مطالب

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on experiential avoidance, cognitive emotion regulation, and rejection sensitivity in couples. Methods:  This research employed a quantitative, applied design using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group model. The statistical population included all distressed couples who sought counseling services in Ardabil between 2024 and 2025. From this population, 30 couples whose scores exceeded the cut-off point of 135 were randomly selected and assigned to either an experimental or a control group. Research instruments included the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II (AAQ-II), and the short form of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-SF). The intervention was based on Sue Johnson’s EFCT protocol, implemented in nine 90-minute sessions for the experimental group. Results: Covariance analysis showed that EFCT significantly reduced experiential avoidance, improved cognitive emotion regulation, and decreased rejection sensitivity in distressed couples ( p < .001). The effect size ranged from 65% to 68%, indicating a substantial impact on improving couple relationships. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that EFCT has a significant and positive effect on experiential avoidance, cognitive emotion regulation, and rejection sensitivity in couples.

Aim : The aim of this study was to design and validate a serious game-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adolescent girls with social anxiety, using a structured scenario-writing protocol based on Hoffman's Social Self-Appraisal Therapy Model. Method: The research employed a multi-phase approach encompassing scenario preparation, expert evaluation, face validity testing, usability assessment, and pilot implementation. Content validity was evaluated by ten psychologists and counselors utilizing the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) metrics. Face validity was assessed utilizing the Story World Absorption Scale (SWAS) with a cohort of 10 adolescent participants. A pilot study including an additional cohort of 10 adolescents evaluated alterations in social anxiety utilizing the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale for Children and Adolescents (LSAS-CA). Usability and player experience were examined through the MEEGA+ instrument.   Results: The results demonstrated strong validity and efficacy of the serious game. Content validity was confirmed (overall CVI > 0.79, CVR > 0.62), along with robust face validity - evidenced by attention and transportation scores exceeding 0.81 (Kappa coefficients = 0.85, 0.81) and emotional engagement and mental imagery scores above 0.61 (Kappa coefficients = 0.78, 0.72). Additionally, a significant T-test result (t(9) = 16.74, p < 0.025) further supported these findings. Based on the MEEGA+ evaluation, the game was classified as 'good quality,' with θ scores ranging from 57.5 to 63.5 across usability and player experience subscales   Conclusion: The results revealed that the CBT-based serious game is both experientially effective and clinically promising. For adolescents with social anxiety, it provides a scalable and entertaining intervention tool, especially in situations where access to conventional therapy is restricted.

Objective : Hypertension is a common and chronic condition that increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and psychological issues. This study aimed to compare self-focused attention, emotional abuse, and psychological distress between individuals with hypertension and healthy controls. Method : This descriptive, causal-comparative study was conducted in Miandoab. The sample included two groups: individuals diagnosed with hypertension (selected via purposive sampling) and matched healthy individuals. Participants completed the Self-Focused Attention Questionnaire (Woody et al., 1997), the Emotional Abuse Questionnaire (Norouzi, 2012), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler, 2002). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results : Results indicated significant differences in mean levels of self-focused attention, emotional abuse, and psychological distress between individuals with hypertension and healthy individuals (P ≤ 0.05). Mean scores for these variables were higher in hypertensive individuals. Conclusion : These findings suggest that addressing and reducing these characteristics is significant in managing and treating hypertension.