Baqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250818The Effectiveness of Spiritual Therapy Training and Life Skills Group Training on Reducing the Feeling of Loneliness and Anxiety Symptoms of Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder677623014610.30491/ijbs.2025.509844.2204ENZahraOmraniDepartment of Psychology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, IranNargesArghaDepartment of Psychology, Mohaghegh Ardabili university, Ardabil, IranShivaMontazeriDepartment of Psychology, Behshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranFatemehJamshiddoust-MiyanroudiDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, IranZahraFarajzadeh-JalaliDepartment of Psychology, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0009-0008-9091-1778Journal Article20250506
<strong>Introduction: </strong>War is a contributing factor to the occurrence and progression of mental disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is a common psychological outcome for individuals who have experienced war. This study aims to assess the impact of spiritual therapy training and life skills group training on alleviating feelings of loneliness and anxiety symptoms in veterans with PTSD, while also examining how social support may influence these effects.
<strong>Method:</strong> The current study was an applied research involving a randomized clinical trial with a pre-test-post-test and follow-up (3 months) design conducted in Tehran during the summer and fall in 2023. The sample size for this study was 60 veterans who were selected through convenience sampling. The research included a control group and two experimental groups consisting of veterans with PTSD. The experimental group received spirituality therapy sessions twice a week for eight sessions, each session lasting for 45 minutes, while the life skills experimental group attended eight sessions twice a week for 45 minutes each. The research utilized the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), UCLA Loneliness Scales, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) as assessment tools. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis H in SPSS software version 27 and JASP software version 18.1.0 at a significance level of 0.05.
<strong>Results:</strong> The findings of this study showed that the anxiety variable was significantly different between the teaching spiritual therapy and teaching life skills in a group way groups and the control group (P<0.05). According to the results, the teaching life skills in a group way method was more effective than the teaching spiritual therapy method. Similarly, the loneliness variable was significantly different between the teaching spiritual therapy and teaching life skills in a group way groups and the control group (P<0.001). According to the results, teaching spiritual therapy was a more effective method for reducing loneliness than teaching life skills in a group way.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> According to the findings of the current study, both life skills training and spiritual therapy training have shown effectiveness in decreasing anxiety and loneliness in PTSD veterans. To enhance their effectiveness, life skills training can be conducted in group settings to alleviate anxiety levels, while spiritual therapy training can target reducing feelings of loneliness among veterans. Additionally, identifying PTSD veterans and providing them with spiritual therapy combined with developing social support can also help in reducing their anxiety levels.https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230146_15c263f98a9dbebafe185b58435e6a5c.pdfBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250818The Effectiveness of Cognitive Training based on Remote Associations on Improving Cognitive Function: Attention of Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder778323014710.30491/ijbs.2025.499117.2193ENSoghraAkbari ChermahiniDepartment of Psychology, Arak University, Arak, Iran0000-0002-7025-0203MersadKhalajiDepartment of Psychology, Arak University, Arak, Iran0009-0008-6404-7373Journal Article20250509<strong>Introduction:</strong> The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive training based on remote associations on attention in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
<strong>Method: </strong>This is a quasi-experimental, single-baseline A.B.A. Three adults (28-year-old male, unmarried; 30-year-old female, married; 30-year-old male, married) with OCD who referred to the Brain and Cognition Clinic in Tehran in 2023 were selected using available sampling method. The Yale-Brown scale and Continuous Performance Task (CPT) were answered in several stages including pre-test, post-test1-3 (with 5 days between), and follow-up (one month after post-test 3). In training sessions, the participants were asked to do cognitive training based on remote associations for 15 days. A set of 180 Persian words with moderate emotional loads were used. When seeing each word (12 words every day), the participants must have said the first three words or concepts which came to their mind, and had to write the relationship of those words to the main word. The results were demonstrated by graphs and improved effectiveness percentage.
<strong>Results:</strong> Graphic analyzes were used, as well as the effect size. The results indicated that cognitive training based on remote associations was effective in reducing obsessions and improving attention in OCD. The error rate and reaction time in the CPT were significantly reduced, and it can be said that the participants' sustained attention improved after the aforementioned training.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> It could be stated that cognitive training programs that include remote association training along with other intervention methods might be useful in improving cognitive performance specifically sustained attention in patients with OCD.https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230147_24a048e1621f898fa0ed05898969bb6f.pdfBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250818The Moderating Effect of Psychological Distress in the Relationship between Loneliness and Shyness with Smartphone Addiction in Students848923014810.30491/ijbs.2025.517542.2218ENKhadijehFooladvandDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran0000-0001-6071-7036MaryamZahiryDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University Kermanshah Branch, Kermanshah, IranMohammadSouriDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University Kermanshah Branch, Kermanshah, IranJournal Article20250510<strong>Introduction:</strong> Research evidence shows that smartphone addiction leads to a series of issues which necessitates the investigation of possible factors affecting it. The present study aimed to investigate the moderating role of psychological distress in the relationship between loneliness and shyness with smartphone addiction in students.<br /><strong>Method:</strong> This study was a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population included all students of Lorestan University in the second semester of 2023-2024, from which 400 students were selected through cluster sampling method. Data collection instruments included the Cell-phone Over-use Scale (COS), UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), The Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression statistical methods were conducted using SPSS software (version 24).<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The results showed that there were significant positive relationships between psychological distress and smartphone addiction (P< 0.01, r= 0.49), loneliness and smartphone addiction (P < 0.01, r= 0.31), and shyness and smartphone addiction (P< 0.01, r= 0.34). Moreover, the results of the hierarchical regression analysis confirmed the moderating role of psychological distress in the relationship between loneliness and smartphone addiction (P < 0.01, β =0.20) and shyness and smartphone addiction (P< 0.01, β= 0.16).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Considering these factors for formulating effective preventive and therapeutic programs for students’ smartphone addiction will increase the effectiveness of these programs.https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230148_36bf191afcaec1072f98944a86d967bb.pdfBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250801Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotion Management Strategies based on Schema Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy on Improving Emotion Regulation of Young Couples with Marital Conflict909923015210.30491/ijbs.2025.505338.2199ENAlirezaDarvishnejad-SicaroudiDepartment of Psychology, To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran0009-0007-8800-686XFarhadAsghariDepartment of Counseling, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0000-0003-4382-7991Mohammad RezaZarbakhsh-BahriDepartment of Psychology, To.C., Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran0000-0003-3708-2882AzimQasemzadehDepartment of Counseling, PaM.C., Islamic Azad University, Parsabad Moghan, Iran0000-0003-0711-445XJournal Article20250512<strong>Introduction</strong><strong>:</strong> Couples' relationships always face many problems, and one of the things that increases the quality of marital relationships is emotion regulation. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion management strategies based on Schema Therapy (ST) and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) on improving emotion regulation in young couples with marital conflict.<br /><strong>Method:</strong> This quasi-experimental study was conducted on couples with marital conflict referring to Rasht counseling centers during the months of May, June and July 2022. 30 couples were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: EFT, ST, and control. The two experimental groups each received 10 90-minute treatment sessions with one session held weekly for a total duration of 10 weeks, while the control group did not receive any therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, a follow-up phase was incorporated into the design. The Gross Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) was used to collect data, and data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance tests in SPSS-24 software.<br /><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed that EFT was more effective than ST in improving couples' emotion regulation (P < 0.05). However, the results of the post-hoc test at the follow-up stage showed that the mean difference was not statistically significant (P ≤ 0.13).<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Both ST and EFT methods were effective in improving couples' emotional regulation in the post-test phase, and the effect of EFT was greater than that of ST. However, no significant difference was found between these two treatments in the follow-up phase, and their effects were shown to be the same in the long term. It is suggested that the treatment be followed up continuously from time to time for the therapeutic effect to last.<br /> https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230152_eda190aba12b6c12d2b7e96bb7276a8b.pdfBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250818Understanding Adolescent Cyber Victimization: The Predictive Influence of Mindfulness and Alexithymia Analyzed through Stepwise Regression10010723015410.30491/ijbs.2025.510729.2205ENParinazSepehriDepartment of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran0009-0000-8993-5512Seyyed-MehdiSarkeshikiyanDepartment of Educational Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Rudehen Branch, Rudehen, Iran0000-0001-5315-6533ElhamAghaieDepartment of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250514<strong>Introduction:</strong> The influence of the cyber world on adolescents is widely acknowledged, with any harm incurred in this domain potentially having lasting impacts on their lives. Cyber victimization emerges as a significant concern in this context. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of mindfulness and alexithymia in predicting cyber victimization among adolescents aged 14 to 18 in Zanjan during the 2022-2023 academic year.
<strong>Method:</strong> This research utilized a correlational design to examine the relationships between mindfulness, alexithymia, and cyber victimization. Using convenience sampling, a sample of 380 adolescents (195 boys and 185 girls) was selected. The sample size was determined based on Tabachnick and Fidell's formula. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, Toronto Alexithymia (TAS-20), Cyberbullying-Victim Experience Questionnaire, Antiado et al., and Brown and Ryan's Mindfulness Scale (MASS) were performed. For data analysis, stepwise regression was employed using SPSS 27.
<strong>Results</strong>: In Step 1, alexithymia significantly predicted 8.2% of the variance in cyber victimization (β = 0.286, p = 0.000). In Step 2, with the inclusion of mindfulness, the total explained variance increased by 2.1% (β = -0.161, p = 0.003). The findings indicated that alexithymia had a positive relationship with cyber victimization, while mindfulness showed a significant negative relationship with cyber victimization. Thus, alexithymia and mindfulness were identified as important predictors of adolescents' vulnerability to cyber victimization.
<strong>Conclusion</strong>: These results suggest potential psychological interventions aimed at reducing the risk of cyber victimization by enhancing mindfulness and reducing alexithymia traits.https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230154_a34cd1f31da383ad87db502beace0761.pdfBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250801Structural Equation Model of Spiritual Well-Being, Attachments Styles, and social Well-Being among Students10811423015510.30491/ijbs.2025.511050.2206ENAhooHedayat QarahqayahDepartment of Clinical Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, IranNazaninAghayeeDepartment of Clinical Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, IranJournal Article20250308<strong>Introduction: </strong>The present study aimed to investigate the structural relationships among attachment styles, social well-being, and spiritual well-being in students, based on a conceptual model utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
<strong>Method:</strong> This descriptive correlational study target to all students aged 18-50 from the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences at Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, during the academic year of 2022-2023. Using convenience sampling, 310 students were selected to complete the following questionnaires online: The Paloutzian and Ellison Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), Hazan and Shaver Adult Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ), and Keyes Social Well-Being Scale (KSWBS). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and SEM with path analysis in SPSS-26 and AMOS-24 software.
<strong>Results: </strong>The findings indicated that secure attachment style (P=0.001, β=0.32) positively correlated with spiritual well-being, while avoidant (P=0.001, β=-0.29) and ambivalent (P=0.001, β=-0.268) styles negatively correlated. Social well-being (P=0.001, β=0.33) showed a significant positive correlation with spiritual well-being. Secure attachment (P=0.001, β=0.15) had a positive indirect effect, while ambivalent attachment (P=0.001, β=-0.15) had a negative indirect effect on spiritual well-being.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings suggest the need for university-based programs that foster secure attachments and social well-being to support students’ overall psychological and spiritual development.https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230155_90380ca1ab5c26b3a98ee5778347cc47.pdfBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250818Improving Parent-Child Interactions in Vulnerable and Maltreated Families with Attachment Video-Feedback Intervention: Power Positive Parental as a Moderator of Treatment Effects11512323015610.30491/ijbs.2025.512156.2210ENZahraDabbaghhaDepartment of Psychology, Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranZohrehGandomiDepartment of Psychology, South Tehran Branch, Payame Noor University, Tehran, IranFatemehZarei-TalebiDepartment of Psychology, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, IranLeila-SadatBorghei-MovahedDepartment of Psychology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranMaryamHosseini-KupaeiDepartment of Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250517<strong>Introduction:</strong> Strained parent-child interactions in vulnerable and maltreated families, characterized by emotional distress, atypical behaviors, and lack of emotional support, can severely hinder a child's psychosocial development. This research investigated how attachment video-feedback intervention improves these interactions along with the mediating role of positive parental influence in the treatment's success.
<strong>Method:</strong> A quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up was conducted on vulnerable families under the Welfare Organization's supervision in Tehran and surrounding areas during the summer/fall of 2023. Convenience sampling was used to select 32 participants (n=16 per group). The experimental group received four weekly 60-minute educational sessions with video broadcasts. VIA-IS and PCR questionnaires were used for assessment. Data was analyzed using SPSS 27 with descriptive statistics, repeated measures of covariance, mixed model analysis, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Bonferroni post hoc test (p<0.05).
<strong>Results:</strong> At follow-up, mother-child and father-child interactions were significantly different between vulnerable/maltreated families and the control group (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). Mother-child interactions in vulnerable/maltreated families significantly improved from post-test to follow-up (P=0.046), suggesting lasting positive effects. Parental power positive was not a significant predictor of outcomes (P=0.615).
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study findings revealed that attachment video-feedback intervention had a beneficial impact on enhancing parent-child interactions in vulnerable and maltreated families. However, the presence of power-positive parents did not play a significant role in moderating this effect.https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230156_3a6187c0dc491d5a8e7b31c664e9d36c.pdfBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesInternational Journal of Behavioral Sciences2322-119419220250818Investigating the Effect of Attachment Styles on the Level of Perceived Anxiety and Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with the Moderating Role of Defense Mechanisms12413123015810.30491/ijbs.2025.511310.2207ENFatemeTadayonghotbabadiDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Fars, IranNargesArghaDepartment of Psychology, Mohaghegh Ardebili University, Ardebil, IranMaryamIlatiTraining and Counseling Department, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranZahraKhorasaniDepartment of Psychology, Exceptional Children Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-3929-6158Seyedeh-SaraHoseiniDepartment of Psychology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Iran0009-0000-9894-9422Journal Article20250521<strong>Introduction: </strong>This study investigates the influence of attachment styles on perceived anxiety and stress levels in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), considering the moderating effect of defense mechanisms. PCOS, a hormonal imbalance, can cause physical changes and other complications, potentially affecting the mental health of women.
<strong>Method:</strong> This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study used structural equation modeling and path analysis to examine female patients with PCOS attending women's treatment clinics in Tehran in 2022. A sample of 152 women was selected using purposive sampling. Research instruments included the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). Descriptive statistics and moderation analysis were carried out with Jamovi software version 2.4, while SmartPLS software version 4 was used for path analysis. The p-value of 0.05 was established for this study.
<strong>Results:</strong> Findings revealed that avoidant attachment style significantly reduced stress (β=0.19, P=0.012) but not anxiety (β=0.18, P=0.057). Immature defensive style significantly reduced stress (β=0.50, P=0.0001) and moderated the relationship between both avoidant (β=0.32, P=0.013) and secure (β=-0.25, P=0.036) attachment styles and anxiety.
<strong>Conclusion:</strong> This research suggests that women with PCOS experience higher stress levels when displaying avoidant attachment and immature defense mechanisms. Conversely, secure attachment can mitigate anxiety, even with inadequate defense mechanisms. These findings may inform the development of psychological interventions to reduce stress and anxiety in this population.https://www.behavsci.ir/article_230158_58f4302e291f1faf8332394bd93dc533.pdf