Showing 278 results for Type of Study: Research
Mahdiyar Mokhlespour Esfahani, Alireza Moradi, Mehrdad Dadgostar, Nooshin Pourbaghi, Mostafa Khanzadi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the moral development of civil engineers using Kohlberg’s moral dilemma stories alongside simultaneous recording of brain activity. Thirty right-handed male engineers with at least three years of professional experience participated in the study. Hemodynamic activity was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) across three phases: story reading, question answering, and prioritization. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results indicated that HbO2 levels in the right DLPFC and left VLPFC during story reading were significantly higher in engineers with higher moral judgment scores (p = 0.047 and p = 0.026). In the prioritization phase, Hb levels in the right VLPFC were significantly elevated in participants with lower moral scores (p = 0.015). These findings confirm the critical role of prefrontal regions in moral judgment processing, consistent with previous research. Although NIRS offers several advantages, its limited depth of measurement is a constraint. This study provides novel neurobiological evidence aligned with moral dilemma questionnaires, representing a step forward in predicting engineers’ moral development and enabling the use of brain data for artificial intelligence–based prediction. Future research is recommended to include female engineers, left-handed individuals, and broader brain regions.
Adnan Vaezi, Hossein Bigdeli, Mohsen Ahmadi Tahor Soltani ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to examine the structural model of adolescents’ achievement goal orientation based on theory of mind and working memory within a cognitive-social framework. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) conducted in SPSS 26 and AMOS 24, direct and indirect relationships between theory of mind, working memory (as a mediator), and the four components of achievement goal orientation (mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance) were investigated. In this descriptive-correlational study, 315 high school students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Achievement Goal Questionnaire (Elliot & McGregor, 2001), the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001), and the Reading Span Task (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980). Results indicated that theory of mind significantly predicted all four achievement goal orientations both directly and indirectly through working memory. A significant positive relationship was also found between theory of mind and working memory. Fit indices (χ²/df = 2.31, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.06) confirmed the good fit of the proposed model. Overall, the findings highlight the critical role of socio-cognitive (theory of mind) and executive (working memory) processes in shaping adolescents’ motivational orientations and suggest that simultaneous interventions targeting both constructs may effectively promote adaptive (mastery-oriented) achievement goals and enhance academic motivation. |
Feresheh Reza, Javanshir Asadi, Arastoo Mirani, Afsaneh Khajevand Khoshli,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing perfectionism and thought-action fusion in women with obsessive-compulsive disorder with a two-month follow-up. The research method was a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest-follow-up and control group. Among the women referring to Sarohana Clinic in Pasdaran district of Tehran, 30 were purposively selected and randomly assigned to two groups of 15 (cognitive-behavioral therapy and control). The research instruments included the Ahvaz Perfectionism Questionnaire, the Thought-Action Fusion Scale (TAFS), Spielberger's Overt and Covert Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Maudsley Checklist. The cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention was implemented in 8 weekly 90-minute group sessions. The post-test was conducted immediately and the follow-up was conducted two months after the end of the sessions. The data were analyzed by multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance. The findings showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly reduced perfectionism, thought-action fusion (moral dimensions, possibility for self and others), and anxiety at post-test and two-month follow-up, and these effects remained stable until the follow-up stage. The present study showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used as an effective and sustainable intervention in reducing harmful cognitive variables in women with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Hasan Mahjoob, Mitra Ezati, Mohammad Babaei,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to design a cognitive motivation model related to the financial decisions of university entrepreneurs at the University of Tehran. This study was conducted with a mixed exploratory approach in two stages. In the qualitative part, using content analysis of in-depth interviews and using MaxQDA software, data from interviews with 16 university entrepreneurs who were purposefully and snowball selected were analyzed. The qualitative results showed that "entrepreneurial financial decision-making motivation" was identified as the main factor and three components including "tolerance of ambiguity in financial decision-making", "financial self-efficacy" and "entrepreneurial cognitive motivation". In the quantitative part, the resulting model was tested with data from 125 entrepreneurs located in the Science and Technology Park of the University of Tehran (simple random sampling from 185 people) and using structural equations and PLS software. The results of the model analysis showed a good fit at three levels of measurement, structural and general. The GOF index was obtained as 0.643, which indicates the high explanatory power of the model.
Mrs. Saemeh Khalili-Torghabeh, Dr. Javad Salehi Fadardi, Dr. Zohreh Sepehri Shamloo, Dr. Seyed Kazem Rasoulzadeh Tabatabai,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Cognitive biases are influential factors in explaining illness anxiety disorder, and understanding the existing biases in this disorder can contribute to more effective treatments. This study was conducted to examine the biases of attention, interpretation, and memory in individuals with and without illness anxiety disorder. The sample consisted of 142 participants who voluntarily participated in the research from across the country. In this study, differences in information processing between the two groups were assessed using the Health Anxiety Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and computer-based tasks measuring attention bias, interpretation, and memory. The data obtained from the research were analyzed using independent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the statistical software SPSS 26.The results showed that individuals with illness anxiety disorder had a greater tendency to focus on threatening cues compared to those without the disorder and interpreted ambiguous health-related information more negatively. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding positive interpretation bias. Additionally, individuals with illness anxiety recalled disease-related information more effectively. The findings indicate that individuals with illness anxiety display biases in attention, negative interpretation, and memory concerning health-related information. This research emphasizes the importance of identifying and targeting these biases in psychological treatments and suggests employing intervention methods such as cognitive bias modification to directly affect these biases due to their role in the formation and persistence of illness anxiety.
َazim Rasouli Manesh,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Experimental philosophy is a growing field in cognitive science and philosophical-psychological issues. The side-effect effect (or Knobe Effect) is a well-known topic in this area. The Knobe Effect refers to the tendency of people to judge harmful side effects of an agent’s behavior as intentional, while perceiving beneficial side effects of the same behavior as unintentional. The present study aimed to re-examine the replicability of the Knobe Effect using various scenarios. Sixteen scenarios (8 harm and 8 help) were designed and administered to a total of 416 Iranian university students (exactly 26 participants per scenario). Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The chi-square statistic was 106.87 for harm scenarios and 39.45 for help scenarios (both significant at p < 0.01). Contrary to Knobe’s original findings, the asymmetric pattern (higher intentionality attribution in harm conditions than in help conditions) was not observed in any of the scenarios. Thus, the Knobe Effect was not replicated in the present study with an Iranian sample and diverse scenarios, and its replicability was not confirmed.
Nasrin Bozorgpoor Niazi, Dr Fatemeh Shahabizadeh, Dr Mahboobeh Faramarzi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
| This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), combined with physiotherapy, on psychological well-being and executive functions among elderly individuals suffering from chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis. The research followed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments, along with a control group. The statistical population included elderly individuals over 60 years old diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritic pain, selected through purposive sampling. A total of 45 participants were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The intervention groups received compassion-focused and mindfulness-based CBT, either with or without physiotherapy. Data were collected using Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale and the Stroop Executive Function Test and analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Findings indicated that the interventions, particularly the combined CBT with physiotherapy, significantly improved components of psychological well-being (self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy) and executive functions. These effects remained stable at follow-up. Although improvements were observed in personal growth, environmental mastery, and purpose in life, no significant differences were found between the two intervention groups in these dimensions. Effect size analysis suggested a large clinical impact. Overall, the results support the integration of psychotherapy and physiotherapy as an effective approach to promoting mental health and cognitive functioning in elderly patients with chronic pain. |
Parisa Pakari, Zahra Kavousian, Faezeh Rezaie, Zeinab Hassani Asl, Parisa Hosein Zadeh Yazdi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a combined adaptive cognitive training and structural-systemic family therapy protocol in reducing depressive symptoms and improving cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. In a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up assessments and a control group, 32 adults (16 per group) diagnosed with mild-to-moderate depression were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control condition from three reputable family therapy clinics in Tehran. The experimental group received 12 sessions of standard structural-systemic family therapy plus 12 sessions of adaptive cognitive training focused on task-switching, set-shifting, response inhibition, and Stroop exercises; the control group received family therapy alone. Measures included the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, and computerized Stroop Color-Word Test. Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the combined intervention produced highly significant reductions in depressive symptoms and substantial improvements in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control at post-test and two-month follow-up (p < .001), with very large effect sizes (η² ranging from 0.586 to 0.923). Improvement in inhibitory control remained fully stable at follow-up. Adding adaptive cognitive training to structural-systemic family therapy constitutes a highly effective, clinically meaningful third-generation combined protocol for treating mild-to-moderate depression that not only alleviates emotional symptoms but also directly remediates persistent cognitive deficits, thereby enhancing relapse-prevention potential. This approach is particularly recommended for collectivist cultures and systemic treatment contexts.
Mojtaba Ahmadi, Associate Professor Gholamreza Chalabianloo, Associate Professor Reza Abdi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Unified Protocol (UP) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) treatment on working memory and continuous attention in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The research design employed a quasi-experimental framework, featuring a pre-test and post-test design with two experimental groups and a control group. The statistical population consisted of patients diagnosed with GAD who sought treatment at clinics and specialized neuropsychiatry centers in Tehran during the first half of 2024. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a sample of 45 individuals (31 women and 14 men) was selected through purposive sampling and equally allocated (15 individuals in each group) into the UP intervention group, the combined UP and tDCS intervention group, and the waiting list group. The Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-V), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the Corsi Block Test (to assess working memory), and the Clock Test (to assess continuous attention) were utilized as assessment tools. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS-26 statistical software, employing analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The findings indicated that the use of the UP protocol, both alone and in combination with tDCS, led to a significant improved in working memory and continuous attention (P<0.05). Furthermore, this study suggests that both UP intervention and the combined intervention (UP+tDCS) are effective approaches to improve working memory and continuous attention in GAD patients and may serve as a novel strategy for managing this disorder and improving executive functions.
Dr Najmeh Hamid, Miss Asra Moradpoor, Dr Seyed Alii Marashy,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Encouraging training based on accepting yourself and others, paying attention to your positive points and daring to be imperfect can help the elderly to feel valuable and expand their connections. Also, computer-based cognitive rehabilitation restores cognitive function by relying on practice and repetition. Based on this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation and self-encouragement training on executive functions and mental vitality in the elderly. This research was a semi-experimental type with a pre-test and post-test design and control group. The statistical population was elderly subjects (subjects over 60 years old). In this study, 45 elderly subjects were selected using available sampling method, and 30 of them were selected as the final sample using the exclude and include criteria, and they were randomly divided into two control and experimental groups of 15 subjects. The elderly in the experimental group received self-encouragement training for 10 sessions of 90 minutes, as well as Rihakam cognitive rehabilitation interventions for 10 sessions of 45 minutes but the control group did not receive any intervention. The results of covariance analysis of the data have shown that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in each of the dependent variables (P<0.001). That is, the average performance of executive functions and mental vitality in the experimental group increased significantly compared to the pre-test and the control group, and these results have continued significantly in the follow-up period (P <0.001). In general, cognitive rehabilitation intervention (Rihakam) and self-encouragement training have improved and increased executive functions and mental vitality in the elderly. Therefore, it is suggested to use Rihakam's cognitive rehabilitation intervention and self-encouragement training as complementary or separate treatments to improve the quality of human life in old age.
Hava Mahmoudzadeh Kenari, Dr Afsaneh Khajevand Khoshli, Dr Javanshir Asadi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents is associated with maladaptive cognitive–emotional patterns, including thought–action fusion and intolerance of uncertainty, which can impair academic performance and interpersonal relationships. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and metacognitive therapy on these constructs in adolescent girls with OCD. The quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group and included 45 high school girls in Babolsar, selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants each. Interventions consisted of eight weekly 90-minute group sessions. Data were collected using the Thought–Action Fusion Scale and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Questionnaire and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results indicated that both interventions significantly reduced thought–action fusion and intolerance of uncertainty compared to the control group, and pairwise comparisons showed that metacognitive therapy was more effective in reducing thought–action fusion, whereas emotion-focused therapy was relatively more effective in reducing outcomes related to intolerance of uncertainty. These findings suggest that targeted psychotherapeutic interventions can improve maladaptive cognitive–emotional patterns associated with OCD in adolescents and reduce anxiety and compulsive behaviors. The results provide guidance for selecting tailored treatments based on individual clinical needs and for designing school- and clinic-based intervention programs.
Dr Peyman Hatamian, Dr Ali Kazemi Rezaei,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy on repetitive negative thoughts and anxiety sensitivity in students. the current study was semi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test and follow up. The statistical population included all the male students of Razi University of Kermanshah, 30 of whom were selected by purposive sampling method and using the entry criteria. They were assigned to two experimental and control groups (15 people in the experimental group and 15 people in the control group). The research tools included the repetitive thoughts questionnaire of McAvee et al (2014) and the anxiety sensitivity scale of Taylor and Cox (1998). The experimental group received the intervention in 8 sessions of 60 minutes and the control group did not receive such training. Finally, the data were analyzed by multivariate covariance analysis using SPSS version 24 software. the results of covariance analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the control and experimental groups in the post-test phase (p. 0.001). Therefore, it can be said that metacognitive therapy has been effective on negative recurring thoughts and anxiety sensitivity of students. based on the findings, it can be concluded that metacognitive therapy training can be effective in reducing the symptoms associated with repetitive negative and anxious thoughts. Therefore, it is suggested to use metacognitive interventions to reduce the mentioned symptoms.
Armin Hagnazariesfhlam, Nadia Abbasi Gharibeh,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study was conducted to examine the role of problem-focused coping, with the mediating effect of positive emotion regulation strategies, in predicting protection and resilience against prolonged grief disorder. The research employed a correlational design based on structural equation modeling. The study sample consisted of students at Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan during the 2023–2024 academic year, with a total population of 6,700 students. Sampling was carried out using a convenience sampling method, and the final sample included 302 participants. Data were collected using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-36), and the Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale–Revised (PG-13-R). Descriptive data analyses were performed using SPSS 26, and structural equation modeling was conducted using AMOS 24. The findings showed that problem-focused coping and components of positive emotion regulation had significant negative correlations with prolonged grief. The model demonstrated an acceptable level of fit, suggesting that training and applying positive emotion regulation strategies—such as positive reappraisal and positive refocusing—alongside a problem-focused coping style may enhance resilience against prolonged grief disorder.
Ghazaleh Nikbin, Ali Akbar Saremi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psycho neurocognitive therapy on reduction of clinical symptoms and improvement of executive function (behavioral regulation and meta-cognition) in patients with major depression. The research method was conducted as a case study with a multiple baseline design. The study population included all patients referred to psychiatric and clinical psychology treatment centers in Mashhad with a diagnosis of major depression which among those 6 cases were selected through purposeful sampling who underwent psycho neurocognitive therapy for 12 sessions. The research tools included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), and Function Executive of Inventory Rating Behavior (BRIEF-A). Data were analyzed using graphical and pictorial analysis, percentage improvement indices, effect size, and Cohen's d. The results showed that psycho neurocognitive therapy significantly reduced clinical symptoms and improved executive functions (behavioral regulation and metacognition) in patients with major depression. The findings of this study indicate that psycho neurocognitive therapy can be used as an effective approach in improving the cognitive and psychological aspects of patients with major depression.
Mohammad Mahdi Zeidabadinejad, Noshin Noori, Leila Fatehi Khoshknabk, Sara Malakmohammadi, Ziba Poursadegا Gavgani,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
| The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in reducing cognitive fusion and interpersonal needs among students experiencing suicidal ideation. Employing a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments, participants were selected based on predefined criteria and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received MBCT sessions, and data were analyzed using covariance analysis (ANCOVA). Results demonstrated that MBCT significantly decreased overall cognitive fusion, particularly the fusion component, and significantly reduced total scores of interpersonal needs, including perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Additionally, a significant reduction in the severity of suicidal thoughts was observed in the intervention group compared to controls, whereas changes in cognitive defusion were not statistically significant. Follow-up data indicated that the positive effects of the intervention were maintained to a satisfactory degree over time. These findings support the clinical utility of MBCT as an effective intervention to improve maladaptive cognitive and interpersonal processes associated with psychological vulnerability in at-risk students. The study underscores the potential of MBCT in suicide prevention and mental health promotion, and recommends further research with larger samples and integrative interventions to explore underlying mechanisms and long-term efficacy. |
Mahsa Rohani Otaghs Sara, Afsaneh Khajound Khoshli, Elnaz Pooaahmadi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on marital conflict and perceived responsiveness of the spouse in women affected by infidelity. Marital infidelity is considered one of the most important crises in couples' relationships, which has widespread consequences, including the intensification of marital conflicts and damage to the spouse's perception and perceived responsiveness. In this regard, schema therapy, as an integrated and deep approach focusing on identifying and modifying early maladaptive schemas, can help rebuild couples' emotional and cognitive relationships. This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all married women referring to counseling centers and psychological clinics in Babol in the winter of 1403 who had reported experiencing infidelity of their spouse. Among them, 45 people were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to three groups: schema therapy, compassion therapy, and control. The schema therapy group received ten ninety-minute sessions of intervention, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Marital Conflict Questionnaire and the Perceived Spouse Responsiveness Scale, and the data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. The findings showed that schema therapy significantly reduced marital conflicts and improved perceived spouse responsiveness in women affected by infidelity. Also, the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing marital conflict was greater than compassion therapy. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that schema therapy is an effective approach to improving the psychological consequences of infidelity and can be used as an efficient intervention in family counseling centers and in the treatment of disorders resulting from marital crises.
Mr Hiwa Ali Mohammadi, Dr Rasool Kordnoghabi, Dr Abolghasem Yaghoobi, Dr Afshin Afzali,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Wising Education Program on the executive functions of third-grade elementary school students. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up, along with a control group, was employed. The statistical population consisted of all third-grade students enrolled in nonprofit schools in Hamedan City during the 2023-2024 academic year. A total of 60 third-grade elementary school students (30 girls and 30 boys) were selected using available sampling, and they were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The experimental group received thirty 45-minute sessions of Wising Education Program, while the control group did not receive any training. instrument included the Brief Executive Function Behavioral Scale, Second Edition (BRIEF2) for Parents (2015). Data were analyzed using SPSS-28 and repeated measures ANCOVA and MANCOVA. Results indicated that the Wising Education Program significantly improved executive functions and their dimensions in students, and these effects were maintained in the follow-up stage. These findings suggest that The Wising Education program is an effective model for improving executive functions in the student population.
Dr Ali Akbar G Goodini, Dr Mohammad Garavandnia,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine a structural equation model of smartphone addiction based on the roles of anxiety and depression, with metacognition as a mediating variable, among male adolescent students. This research employed a descriptive–correlational design, and the statistical population consisted of male students in District 1 of Karaj during the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 361 participants were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using the Metacognition Questionnaire by Wells and Cartwright-Hatton (2004), the DASS-21 by Lovibond (1995), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) developed by Kwon et al. (2013). Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that the proposed model demonstrated a satisfactory fit among the adolescent participants. Results further showed that anxiety (β = 0.42, p < 0.01), depression (β = 0.11, p < 0.01), and metacognition (β = 0.40, p < 0.01) each had a direct and positive effect on smartphone addiction. These outcomes suggest that psychological interventions grounded in metacognitive approaches may effectively reduce dependence on modern digital technologies and support healthier behavioral patterns during adolescence.
