Women’s Health Bulletin

Research Article

Consequences of Unmet Expectations among Girls in the Family: A Qualitative Study in Yazd, Iran

Sara Sadeghieh; Ahmad Kalateh Sadati

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 213-221

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.102075.1280

Abstract

Background: The Iranian society is undergoing a transformation towards feminization, leading to shifting expectations and demands from girls towards their families. Umet expectations among girls and family leads to negative personal and social consequences. The present study aimed to investigate the ... Read More

Research Article

Effectiveness of Dynamic and Static Plank Exercise on Inter-Recti Distance in Postpartum Women

Mahsa Khademi; Raheleh Ghaffari; Komeil Dashti Rostami

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 222-230

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.102632.1293

Abstract

Background: Diastasis of Rectus Abdominis (DRA) is a frequent problem that affects women during pregnancy and postpartum. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of static and dynamic plank exercise on Inter-Recti Distance (IRD) in postpartum women.Methods: This semi-experimental study included ... Read More

Research Article

Effectiveness of Bowen Family Therapy on Resilience Components in Infertile Women

Zohreh Mazaheri; Mohammad Zare Neyestanak; Elham Foroozandeh

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 231-239

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103009.1297

Abstract

Background: Infertility can be a major source of stress for women, impacting their ability to cope with challenges. This study aimed to investigate whether Bowen family therapy can improve resilience in infertile women, potentially leading to better emotional well-being and coping skills.Methods: We ... Read More Background: Infertility can be a major source of stress for women, impacting their ability to cope with challenges. This study aimed to investigate whether Bowen family therapy can improve resilience in infertile women, potentially leading to better emotional well-being and coping skills.Methods: We used a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention assessments and a control group. Follow-up measurements were collected two months post-intervention. The study population comprised all infertile women attending infertility centers in Isfahan, Iran, from April to June 2023. Thirty-two participants were recruited through convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups (n=16 per group): an intervention group receiving Bowen family therapy and a waitlist control group. The intervention group participated in eight 90-minute (one session per week) Bowen family therapy sessions. Participants completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) at three time points. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted using SPSS version 26 to analyze the data.Results: Participants in the Bowen family therapy group demonstrated improvements in several resilience measures. Scores on the hardiness and competence measure increased significantly from the pre-test (25.93±6.92) to the post-test (31.50±7.80), with gains maintained at follow-up (31.37±3.00) (P=0.010). Similar significant increases were observed in trusting one’s instincts (pre-test: 22.18±6.46; post-test: 27.43±4.66; follow-up: 26.25±3.66) (P=0.013) and positive attitude toward change (pre-test: 14.62±2.68; post-test: 18.37±3.79; follow-up: 17.12±3.63) (P=0.031). These improvements culminated in a significant rise in total resilience scores from the pre-test (77.68±15.23) to the post-test (94.62±13.84), with a follow-up mean of 90.18 (±9.77) (P=0.009). Notably, the impact of Bowen family therapy on perceived control (P=0.140) and spirituality (P=0.051) was not statistically significant (P=0.140).Conclusions: Overall, this study provides valuable evidence that supports the effectiveness of Bowen family therapy as a therapeutic approach to enhance resilience in infertile women. Tailoring interventions to address specific areas within the context of Bowen family therapy principles could be particularly beneficial for infertile women.

Research Article

The Effects of Body Combat and Body Balance Exercises on Mindfulness, Aggression Control and Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Female High- School Students

Afsaneh Aslinejad; Maryam Abdoshahi; Malihe Naiemikia

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 240-249

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.102885.1295

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness is defined as the deliberate and non-evaluative awareness of the current moment. This study examined the effects of two training techniques, specifically strength-endurance and balance training, on mindfulness, aggression control, and emotion regulation in female high school students.Methods: ... Read More Background: Mindfulness is defined as the deliberate and non-evaluative awareness of the current moment. This study examined the effects of two training techniques, specifically strength-endurance and balance training, on mindfulness, aggression control, and emotion regulation in female high school students.Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental approach with a pretest and posttest design, conducted at a high school located in the 3rd district of Tehran, Iran in 2022. Among the 78 eligible female participants, 45 students were selected using a lottery method and were randomly assigned into three groups including body combat, body balance and control groups (each group including 15 participants). The experimental groups exposed to respected exercises for six weeks, with two weekly sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes. The participants completed the Children and Adolescent Mindfulness Questionnaire (AAMS), the Aggression Questionnaire (AGQ), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) in the pretest and posttest. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, employing ANOVA, paired t-test, ANCOVA, and LSD post hoc test.Results: BMI of the participants was 19.64±1.67. Results showed that in the posttest, body balance and body combat groups had significantly better scores than the control group in mindfulness (3.80±0.46, 3.52±0.68, and 2.95±0.35, respectively, P=0.023), aggression control (1.10±0.33, 1.57±0.47, and 1.77±0.32, respectively, P=0.001) and emotion regulation (5.62±0.52, 507±0.67, and 4.34±0.55, respectively, P<0.001). Moreover, body balance had significantly higher scores than body combat group in terms of mindfulness (P=0.041), aggression control (P=0.004) and emotion regulation (P<0.001).Conclusion: Body combat, and body balance training can be assumed as an important intervention for enhancing the mindfulness, aggression, and emotion regulation among female adolescents. These findings may have practical implications for school teachers, exercise psychologists and occupational therapists.

Research Article

The Effect of Low-Intensity Suspension Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Serum Sex Hormones, Muscular Hypertrophy, and Balance in Young Women

Shenow Doghi; Kazem Khodaei; Mohammadreza Zolfaghar Didani

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 250-261

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103488.1303

Abstract

Background: Suspension training induce acute physiological and vascular stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of eight weeks of low-intensity TRX training with BFR (LITRX+BFR) versus high-intensity TRX training (HITRX) in terms of sex hormones, power, muscle hypertrophy, and balance ... Read More

Research Article

The Effectiveness of Psychological Empowerment Training and Schema Therapy on Resilience and Cognitive Fusion in Adolescent Girls Exposed to Domestic Violence

Hojatollah Andisheh; Seyed Yousef Rasouli; Khosro Ramezani

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 262-271

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103743.1309

Abstract

Background: Adolescent girls exposed to domestic violence are at high risk for long-term psychological issues. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of psychological empowerment training and schema therapy in enhancing resilience and reducing cognitive fusion, ultimately improving their mental health ... Read More Background: Adolescent girls exposed to domestic violence are at high risk for long-term psychological issues. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of psychological empowerment training and schema therapy in enhancing resilience and reducing cognitive fusion, ultimately improving their mental health and overall well-being.Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a three-phase (pre-test, post-test, follow-up) design with three groups and a two-month follow-up period. The population comprised adolescent girls who were victims of domestic violence in Dehdasht, Iran in 2022 and were under the supervision of the Dehdasht County Welfare Organization, Dehdasht, Iran. A convenience sample of 45 girls was selected and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (15 girls in each psychological empowerment training group, 15 girls in the schema therapy group, and 15 girls in the control group). The first experimental group underwent schema therapy for ten 90-minute sessions, while the second group received psychological empowerment training for twelve 90-minute sessions. The research instruments included the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Cognitive Fusion Scale (CFQ). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data using SPSS version 24.Results: The mean resilience score for the psychological empowerment training group at the post-test was 60.48 (±5.31), and 60.96 (±4.72) at follow-up, while the mean resilience score for the control group at the post-test was 52.44 (±3.82), and 50.53 (±5.25) at follow-up. The mean cognitive fusion score for the psychological empowerment training group at the post-test was 40.76 (±2.66), and 41.47 (±5.73) at follow-up, while the mean cognitive fusion score for the control group at the post-test was 48.73 (±4.50), and 49.54 (±3.77) at follow-up. Both psychological empowerment training and schema therapy had a significant positive effect on increasing resilience in adolescent girls exposed to domestic violence (P<0.001). Additionally, the findings demonstrated that both interventions significantly decreased cognitive fusion in these girls (P<0.001).Conclusions: This study demonstrated that psychological empowerment training and schema therapy are effective treatments for adolescent girls who have experienced domestic violence. These interventions improve resilience and reduce cognitive fusion, highlighting the importance of specialized therapeutic approaches for this population.

Research Article

The Effectiveness of Emotional Schema Therapy in Reducing Anxiety Sensitivity and Body Checking Behaviors in Adolescent Girls with Social Anxiety Disorder

Seyede Fazileh Alboushoke; Sahar Safarzadeh; Fariba Hafezi; Parvin Ehteshamzadeh

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 272-280

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103485.1302

Abstract

Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is highly prevalent among adolescent girls and significantly interferes with their social and emotional development. It can lead to impaired coping mechanisms and maladaptive behaviors, such as anxiety sensitivity and body checking. This study aimed to evaluate ... Read More

Research Article

The Association between Body Image and Eating Disorders, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Hamedan, Iran

Farideh Kazemi; Sima Fazli; Azita Tiznobaik; Farzaneh Soltani; Mohadeseh Ahmadi-Dastjerdi

Volume 11, Issue 4 , October 2024, Pages 281-289

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103515.1305

Abstract

Background: Given the various issues that Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause in women and the need to address its consequences and provide solutions to improve the course of the disease and alleviate its symptoms, the present study aimed to investigate the association between body image and eating ... Read More

Sexual Satisfaction Studies in Iran, A Systematic Review

Volume 6, Issue 4 , October 2019, , Pages 1-7

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2019.45878

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the sources and studies on couple’s sexual satisfaction and the related factors. Evidence Acquisition: A systematic review was used in this study. The literature was searched in the following Iranian electronic databases: Google scholar, Iran Medex, ... Read More

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Gestalt Group Therapy and Psychodrama Therapy on the Perception of Social Interaction in Female Para-Medical Students with Social Anxiety Disorder

Volume 10, Issue 2 , April 2023, , Pages 133-142

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2023.97743.1220

Abstract

Background: Social anxiety is often associated with reduced social interaction and is considered a symptom of social anxiety disorder. This study aimed to compare the perception of social interaction among female para-medical students with social anxiety disorder using two therapies including gestalt ... Read More Background: Social anxiety is often associated with reduced social interaction and is considered a symptom of social anxiety disorder. This study aimed to compare the perception of social interaction among female para-medical students with social anxiety disorder using two therapies including gestalt therapy and psychodrama therapy.Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pre- and post-test design with two experimental groups and a control group, along with a follow-up period. The study population consisted of female para-medical students from Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran during the second quarter of the academic year 2020-2021. A total of 61 female paramedic students were randomly assigned into two experimental groups (group 1: N=17; group 2: N=19) and one control group (N=25) using convenience sampling. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and Perceived Social Interaction Questionnaire (PSTQ) were administered. Gestalt therapy was administered to group 1 and psychodrama therapy to group 2, in eight sessions over 90 minutes per week, while the control group received no treatment. Data was analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS version 24.Results: The mean and standard deviation of the perception of positive thoughts for gestalt therapy, psychodrama therapy, and the control group in the post-test were 51.18±8.69, 48.42±10.57, and 40.08±7.58, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of negative thoughts were 37.06±9.65, 37.21±10.02, and 42.92±10.27, respectively. The results showed a significant difference between the overall mean scores in the psychodrama therapy group (P=0.0234) and gestalt therapy group (P=0.0345); the effect of gestalt therapy was higher. The mean scores of the social interaction component in the three phases of the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up showed a significant difference between the mean scores.Conclusion: This study showed that psychodrama therapy and gestalt group therapy can decrease social anxiety in para-medical students. Moreover, the finding indicated the positive effects of gestalt group therapy intervention on the perception of positive thoughts. Therefore, further research is needed to gain more insight into the effective elements of both therapies and their mechanisms of change.

Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls: A Qualitative Study

Volume 7, Issue 2 , April 2020, , Pages 26-32

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2020.84215.1028

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical period of life for all people. Self-esteem is also a basic human need that affects one’s growth, development, and identity. This study aimed to explain 12-14 year-old female adolescents’ experiences regarding selfesteem. Methods: In this qualitative content-analysis ... Read More

Comparison of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Reducing Anxiety Symptoms

Volume 5, Issue 4 , October 2018, , Pages 1-5

https://doi.org/10.5812/whb.60585

Abstract

Background: Social anxiety is a clinical pattern of self-protection social behaviors that coincides with severe anxiety regarding negative reactions such as critique, being ridiculed, miss-communication, or miss-behaviors against others. Objectives: This research investigated the effect of cognitive ... Read More

Prevalence and Pattern of Infertility in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Volume 8, Issue 2 , April 2021, , Pages 63-71

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2021.89924.1102

Abstract

Context: Infertility is a complex reproductive issue worldwide. Knowledge about the prevalence of any health problems like infertility is the first step towards policymaking in order to make effective decisions. Methods: An electronic systematic review was conducted in 2019 through search in PubMed, ... Read More

Research Article

Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Mothers of Children with Disabilities

Salar Doosti; Farzaneh Hooman; Saeed Bakhtiyar Pour; Sasan Bavi

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 03 November 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103597.1306

Abstract

Background: Mothers of children with disabilities experience significant psychological and emotional stress, necessitating a valid and reliable tool to assess their quality of life. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties and standardize the Quality of Life Questionnaire for mothers ... Read More

Research Article

The Effectiveness of Resilient Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Coping Strategies and Resilience in Women Experiencing Marital Burnout

Maryam Shirani Nazhvani; Felor Khayatan; Hadi Farhadi

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 05 November 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103918.1312

Abstract

Background: Marital burnout significantly affects many women, leading to emotional distress and decreased quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of resilient dialectical behavior therapy (RDBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) on improving coping strategies and ... Read More Background: Marital burnout significantly affects many women, leading to emotional distress and decreased quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of resilient dialectical behavior therapy (RDBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) on improving coping strategies and resilience in women experiencing marital burnout.Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up design to evaluate the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Relational Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RDBT) in addressing marital burnout among women aged 25-50. The study participants were recruited from counseling centers in Isfahan, Iran, during the Spring of 2023. A convenience sample of 45 women was randomly allocated to three groups: DBT (n=15), RDBT (n=15), and a control group (n=15). The experimental groups received nine weekly, 60-minute therapy sessions, while the control group received no intervention. The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were administered at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to analyze the data, which was processed using SPSS version 27.Results: Both interventions had a significant positive effect on improving coping strategies and resilience in women experiencing marital burnout (P<0.001). At post-test, the RDBT group demonstrated significantly higher levels of problem-focused coping than the DBT group, with mean scores of 16.80 (95% CI: 14.43, 19.17) and 7.20 (95% CI: 4.83, 9.57), respectively. Both groups exhibited decreases in emotion-focused coping, with the RDBT group showing a more pronounced decline (-10.47, 95% CI: -12.83, -8.11) compared with the DBT group (-6.54, 95% CI: -8.91, -4.17). Similarly, the RDBT group demonstrated a greater reduction in avoidant coping (-11.13, 95% CI: -13.59, -8.67) compared with the DBT group (-7.93, 95% CI: -10.3, -5.56). Finally, both groups exhibited significant increases in resilience, with the RDBT group showing slightly higher levels at post-test (33.13, 95% CI: 30.77, 35.49) compared with the DBT group (31.14, 95% CI: 28.77, 33.51).Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate the efficacy of both DBT and RDBT in enhancing coping strategies and resilience among women experiencing marital burnout. These results underscore the potential of DBT and RDBT in addressing the psychological challenges associated with marital distress.

Research Article

Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Emotional Regulation Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Difficulty in Regulating Emotions, Rumination and Quality of Life in Divorced Women

Mohammadreza Noroozi Homayoon; Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi; Masoud Sadeghi; Mohamad Hatami Nejad

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 27 November 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103315.1300

Abstract

Background: Divorced women often experience emotional dysregulation, increased rumination, and a decline in quality of life. Cognitive-emotional regulation training (CERT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) have been explored as potential interventions to address these challenges. This ... Read More Background: Divorced women often experience emotional dysregulation, increased rumination, and a decline in quality of life. Cognitive-emotional regulation training (CERT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) have been explored as potential interventions to address these challenges. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of CERT and tDCS in reducing difficulties in regulating emotions, decreasing rumination, and improving the quality of life among divorced women.Methods: This was a semi-experimental study involving three groups across three phases: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. The statistical population includes all divorced women who visited counseling and psychotherapy centers in Ardabil, Iran during the Winter of 2024. A total of 45 participants were purposefully sampled and then randomly assigned to three groups. The research tools include Gratz and Roemer’s Difficulty Regulation Scale (2004), John Weir’s Short-Form Quality of Life Questionnaire (1992), and Nolen-Hoeksma and Morrow’s Rumination Questionnaire (2008), along with interventions such as an 8-session (60 minutes each) emotional regulation training protocol and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.Results: In the post-test, the mean±standard deviation for difficulty in emotion regulation, rumination, and quality of life in the CERT group were 48.21±8.44, 27.38±9.19, and 55.34±10.98, respectively. In the tDCS group, the scores were 51.34±10.37, 33.67±11.47, and 52.37±11.81, showing significant differences compared with the control group where the scores were 59.09±12.64, 39.12±9.82, and 48.90±12.24 (P=0.001). The results indicated that both CERT and tDCS have reduced difficulty in emotion regulation and rumination and increased quality of life (P<0.001).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both (CERT) and (tDCS) effectively improved emotion regulation, reduced rumination, and enhanced quality of life in divorced women, with CERT showing slightly superior results. These findings support the use of CERT as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve psychological well-being in this population.

Research Article

The Mediating Role of Resilience on the Correlation Between Autism Symptoms and Maternal Quality of Life

Milad Rahmati Farmad; Zahra Eftekhar Saadi; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian; Marzieh Talebzadeh Shoushtari; Parvin Ehteshamzadeh

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 01 December 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.104241.1315

Abstract

Background: To comprehend the complex interplay between autism symptoms, family well-being, and maternal coping abilities, it is essential to delve into the relationship between these factors. This study aimed to investigate how maternal resilience influences the connection between the severity of autism ... Read More

Research Article

Investigating the Level of Emotional Distress Based on Attachment Styles and Emotional Schemas in Female Students with Depression Symptoms

Fateme Tadayonghotbabadi; Ali Naseri

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 04 December 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103782.1310

Abstract

Background: People with depression often experience intense emotions and struggle to regulate them. This condition can lead to confusing emotional experiences and unsuccessful attempts to manage and understand emotions. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the level of emotional distress based on ... Read More Background: People with depression often experience intense emotions and struggle to regulate them. This condition can lead to confusing emotional experiences and unsuccessful attempts to manage and understand emotions. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the level of emotional distress based on attachment styles and emotional schemas in female students with depression symptoms.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; the target population were female undergraduate students at Shiraz Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran who exhibited symptoms of depression in the year 2023. 120 participants were selected using convenience sampling method. The Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II), the Kessler Emotional Distress Scale (K10), the Collins and Read Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and the Leahy’s Emotional Schema Scale were given to the participants. The data were analyzed by multiple linear regression using SPSS version 28.Results: The results indicated a significant correlation between all attachment styles and emotional distress (P<0.05). Among the attachment styles, anxious attachment showed the strongest correlation with emotional distress (r=0.52, P<0.001), followed by secure attachment (r=-0.44, P<0.001) and avoidant attachment (r=0.37, P<0.001). Analysis of the Regression indicated that noncompromising schemas had the strongest association with emotional distress (β=0.43, P<0.001), followed by anxious attachment (β=0.28, P=0.001) and secure attachment (β=-0.28, P<0.001).Conclusion: Various attachment styles, such as secure, avoidant, and anxious, along with emotional schemas, are linked to emotional distress. The strength of these correlations shows that maladaptive schemas are most strongly associated with emotional distress. Interventions should be provided to address negative core schemas and interpersonal sensitivity in students with attachment/ anxiety issues. Individuals need to recognize maladaptive attachment styles and early schemas for healthy relationships.

Research Article

The Correlation between Mothers’ Tolerance of Distress and Marital Adjustment and Behavioral Disorders in Children with Autism

Seyyed Gholamali Jafari; Alireza Heidari; Parviz Asgari; Somayeh Esmaeili

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 15 December 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.103657.1307

Abstract

Background: Given the profound effects of children’s behavioral disorders, particularly in children with autism, on families, the present study aimed to explore the association between mothers’ distress tolerance and marital adjustment and behavioral disorders (BD) in children with autism ... Read More

Research Article

Effects of Healing Codes Training on Infertility Stigma and Self-Concept in Infertile Women

Fahimeh Zarean; Ali Sheykholeslami; Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi; Ali Rezaei Sharif

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 15 December 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.104116.1314

Abstract

Background: Couples diagnosed with infertility encounter a range of stressful experiences including strain on marital and family relationships, changes in sexual dynamics, and other unavoidable challenges. This study aimed to examine the impact of healing codes training on infertility stigma and self-concept ... Read More Background: Couples diagnosed with infertility encounter a range of stressful experiences including strain on marital and family relationships, changes in sexual dynamics, and other unavoidable challenges. This study aimed to examine the impact of healing codes training on infertility stigma and self-concept among infertile women.Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a three-stage design (pretest, posttest, and follow-up) with two groups (experimental and control). The target population comprised all infertile women seeking treatment at fertility centers in Isfahan, Iran in 2023. A convenience sample of 40 volunteers was selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). All participants completed the Infertility Stigma Scale and the Beck Self-Concept Test at the pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages. The experimental group received 14 weekly sessions of healing codes training (90 minutes per session). The control group was placed on a waiting list. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data.Results: The healing codes group exhibited a marked decline in infertility stigma scores following the intervention. The pretest mean score of 90.40 (SD=15.42) decreased significantly to 72.80 (SD=11.82) at the posttest and remained relatively low at the follow-up, with a mean of 70.81 (SD=12.69) (P=0.001). Similarly, self-concept scores within the healing codes group demonstrated a notable reduction. The pretest mean was 62.92 (SD=7.44), followed by a decrease to 52.33 (SD=5.17) at the posttest and a minor fluctuation to 52.29 (SD=4.78) at the follow-up (P=0.001). In contrast, the control group exhibited stability in both infertility stigma and self-concept scores across time points.Conclusions: The findings of this study provide compelling evidence for the effectiveness of the healing codes intervention in addressing infertility stigma, and improving self-concept among individuals struggling with infertility.

Research Article

Effectiveness of Behavioral Activation and Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Emotional Balance and Cognitive Avoidance in Female Students with Depressive Symptoms

Seydeh Negar Barekat; Elham Foroozandeh; Seyed Mostafa Banitaba

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 15 December 2024

https://doi.org/10.30476/whb.2024.104456.1320

Abstract

Background: Depression, a prevalent psychological disorder, significantly impacts emotional regulation and cognitive avoidance in the academic and professional performance of students. This study compares two interventions, behavioral activation and mindfulness-based, to improve emotional balance and ... Read More Background: Depression, a prevalent psychological disorder, significantly impacts emotional regulation and cognitive avoidance in the academic and professional performance of students. This study compares two interventions, behavioral activation and mindfulness-based, to improve emotional balance and reduce cognitive avoidance in college students experiencing depression.Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a 60-day follow-up period was used in this study. The target population comprised female students at Isfahan State University, Isfahan, Iran who exhibited depressive symptoms during the 2022-2023 academic year, and were referred to the university’s Counseling Center. A convenience sample of 45 participants was selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 15: behavioral activation, mindfulness-based intervention, and a control group. The Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) and the Cognitive Avoidance Questionnaire (CAQ) were administered to all participants at three time points. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS version 16.Results: The study found that both mindfulness-based interventions and behavioral activation significantly improved positive emotions and reduced cognitive avoidance in college students with depressive symptoms. For the mindfulness group, positive emotions increased from 15.20±5.59 to 21.00±5.75 at the post-test and then to 18.00±2.85 at follow-up. Cognitive avoidance decreased from 84.66±8.33 to 67.60±7.93 at post-test and then remained stable at 66.93±6.28 at follow-up. The behavioral activation group showed similar trends, with positive emotions increasing from 16.00±6.49 to 19.20±7.07 at post-test and then decreasing to 18.53±5.05 at follow-up. Cognitive avoidance decreased from 80.26±11.78 to 60.93±7.07 at post-test and then increased slightly to 61.60±7.44 at follow-up (P=0.027). While both interventions were effective, behavioral activation had a more lasting impact on positive emotions (P=0.027).Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that both behavioral activation and mindfulness-based interventions are effective in improving emotional balance and reducing cognitive avoidance in college students with depressive symptoms.