positive psychotherapy both had an effect on the social competence of married women without children. However, based on the findings, the effectiveness of the training package Motherhood Role Acceptance was more than that of group-positive psychotherapy.

Aim and Background: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that leads to considerable disability in various areas of personal, professional, and social life. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of transdiagnostic treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in depressed women in Isfahan. Methods and Materials: The present study was a semi-experimental design of the pre-test-post-test type with a control group and follow-up period. The research community in this study consisted of all depressed women in Isfahan city. In this study, 45 women referred to specialized clinics in Isfahan city in 1400 were purposefully selected and examined in three groups (2 experimental groups and one control group). Patient information was collected through three demographic information tools: Beck's Anxiety Questionnaire and Beck's Depression Questionnaire. Treatment protocols included cognitive behavioral therapy (Hazelt-Stevens) and transdiagnostic treatment. Findings: The present study explained that the average scores of depression and anxiety in the transdiagnostic treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapy groups had a significant decrease compared to the control group (P = 0.001). On the other hand, there were significant differences in the scores of depression and anxiety in the two treatment groups and control group in the pre-test, post-test and follow-up stages (P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference between the transdiagnostic treatment group and the cognitive-behavioral treatment group in reducing the average scores of depression and anxiety. Conclusions: According to the findings, transdiagnostic and cognitive-behavioral treatments can be used as a complement to medication and interpersonal treatments for patients suffering from depression, reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. This process needs more research.