The Effectiveness of Empathy and Problem-Solving Skills Training on Social Self-efficacy and Mental Security of High School Boys

   Background: Teaching empathy and problem-solving skills is effective in improving students’ self-efficacy and quality of social life. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of empathy and problem-solving skills training on social self-efficacy and psychological security of Assaluyeh second high school boys. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study on all male high school students in Assaluyeh in the academic year of 2019-2020, of whom 45 were purposefully selected and assigned to two experimental groups and controls group. One experimental group received empathy training and the other group received problem-solving training in eight 90-minute sessions. To collect data, the social self-efficacy and Maslow’s psychological security questionnaires were used. Analysis of covariance was done using SPSS-24 software. Results: Empathy and problem-solving training were effective on social self-efficacy and psychological security of high school boys (P < 0.001). Also, no significant difference was found between the effectiveness of empathy skills training and problem-solving training on social self-efficacy and psychological security (P < 0.746). Conclusion: Empathy and problem-solving training increased social self-efficacy as well as psychological security in high school boys

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Marital Boredom and Self-Compassion in Emotionally Divorced Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study

AbstractIntroduction: Marital boredom and emotional divorce cause a gradual reduction in the emotional attachment of couples which is associated with feelings of alienation, apathy, and indifference between couples and replacement of positive emotions with negative ones. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on marital boredom and self-compassion in emotionally divorced women.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest control group design. Forty women were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly divided into intervention (n=20) and control (n=20) groups. The participants filled the Emotional Divorce Questionnaire, the Marital Boredom Scale, and the Self-Compassion Scale in the pre-test and post-test. The intervention group received eight 90-minute sessions of ACT. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of covariance.Results: Results suggested that ACT improved marital boredom (F=372.714 and P<0.001) and self-compassion (F=353.178 and P<0.001) in the post-test. The mean ±SD post-test scores of marital boredom and self-compassion in the experimental group were 43.30±4.45 and 42.95±4.75, respectively, which improved compared to the post-test of the control group.Conclusions: Based on the results, holding ACT workshops may exert beneficial effects on reducing marital conflicts

Correlation between Quality of Life and Social Support in Mothers of Disabled Children: Mediation by Parenting Stress

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

Effectiveness of Balance Enhancement Exercises in Improving Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia among Students with Specific Learning Disorder

Background: Dyscalculia and dysgraphia are among the prevalent problems faced by students with specific learning disorders (SLD). The present study aimed to investigate the role of balance enhancement exercises in improving dyscalculia and dysgraphia among students with SLD.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study included all boy and girl second-graders and third-graders with SLD who received education and rehabilitation services from public and private centers for learning disabilities in Ahvaz, Iran in 2022. The convenience sampling method was employed to select 30 participants who were equally assigned to experimental and control groups (i.e., 15 per group). The experimental group received balance enhancement exercises (for twelve 45-minute sessions), whereas the control group received no interventions. To collect information, the Dyscalculia Test and Dysgraphia Test were used. The ANCOVA was then used for data analysis.Results: The mean±standard deviation (SD) of the post-test scores of dyscalculia and dysgraphia in the experimental group was 106.93±14.99 and 75.60±15.10 which was significantly different from the control groups (91.33±14.45 and 60.93±19.36). The results indicated that balance enhancement exercises improved dyscalculia and dysgraphia in students with SLD (P<0.001).Conclusion: According to the results, balance enhancement exercises can be employed to boost academic achievement by improving dyscalculia and dysgraphia in students with SLD

The Effectiveness of Psychological Services of Rehabilitation Period on Addictions’ Negative Self Concept, Anxiety, Depression and Self Esteem

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Psychological services of rehabilitation period on negative self concept, anxiety, depression and self esteem of T.C. addicts of Ahwaz city in 1386-1387. Method: The research design was semi experimental namely: pretest-posttest with one group. Population was all self reported addicts that accepted in Ahwaz T.C. center for 4 months period. The sample was 50 addicts who were selected by available sampling. Before psychological services pre test was administered. The questionnaires were administered in this research were Rogers's self concept, Cattle’s anxiety, Beck's depression and Copper Smith's self esteem questionnaire. Results: the results showed that the psychological services were effective on reduction of addicts’ negative self concept, depression, and anxiety also, on increasing of their self esteem. Conclusion: The results showed that participation of T.C. and using of psychological services can be affected on reduction of negative self concept, depression, and anxiety also, on increasing of self esteem

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Intervention on Sustained Attention, Divided Attention, Impulsivity of Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder: VIRTUAL REALITY and ADHD

Background and Aim:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research is of great interest due to the prevalence of 9%-17% among Iranian children and its negative effects on several aspects of life, including students' academic future. This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy plus Ritalin use versus Ritalin consumption alone on sustained attention, divided attention, and impulsivity in children diagnosed with this disorder. Materials and Methods:This was a semi-experimental study with a control group with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up designs. The statistical population consisted of 30 children randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups recruited by convenience sampling. The experimental group participated in twelve 90-minute virtual reality intervention sessions. The Integrated Visual and Auditory (IVA-2) Continuous Performance Test was utilized to collect data, which were then analyzed using MANOVA in SPSS-26. Results:In addition to continuing to take Ritalin, the virtual reality group showed considerable improvement in all research parameters, and their scores were significantly higher than those in the group that continued to take Ritalin alone (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, the observed effects were persistent after 45 days of follow-up. Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrate that virtual reality therapy effectively addresses cognitive difficulties in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ages seven to twelve. It is suggested that therapists employ virtual reality therapy to help these children's challenges since it can significantly enhance the efficacy of Ritalin

الگوی ساختاری خودشیفتگی بزرگ‌منشانه و خودشیفتگی آسیب‌پذیر بر اساس آگاهی از تن‌شئ‌انگاری و سرمایه‌های روان‌شناختی با میانجیگری عزت نفس در زنان و مردان

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to present a structural model to explain grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism in men and women based on objectified body consciousness and psychological capitals with mediating role of self-esteem. Methods: The present study was a correctional-discriptive based on a structural equation model. The statistical population of this study included all men and women over 18 years of age in Ahvaz and 309 of them were randomly selected and tested by available sampling method through social networks. Instruments which were used to collect data were demographic questionnaire, Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBC), Luthans Psychological Capital Scale (LPCS) and Rosenburg Self-esteem Inventory (RSES). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24 and Amos 24. Ethical Considerations: In the present study, ethical principles such as confidentiality of information were observed and there was no possible harm to the subjects. Results: Results revealed that there was a significant relationship between Objectified Body consciousness with Grandiose Narcissism and Volnerable Narcissism in women. The results of these variables in men were not significant. Objectified body consciousness and psychological capitals with self-esteem was significant for both men and women. Furthermore, Psychological capitals with grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism was significant in men; in women, Psychological capitals only were significant with vulnerable narcissism (p&lt;0. 01). Among indirect path, Self-esteem could significantly play a mediating role for Objectified body consciousness and psychological capitals with grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism in men. In women, the only significant indirect path was between self-esteem with vulnerable narcissism. Conclusion: Gender significantly moderated the causal effect of self-esteem on vulnerable narcissism, so that self-esteem in men has a stronger causal effect on vulnerable narcissism. These results can be used by clinical psychotherapists and psychiatrists in therapy with clients who suffer from narcissist personality disorder and related disorders to body image. As regards self-objectification can be led to narcissism and lower levels of self-esteem in individuals, therefore it is recommended that Psychologists and health experts care more about variables which were mentioned. Please cite this article as: Ramezani Solegani S, Johari Fard R, Bavi S. A Structural Model to Explain Grandiose Narcissism and Vulnerable Narcissism in Men and Women Based on Objectified Body Consciousness and Psychological Capitals with Mediating Role of Self-Esteem. Akhlaq-i zisti, i.e., Bioethics Journal. 2023; 13(38): e5.زمینه و هدف: هدف از پژوهش حاضر طراحی الگوی ساختاری خودشیفتگی بزرگ‌منشانه و خودشیفتگی آسیب‌پذیر بر اساس آگاهی از تن‌شئ‌انگاری و سرمایه‌های روان‌شناختی با میانجیگری عزت نفس در زنان و مردان بود. روش: پژوهش حاضر به روش توصیفی ـ همبستگی از نوع معادلات ساختاری انجام شد. جامعه آماری این پژوهش شامل همه زنان و مردان بالای 18 سال شهر اهواز بود و به روش نمونه‌گیری در دسترس از طریق شبکه‌های اجتماعی 309 تن از آنان انتخاب شدند و مورد آزمون قرار گرفتند. ابزار گردآوری داده‌ها پرسشنامه جمعیت‌شناختی، سیاهه خودشیفتگی مرضی (PNI)، مقیاس آگاهی از تن‌شئ‌انگاری (OBC)، مقیاس سرمایه‌های روان‌شناختی لوتانز (LPCS) و مقیاس عزت نفس روزنبرگ (RSES) بود. تحلیل داده‌ها با استفاده از SPSS 24 و AMOS 24 صورت گرفت. ملاحظات اخلاقی: در پژوهش حاضر اصول اخلاقی، از جمله رازداری و محرمانه‌ماندن اطلاعات، رعایت شده و هیچ‌گونه آسیب احتمالی برای آزمودنی‌ها نداشته است. یافته‌ها: یافته‌ها نشان داد آگاهی از تن‌شئ‌انگاری با خودشیفتگی بزرگ‌منشانه و خودشیفتگی آسیب‌پذیر در زنان معنادار، اما در مردان معنادار نشد و آگاهی از تن‌شئ‌انگاری و سرمایه‌های روان‌شناختی با عزت نفس در زنان و مردان معنادار شد. سرمایه‌های روان‌شناختی با خودشیفتگی بزرگ‌منشانه و خودشیفتگی آسیب‌پذیر در مردان معنادار، اما در زنان تنها مسیر سرمایه‌های روان‌شناختی با خودشیفتگی آسیب‌پذیر معنادار شد (P&lt;0/01). در بین مسیرهای غیر مستقیم عزت نفس به طور معنا‌داری می‌تواند همبستگی آگاهی از تن‌شئ‌انگاری و سرمایه‌های روان‌شناختی با خودشیفتگی بزرگ‌منشانه و خودشیفتگی آسیب‌پذیر در مردان را میانجی کند، اما در زنان تنها مسیر غیر مستقیم عزت نفس به خودشیفتگی آسیب‌پذیر معنادار شد. نتیجه‌گیری: جنسیت اثر علی عزت نفس بر خودشیفتگی آسیب‌‌پذیر را به طور معنی‌‌داری تعدیل کرد، بدین صورت که عزت نفس در مردان اثر علی نیرومندتری بر خودشیفتگی آسیب‌‌پذیر دارد. این نتایج می‌تواند برای متخصصان بالینی و روان‌پزشکان در درمان اختلال شخصیت خودشیفته و اختلالات مرتبط به تصویر بدن تلویحات کاربردی داشته باشد. با امعان نظر به اینکه تن‌شئ‌انگاری می­تواند منجر به خودشیفتگی و کاهش عزت نفس در افراد شود لذا پیشنهاد می‌شود که روان‌شناسان و متخصصان در حوزه سلامت به نقش و روابط موجود بین این متغیرها توجه داشته باشند

Effects of Stress Management Training on Cognitive Avoidance and Emotion Regulation Strategies in Female Students with Social Anxiety Disorder: A Mindfulness and Emotional Schema Therapy Approach

Background: Students with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) face a variety of problems such as early dropout, academic failure, and avoidance of social situations. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on cognitive avoidance and emotion regulation strategies in female students with SAD through an emotional schema therapy (EST) approach.Methods: In this semi-experimental study, a Pretest-Posttest Control Group design was used. The study population included female high school students with SAD in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2023. Out of 120 students with SAD who met the inclusion criteria, 75 were randomly selected as the study participants and were then assigned to three groups of 25 (two experimental groups and one control group). Training sessions for mindfulness-based stress management and EST were conducted in eight 90-minute sessions twice a week. For data collection, the Cognitive Avoidance Questionnaire and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were used. Data analysis was done using the ANCOVA test and SPSS version 23. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: In the posttest, mean±SD for cognitive avoidance, reappraisal, and suppression in the mindfulness-based stress reduction training group was 50.71±6.78, 32.87±2.65, and 14.08±5.68, respectively; suggesting a significant difference as compared with the control group (82.91±2.18, 12.53±6.75, and 20.81±2.74) (P<0.001). In addition, mean±SD for cognitive avoidance, reappraisal, and suppression in the EST group and the post-test phase was 61.52±5.71, 38.91±1.15, and 10.36±7.32, respectively; suggesting a significant difference as compared with the control group. The mindfulness-based stress management training was more effective than EST in reducing cognitive avoidance (P<0.001). By contrast, EST was more effective than mindfulness-based training in improving emotion regulation strategies (P<0.001).Conclusion: The study results suggested that mindfulness-based stress management training and EST can effectively reduce cognitive avoidance and improve emotion regulation strategies in students with SAD