EXPERIMENTAL AND COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Year:2024 | Volume:1 | Issue:4|Papers Count:18

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on emotion regulation difficulties and impulsivity in women with binge eating disorder. Methodology: This applied research employed a quasi-experimental design using a two-group model with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of women diagnosed with binge eating disorder who referred tothe Mastaneh Psychology Clinic in 2023. A total of 40 participants were selected purposefully based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were then randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of EMDR therapy (Luber, 2019), while the control group remained on a waiting list. Both groups completed the research instruments during the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages, which included the Binge Eating Scale (Gormally et al., 1982), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (Gratz & Roemer, 2004), and the Impulsivity Questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc test) in SPSS version 26. Findings: The results indicated that EMDR therapy led to a reduction in emotion regulation difficulties and impulsivity in women with binge eating disorder. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that EMDR therapy results in improvements in cognitive-emotional and behavioral dimensions, and incorporating this method into current treatment protocols for binge eating disorder may enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological capital among upper secondary students in the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and job self-efficacy. This applied research employed a quantitative approach and utilized a descriptive-analytical design with a correlational methodology. Methods and Materials: The statistical population comprised all upper secondary students in Qom city during the 2023–2024 academic year. A sample of 500 respondents was selected using multistage cluster random sampling, based on the minimum sample size calculation for structural equation modeling. Data collection instruments included the Psychological Capital Questionnaire developed by Luthans and Avolio (2007), the Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire by Liñán and Chen (2009), and the Job Self-Efficacy Scale by Riggs and Knight (1994). To assess validity, content validity (Lawshe’s method) and construct validity—including convergent validity (AVE > 0. 5) and discriminant validity (MSV < AVE, ASV < AVE, HTMT < 0. 85)—were evaluated. Internal consistency reliability was determined using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (CR), and McDonald’s omega (ω), with all coefficients exceeding 0. 7, indicating satisfactory validity and reliability of the research instruments. Structural equation modeling was conducted to analyze the data. Findings: The findings revealed that job self-efficacy had a significant direct effect on entrepreneurial intention (β = 0. 87, p <. 001). Additionally, psychological capital was found to have a significant mediating effect in the relationship between job self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention (β =0. 58, p <. 001). The proposed model demonstrated a good fit (RMSEA = 0. 05, SRMR = 0. 06, p >. 05), explaining 88% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results indicated that entrepreneurial intention can be predicted based on job self-efficacy, with psychological capital serving as a mediating variable among upper secondary students. The proposed model exhibited an appropriate fit. These findings underscore the importance of fostering self-efficacy skills within educational and counseling programs for upper secondary students. Given the positive implications of these results, it is recommended that policymakers and educators place special emphasis on developing and enhancing students' psychological capital to promote entrepreneurial growth in future generations.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to conduct a sociological examination of the social and cultural factors influencing the occurrence of emotional divorce in Mazandaran Province. Methods and Materials: The research method was qualitative and based on the phenomenological approach. The study population consisted of 21 married men and women involved in emotional divorce who had referred to counseling centers and health houses in Mazandaran Province (qualitative section, part one). Participants were selected using purposive sampling and the data saturation technique. Findings: The results indicated 70 initial codes categorized into 19 themes, including: lack of knowledge regarding love-related skills, emotional interactions between couples, subcultural differences, traditional lifestyle, modern lifestyle, ostentatious lifestyle, level of religious commitment, addiction to narcotics and alcohol, sexual problems, social trust (personal, generalized, institutional), emotional and behavioral incompatibility, inappropriate spouse selection patterns and heterogeneous partner choice, behavioral attitudes, lack of skills and maturity for choosing a spouse, inability to resolve problems and conflicts in life, extent of family interference, internal family organization, insufficient premarital acquaintance, and economic concerns. Conclusion: The occurrence of emotional divorce results in a decrease in life satisfaction among women and increases their vulnerability to physical and psychological illnesses, as well as feelings of anger, hopelessness, confusion, anxiety, and a stressful life.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of self-compassion training and positive psychotherapy on resilience and emotional distress tolerance in women with panic disorder. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test structure. The statistical population consisted of women diagnosed with panic disorder in Kermanshah, from whom 40 individuals were selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). Data analysis was conducted using inferential statistical tests, including the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and hypothesis testing was performed using SPSS version 26. The significance level was set at 0. 05. Findings: The results indicated that both interventions—self-compassion training and positive psychotherapy—had a significant effect on enhancing resilience and emotional distress tolerance in women with panic disorder. The effect size of positive psychotherapy on resilience was 68%, and on emotional distress tolerance was 73%, while the effect size of self-compassion training was 94. 4% for resilience and 42. 6% for emotional distress tolerance. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that both therapeutic approaches contribute to the improvement of resilience and emotional distress tolerance in women with panic disorder. However, self-compassion training had a greater impact on increasing resilience, whereas positive psychotherapy showed a stronger effect on improving emotional distress tolerance. Therefore, the application of these approaches in psychological centers and treatment clinics can be beneficial in improving the condition of patients with panic disorder.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of spiritual self-care training and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the components of affectivecapital in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods and Materials: The present research employed a quasi-experimental design with three phases: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, along with a control group. The statistical population consisted of kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis in Isfahan in autumn 2024, from which 60 patients were purposefully selected and assigned to three groups (20 participants in each group). The AffectiveCapital Questionnaire (Golparvar, 2016) was used to measure the dependent variable across the three stages. The two intervention groups each received 10 treatment sessions lasting 75 to 90 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test through SPSS version 26. Findings: The results indicated significant differences between spiritual self-care training and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy compared to the control group in the three components of affectivecapital: positive affect, sense of vitality, and joy (p < 0. 01). The two interventions—spiritual self-care training and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy—had equal effectiveness across all three components of affectivecapital (p > 0. 05). Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of both interventions in enhancing components of affectivecapital, it is recommended that these training programs be integrated into the treatment plans of kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis alongside biomedical and medical interventions.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of two psychotherapeutic approaches, including spiritual therapy and emotion-focused therapy, on enhancing resilience in women with breast cancer. Methodsand Materials: The present study was a quasi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with breast cancer who referred to Imam AliHospital in Bojnurd in 2024. Among them, 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups (two experimental groups and one control group). The first group received 12 sessions of spiritual therapy basedon the protocol developed by Richards and Bergin (2006), and the second group received 12 sessions of emotion-focused therapy based on Greenberg’s model (2010). The research instrument was the Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Findings: The results of statistical analysis showed that both psychotherapeutic interventions led to a significant increase in resilience compared to the control group (p < 0. 01). Moreover, the effectiveness of spiritual therapy in enhancing resilience was significantly greater than that of emotion-focused therapy. Conclusion: The findings indicate that both spiritual therapy and emotion-focused therapy can contribute to improving resilience in women with breast cancer. However, the use of spirituality-based interventions, due to their alignment with the cultural and religious beliefs of Iranian patients, has greater effectiveness in improving their psychological condition. It is recommended that these approaches be used as complementary treatments in medical centers.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on frustration tolerance and internalized shame in individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Methods and Materials: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group format. The statistical population consisted of individuals with borderline personality disorder in Tehran, from which 30 participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions of schema therapy, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Findings: The findings demonstrated that schema therapy significantly increased frustration tolerance and reduced internalized shame in the experimental group. Conclusion: These results suggest that modifying early maladaptive schemas can play a crucial role in improving emotional and behavioral indicators in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Therefore, the use of schema therapy is recommended in the treatment of this population

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of object relations quality and personality functioning levels in predicting the tendency toward extramarital relationships among couples attending counseling clinics in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This applied, descriptive-correlational study was conducted on a statistical population comprising all couples referred to counseling clinics in 2022. Using convenience sampling, 315 questionnaires were collected, and after excluding 15 incomplete questionnaires, data from 300 participants were analyzed. The instruments included Bell’s Object Relations Inventory, Bender’s Levels of Personality Functioning Questionnaire, and the Whatley’s Attitudes Toward Infidelity Scale. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression in SPSS version 26. Findings: Pearson correlation analysis showed significant relationships between attitudes toward extramarital relationships and object relations quality (r = 0. 42, p < 0. 01), as well as personality functioning levels (r =-0. 38, p < 0. 01). The multiple regression model was significant (F = 50. 82, p < 0. 01), indicating that object relations quality (β = 0. 36) and personality functioning levels (β =-0. 30) were both significant predictors of attitudes toward extramarital relationships, together explaining 26% of the variance. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of addressing object relations quality and personality functioning levels in preventive and therapeutic interventions in family counseling, suggesting that enhancing these factors can reduce the tendency toward extramarital relationships.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of rumination and emotional self-awareness on academic procrastination among students. Methods and Materials: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 250 high school students from District 1 of Tabriz’s Department of Education in the 2023-2024 academic year. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and completed the Tuckman Academic Procrastination Scale (1989), the Rumination Response Scale by Nolen-Hoeksema and Morrow (1991), and the Emotional Self-Awareness Questionnaire by Grant et al. (2002). Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis in SPSS version 26. Findings: The results indicated that rumination had a significant positive correlation with academic procrastination (r = 0. 62, p < 0. 001), while emotional self-awareness had a significant negative correlation with academic procrastination (r =-0. 57, p < 0. 001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that rumination (β =-0. 45, p < 0. 001) and emotional self-awareness (β = 0. 38, p < 0. 001) were significant predictors of academic procrastination, with the regression model explaining 52% of the variance in academic procrastination (R² = 0. 52, F = 25. 78, p < 0. 001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that rumination, as a maladaptive cognitive process, increases academic procrastination, whereas emotional self-awareness can reduce procrastination by improving emotional regulation. Therefore, enhancing emotional self-awareness andreducing rumination through educational and psychological interventions may serve as effective strategies for improving students’ academic performance.

Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the coping styles of women victims of domestic violence. Methods and Materials: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design. Forty-five women who were victims of domestic violence were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to three groups (ISTDP, ACT, and control). The Lazarus and Folkman (1984) coping styles questionnaire was used as the primary tool for data collection. After the pre-test, the treatment groups received 15 sessions of therapy, followed by a post-test and follow-up. Findings: The results indicated that both treatments (ISTDP and ACT) significantly improved problem-focused coping styles and reduced the use of emotion-focused coping strategies. Significant differences were found between the treatment groups and the control group at the post-test and follow-up stages. Furthermore, changes in problem-focused coping strategies were significant from pre-test to post-test and follow-up in the treatment groups, although no significant changes were observed from post-test to follow-up. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both ISTDP and ACT can effectively influence the coping styles of women victims of domestic violence, improving the use of problem-focused coping strategies and reducing emotion-focused coping strategies.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the role of belief in a just world and the dark triad personality traits in predicting driving behavior. Methods and Materials: The research design was correlational based on regression analysis, and the method of data collection was survey-based. The statistical population consisted of all drivers in the city of Shiraz in the year 2024. From this population, a purposive sample of 209 individuals was selected. Participants completed the Manchester Driving Behavior Questionnaire (MDBQ), the Dark Triad Personality Scale (DTPS), and the Belief in a Just World Questionnaire (BFWQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 at a significance level of 0. 05. Findings: The findings indicated that Machiavellianism (β = 0. 234, p =. 001), psychopathy (β = 0. 176, p =. 013), and narcissism (β = 0. 166, p =. 013) were significant and positive predictors of driving behavior. Collectively, the dark triad personality traits explained 18. 40% of the variance in driving behavior. In contrast, belief in a just world was not significantly correlated with driving behavior (p >. 05). Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the dark triad personality traits play a significant role in explaining driving behavior, emphasizing the importance of individual differences and personality traits in shaping driving actions. In light of these findings, the role of belief in a just world appeared to be less influential than expected in reducing problematic driving behavior, suggesting the presence of other dominant factors in this phenomenon.

Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the factors influencing fear of marriage in siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, based on the Sibling Embedded Systems Framework (SESF). Methods and Materials: The research method was qualitative and followed a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews. The statistical population of this study consisted of all adult siblings of individuals with educable intellectual disabilities who were enrolled in exceptional education schools in Isfahan during the 2024–2025 academic year. The sample was selected using purposive sampling. After conducting interviews with 18 siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the influential factors contributing to fear of marriage were identified, and data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis model. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, Guba and Lincoln’s four criteria were applied. The findings indicated that the factors influencing fear of marriage in these siblings fell into three main themes: individual, social, and familial factors, which were further broken down into 25 sub-themes. Findings: Based on the results, it can be asserted that attending to the lived experiences of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the framework of SESF is of great significance. Conclusion: The study identified a wide range of factors contributing to the fear of marriage in this population. Therefore, it can be concluded that any form of intervention should begin with identifying the influential factors behind this fear and proceed to design preventive strategies accordingly.

Objective: The present research was conducted with the aime of determine the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy on suicidal thoughts and social adjustment in adolescent girls attempting suicide. Methodology: This research was a quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The research population was adolescent girls attempting suicide who referred to counseling centers of Chalus county in the autumn season of 2024 year. The research sample was 30 people who after reviewing the inclusion criteria were selected with using purposive sampling method and were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The experimental group underwent 8 sessions of 90 minute (two sessions per week) by mindfulness therapy and the control group did not receive any intervention during this time. The research instruments were included the suicide ideation scale (Beck et al., 1979) and social adjustment subscale in the adjustment inventory (Bell, 1961). The data of this study were analyzed with using multivariate analysis of covariance method in SPSS-25. Findings: The results of the present research showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of both suicidal thoughts and social adjustment. In the other words, mindfulness therapy reduced suicidal thoughts and improved social adjustment in adolescent girls attempting suicide (P<0. 001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, counselors and therapists can use mindfulness therapy alongside other treatment methods to improve psychological characteristics such as reducing suicidal thoughts and improving social adjustment in vulnerable groups, including adolescent girls attempting suicide.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Reality Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the social adjustment of elderly individuals attending day rehabilitation centers in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This research was applied in purpose and quasi-experimental in nature, employing a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a follow-up period. The statistical population included all elderly individuals attending day rehabilitation centers in Tehran during the first half of 2024. A sample of 90 participants was selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group (30 individuals per group). The instrument used for data collection was the Bell Adjustment Inventory (1962), specifically the social adjustment scale. Data weer analysed using analysis of covariance via SPSS. Findings: The findings indicated that both therapeutic approaches led to a significant increase in the social adjustment of the elderly. Furthermore, the results showed that Reality Therapy was more effective than Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in improving social adjustment among the elderly. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that both Reality Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can enhance social adjustment in elderly individuals.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on psychological problems and mindfulness in individuals with diabetes. Methods and Materials: This semi-experimental research employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all diabetic patients who visited medical centers in Rasht in the year 2024. Using convenience sampling, 30 diabetic patients who expressed willingness to participate were selected and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Participants in the experimental group underwent ten 90-minute sessions of CBT. The control group did not receive any intervention. Data collection at both pretest and posttest stages utilized the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory –Short Form. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Findings: Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) results indicated significant differences between groups in posttest scores for anxiety, depression, stress, and mindfulness components (p <. 01). Conclusion: These findings suggest that CBT significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress levels while enhancing mindfulness among diabetic patients.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the role of reflective functioning, stress coping strategies, and perceived social support in predicting marital happiness among married individuals. Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population included married individuals residing in Isfahan during the third quarter of 2024. A total of 170 participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. They completed the Marital Happiness Questionnaire by Azrin (1973), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Coping Styles Questionnaire (CSQ). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26 through correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results of the correlation analysis indicated that reflective functioning, stress coping strategies, and perceived social support were significantly associated with marital happiness (p <. 05). The results of the regression analysis further revealed that, in order of strength, emotion-focused coping strategies, perceived social support, certainty in reflective functioning, uncertainty in reflective functioning, and again emotion-focused coping strategieswere predictors of marital happiness among married individuals (p <. 05). Conclusion: Thus, professionals in the field of family studies should focus on enhancing reflective functioning, adaptive coping strategies, and perceived social support in order to promote marital happiness among couples.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the structural model of cyberbullying-cybervictimization experience based on perceived social support with the mediating role of self-esteem among adolescents. Methods and Materials: This was a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all high school students (second stage) in Tehran during the 2023–2024 academic year. A sample of 400 students was selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Cyberbullying-Victimization Experience Questionnaire (CBVEQ), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-26 and Amos-24. Findings: Path analysis revealed a significant positive effect of perceived social support on self-esteem (β=0. 438, p<0. 001). Self-esteem had a significant negative effect on cyberbullying-cybervictimization experience (β=-0. 317, p<0. 001), while perceived social support directly and negatively influenced cyberbullying-cybervictimization (β=-0. 567, p<0. 001). Sobel test confirmed the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between perceived social support and cyberbullying-cybervictimization (Z=-7. 933, p<0. 001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that perceived social support acts as a protective factor against negative virtual experiences by enhancing adolescents’ self-esteem. Strengthening familial, peer, and social support systems, along with promoting self-esteem, can significantly reduce the risk of cyberbullying and cybervictimization among adolescents.

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of elderly individuals regarding impending death, to develop a Facing Death Training Package, and to validate and evaluate its effectiveness on hopefulness in the elderly. Methods and Materials: This mixed-method study consisted of a qualitative phase using phenomenological analysis of interviews with 14 elderly residents of a Tehran nursing home. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed via open, axial, and selective coding. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test and control group (10 participants per group) was used. The hopefulness questionnaire developed by Snyder et al. (1991) served as the measurement tool. Based on qualitative findings, a ten-session training package was developed, validated through CVR content validity index by 12 experts, and administered to the experimental group over 8 weeks. Findings: ANCOVA results showed a significantimprovement in hope scores in the experimental group (F=70. 169, p<0. 001, η²=0. 805). All participants in the experimental group demonstrated statistically reliable improvement (RCI > 1. 96), although only one reached clinical significance based on the cutoff score. The training package had a strong effect on enhancing hopefulness in the elderly. Conclusion: The findings confirm that confronting death through structured educational interventions can significantly enhance elderly individuals’ levels of hope. Implementing such programs in elderly care settings may improve psychological well-being and quality of life among aging populations.