research
Psychological aspects in health and diseases
Gita Alipour; Abbas Abolghasemi; Bahman Akbari
Abstract
Objective: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, chronic, and progressive disease that has become a crucial public health problem worldwide. Therefore, it seems necessary to identify risk and protective factors to prevent obesity and treat obesity. This study aims to identify the risk and protective ...
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Objective: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, chronic, and progressive disease that has become a crucial public health problem worldwide. Therefore, it seems necessary to identify risk and protective factors to prevent obesity and treat obesity. This study aims to identify the risk and protective factors of obesity in women.
Method: The study was descriptive-correlational. The research sample consisted of 429 overweight and obese women, selected through voluntary sampling. To collect data, a physical activity questionnaire, core beliefs of eating questionnaire, self-criticism questionnaire, shame and guilt scale, self-esteem scale, body image concern questionnaire, stress-anxiety-depression questionnaire, and weight self-efficacy questionnaire were used. The obtained data were analyzed using stepwise regression using SPSS 24.
Results: The findings showed that among obesity risk factors (core beliefs of eating, self-criticism, shame and guilt, concern about body image, stress-anxiety-depression), the core beliefs of eating, stress, and depression can predict obesity. Also, the research results showed that among obesity protective factors (weight self-efficacy, self-esteem, and physical activity), weight self-efficacy can predict obesity improvement more than other variables.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present research, we can say that the variables of core beliefs about eating, stress, and depression as risk factors and the variable of self-efficacy as a protective factor can predict body mass index.
research
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.
research
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.
research
Psychological aspects in health and diseases
Bahareh Zaddahesh; Vahideh Babakhani; Jaffar Pouyamanesh; Mojtaba AmiriMajd
Abstract
Objective: Extramarital relationships pose challenges to family life and can affect the mental health and well-being of family members. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of sexual sensation seeking on marital infidelity, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction ...
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Objective: Extramarital relationships pose challenges to family life and can affect the mental health and well-being of family members. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of sexual sensation seeking on marital infidelity, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Methods: The present research was conducted based on a correlation and structural equation design. Among all married individuals referring to counseling and psychological service centers in Qazvin in 2022, 216 were selected through purposive sampling and participated as subjects. Data were collected using the self-report scale of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the Infidelity Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Sexual Function Questionnaire, and the Kalichman and Rompa Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, Smart PLS version 3.3, and structural equation modeling.Results: The results showed that the relationship between sexual performance and the mediating variable of sexual excitement (β=0.25, t=4.20), sexual satisfaction and the mediating variable of sexual excitement (β= 0.18, t=3.87), the relationship between sexual performance and extramarital relationships (β=0.12, t=3.17), the relationship between sexual satisfaction and extramarital relationships (β=0.20, t=3.53), and the relationship between sexual excitement and extramarital relationships (β=0.25, t=5.28) were significant.Conclusion: The results of the study showed that sexual satisfaction, sexual function, and sexual sensation seeking can predict attitudes toward marital infidelity. Therefore, it is necessary to provide this information to couples in premarital counseling so that they can discuss sexual problems with a marriage counselor and a sex therapist in couples and receive specialized counseling for treatment if needed, to prevent the tendency toward marital infidelity.
research
Psychological aspects in health and diseases
Roghayeh Vatanbaf; Faezeh Moslemi; Saba Azizrousta; Faranak Saeidi Moghadam; Vahid Savabi Niri
Abstract
Objective: Insomnia, marked by difficulty falling or staying asleep, affects many students and contributes to increased worry, cognitive distortions, and depression, exacerbating their overall well-being and academic performance. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ...
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Objective: Insomnia, marked by difficulty falling or staying asleep, affects many students and contributes to increased worry, cognitive distortions, and depression, exacerbating their overall well-being and academic performance. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in reducing worry, cognitive distortions, and depression in students with insomnia symptoms.
Method: The research utilized a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of university students in Ardabil Province during the 2023-2024 academic year. A total of 34 students were purposefully selected based on predefined criteria (e.g., insomnia symptoms) and then randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 17) or the control group (n = 17). The research instruments included the Insomnia Severity Index (2001), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (1990), the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (2004), and the Beck Depression Inventory (1996). The intervention group participated in eight weekly sessions of 90-minute MBSR, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance with SPSS-27.
Results: The results indicated that MBSR significantly reduced worry (F = 46.86), rejection in interpersonal relationships (F = 30.07), unrealistic expectations in relationships (F = 41.54), misperception in interpersonal relationships (F = 30.38), and depression (F = 41.20) among students with insomnia symptoms (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The results highlight the potential of MBSR as a valuable non-pharmacological intervention for managing insomnia and associated psychological challenges in academic settings. Given its effectiveness, further research could explore long-term benefits and applicability across diverse student populations and settings.
research
Chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, AIDS, cardiovascular, MS, etc.
Mozaffar Ghaffari; Ahmad Esmali; Asghar Fouladi; Roghieh Arjmandi
Abstract
Objective: Hypertension is a common and chronic condition that increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and psychological issues. This study aimed to compare self-focused attention, emotional abuse, and psychological distress between individuals with hypertension and healthy controls.
Method: ...
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Objective: Hypertension is a common and chronic condition that increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and psychological issues. This study aimed to compare self-focused attention, emotional abuse, and psychological distress between individuals with hypertension and healthy controls.
Method: This descriptive, causal-comparative study was conducted in Miandoab. The sample included two groups: individuals diagnosed with hypertension (selected via purposive sampling) and matched healthy individuals. Participants completed the Self-Focused Attention Questionnaire (Woody et al., 1997), the Emotional Abuse Questionnaire (Norouzi, 2012), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler, 2002). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: Results indicated significant differences in mean levels of self-focused attention, emotional abuse, and psychological distress between individuals with hypertension and healthy individuals (P ≤ 0.05). Mean scores for these variables were higher in hypertensive individuals.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that addressing and reducing these characteristics is significant in managing and treating hypertension.
