درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mentalization-based training and positive thinking for parents of children with autism on their reflective functioning and their children's aggression. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population included all parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) enrolled in day centers for education and rehabilitation of individuals with ASD in Tehran during the 2022-2023 academic year, and their children. A total of 32 parent-child pairs were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (16 parents) or the control group (16 parents). Data collection tools for parents included the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (Fonagy, 2016), and for children, the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist Aggression Scale (2001) Parent Form. Initially, a pretest was administered to both groups, and the Aggression Scale was completed by the parents for their children. The mentalization-based and positive thinking training package (Fonagy) was then conducted in 12 sessions of 120 minutes each for the experimental group. Subsequently, a posttest was administered to both groups, and the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire and Positive Beliefs Questionnaire were completed by the mothers, while the Aggression Scale was again completed by the parents for their children. A follow-up phase occurred three months later. Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance. Findings: The results indicated that the impact of mentalization-based and positive thinking training on the components of reflective functioning (F = 14.35) and aggression (F = 7.17) in children was significant (P < 0.01), and this effect persisted through the follow-up phase. Conclusion: Given the results, it appears that mentalization-based and positive thinking training, by enhancing reflection on mental states, emotional regulation, and the ability to enjoy pleasant events, provides a suitable context for reflective functioning. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in aggression in children with autism.

Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate marital burnout and to determine the effectiveness of a communication skills training protocol. Methods: The experimental method employed was a single-subject design with multiple baselines, involving couples seeking counseling at the Raz City Clinic in Shiraz and the Clinic of the General Directorate of Exceptional Education in Fars Province, during the autumn of 2021. Among these couples, three pairs exhibiting the highest levels of marital burnout were selected using a purposive sampling method. The therapeutic program of the communication skills training protocol was conducted by the researcher over 10 sessions, followed by a follow-up in two stages, one month apart. The participants responded to the Marital Burnout Scale at the baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up stages. Data were analyzed using visual analysis methods, the recovery percentage formula, and the reliable change index. Findings: Findings indicated that the communication skills training protocol enhanced marital quality and reduced marital burnout, with these effects being maintained during the follow-up phase. Conclusion: The treatment protocol proved to be effective, and couple therapists can utilize these communication skills in their work with couples to reduce marital burnout and enhance marital quality, particularly during the early years of marriage, where it can have a significant impact.

Objective: The Healthy Adult mode is one of the primary modes in schema therapy, reflecting maturity, mental health, and good judgment. The present study aimed to qualitatively investigate the psychological empowerment of women with a Healthy Adult mode. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach. Participants included women aged 20-40 from Isfahan Province in 2023, selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. Data were examined using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data saturation was achieved with 20 interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Findings: After interviewing women with a Healthy Adult mode and analyzing the data, 80 initial codes, 8 sub-themes, and 2 main themes were extracted. Coping and self-awareness were classified under the main themes, and self-compassion, self-regulation, problem-solving ability, mindfulness, developed social relationships, assertiveness, self-awareness, and the concept of a "good enough" parent were classified under the sub-themes. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that Iranian women with a Healthy Adult mode have developed components of psychological empowerment. Ultimately, it is suggested that counseling centers and organizations use practical services based on the findings of this research to enhance the psychological empowerment and promote the adult state of personality in women.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in women remains underexplored in occupational contexts, despite its significant impact on functioning and well-being. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of women with OCD in the workplace. Utilizing a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the research was conducted in Tehran, Iran. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 employed women formally diagnosed with OCD across diverse professional sectors. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Four core themes emerged: Workplace Challenges, Coping Mechanisms, Perceived Organizational Support, and Effects on Professional Identity. Participants reported challenges such as intrusive thoughts during tasks, compulsive checking behaviors, time-consuming rituals, perfectionism, and heightened anxiety in high-pressure environments. Coping mechanisms included cognitive-behavioral strategies, medication adherence, mindfulness practices, supportive routines, and seeking social or therapeutic support. Perceptions of organizational support ranged widely, with positive experiences linked to empathetic supervisors, mental health accommodations, and flexible work structures. OCD also influenced participants’ professional identity, contributing to both self-doubt and the recognition of strengths such as attention to detail, reliability, and conscientiousness. These findings underscore the necessity for workplace awareness, mental health inclusivity, and targeted interventions to support women with OCD. Creating supportive and stigma-free environments can enhance these employees’ job satisfaction, engagement, and career development

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the premarital preparation program based on Olson's model with premarital education using the awareness and choice method on attitudes toward marriage among university students. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental, employing a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with experimental and control groups. The statistical population included students on the verge of marriage at Dezful University of Medical Sciences. Using convenience sampling and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, three groups of 15 individuals each were selected as the sample and responded to the study's questionnaires. Findings: The results indicated that the impact of premarital education using the awareness and choice method on attitudes toward marriage in the post-test and follow-up phases was 46.5% and 22.2%, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of this intervention compared to the control group. Additionally, the impact of the premarital preparation program based on Olson's model on attitudes toward marriage in the post-test and follow-up phases was 69.7% and 57.3%, respectively, indicating the effectiveness of this intervention compared to the control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that premarital education and preparation programs can assist in reducing divorce rates and facilitate better partner selection among couples.

Objective: Materialism focuses on goals and values that subscribe to acquiring items. Lower materialism was found to be associated with increased happiness and decreased depressive symptoms. This study aims to explore the effects of materialistic lifestyle on mental health. Method: The research question driving this study asks, how does living a materialistic lifestyle impact an individual’s mental health? The study is made up of 555 females and 31 males. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Material Values Scale (created by Richins and Dawson in 1992), and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 20-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-20; created by Stewart and colleagues in 1988). Results: A hierarchical multiple regression was found that materialistic values are a statistically significant predictor of mental health. Conclusion: Limitations of the study, implications for clinical practice, and future directions are discussed. We conclude that our hypothesis was supported; living a materialistic lifestyle negatively impacts an individual’s mental health.

Objective: The present study aimed to model the psychological distress of mothers with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on family cohesion and adaptation, with the mediation of perceived social support. Methods and Materials: This research, in terms of its goal, is applied, and in terms of data collection, is quantitative and correlational, employing structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all mothers with children diagnosed with ASD in Tehran in 2020, from which 354 participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. To collect data, the following questionnaires were used: Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler et al., 2002), Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (Olson & Gorall, 2003), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988). Results: The results of structural equation modeling indicated that the indirect pathways from family cohesion (β = -0.13, p < 0.01) and family adaptability (β = -0.12, p < 0.01) to the psychological distress of mothers of children with ASD, through perceived social support, were negative and significant. Conclusion: Perceived social support mediates the relationship between family cohesion and family adaptability with the psychological distress of mothers of children with ASD.