درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the short form of the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale (1989), consisting of 18 items, within the population of Afghan families across four provinces in Afghanistan. Methods: The present research was descriptive and correlational in nature. A total of 320 families, including fathers, mothers, and one child from each family (960 participants in total), participated in this study using convenience sampling. Data were analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach with the statistical packages SmartPLS 4 and SPSS 27. Findings: After obtaining feedback from Afghan university professors and participants, the face validity of the scale was confirmed. The reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability (CR). The reliability coefficients were calculated as 0.79 for fathers, 0.78 for mothers, and 0.78 for children, with CR values at satisfactory levels. Convergent validity was evaluated using the average variance extracted (AVE), and discriminant validity was assessed and confirmed using the Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) ratio. To improve the model and enhance discriminant validity, two items related to the dimensions of Environmental Mastery and Personal Growth were removed. The findings demonstrated that the reliability and validity evaluations of the scales used in this study were statistically sound and reliable. Conclusion: The study concluded that the 18-item version of the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for use within the Afghan family population. Therapists in Iran working with Afghan migrants, as well as Afghan therapists residing in Afghanistan, can utilize this tool in their clinical and research settings.

This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of virtual reality (VR)-based therapy for emotional regulation in youth with exceptional needs. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 23 purposefully selected participants, including special education teachers, therapists, caregivers, and VR developers, all based in Minnesota, USA. Participants were selected based on their direct involvement with VR therapy programs for youth with neurodevelopmental or emotional regulation challenges. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. The analysis revealed two main thematic categories: facilitators and barriers. Facilitators included seven subthemes: technological appeal, personalization, therapist control, motivation and engagement, institutional support, caregiver involvement, and observable emotional gains. Barriers were categorized into seven subthemes as well: accessibility and equity issues, sensory limitations, stakeholder resistance, cultural irrelevance, technical difficulties, ethical and privacy concerns, and lack of standardized guidelines. Participants reported that immersive features, real-time therapist adjustments, and family buy-in enhanced VR’s therapeutic effectiveness. Conversely, cost constraints, lack of culturally appropriate content, and technical or ethical challenges hindered adoption. Quotes from stakeholders enriched the thematic interpretation and contextualized the results. VR-based therapy shows promising potential in enhancing emotional regulation among youth with exceptional needs due to its immersive, customizable, and engaging design. However, successful implementation depends on addressing contextual challenges, including accessibility, technical infrastructure, and cultural inclusivity. Stakeholder collaboration and the development of standardized protocols are essential to scale VR interventions in educational and clinical contexts.