Showing 30 results for Mindfulness
Sepideh Esmzamaniaghmiouni, Roya Rasouli, Azadeh Taheri,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
| The aim of the present study was to examine the mediating role of empathy in the relationship between relational mindfulness and marital intimacy. Given the fundamental impact of marital relationships on individual and social mental health, identifying factors that enhance the quality and intimacy of these relationships is of paramount importance. This descriptive-correlational study targeted the entire population of married students at the University of Tehran during the academic year 2022-2023. A sample of 300 married students (both male and female) was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using three validated questionnaires: the Marital Intimacy Questionnaire (Vandenbroek & Werten, 1995), the Empathy Scale (Jolliffe & Farrington, 2006), and the Relational Mindfulness Scale (Kims et al., 2018). The data were analyzed using SPSS26 and AMOS24 through structural equation modeling. The results indicated a significant and positive relationship between relational mindfulness and empathy (β = 0.27, p < 0.001). Additionally, empathy was significantly and positively related to marital intimacy (β = 0.36, p < 0.001), and a positive and significant relationship was found between relational mindfulness and marital intimacy (β = 0.17, p < 0.002). Comparing the direct and full models revealed that empathy plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between relational mindfulness and marital intimacy. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the role of empathy and mindfulness in enhancing marital intimacy and can serve as a foundation for designing psychological interventions aimed at improving marital relationships. |
Pooneh Nezakat, Negin Ghadami, Fatemeh Houshmand, Armaghan Atshani Kouchesfahani , Samaneh Kheradiyar,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a relationship-based mindfulness intervention on perceived stress and the quality of marital interactions among couples experiencing communication problems. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest, control group, and short-term follow-up. The study population consisted of couples seeking family counseling services in Tehran in 2025, with 30 couples selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Instruments included the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, the Marital Interaction Quality Questionnaire, and a demographic information form. The intervention consisted of eight sessions focused on mindfulness skills applied in relational contexts, including present-moment awareness, mindful listening, conflict management, and empathy cultivation. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Results indicated that the intervention significantly reduced perceived stress and enhanced the quality of marital interactions, with effects maintained at short-term follow-up. These findings align with previous studies and highlight the capacity of relationship-based mindfulness to manage conflicts, foster empathy, and improve couples’ relational skills. The study underscores the potential of this intervention as an evidence-based approach for family counselors and preventive programs targeting marital communication issues. Limitations include a small sample size, short-term follow-up, and self-report measures; future studies are recommended to utilize larger samples and longer follow-up periods to examine the durability of intervention effects.
Nazila Kazemi Jame Bozorgi, Dr Amine Jalali,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
| The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on chronic fatigue, psychosomatic symptoms, and resilience in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This applied study was conducted with a pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design with a control group and a follow-up phase. The statistical population included MS patients referring to the Hormozgan MS Association in Farvardin 1404, from whom 30 people were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). The experimental group received the mindfulness-based stress reduction program as a group during 8 intervention sessions by a psychologist, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Fatigue Scale, the Psychosomatic Symptoms Questionnaire, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures. |
The findings showed that the mindfulness-based stress reduction program intervention significantly reduced chronic fatigue and psychosomatic symptoms, as well as significantly increased resilience in the experimental group compared to the control group. The results of the follow-up phase also showed that the effects of the intervention remained largely stable. The largest effect size was related to psychosomatic symptoms, followed by resilience, which indicates the effective role of this intervention in improving emotional regulation and reducing physical symptoms related to stress. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the mindfulness-based stress reduction program can be used as an effective complementary intervention in improving the psychological and physical status of patients with MS and play an important role in improving their quality of life.
Dr Sheida Nasseri Akbar, Dr Ezatallah Kordmirza Nikoozadeh, Dr Mahnaz Moghanloo, Dr Seyedeh Zahra Alibakhshi, Dr Amin Rafiepoor,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions of acceptance and commitment and mindfulness on the biological, psychological and social indicators of women with human papillomavirus.This study was a semi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population included all female patients with human papilloma virus who lived in Dubai and visited Al-Shafa Behavioral Diseases Clinic .Through purposive sampling, 45 subjects were selected and randomly allocated to either the ACT, mindfulness or the control group (n = 15 per group). Then the subjects of the two experimental groups were subjected to training based on acceptance and commitment therapy and training based on mindfulness for 8 sessions of 90 minutes. The data collection tool was DASS-21 (1993), Marlowe and Crown's (1996) Social Desirability Scale. the results, a tangible difference was spotted between the groups in the pre-and post-test stage and considering time impact on the mean virous (η2=0.888, F=222.695, p<0.001), depression (η2=0.953, F=562.146, P<0.001), anxiety (η2=0.760, F=88.843, P<0.001), stress (η2=0.953, F=405.704, P<0.001), and social desirability (η2=0.26, F=9.820, P<0.001). In general, the results showed that both methods of educational intervention were effective in women.
Arshida Sayadi, Fatemeh Houshmand, Seyedeh Reyhaneh Hashemi, Tara Sotvar, Arsalan Barekat,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescence is associated with persistent deficits in self-regulation, poor self-management skills, and increased social-emotional problems, including social anxiety. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on self-management skills and social anxiety in adolescents with ADHD. The study was conducted in a quasi-experimental manner with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up. The study population included adolescents aged 13 to 15 years with this disorder, 30 of whom were selected using a convenience method and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute sessions of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, while the control group was on a waiting list. The research instruments included the Adolescent Self-Management Questionnaire and the Adolescent Social Anxiety Scale, which were administered in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance. The results showed that the implementation of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program significantly increased self-management skills and significantly reduced social anxiety in the experimental group compared to the control group, and these effects remained largely stable at the two-month follow-up. Based on the findings, the mindfulness-based stress reduction program can be used as a complementary and effective intervention in improving cognitive-behavioral functions and reducing social-emotional problems in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Zahra Amir Azdi, Soheila Rahmani, Parisa Kolahi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a widespread chronic pain disorder that is associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive problems and is associated with high levels of alexithymia and rumination. Given the role of psychological factors in the exacerbation of symptoms, mindfulness-based interventions have been considered as a complementary approach. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on alexithymia and rumination in female patients with fibromyalgia. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included all female patients with fibromyalgia who referred to Sina Hospital in Tehran during June and July 2025. Among the eligible individuals, 30 individuals were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group participated in 8 90-minute sessions of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The research instruments included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Rumination Scale. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Findings: The results showed that after controlling for pre-test scores, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the variables of alexithymia and rumination (P < 0.001). So that the mean scores of the experimental group in both variables were significantly reduced. The effect size calculation showed that the mindfulness intervention had a significant effect on reducing rumination and a moderate effect on reducing emotional alexithymia. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the mindfulness-based stress reduction program can be used as an effective psychological intervention in improving emotional alexithymia and reducing rumination in female patients with fibromyalgia. It is suggested that this approach be used as a complementary treatment in chronic pain treatment centers.
Mohammad Mehdi Zeidabadinejad, Ahmad Torabi, Fatemeh Mohammadifar, Zahra Nori, Roya Tovakoli,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Intensive Short‑Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) on reducing obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence in patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study employed a quasi‑experimental design with a pretest‑posttest and one‑month follow‑up, including two experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population comprised all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who attended treatment centers in Tehran during autumn 2025. From this population, 72 individuals were initially selected using purposive sampling; after attrition, the final sample consisted of 45 participants who were randomly assigned to three groups (15 participants per group). MBSR and ISTDP were each delivered individually over eight 90‑minute sessions to the experimental groups, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Maudsley Obsessive‑Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Results of repeated‑measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that both MBSR and ISTDP significantly reduced obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improved treatment adherence, and these effects remained stable for at least one month post‑intervention. Furthermore, Bonferroni post‑hoc tests showed that MBSR was significantly more effective than ISTDP in reducing obsessive‑compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence (p < 0.05). This superiority may be attributed to MBSR’s capacity to enhance emotion regulation, reduce stress, and increase body awareness—factors that play a decisive role in managing chronic diseases and health‑oriented behaviors. Therefore, incorporating mindfulness‑based interventions as an effective approach alongside other psychological treatments may help improve treatment outcomes and quality of life in patients with NAFLD.
Zohreh Esmaaili, Sahar Shakour, Samira Ramazenkhani, Hosna Rostami, Fatemeh Ghasempour,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
This review study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in reducing social anxiety among adolescents. A systematic search was conducted across Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Magiran, and IranDoc using relevant keywords. Studies assessing MBCT’s impact on adolescent social anxiety with a PEDro score above 5 were included. From 43 identified articles, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that MBCT significantly reduces social anxiety in adolescents, though variations in methodology, sample size, and assessment tools were observed. These results underscore MBCT’s potential as an effective intervention for social anxiety. It is recommended that MBCT be integrated into school-based counseling and mental health programs. Further research with standardized methodologies is needed to explore MBCT’s efficacy across diverse cultural contexts.
Zohreh Ahmadi,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on rumination and depressive symptoms in students with major depressive disorder. This study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all students with major depressive disorder referred to the Tehran Health Center in 1404, from which 30 students with major depressive disorder were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent 8 90-minute sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy intervention, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data collection tools included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Rumination Scale (RRS). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. The results of data analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the mean pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental group in rumination variables and depressive symptoms. In fact, participating in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy sessions led to a significant reduction in the repetition of unwanted thoughts and the alleviation of clinical symptoms of depression in students. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, by teaching the skills of being present in the moment and accepting without judgment, is an effective tool for managing repetitive thoughts and improving the mental state of students with major depression and can be used as a complementary intervention in university counseling centers.
Dr Mohammad Narimani, Farideh Shahrivar Sosahab, Ali Qizlojah.jabbari, Aynaz Shahrivar Sosahab,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy in improving job resilience, job performance, and anger control in emergency department nurses. The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The statistical population included nurses working in the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Khalkhal city in 1403-1404. After applying the entry and exit criteria, 30 people were randomly assigned to two equal groups: control and intervention (mindfulness therapy). The measurement tools included the job resilience questionnaire, anger control skills questionnaire, and job performance questionnaire, and mindfulness-based intervention sessions. The results clearly showed that the implementation of the mindfulness-based therapy package significantly increased job resilience, improved anger control, and improved job performance in emergency department nurses. The findings of the study provide evidence of the effectiveness of this intervention in stressful work environments and can strengthen management and educational strategies in the nursing field to reduce anger and increase resilience
