Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Ebrahim Rahbar Karbasdehi; Gholam Ali Afrooz; Zahra Naghsh
Abstract
Objectives: Given that children with Down syndrome (DS) face various challenges in cognitive and behavioral functioning, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of a family-based responsive instructional pacing program based on functional reading on the executive functions and adaptive functioning ...
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Objectives: Given that children with Down syndrome (DS) face various challenges in cognitive and behavioral functioning, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of a family-based responsive instructional pacing program based on functional reading on the executive functions and adaptive functioning in children with DS.
Method: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest, posttest, and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population of the present study consisted of all children aged 9 to 12 years with DS who were referred to the Pardis Rehabilitation Center in Rasht, Iran, in 2025, and their parents. The sample consisted of 15 children with DS selected through convenience sampling and assigned to the experimental group. The instruments used included the Tower of Hanoi, the Stroop Test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System. The training program was implemented for the parents in the experimental group in the form of eight 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures univariate and multivariate analyses of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS-27.
Results: The results of the analysis of variance indicated that significant improvements in executive functions and adaptive functioning were observed following the intervention in children with DS (p < 0.05). Post hoc test results also confirmed that the intervention gains were maintained at follow-up, demonstrating the durability of the program effects.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, the family-based responsive instructional pacing program based on functional reading can have important implications for improving the executive and behavioral skills of children with DS and appears to be a promising intervention.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Razie Abzan; Babollah Bakhshipour Joybari
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of solution-focused couple therapy (SFCT) on marital satisfaction and adjustment among couples coping with spousal leukemia.
Method: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design with a three-month follow-up was employed. ...
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Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of solution-focused couple therapy (SFCT) on marital satisfaction and adjustment among couples coping with spousal leukemia.
Method: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design with a three-month follow-up was employed. The target population comprised all couples in which one partner was diagnosed with leukemia, receiving outpatient care at the Cancer Research Center of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences in 2022. A purposive sample of 30 couples was randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a waitlist control group (n=15n = 15n=15 couples per group). The experimental group received eight weekly 90-minute group sessions of MacDonald’s (2007) solution-focused couple therapy protocol, while the control group received no therapeutic intervention during this period. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at the 3-month follow-up using Hudson’s Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS) and Spanier’s Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) was performed using SPSS (Version 26).
Results: The results of the present study showed that solution-focused couple therapy has an effect on marital satisfaction and adjustment in couples with a spouse with leukemia (P<0.05), and this effect was stable at a three-month follow-up (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Solution-focused couple therapy is a viable, strengths-based intervention that enhances relationship quality and relational resilience in couples facing the burdens of leukemia. Incorporating SFCT into standard supportive and psychosocial oncology programs is strongly recommended.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Arash Nejatian; Mahnaz Aliakbari Dehkordi; Amin Rafiepour; Ziba Barghi Irani
Abstract
AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a cognitive-behavioral-emotional and social intervention tailored for hypertensive cardiovascular patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The intervention focused on improving erectile function, sexual satisfaction, interpersonal communication, ...
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AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a cognitive-behavioral-emotional and social intervention tailored for hypertensive cardiovascular patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The intervention focused on improving erectile function, sexual satisfaction, interpersonal communication, and psychological well-being through integrated psychological support, social connection strategies, lifestyle modifications, and sexual education.Methods: Thirty male patients aged 45 to 60, diagnosed with hypertension and ED, were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving the intervention or a control group receiving routine care. The 12-session intervention included relaxation techniques, motivational interviewing, cognitive restructuring (based on the Metz et al. model), psychosexual education, and communication and intimacy training. Lifestyle changes emphasized weight reduction and heart-healthy behaviors to reduce body mass index (BMI). Outcomes were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Sexual Communication Scale (SCS).Results: The experimental group showed significant, sustained improvements. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a strong time × group effect for erectile function and sexual communication anxiety (p < 0.001). BMI dropped significantly (χ² = 22.842, p = 0.000), with a notable between-group difference at follow-up (U = 52.000, p = 0.012). At follow-up, the experimental group reported higher erectile (24.8 vs. 17.2), orgasmic (8.9 vs. 6.7), sexual desire (9.4 vs. 6.8), and intercourse satisfaction (11.7 vs. 7.9); greater relationship satisfaction (21.3 vs. 16.4); and lower sexual communication anxiety (12.6 vs. 21.9).Conclusions: A cognitive-behavioral-emotional-social intervention combined with lifestyle changes improved sexual function and relationship quality in hypertensive patients with ED.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Golnaz Memarzade; Alireza Taghvaee
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy on fear of pregnancy and psychological toughness in women aged 20 to 30 in Isfahan in the spring of 2025.
Method: From the statistical population that met the inclusion criteria, 30 married women were purposefully ...
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Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy on fear of pregnancy and psychological toughness in women aged 20 to 30 in Isfahan in the spring of 2025.
Method: From the statistical population that met the inclusion criteria, 30 married women were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (emotion-focused therapy) and a control group. The instruments used included Kiamarsi et al.'s Psychological Toughness Questionnaire (1377) and Bayrampour's Fear of Pregnancy Questionnaire (2016). The experimental group underwent emotion-focused therapy in ten 60-minute sessions for two months. Then, the questionnaires were administered again in the post-test. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data using SPSS version 28.
Results: The results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed that emotion-focused therapy had a significant effect on increasing psychological hardiness and reducing fear of pregnancy (p < 0/05).
Conclusion: Therefore, emotion-focused therapy can be recommended as an effective psychotherapy method in promoting mental health and increasing psychological hardiness of women in the pre-pregnancy period or in the face of pregnancy-related concerns. This study's findings can serve as a practical guide for psychologists, counselors, and researchers in mental health and reproductive health.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
vahedeh Usefpour; Iman Shahrokh afshari; elahe Hojati Abed
Abstract
Objective: Individuals with severe physical injuries often face significant psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which complicate their recovery process. Recognizing the need for targeted interventions, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness ...
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Objective: Individuals with severe physical injuries often face significant psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which complicate their recovery process. Recognizing the need for targeted interventions, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality-based schema therapy (VRST) and process-oriented cognitive behavioral therapy (PB-CBT) in managing PTSD among these individuals.Method: The study addressed a gap in the literature by focusing on the unique demands of a military and clinical population in a challenging recovery context. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest, a posttest, and a control group was employed. The statistical population consisted of patients visiting the Shafieieh Clinic in Zanjan, Iran. Sixty individuals diagnosed with PTSD (based on DSM-5 criteria) were selected through convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to three groups: 20 participants received VRST, 20 received PB-CBT, and 20 formed a control group (waiting for treatment). Using a validated PTSD checklist, pretest and posttest assessments were conducted, ensuring reliable measurement of symptom changes.Results: The findings indicated that both treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to the control group (p < 0.05); however, no statistically significant difference was observed between the VRST and PB-CBT groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of employing innovative, technology-enhanced interventions in managing trauma-related disorders and provides a basis for further research to explore the nuances of these therapeutic models.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Sharareh Ghasemi; khadijeh Arabsheybani; Mojgan AgahHeris; Mahdieh Rahmanian; Sepideh Nazemi
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive therapy, focusing on dietary traps, in reducing weight and BMI, including thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI), among individuals with obesity and hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland controls the body's ...
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive therapy, focusing on dietary traps, in reducing weight and BMI, including thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI), among individuals with obesity and hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland controls the body's metabolism through hormone production. Thyroid dysfunction can alter the metabolic rate, impacting weight. Research consistently indicates that increased BMI is often associated with higher TSH levels and an increased likelihood of hypothyroidism. However, the overall findings from studies in this area are not yet entirely consistent. Although individuals with obesity due to conditions like hypothyroidism initially find weight loss straightforward, maintaining this reduced weight becomes challenging over time due to psychological traps such as stress, family issues, and social situations. While cognitive therapy primarily focuses on improving an individual's cognitions and thought patterns, it may not directly influence hormonal physiological processes.
Method: This research utilized a quasi-experimental design involving an experimental group and a control group, with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to groups. The study included 30 women from Tehran diagnosed with hypothyroidism and obesity. These participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group (15 individuals) and a control group (15 individuals). The experimental group received 10 weeks of cognitive therapy sessions, concentrating on dietary traps, while the control group received no intervention. Participants signed the consent form before attending the study. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, blood tests, and BMI measurements. Statistical analysis involved MANOVA, performed using SPSS 26 software.
Findings: Cognitive therapy with an emphasis on dietary traps significantly reduced weight and BMI (P < 0.001), and significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups at post-test and follow-up stages (P < 0.001). Cognitive therapy focused on dietary traps did not have a significant effect on T3, T4, and TSH hormones. The group × time interaction effect for these variables was not significant (p = 0.358), but the main effect of time was fully confirmed.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that cognitive therapy with an emphasis on dietary traps effectively reduces weight and BMI in individuals with hypothyroidism and obesity. The experimental group showed greater improvements compared to the control group, and these effects remained stable during the follow-up period. However, the therapy did not have a significant effect on improving thyroid hormone levels.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Mohammadhassan Asayesh
Abstract
Objective: Anxiety disorders require cost-effective and time-limited interventions. The present study aimed to design and validate a Paradoxical Group Therapy (PGT) protocol for anxiety disorders. Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, conducted in two phases using a sequential qualitative ...
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Objective: Anxiety disorders require cost-effective and time-limited interventions. The present study aimed to design and validate a Paradoxical Group Therapy (PGT) protocol for anxiety disorders. Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, conducted in two phases using a sequential qualitative (focus group) and quantitative (descriptive-survey) design for the purpose of designing and establishing the content validity of the Paradoxical Group Therapy protocol. The statistical population consisted of eight expert psychotherapists experienced in paradoxical therapy and group therapy. The protocol's validity was then evaluated using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and the Content Validity Index (CVI). Results: The protocol comprised five core stages: (1) the pre-group stage, (2) the initial stage, (3) the transition stage, (4) the working or therapeutic stage, and (5) the termination stage. Special paradoxical therapy techniques such as symptom prescription, exaggeration therapy, goal reversal, paradoxical role-playing, paradoxical intention, and focusing on the here and now were collected. The results indicated that the content validity of the protocol was confirmed at an acceptable level (CVI = 0.91; CVR = 0.97). Given that all session-level CVR values exceeded 0.85, and the overall mean CVR (0.97) was higher than the minimum acceptable value proposed by Lawshe (1975), it can be concluded that experts rated the paradoxical group therapy protocol for anxiety disorders as appropriate and valid.Conclusion: This validated protocol can serve as a standardized and practical tool for psychotherapists and clinicians familiar with paradoxical psychotherapy, providing a structured approach to the treatment of anxiety disorders in group settings.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Hasti Chalabi; Hosein Zare; Mahdieh Rahmanian
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to present and investigate the structural model of the effectiveness of the cognitive-based intervention on cortisol and lipid profiles, with the mediating effect of cognitive flexibility and behavioral brain systems in overweight people with high stress.Method: The ...
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Objective: The present study aimed to present and investigate the structural model of the effectiveness of the cognitive-based intervention on cortisol and lipid profiles, with the mediating effect of cognitive flexibility and behavioral brain systems in overweight people with high stress.Method: The research design was experimental with a control group, pre-test-post-test, and follow-up design. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. The statistical population of this research was all 190 people referred to the cosmetic surgery clinic in 2023. The research sample consisted of 30 people (15 for the experimental group and 15 for the control group) selected through the purposeful sampling method and according to the research inclusion and exclusion criteria. The respondents answered the Behavioral Activation / Inhibition Systems Scale (Carver & White, 1994) and Connor and Davidson’s Flexibility Questionnaire (2003). A semi-structured interview was used to measure stress.Results: The results of univariate covariance analysis showed a significant difference between the two experimental and control groups in the variables of brain-behavioral systems (F = 3.824, P = 0.035) and cognitive flexibility (F = 4.958, P = 0.032). Also, the effectiveness of the cognitive intervention on cortisol was 0.70. It means that 79% of the changes obtained in the post-test scores of the experimental group were due to the intervention.Conclusion: We can conclude that stress leads to an increase in overweight and a reduction in an individual's flexibility and positive attitude toward body image. Therefore, using Yoga, breathing exercises, cognitive therapy, and treating overweight people to manage their stress correctly is necessary.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Mohammad Bagher Hassanvand; Maedeh Asadi Rajani; Saeed Yousefi
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study explored how group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help improve the mental well-being of mothers who have children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).MethodThe research method was semi-experimental with a pre-post-test design and a control group. Thirty ...
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ObjectiveThis study explored how group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help improve the mental well-being of mothers who have children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).MethodThe research method was semi-experimental with a pre-post-test design and a control group. Thirty mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: 15 mothers participated in seven weekly ACT sessions, while 15 mothers formed the control group. We measured mental well-being using the Mental Comfort Questionnaire and analyzed the results using ANCOVA to account for initial differences.ResultsMothers who attended the ACT sessions showed significant improvements in several areas of mental comfort, including positive emotions, self-confidence in coping, elevated feelings, family support, communication within close groups, and overall mental well-being (all p< 0.05). Effect sizes were moderate to large (η² between 0.12 and 0.65). Social support showed a trend toward improvement (p = 0.07), but no significant changes were observed in mental control or social connection.ConclusionsGroup ACT appears to be an effective approach to enhance various aspects of mental comfort among mothers caring for children with ADHD, promoting greater psychological flexibility and better interpersonal relationships. However, challenges in mental control and social connection suggest that additional or combined therapies might be necessary. These findings support ACT as a flexible, culturally adaptable method to support caregiver mental health.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Monirosadat Hosseini; Hengameh Boloorsaz Mashhadi
Abstract
Objective: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, which, if not properly managed, can lead to numerous psychological and social consequences in addition to physical health issues, ultimately reducing quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotion ...
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Objective: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, which, if not properly managed, can lead to numerous psychological and social consequences in addition to physical health issues, ultimately reducing quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotion regulation-based therapy on anger rumination and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with primary hypertension. Method: This semi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design with a two-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all women diagnosed with primary hypertension who were referred to Moheb Hospital in Tehran in 2025. Using convenience sampling, 30 participants were selected and randomly assigned to two equal groups (15 participants each). Data were collected using a demographic information checklist, the Anger Rumination Scale, the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, and a digital upper arm blood pressure monitor. The intervention group received emotion regulation-based therapy based on Gross’s protocol, delivered in 8 sessions (twice weekly, each session lasting one hour). Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. All ethical issues were addressed in this study, and the authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.Results: Emotion regulation-based therapy had a significant effect on reducing anger rumination (F = 89.365, p < 0.015), Reduction in systolic blood pressure (F=22.621 and p<0.011), Reduction in diastolic blood pressure (F=40.076 and p<0.006), and improving health-related quality of life (F = 97.943, p < 0.002) in patients with primary hypertension. The effect sizes for anger rumination and HRQoL were 0.36, Systolic blood pressure 0.40, diastolic blood pressure 0.38, and 0.47, respectively. These effects persisted at the two-month follow-up.Conclusion: The findings indicate that emotion regulation-based therapy can effectively enhance behavioral outcomes, blood pressure, and improve quality of life in individuals with hypertension. It is recommended that such psychological interventions be integrated with pharmacological treatments in rehabilitation and care programs to enhance the psychological and behavioral functioning of these patients.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
marzieh sarvi; ali ghanaee; mohammad javad Asghari ebrahim abad; sahar khosravan
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of neurofeedback in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in high school deaf girls.Method: A total of 24 deaf female students were randomly assigned to experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group received ...
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Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of neurofeedback in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in high school deaf girls.Method: A total of 24 deaf female students were randomly assigned to experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group received 15 neurofeedback training sessions targeting the F3 and F4 regions. Both groups completed the DASS-21 questionnaire before and after the intervention..Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated significant reductions in depression (F = 15.680, p<.05), anxiety (F = 5.991, p<.05), and stress (F = 6.100, p<.05) scores in the experimental group compared to the control group.Conclusion: Neurofeedback appears to be an effective intervention for improving mental health among deaf adolescents.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
fatemeh Fazeli Sani; Mahdieh Salehi; Amin Rafiepoor; Javad Khalatbari
Abstract
Objective: Psychological factors play a decisive role in the occurrence and experience of pain disorders. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy on alexithymia and difficulty in emotion regulation in patients with pain disorder.Method: ...
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Objective: Psychological factors play a decisive role in the occurrence and experience of pain disorders. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy on alexithymia and difficulty in emotion regulation in patients with pain disorder.Method: The method of the present study was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design and control group and a two-month follow-up. The statistical population of the study included all women who were referred to Manoushan and Behsa counseling centers in Tehran with psychosomatic problems and pain. Sixty people from this population were selected and randomly divided into three groups (20 people in each group). Research instruments included the Toronto Emotional Dysfunction Scale (Bugby et al., 1994) and the Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) (Gertz & Roemer, 2004). One group received 12 one-hour sessions of emotion-focused therapy, and another group received 10 one-hour sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. However, the control group did not receive any intervention during the study. In addition to descriptive statistics, mixed variance analysis and Ben Foroni post hoc test were used to analyze the research data. Results: The results for alexithymia showed that the emotionally focused therapy group had a significantly lower mean than the cognitive behavioral group (P= 0.02) and the control group (P 0.001), and the cognitive-behavioral group had a significantly higher mean compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Also, the results for the difficulty in emotion regulation showed that the emotionally focused group and the cognitive-behavioral group have significantly lower means compared to the control group (P = 0.001).Conclusions: The results of the present study, in addition to confirming the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy, indicated that emotion-focused therapy is a more effective treatment for alexithymia. As a result, emotion-focused therapy can be considered an effective treatment that can be used by health professionals to treat pain disorders.
Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Ali Afshari
Abstract
Objective: When individuals encounter stressful and potentially life-threatening situations, they often experience significant tension that can be challenging to manage without adequate emotional regulation and effective coping mechanisms. This study seeks to explore the function of coping strategies ...
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Objective: When individuals encounter stressful and potentially life-threatening situations, they often experience significant tension that can be challenging to manage without adequate emotional regulation and effective coping mechanisms. This study seeks to explore the function of coping strategies as a mediating factor in the connection between stressful experiences and resilience in university students.Method: The research population consists of all university students enrolled in the academic year 2017-2018, characterized by a basic correlation approach. A total of 373 students were chosen using Morgan’s table and a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collection was done utilizing the resilience questionnaire (CD-RSC), the coping strategies questionnaire (CISS), and the stressful events questionnaire (LEQ-12). Research hypotheses were tested using correlation analysis, path analysis, and simultaneous multiple regression techniques.Results: The findings indicate a significant negative correlation between stressful events and resilience (p < 0.01), while a positive correlation exists between problem-oriented strategies and resilience (p < 0.01). Additionally, there is a negative association between emotion-oriented strategies and resilience (p < 0.01), as well as between avoidance strategies and resilience (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a negative relationship is observed between problem-oriented strategies and stressful events (p < 0.01), alongside a positive correlation between emotion-oriented strategies and stressful events (p < 0.01), and a positive relationship between avoidance strategies and stressful events (p < 0.01).Conclusions: According to the results, teaching coping strategies can lead to increased resilience.
