Showing 33 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. |
Shahla Goudarzi, Mona Soleiman Heshmat, Melika Bolouri, Hamed Rashidiasl, Mozhgan Esmailpour,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on perceived stress and concentration in students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population included all students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who referred to Atieh Derakhshan Mind Clinic in Tehran between April and June 2025. Among the eligible individuals, 30 students were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (15 students in each group). The experimental group underwent mindfulness-based cognitive therapy intervention for eight 90-minute sessions, while the control group remained on the waiting list. Data were collected using the Connors Parent Rating Scale, Cohen's Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and the Attention and Concentration Test. The results showed that the mean perceived stress in the experimental group decreased significantly from pre-test to post-test and follow-up, and the mean concentration in this group increased significantly, while no significant change was observed in the control group. Also, the effects of the treatment remained largely stable at the follow-up stage. These findings indicate that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can be used as an effective intervention to reduce perceived stress and improve concentration in students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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, as a chronic pain disorder, imposes a heavy psychological burden on patients; therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on rumination and alexithymia in women with fibromyalgia. The design of this study was semi-experimental, featuring a pre-test, post-test, and a 2-month follow-up with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all women with fibromyalgia who were members of the Fibromyalgia Association, from whom 30 patients were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received the MBSR intervention in eight weekly sessions, while the control group received no intervention during this period. The assessment tools included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Ruminative Responses Scale, and the gathered data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical results indicated that the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program led to a significant decrease in the scores of ruminations and alexithymia in the experimental group compared to the control group. Furthermore, post-hoc analysis confirmed the sustainability and durability of these psychological outcomes during the 2-month follow-up stage. In conclusion, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program is an efficient and sustainable tool for emotional regulation and mitigating psychological distress in women with fibromyalgia by modifying cognitive infrastructures and enhancing non-judgmental emotional awareness; thus, its application as a complementary therapy is highly recommended.
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 obsessive-compulsive symptoms and treatment adherence in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who were referred to specialized gastroenterology and liver centers in Tehran in 2025. A total of 48 participants were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, and a control group. Ultimately, the data of 45 participants were analyzed. The experimental groups received eight 90-minute intervention sessions, whereas 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) and were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post hoc test. The findings indicated that both interventions significantly reduced obsessive-compulsive symptoms and increased treatment adherence compared with the control group. Furthermore, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction demonstrated greater effectiveness than Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and improving treatment adherence, and these effects remained stable at the follow-up assessment. Overall, both therapeutic approaches were effective in improving the psychological status of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; however, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction showed superior effectiveness.
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.
Zahra Akhavan, Mojtaba Rahnemazadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Depression and attention deficit disorders are common childhood problems that can affect children's mental health and academic performance. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness training on symptoms of depression and attention deficit disorders in children aged 7 to 12 years. This study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all children aged 7 to 12 years who referred to Rahyab Counseling and Psychology Center in Amol in 1404. Among them, 30 children were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). The experimental group received mindfulness training during eight weekly sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Connors Questionnaire (Teacher Form) and analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The findings showed that mindfulness training significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved attention functions in children in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, the results of the three-month follow-up phase showed that the effects of the intervention continued in both research variables. Based on the research findings, mindfulness training can be used as an effective complementary intervention in counseling centers and educational environments to reduce depressive symptoms and improve children's attention functions.
Ms Firoozeh Jalalipour, Dr Soheila Rahmani,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Test anxiety, as a psychological and educational challenge, imposes a considerable burden on adolescent students. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an adolescent-centered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on alexithymia and test anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a two-month follow-up with a control group. The statistical population consisted of adolescent students studying in two schools in Tehran during the 2025 academic year. From among them, 30 students were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the adolescent-centered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program in eight weekly sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Test Anxiety Questionnaire and were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. The statistical results indicated that the adolescent-centered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program led to a significant reduction in alexithymia and test anxiety symptoms among students in the experimental group compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, the follow-up results demonstrated the stability and persistence of the effects of this psychological intervention at the two-month follow-up assessment. In conclusion, the adolescent-centered Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program can be considered an effective and sustainable intervention for reducing alexithymia and test anxiety symptoms in adolescents, and its application as a complementary intervention in educational settings is recommended.
Saba Sedaghatzadeh, Dr Sima Farzaneh,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the emotional schema of shame and emotional expressivity in adolescent boys with high social anxiety in District 13 of Tehran. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all male students in the first and second levels of secondary school with high social anxiety in the 2025–2026 academic year. Using a multistage cluster sampling method, 30 students whose scores on the Social Anxiety Questionnaire were above the cutoff point were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The research instruments included the Leahy Emotional Schema Scale (2002), the Emotional Expressivity Scale (King & Emmons, 1990), and the Social Anxiety Questionnaire (Connor et al., 2000). The experimental group received Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in eight 120-minute sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance in SPSS version 26. The results indicated that the effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group on the dependent variables were statistically significant . Furthermore, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy led to a significant and sustained reduction in the emotional schema of shame and a significant increase in emotional expressivity in the experimental group compared with the control group at the posttest and follow-up stages. Based on the findings, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be considered an effective intervention for reducing the emotional schema of shame and improving emotional expressivity in adolescents with social anxiety.
