Abbas Saremi; Rahmatollah Moradzadeh
Abstract
Background: Inadequate lifestyle choices, such as insufficient physical activity, may be linked to adverse fertility outcomes. Given the profound influence of lifestyle on women’s reproductive health, this study was undertaken to compare the levels of physical activity and body composition among ...
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Background: Inadequate lifestyle choices, such as insufficient physical activity, may be linked to adverse fertility outcomes. Given the profound influence of lifestyle on women’s reproductive health, this study was undertaken to compare the levels of physical activity and body composition among fertile and infertile Iranian women in 2022.Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 653 fertile women (mean age: 32.58±5.99 years, mean body mass index (BMI): 25.7±3.64 kg/m²) and infertile women (mean age: 32.59±5.38 years, mean BMI: 26.4±5.6 kg/m²) who sought assistance at infertility centers in six provinces (Guilan, Markazi, Hamedan, Sistan, and Baluchestan, Isfahan, and Khuzestan) during the research period spanning 2021 to 2022. Participants completed questionnaires regarding their lifestyle habits and physical activity levels, body composition was also assessed. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests were employed for data analysis.Results: Fertile women exhibited superior physical activity (P=0.04) and a lower BMI (P=0.001) than their infertile counterparts. Women with a high level of physical activity (OR=4.42, P=0.004) were more likely to experience infertility. Inactive women who spent more than 300 minutes per day sitting were 2.07 times more susceptible to fertility complications than their physically active peers (moderate activity) (OR=2.07, P=0.001).Conclusion: Given the simultaneous increase in obesity, inactivity, and infertility among Iranian women, it is imperative to place greater emphasis on lifestyle habits, including appropriate physical activity, to prevent and potentially treat infertility.
Fahimeh Rahmati; Seyed Esmaeil Mosavi; Zahra Yousefi
Abstract
Background: Numerous young women struggle to envision a fulfilling and intimate marriage due to encountering significant challenges during their childhood and/or experiencing multiple unsuccessful relationships in adulthood. This study investigated the influence of life scripts, as defined by transactional ...
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Background: Numerous young women struggle to envision a fulfilling and intimate marriage due to encountering significant challenges during their childhood and/or experiencing multiple unsuccessful relationships in adulthood. This study investigated the influence of life scripts, as defined by transactional analysis theory, on the marriage readiness of female university students of marriageable age in Isfahan, Iran.Methods: This qualitative case study utilized a non-probabilistic, purposive sampling method to select its participants from among all female university students of marriageable age in Isfahan, Iran, between July and September 2022. The sample comprised 15 individuals, determined through theoretical saturation. Data collection was conducted via semi-structured interviews, encompassing demographic information and life script identification. Triangulation involving the researcher, supervisor, and peer advisors was employed to ensure rigor. Manifest and latent content analyses were applied to the data derived from the participant’s responses and narratives using MAXQDA 2022.Results: Analysis identified five predominant life scripts among female university students who exhibited readiness for marriage: “don’t be a child,” “please others,” “be perfect,” “don’t think,” and “try hard.” Conversely, the leading life scripts of students lacking marriage readiness were “don’t grow up,” “don’t get close,” “don’t be important,” and “be perfect.”Conclusion: The findings suggested that life scripts significantly influence marriage readiness and partner selection among female students of marriageable age. Modifying these scripts may enhance these individuals’ preparedness for marriage.
Abdullah Azhdari; Eghbal Zarei; Kourosh Mohammadi
Abstract
Background: Light triad traits play a significant role in predicting one’s mental well-being and can greatly influence interpersonal relationships and overall happiness. This study aimed to assess the correlation between marital adjustment, marital satisfaction and quality of life in alignment ...
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Background: Light triad traits play a significant role in predicting one’s mental well-being and can greatly influence interpersonal relationships and overall happiness. This study aimed to assess the correlation between marital adjustment, marital satisfaction and quality of life in alignment with light triad traits.Methods: Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The study population included women living in Bastak, Iran in 2023. A total of 270 participants were selected through convenience sampling method, and completed Light Triad Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMSS), and WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Amos version 24, with both descriptive and inferential analysis conducted through canonical correlation, regression analysis, and structural model testing.Results: There was a significant and positive relationship between clear personality traits and compatibility in married couples (β=0.564, P<0.001). Furthermore, the association between adaptation in married couples and quality of life (β=0.307) was also statistically significant at the P<0.001 level. Similarly, the association between marital satisfaction in married couples and clear personality traits (β=0.586) was statistically significant (P<0.001). Also, the association between marital satisfaction in married couples and quality of life was both positive and significant (β=0.215, P<0.001).Conclusions: Women’s marital satisfaction model, which is based on positive personality traits, highlights the significance of taking into account personality traits and their alignment when examining satisfaction in relationships. This suggests that partners with well-adjusted personality traits and compatible differences can contribute to higher levels of satisfaction within a marriage.
Ameneh Etemadi Asl; Sasan Bavi; Reza Johari Fard
Abstract
Background: Women diagnosed with breast cancer may be more inclined to take preventive measures if they believe they have control over their health. This study explored the mediating influence of cancer self-efficacy in the association between health locus of control (HLC) and health-promoting behaviors ...
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Background: Women diagnosed with breast cancer may be more inclined to take preventive measures if they believe they have control over their health. This study explored the mediating influence of cancer self-efficacy in the association between health locus of control (HLC) and health-promoting behaviors in women with breast cancer.Method: In this descriptive-correlational study, a purposive sampling method was employed to select 282 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ahvaz, Iran, between November 2021 and June 2022. Participants were requested to complete the Health- Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), and Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI). The data was then analyzed using path analysis conducted with SPSS Amos version 25.Results: The results indicated a significant correlation between cancer self-efficacy and health-promoting behaviors among women with breast cancer (P=0.001). A significant correlation was also between health-promoting behaviors and HLC in women (P=0.001). According to the results, the mediating role of cancer self-efficacy in the relationship between HLC and healthpromoting behaviors was significant in women with breast cancer (P=0.001).Conclusion: Consequently, the research model exhibited a satisfactory fit. This study’s findings highlighted the influence of cancer self-efficacy in facilitating the impact of HLC on enhancing health-promoting behaviors in women with breast cancer.
Afsaneh Hosseini Geravandi; Parviz Asgari; Zahra Yousefi
Abstract
Background: The escalating number of visits to family therapy centers and the increasing divorce rates indicate a profound crisis in relationship status, resulting in family discord and divorce. This study endeavored to scrutinize the elements of female attractiveness in couple relationships as perceived ...
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Background: The escalating number of visits to family therapy centers and the increasing divorce rates indicate a profound crisis in relationship status, resulting in family discord and divorce. This study endeavored to scrutinize the elements of female attractiveness in couple relationships as perceived by family therapists with expertise in the field.Methods: This was a qualitative study employing a content analysis design. The statistical population encompassed all expert family therapists in Ahvaz, Iran in 2022. From this pool, eight therapists who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as the sample. The research methodology employed content analysis, and data were collected through quasi-experimental interviews.Results: The outcomes revealed that the central and organizing categories consist of: 1. Personality Attractiveness (comprising self-esteem, agreeableness, stability, and conscientiousness as organizing codes). 2. Emotional attractiveness (with organizing codes related to positive emotional inhibition and positive emotional manifestation). 3. Cognitive attractiveness (characterized by cognitive capabilities and cognitive development as organizing codes). 4. Physical attractiveness (divided into sexual physical Attractiveness and non-sexual physical Attractiveness). 5. Relationship Attractiveness (encompassing family attractiveness, family relation attractiveness, emotional relation attractiveness, and spousal praise).Conclusion: Female Attractiveness is a multifaceted construct, and the absence of any of its dimensions can undermine its role in couple relationships. Therefore, adhering to these five dimensions can fortify marital bonds.
Mehrnaz Goodarzian; Kourosh Mohammadi; Azita Amirfakhraei
Abstract
Background: Patients with breast cancer (BC) experience psychological challenges necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in influencing health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC.Methods: ...
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Background: Patients with breast cancer (BC) experience psychological challenges necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in influencing health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC.Methods: This semi-experimental research, employing a pre-test, post-test, and control group design, was conducted among women with BC receiving care at health centers in Dezful City, Iran in 2019. Forty participants were selected through convenience sampling and subsequently randomized via lottery into experimental and control groups, each comprising 20 individuals. The experimental group underwent an eight-session ACT-based treatment, with one 90-minute session per week. Assessment instruments utilized in this study included Wallston’s health-related locus of control questionnaire and Garnefski’s cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using ANCOVA and SPSS version 24.Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in the pre-test concerning health-related locus of control and emotional regulation. In the post-test, the mean±SD score for the health-related locus of control in the ACT group was 61.80±7.23, demonstrating a significant difference compared to the control group (47.94±6.11) (P<0.001). Emotional regulation mean scores in the experimental and control groups were 87.35±9.28 and 59.74±7.38, respectively, signifying statistical significance (P=0.005). ACT significantly enhanced health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC (P<0.001).Conclusion: ACT effectively enhances health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women with BC. Healthcare professionals and therapists may consider incorporating ACT into their comprehensive treatment strategies to augment healthrelated locus of control and emotional regulation in this patient population.
Parvin Mostafazadeh; Nemat Sotoudehasl; Raheb Ghorbani
Abstract
Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with daily life occurrences and situations. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing worry and improving the quality ...
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Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with daily life occurrences and situations. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing worry and improving the quality of life among women diagnosed with GAD.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest and a 3-month follow-up design. The study participants were women with GAD selected through convenient sampling in Tehran, Iran, from September to November 2022. According to the research design, the participants were divided into experimental and control groups (n=17 in each group). The experimental group underwent a 10-session treatment protocol based on ACT, while the control group did not receive any specific treatment. Data collection was accomplished using the Pennsylvania State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) to assess worry, the Brief Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) to measure generalized anxiety, and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL) to assess the quality of life. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, utilizing analysis of variance and repeated measures at a significance level of 0.05.Results: Significant differences were observed between the experimental and follow-up phases among the ACT, MCT, and Control groups concerning environmental health variables (P=0.04). The study’s results indicated significant differences in anxiety variables between the three groups (ACT, MCT, and Control) during the experimental and follow-up phases (P=0.001). No significant differences were noted between the ACT, MCT, and control groups regarding changes in physical health at the post-test (P=0.2) and follow-up (P=0.1) phases. In addition, significant differences were found among the three groups (ACT, MCT, and Control) regarding changes in mental health during the pretest and follow-up (P=0.001). This study also revealed significant disparities in social health variables among the three groups (ACT, MCT, and Control) (P=0.001).Conclusion: In summary, this study suggested that fostering positive thoughts about worrying may contribute to reducing the severity of anxiety disorders in adults. Intriguingly, mindfulness and a focus on the present moment did not appear to be significantly correlated with mild anxiety experiences.
Leila Eskandari; Farzaneh Hooman; Parviz Asgari; Marjan Alizadeh
Abstract
Background: Children’s behavioral issues may arise from maternal depression, which can also hinder a child’s mental development compared to their peers. This study aimed to assess the correlation between maternal cognitive fusion, maternal depression, and children’s management of sadness ...
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Background: Children’s behavioral issues may arise from maternal depression, which can also hinder a child’s mental development compared to their peers. This study aimed to assess the correlation between maternal cognitive fusion, maternal depression, and children’s management of sadness in students with specific learning disorders (SLD).Methods: The statistical population for this descriptive-correlational study included all male and female fourth-graders and fifthgraders with SLD, along with their mothers, in Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran, in 2022. A multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to select a research sample of 252 individuals. The research utilized the Children’s Sadness Management Scale (CSMS), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-13) as assessment tools. Data analysis involved Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple regression, and an artificial neural network (ANN). The data were ultimately analyzed using SPSS version 27 and MATLAB-2019.Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) for maternal depression, maternal cognitive fusion, and children’s sadness management were 27.96±6.73, 50.61±10.49, and 15.90±4.43, respectively. The research results indicated a positive and significant association between maternal cognitive fusion and children’s sadness management (P<0.001). Conversely, there was a negative and significant association between maternal depression and children’s sadness management (P<0.001). According to the ANN findings, maternal depression exhibited a stronger correlation with children’s sadness management.Conclusion: The findings highlighted that maternal depression exhibits the most substantial correlation with children’s sadness management. Consequently, the development of training programs and workshops targeting the mitigation of maternal depression for mothers of children with SLD is recommended.
Salar Doosti; Farzaneh Hooman; Saeed Bakhtiarpour; Sasan Bavi
Abstract
Background: Raising disabled children can lead to significant strain and psychological distress within families, particularly for mothers as primary caregivers. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of parenting stress in the relationship between quality of life and social support in mothers ...
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Background: Raising disabled children can lead to significant strain and psychological distress within families, particularly for mothers as primary caregivers. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of parenting stress in the relationship between quality of life and social support in mothers of disabled children.Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2022. The study population comprised all mothers of disabled children in Kermanshah, Iran. A purposive sampling method was utilized, selecting 379 individuals for the research sample. Data collection tools included the Quality of Life Scale, Social Support Inventory, and Parental Stress Questionnaire. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 27, AMOS version 25, and structural equation modeling (SEM).Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between social support and mothers’ quality of life (r=0.37; P<0.01). Conversely, a significant negative correlation was observed between social support and parenting stress (r=-0.63; P<0.01), as well as between parenting stress and mothers’ quality of life (r=-0.41; P<0.01). Moreover, the indirect pathway from social support to quality of life, mediated by parenting stress, was significant (P=0.010). The model fit results showed a good fit for our model (CFI=0.98; NFI=0.97; RMSEA=0.065).Conclusion: The proposed model showed a good fit. Consequently, enhancing social support and reducing parenting stress may improve the quality of life for mothers of disabled children.
Sakineh Ameri; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian
Abstract
Background: Marital dissatisfaction in women can lead to persistent adverse effects and psychological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples on psychological distress and marital disaffection in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital ...
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Background: Marital dissatisfaction in women can lead to persistent adverse effects and psychological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples on psychological distress and marital disaffection in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital affairs.Methods: This semi-experimental research was conducted using a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The study population included all women visiting the Mehravaran Counseling Center in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran in 2022, who were dealing with their husbands’ extramarital affairs. After convenience sampling, 30 individuals were selected and subsequently divided into the experimental and control groups randomly following the pretest. In this process, the experimental group underwent nine weekly 60-minute sessions of EFT for couples, while the control group received no interventions. During the post-test phase, all participants completed research questionnaires. The research tools comprised the Marital Disaffection Scale and Psychological Distress Scale. The data obtained were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS version 24.Results: The mean (±SD) of psychological distress and marital disaffection in the control group were 23.13±3.64 and 33.13±4.29 in the pretest and 23.67±3.67 and 33.53±4.17 in the post-test. Meanwhile, the mean (±SD) of psychological distress and marital disaffection were 23.40±3.71 and 33.80±4.09 in the experimental group during the pretest and 18.53±3.96 and 28.00±3.11 in the post-test. The results indicated that EFT for couples alleviated psychological distress (P=0.001) and marital disaffection (P=0.001) in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital affairs.Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of EFT in reducing marital disaffection and psychological distress in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital affairs, it is recommended to provide couples with instruction in emotion-focused strategies to reconstruct and enhance their relationships. Engaging in such an approach can help reinforce positive beliefs and effectively address the psychological challenges experienced by women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital involvements.
Sareh Mousavi; Shokoufeh Mousavi; Mahmoud Reza Shahsavari
Abstract
Background: Female heads of households often experience a diminished quality of life due to financial, social, and psychological challenges. This research aimed to investigate the impact of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) on the distress tolerance and resilience of female heads of households.Methods: ...
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Background: Female heads of households often experience a diminished quality of life due to financial, social, and psychological challenges. This research aimed to investigate the impact of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) on the distress tolerance and resilience of female heads of households.Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-tests, incorporating a control group. The study population encompassed all female heads of households under the support of the welfare centers of Aligudarz, Lorestan Province, Iran, in 2022. By convenience sampling, forty eligible individuals were selected and subsequently randomly assigned into an experimental and control groups (20 women per group). The intervention group received eight weekly 90-minute sessions of CFT, while the control group did not receive any interventions. Following the sessions, both groups underwent post-tests under the same conditions. The Resilience and Distress Tolerance Scale were administered to both groups as pretests before the training intervention. Data analysis was conducted using ANCOVA in SPSS version 27.Results: The mean±SD scores for distress tolerance and resilience were 39.10±4.37 and 59.30±5.29 on the pretest in the CFT intervention group, respectively, and 38.55±4.56 and 58.85±6.26 in the control group. In the post-test stage, the mean±SD score for distress tolerance in the CFT intervention group was 54.20±4.19, while in the control group, it remained at 38.55±4.56 (P<0.001). Furthermore, in the post-test stage, the mean±SD score for resilience in the intervention group was 89.35±8.35, compared to 58.85±6.26 in the control group (P<0.001). According to the results, CFT intervention significantly improved distress tolerance and resilience among female heads of households (P<0.001).Conclusion: Compassion-focused therapy effectively enhanced distress tolerance and resilience in female heads of households. It is recommended that government officials take necessary steps and implement plans to provide CFT sessions for female heads of households.
Madeline A Foster; Lisa McDermott; Alec Knight
Abstract
Background: Each year, twice as many women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). As there is no known cure for AD, preventing it has become a vital public health issue. One lifestyle intervention that may reduce the risk of AD is physical activity (PA). This scoping review aimed ...
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Background: Each year, twice as many women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). As there is no known cure for AD, preventing it has become a vital public health issue. One lifestyle intervention that may reduce the risk of AD is physical activity (PA). This scoping review aimed to examine the existing literature on PA and AD risk to identify whether PA has a sex-specific effect on AD risk in women.Methods: A scoping review was conducted based on PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Cochrane recommended databases, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched via Ovid between May and June 2022. Articles were screened at the title, abstract, and full-text level for inclusion criteria (female participants, results reported by sex, PA, or exercise reported separately from other variables, and participants with no known cognitive impairment). For each study, sample characteristics, PA and AD measures, follow-up times, and results were summarized.Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, and their results were assessed for quality using the Cochrane GRADE tool. Most studies (80%) reported significant results for females. When broken down by sex, six studies reported differences in result significance with some studies finding that PA can reduce AD risk in women but not in men. Increased weekly PA sessions, duration, and intensity all significantly reduced AD risk for women.Conclusion: While there are some limitations, including reliance on self-report, short follow-up times, and variations in AD and PA measures, the results have important implications. Findings may facilitate the development of tailored interventions that target women with unique lifestyle recommendations and inspire future research on the specifics of PA type, timing, and duration.
Mohammad Hossein Pourfereydoun; Zahra Dasht Bozorgi
Abstract
Background: Mastectomy damages self-concept and sexual identity and also increases the risk of depression due to changes in the physical appearance of patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT) on psychological distress and self-compassion ...
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Background: Mastectomy damages self-concept and sexual identity and also increases the risk of depression due to changes in the physical appearance of patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT) on psychological distress and self-compassion in mastectomized women with depression.Methods: The research was a quasi-experimental study based on a pretest-posttest design with control and experimental groups. The study population consisted of mastectomized women with depression who visited counseling and psychological services centers and clinics in 2021, of whom 40 patients were selected through purposive sampling. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups of 20 members using a table of random numbers. Participants in the experimental group attended ten 90-minute sessions of CRT (two sessions per week). The research instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of covariance in SPSS version 19.Results: The findings indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups in the pretest in terms of psychological distress and self-compassion. The mean±SD of psychological distress in the posttest of the CRT group was 15.26±3.43, which was significantly different from the control group (19.26±3.65) (P<0.001). The mean±SD of self-compassion in the experimental and control groups were 79.13±7.38 and 71.67±8.39, respectively, which was statistically significant (P=0.005). In other words, CRT significantly reduced psychological distress and increased self-compassion in mastectomized women with depression (P<0.001).Conclusion: The study findings suggested the effectiveness of CRT in reducing psychological distress and increasing the selfcompassion of mastectomized women with depression. Therapists and health professionals are hence recommended to apply CRT, along with other interventions and therapies, to reduce psychological distress and increase the self-compassion of such patients.
Maryam Abdoshahi
Abstract
Background: The effects of participation in sports and physical activities on mental health in menopausal women have been less examined. Therefore, the goal of the current research was to further investigate the effects of participation in sports and physical activities using a Pilates training intervention ...
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Background: The effects of participation in sports and physical activities on mental health in menopausal women have been less examined. Therefore, the goal of the current research was to further investigate the effects of participation in sports and physical activities using a Pilates training intervention on mental health and happiness among menopausal women.Methods: The current research used an experimental method with pre-test and post-test using a control group. Thirty-two menopausal women from Tehran (district 5), Iran, in 2022, who were chosen using a convenience sampling method, participated in the study. The intervention group (n=16) was exposed to three months of Pilates exercises, while those in the control group (n=16) performed their regular daily activities. Mental health and happiness were measured using The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and The Oxford-Happiness Inventory, respectively, prior to and following the intervention. Independent t-test and analysis of covariance using SPSS version 26 were utilized to analyze the data.Results: The results showed similar mental health and happiness within both groups at baseline. Moreover, the results revealed that our sample had medium to high symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress at pretest. Furthermore, the participants in the intervention group reported lower depression (P<0.001), anxiety (P<0.001), and stress (P<0.001) as well as higher happiness (P<0.001) following the intervention than the control group.Conclusions: Based on our findings, it is recommended that menopausal women participate in various sports training courses such as Pilates to improve their mental health status.
Sedigheh Sakkaki; Farah Naderi; Fariba Hafezi
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of cervical cancer significantly affects the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and experiential avoidance (EA) with HRQOL, mediated by depression in women with cervical cancer.Methods: ...
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Background: The diagnosis of cervical cancer significantly affects the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and experiential avoidance (EA) with HRQOL, mediated by depression in women with cervical cancer.Methods: This descriptive-correlational study selected 261 cervical cancer cases in Mashhad, Iran in 2021, using purposive sampling from October 10, 2021 to December 24, 2021. The research tools include the SF-36 Questionnaire, the Chalder Fatigue Scale, the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory. Data analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling in SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 24.Results: The results indicated that all direct paths, with the exception of CFS, significantly correlated with HRQOL (P<0.001). Depression mediated the significant indirect paths of CFS to HRQOL and the significant relationship between EA and HRQOL (P<0.001).Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that CFS and EA were negatively related to HRQOL in women with cervical cancer. Moreover, depression mediated the relationship of CFS and EA with HRQOL.
Rohollah Sharifi Nejad Rodani; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian; Masoud Shahbazi
Abstract
Background: The stability and quality of emotional relationships can directly and indirectly affect the mental and physical health of women. This survey was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy (ST) on psychological well-being and cognitive ...
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Background: The stability and quality of emotional relationships can directly and indirectly affect the mental and physical health of women. This survey was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy (ST) on psychological well-being and cognitive distortion in single women with Love Trauma Syndrome (LTS).Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental designed by pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population included all single women with LTS visiting counseling centers in Ahvaz, Iran in 2022. The statistical sample consisted of 45 participants who were selected using purposive sampling and were assigned into two experimental groups and one control group via simple random allocation. The first and second experimental groups received ACT (eleven 90-minute sessions per week), and ST (ten 90-minute sessions per week), respectively, while the control group was on the waiting list. The research instruments included the Psychological Well-being (PWB) Scale and the Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion Scale (ICDS). Analysis of covariance in SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis.Results: The results showed that ACT and ST significantly influenced the psychological well-being and cognitive distortion of single women with LTS (P<0.001). The mean and standard deviation (SD) of psychological well-being and cognitive distortion were 60.10±7.76 and 58.87±7.42 in the pretest in the ACT group, whereas it was 70.33±8.16 and 65.80±8.31 in the posttest. Moreover, the mean and SD of psychological well-being and cognitive distortion were 48.00±5.25 and 50.07±4.89 in the pretest in the ST group, whereas it was 39.33±5.16 and 44.00±4.48 in the posttest. ACT had a more significant effect on the psychological well-being and cognitive distortion of participants than ST (P<0.001).Conclusion: In conclusion, ACT was better suited for addressing the psychological well-being and cognitive distortion of single women with LTS. Based on these results and considering the role of ACT and ST, it is possible to help women with LTS enjoy psychological well-being by holding ACT and ST sessions.
Nahide Naderi Moghaddam; Amir Panah Ali; Ali Naghi Aghdasi; Masoud Hejazi
Abstract
Background: The study focuses on the increasing rates of divorce and the need for effective therapeutic interventions to reduce marital conflict and emotional divorce. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in reducing marital conflict and emotional ...
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Background: The study focuses on the increasing rates of divorce and the need for effective therapeutic interventions to reduce marital conflict and emotional divorce. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in reducing marital conflict and emotional divorce among women who are facing divorce and seeking services at Zanjan family counseling centers, Zanjan, Iran.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the second half of 2021. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 20 participants from Zanjan family counseling centers, who were randomly allocated into two groups. The treatment group received ten sessions of 60 minutes twice a week (5 weeks) of acceptance and commitment therapy. The Marital Conflict Questionnaire and Emotional Divorce Scale were used as research tools to measure pretest and posttest scores. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance in SPSS version 24 to compare the mean scores for marital conflict and emotional divorce between the treatment and control groups.Results: The findings of the study revealed that acceptance and commitment therapy was effective in reducing both marital conflict and emotional divorce scores in the treatment group compared to the control group. The mean score for marital conflict decreased significantly from 172.50±18.23 to 147.25±15.68 in the treatment group (P<0.001), while the control group showed no significant changes. The mean score for emotional divorce also decreased significantly from 2.35±16 to 1.93±12 in the treatment group (P<0.001), while the control group again showed no significant changes.Conclusion: This research demonstrated that acceptance and commitment therapy is an effective psychotherapy for reducing marital conflict and emotional divorce in women at risk of divorce who referred to family counseling centers. The findings of this study have practical implications for counseling settings.
Mahin Tahvilian; Elham Foroozandeh; Seyed Mostafa Banitaba
Abstract
Background: Marital conflicts can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and stress in couples and adversely affect their psychological well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychodrama and cognitive-behavioral therapy on the psychological well-being of women with marital conflicts.Methods: ...
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Background: Marital conflicts can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and stress in couples and adversely affect their psychological well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychodrama and cognitive-behavioral therapy on the psychological well-being of women with marital conflicts.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, follow-up study with a control group. The statistical population included all the married women with marital conflicts referring to the counseling departments of cultural centers in Isfahan Municipality in 2021. Sixty women were selected as the sample by cluster sampling method and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodrama) and a control group (20 participants per group). The first experimental group underwent twelve 180-minute sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy, while the second experimental group received twelve 180-minute sessions of psychodrama. To collect data, Psychological Well-Being Scale was used. Data analysis was performed through repeated measures ANOVA.Results: According to the results, these two methods affected the psychological well-being components of the women with marital conflicts (P<0.001). The mean±SD of psychological well-being in the post-test and follow-up stages was respectively 61.05±8.35 and 60.10±8.95 in the cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 46.15±5.87 and 45.00±5.17 in the control group. Moreover, the mean±SD of psychological well-being in the post-test and follow-up stages was respectively 65.80±7.54 and 64.67±8.22 in the psychodrama group. The results also revealed that the components of psychological well-being in the women with marital conflicts in the two experimental groups in the post-test and follow-up stages had a significant increase compared to those in the pre-test stage (P<0.001). The two methods were significantly different only in terms of the effects on environmental mastery (P<0.001). Psychodrama was found to be more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy.Conclusions: Psychodrama and cognitive-behavioral therapy can result in positive outcomes, such as improving psychological well-being in couples therapy and marital relationships. Therefore, the use of these two interventions could be recommended to psychotherapists for improving the psychological well-being of women with marital conflicts.
Mahta Farzadkia; Abdolhassan Farhangi; Shahnam Abolghasemi
Abstract
Background: Patients with Fibromyalgia, in addition to widespread pain, often complain of fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy ...
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Background: Patients with Fibromyalgia, in addition to widespread pain, often complain of fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy on intolerance of uncertainty and depression in women with Fibromyalgia.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control design and a three-month follow-up. The study population included all women with Fibromyalgia visiting the rheumatology clinic at Hazrat-e Rasool-e Akram Hospital, in Tehran, Iran, in 2021. A total of 36 patients were recruited using purposive sampling and assigned to three groups, two experimental groups and one control group (n=12 patients in each group). The experimental groups 1 and 2 received mindfulnessbased stress reduction therapy and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, respectively, in eight 120-minute sessions (one session every week). Meanwhile, the control group did not receive psychotherapy intervention during this period. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory were used for data collection. The repeated measures ANOVA were used for analyzing the data in SPSS version 25. The significance level of the research was set at α=0.05.Results: The results indicated that both mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy effectively reduced intolerance of uncertainty and depression in Fibromyalgia patients (P<0.001). However, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy proved to be significantly more effective than mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy; this difference was observed through the follow-up period (P<0.001).Conclusion: Mindfulness-based stress reduction and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy were effective and practical methods for reducing intolerance of uncertainty and depression. It could be therefore recommended that psychotherapists and counselors employ these approaches in order to reduce depression and intolerance of uncertainty in women with Fibromyalgia.
Iman Nazari; Behnam Makvandi; Naser Saraj Khorrami; Alireza Heidari
Abstract
Background: Considered as a major health concern worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of gestalt group therapy and reality therapy on perceived self-efficacy in women with BC.Methods: This quasi-experimental research ...
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Background: Considered as a major health concern worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of gestalt group therapy and reality therapy on perceived self-efficacy in women with BC.Methods: This quasi-experimental research adopted a pretest and posttest with a control group and follow-up period. The statistical population included all the women with BC visiting the subspecialty clinic of cancer in Yasuj, Iran, in 2021. We selected 60 patients via convenience sampling method. Afterwards, using a random number table, we placed them in two experimental groups and a control group (n=20 women in each group). The first experimental group received gestalt therapy (10 sessions of 60 minutes; once a week) while the second experimental group received reality therapy (based on choice theory) (10 sessions of 60 minutes; once a week). The control group was placed on the waiting list. We used the general self-efficacy scale for data collection. The data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS version 25.Results: Mean and standard deviation of the perceived self-efficacy for gestalt therapy, reality therapy, and control groups in the posttest were 52.06±8.83, 55.93±8.66, and 39.33±7.56, respectively. The results indicated that the gestalt group therapy and the reality therapy affected the perceived self-efficacy of women with BC (P<0.001). Moreover, the findings depicted no significant differences between the gestalt group therapy and the reality theory. The effects persisted in the follow-up (P<0.001).Conclusions: According to the results, the gestalt group therapy and the reality therapy could improve the psychological capacity and adaptability of women with BC in different personal and social aspects. Hence, psychotherapists are advised to employ gestalt group therapy and reality therapy in counseling centers in order to enhance perceived self-efficacy in women with BC.
Mohamad Reza Farshad; Sayed Abdolvahab Samavi
Abstract
Background: Self-criticism is one of the psychological impairments with inappropriate consequences for all members of a family, especially women. It is affected by various factors. The present study aimed to assess the mediating role of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance in the correlation between ...
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Background: Self-criticism is one of the psychological impairments with inappropriate consequences for all members of a family, especially women. It is affected by various factors. The present study aimed to assess the mediating role of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance in the correlation between self-criticism and external shame.Methods: The present research utilized the structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all the married women aged 20 to 60 years in Bandar Abbas, Iran in 2022, out of whom 293 were selected via available sampling. For data collection, self-critical questionnaires (Louise, 2004), external shame questionnaire (Gross et al., 1994), cognitive fusion questionnaire (Gilanders et al., 2014), and experiential avoidance questionnaire (Bund et al., 2011) were used. The data were analyzed using correlation and path analysis methods via SPSS Version 26 and AMOS Version 24.Results: The results indicated that external shame (P<0.001), cognitive fusion (P<0.001), and experiential avoidance (P<0.001) had a direct, significant, and positive effect on self-criticism. The results of a path analysis revealed that external shame through cognitive fusion (P<0.001) had a significant indirect effect on self-criticism. Furthermore, external shame had a significant indirect effect on self-criticism through experiential avoidance (P<0.001).Conclusions: The results suggested that psychologists and counselors reduce the psychological impairment threatening the family system by holding educational workshops and performing individual and group therapies.
Maryam Behroz; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian; Marjan Alizadeh
Abstract
Background: Social compromise is one of the principal components of mental health in head-of-household women. Empowerment and promotion of cognitive emotion regulation are critical in social compromise. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between stress coping strategies and social ...
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Background: Social compromise is one of the principal components of mental health in head-of-household women. Empowerment and promotion of cognitive emotion regulation are critical in social compromise. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between stress coping strategies and social compromise with empowerment through the mediation role of cognitive emotion regulation in head-of-household women.Methods: In this descriptive and correlational study, the statistical population comprises all head-of-household women in Yasuj, Iran in 2021, of whom 258 were selected through convenient sampling. The research instruments included the Psychological Empowerment Scale, the Adjustment Inventory, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical correlation method and structural equation modeling in SPSS and AMOS version 25.Results: The mean and standard deviation of social compromise, problem-focused strategies, emotion-focused strategies, avoidance strategies, adaptive emotion regulation, maladaptive emotion regulation, and empowerment were 14.22±4.60,16.11±4.71, 22.02±5.16, 23.65±4.88, 25.35±10.19, 20.34±8.14, and 39.25±10.84, respectively. The results showed a significant correlation between stress-coping strategies and social compromise with empowerment (P<0.001). Furthermore, the correlation between stress coping strategies and social compromise with empowerment was significant through the mediation of cognitive emotion regulation (P<0.001). The results showed that the final model fit well (CFI=0.99, RMSEA=0.028).Conclusion: The proposed model had a desirable fitting. The head-of-household women who have social compromise when facing problems can deal with the stress caused by problems through sympathy and consulting with others, as well as using stress coping strategies, and as a result of this empowerment, they enjoy sufficient mental health.
Shahin Tabarzan; Farzaneh Hooman; Saeed Bakhtiarpour
Abstract
Background: Cyberspace has attracted sizeable audience thanks to its broad range of topics, diverse content, and audio and visual attractions. However, Internet addiction is believed to be a salient phenomenon as the consequence of improper use of cyberspace, which leads to mental and personality-related ...
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Background: Cyberspace has attracted sizeable audience thanks to its broad range of topics, diverse content, and audio and visual attractions. However, Internet addiction is believed to be a salient phenomenon as the consequence of improper use of cyberspace, which leads to mental and personality-related disorders. The present research aimed to investigate the mediating role of sexual satisfaction in the correlation among the quality of married life, Internet addiction, and mindfulness in patients with breast cancer.Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population herein comprised all the women with breast cancer in Tehran, Iran in 2022, out of whom a sample of 250 was conveniently selected. The research tools included the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Internet Addiction Test, the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, and the Index of Sexual Satisfaction. The research model was evaluated with structural equation modeling in AMOS-25 and SPSS version 27.Results: Based on the obtained results, the mean and standard deviation (SD) of quality of married life, Internet addiction, mindfulness, and sexual satisfaction were 47.90±6.71, 59.18±8.88, 53.09±8.73, and 66.25±7.14, respectively. The results revealed the significance of all the direct paths (P<0.001), except for the path of mindfulness to the quality of married life. The indirect paths from Internet addiction to the quality of married life mediated by sexual satisfaction (P=0.010), and the association between mindfulness and the quality of married life mediated by sexual satisfaction (P=0.015) were also significant. Furthermore, the final model was found to have good fit (RMSEA=0.027).Conclusions: The research model herein had a desirable fit. It is an appropriate model, according to which different programs can be developed and designed in order to improve the quality of married life of patients with breast cancer.
Parvaneh Bahmani Makvandzadeh; Amin Koraei; Seyedeh Zahra Alavi; Seyed Esmaeil Hashemi
Abstract
Background: Depression could negatively impact the mood, behavior, attitude, and efficiency of women and massively harm family performance. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of the self-esteem in the association of attachment behaviors with depression and marital quality in women ...
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Background: Depression could negatively impact the mood, behavior, attitude, and efficiency of women and massively harm family performance. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of the self-esteem in the association of attachment behaviors with depression and marital quality in women in Ahvaz, Iran.Methods: The study was descriptive-correlational estimated through structural equation modeling. The statistical population was made up of married women with at least high school education in Ahvaz, Iran in 2021. Convenience sampling was used to choose 340 individuals. The instruments included the Quality Marriage Index (QMI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI- 13), the Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Engagement (BARE) Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). A path analysis approach was adopted to evaluate the proposed model and the indirect relationships were examined through bootstrapping in AMOS version 24.Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of depression, marital quality, and self-esteem were 5.78±2.86, 28.58±6.48, and 7.22±2.93, respectively. Depression was negatively correlated with marital quality (r=-0.78) and self-esteem (r=-0.72) in women. The direct paths from attachment behaviors to self-esteem (P<0.001) and from self-esteem to depression (β=-0.53, P<0.001) and marital quality (β=0.18, P<0.001) were significant. The indirect paths from attachment behaviors to depression and marital quality through self-esteem were also significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: The suggested model suited the data well. The relationship between attachment behaviors, depression, and marital quality in women was mediated by self-esteem. Workshops on boosting self-esteem and outlining its advantageous effects on women’s mental health are advised.
Mahtab Dizaj Khalili; Shahrokh Makvand Hosseini; Parviz Sabahi
Abstract
Background: The problems imposed by multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect the patients’ mental health socially and psychologically. Patients must thus acquire practical coping mechanisms to deal with their illness and go on living. The present study examined the impact of mindfulness-based cognitive ...
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Background: The problems imposed by multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect the patients’ mental health socially and psychologically. Patients must thus acquire practical coping mechanisms to deal with their illness and go on living. The present study examined the impact of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and imagery rescripting and reprocessing treatment (IRRT) on emotional tiredness in MS-affected women.Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, the statistical population comprised 145 women with MS who had registered in the Iran MS Society in Tehran, Iran from May to October 2019. A sample of 45 was conveniently selected and randomly divided into two experimental and one control group (15 patients per group). The control group received no training, whereas the first experimental group experienced seven sessions of IRRT, the second experimental group underwent eight 90-minute sessions of MBCT. The data were collected using Emotional Exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data.Results: Based on the results, two therapies significantly differed in terms of emotional exhaustion (P<0.001). The mean (SD) of the post-test score of emotional exhaustion in the MBCT and IRRT groups was 40.73 (1.66) and 41.20 (1.47), respectively, which was different from the control group (43.76(1.80)). However, there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of the two therapies on emotional exhaustion in women with MS. The effects of the interventions on emotional exhaustion persisted during three-month follow-up.Conclusions: IRRT and MBCT can be recommended as effective interventions to improve the emotional exhaustion of women with MS.
