مطالب

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social skills training on enhancing self-determination and working memory in individuals with visual impairments. A randomized controlled trial design was used, involving 40 participants with visual impairments, randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The intervention group underwent ten 60-minute sessions of social skills training over four months, while the control group received no specific intervention. Self-determination was assessed using the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report (SDI), and working memory was measured using the Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ). Data were collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and a four-month follow-up. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted using SPSS version 27. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-determination from pre-intervention (M = 45.25, SD = 6.34) to post-intervention (M = 58.43, SD = 5.27) and at the four-month follow-up (M = 55.37, SD = 5.82). Similarly, working memory scores improved from pre-intervention (M = 39.18, SD = 7.24) to post-intervention (M = 51.22, SD = 6.05) and were maintained at follow-up (M = 48.76, SD = 6.50). The ANOVA results indicated significant main effects for self-determination (F(2, 76) = 41.52, p < .001, η² = 0.53) and working memory (F(2, 76) = 38.19, p < .001, η² = 0.50), as well as significant time x group interaction effects (self-determination: F(2, 76) = 32.35, p < .001, η² = 0.46; working memory: F(2, 76) = 31.88, p < .001, η² = 0.45). The findings demonstrate that social skills training is significantly effective in enhancing self-determination and working memory in individuals with visual impairments. These improvements were sustained over a four-month follow-up period, suggesting the potential of such interventions to positively impact cognitive and social functioning in this population.

This study compares externalizing behavior disorders in overweight and normal-weight boys. The statistical population includes all the male students of elementary schools in Mashhad, who were selected using the cluster sampling method, six districts, and among the schools in this district, two boys' schools and a total of 222 students were selected as the research sample. Children's Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used as a tool in this study. The results showed that, in general, there is a significant difference in externalizing behavior disorders between overweight and normal-weight boys (P<0.05), which is seen in conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. In comparison, these two groups had no significant difference in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (P<0.05). According to the results of the research, informing and changing the attitude of parents in preventing the occurrence of obesity and overweight and ultimately behavioral problems seems necessary, and since the deviation from normal weight is related to inappropriate and risky behaviors, early interventions and appropriate planning in this field is practical and necessary during the sensitive period of childhood.