Research Article
Salar Doosti; Farzaneh Hooman; Saeed Bakhtiyar Pour; Sasan Bavi
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 ...
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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 of children with disabilities.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of children with disabilities residing in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2022, to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the quality of Life Questionnaire. The target population encompassed all mothers meeting these criteria, from which a simple random sample of 379 participants was drawn. The Quality of Life Questionnaire and a perceived social support measure were administered to the study participants. The psychometric properties of the Quality of Life Questionnaire were evaluated using SPSS version 26. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while content validity was determined through expert judgment and calculated using the Content Validity Ratio and Content Validity Index.Results: The results indicated satisfactory internal consistency, as demonstrated by Cronbach’s alpha (α=0.955) and composite reliability (0.965). All 16 items exhibited excellent item-total correlations (Cohen’s kappa >0.60), suggesting strong internal consistency. Content validity was established through experts panel review (content validity index range: 0.86-1.00). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the questionnaire, and normative data were successfully established.Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that the questionnaire possesses adequate psychometric properties, including reliability and validity, thus supporting its suitability for assessing the quality of life among mothers of children with disabilities.
Research Article
Maryam Shirani Nazhvani; Felor Khayatan; Hadi Farhadi
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 ...
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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
Mohammadreza Noroozi Homayoon; Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi; Masoud Sadeghi; Mohamad Hatami Nejad
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 ...
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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
Milad Rahmati Farmad; Zahra Eftekhar Saadi; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian; Marzieh Talebzadeh Shoushtari; Parvin Ehteshamzadeh
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 ...
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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 symptoms and the overall quality of life (QoL) for families with autistic children.Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was designed to investigate the correlation between variables. The study population consisted of mothers of autistic children aged 4 to 12 years residing in Mashhad, Iran. A convenience sample of 372 mothers was recruited from rehabilitation, educational, and therapeutic centers catering to autistic individuals in Mashhad, Iran between January and March 2023. For data analysis, Pearson correlation and SEM were used, with the aid of SPSS and Amos 24.Results: The mean score for the severity of autism symptoms was 160.26 (±11.66). The mean resilience score was 49.98 (±6.55). Also, the mean score for family QoL was 75.33 (±9.81). The results showed significant direct relationships among the severity of autism symptoms, family QoL, autism symptoms, and maternal resilience in mothers of autistic children (P=0.001). Additionally, the study demonstrated that maternal resilience played a significant mediating role in the connection between autism symptoms and family QoL (P=0.001).Conclusion: The study uncovered a negative connection between the severity of autism symptoms and family QoL, suggesting that more pronounced symptoms can negatively impact family well-being. Additionally, the study found a positive link between maternal resilience and family QoL, indicating that fostering resilience in mothers of autistic children can enhance family dynamics.
Research Article
Fateme Tadayonghotbabadi; Ali Naseri
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 ...
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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
Seyyed Gholamali Jafari; Alireza Heidari; Parviz Asgari; Somayeh Esmaeili
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 ...
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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 in Ahvaz, Iran.Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included all children with autism and their mothers registered at the Autism Association of Ahvaz, Iran in 2023. A total of 262 participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data were collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Data were subjected to Pearson’s correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis using SPSS version 27.Results: The mean scores for child behavioral disorders, tolerance of distress, and marital adjustment were 34.95 (±8.14), 45.29 (±9.86), and 80.23 (±19.15), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a significant inverse relationship between children’s BD and mothers’ tolerance of distress (r=-0.36, P<0.001) and marital adjustment (r=-0.60, P<0.001). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between mothers’ tolerance of distress and marital adjustment (r=0.39, P<0.001).Conclusions: The results indicated that mothers’ tolerance of distress and marital adjustment are crucial in alleviating BD in children with autism. Interventions aimed at enhancing mothers’ coping skills and marital satisfaction may be beneficial in improving children’s behavioral outcomes.
Research Article
Fahimeh Zarean; Ali Sheykholeslami; Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi; Ali Rezaei Sharif
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 ...
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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
Seydeh Negar Barekat; Elham Foroozandeh; Seyed Mostafa Banitaba
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 ...
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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.
