research
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.
research
Chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, AIDS, cardiovascular, MS, etc.
Fatemeh Bayanfar; Hengameh Boloorsaz Mashhadi
Abstract
Objective: Hypertension is a common, asymptomatic medical condition. It arises from general or functional disorders and is referred to as primary or essential hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (BCBT) on dysfunctional attitudes, lifestyle, ...
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Objective: Hypertension is a common, asymptomatic medical condition. It arises from general or functional disorders and is referred to as primary or essential hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (BCBT) on dysfunctional attitudes, lifestyle, and distress tolerance in young adults with hypertension.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pre-test-post- test design, a control group, and \ a 45-day follow-up. The population comprised young male patients with hypertension at Moheb Mehr Hospital in Tehran between March and October 2025. From this population, a sample of 30 people was selected using purposive sampling, and they were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n = 15 each). The experimental group received 10 60-minute BCBT sessions over 2.5 months, per Rudd’s protocol (2012). The control group received only routine medical care. Both groups were re-evaluated 45 days after the intervention. Measures included the Dysfunctional Attitudes Questionnaire (Weissman & Beck, 1978), Profile Health-Promoting Lifestyle II (PHPL-II) (Walker et al., 1995), and Distress Tolerance Scale (Simmons & Gaher, 2005). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS v26.
Results: BCBT significantly reduced dysfunctional attitudes (F = 32.913, p < 0.004), improved lifestyle (F = 9.665, p < 0.002), and increased distress tolerance (F = 11.313, p < 0.001) of the patients with hypertension. Effect sizes were 0.54, 0.26, and 0.29 for dysfunctional attitudes, lifestyle, and distress tolerance. Improvements persisted at the follow-up stage.
Conclusion: Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy improves behavioral-psychological indices in patients with hypertension. Adding this intervention to rehabilitation programs may enhance patient outcomes.
research
Psychological aspects in health and diseases
Hamoun Babaei; Ezzatollah Ahmadi; Reza Abdi
Abstract
Objective: Given the growth of the elderly population, identifying factors associated with perceived stress reduction and promoting psychological well-being among older adults is essential. This study aims to present structural equation modeling for the effect of perceived stress on the relationship ...
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Objective: Given the growth of the elderly population, identifying factors associated with perceived stress reduction and promoting psychological well-being among older adults is essential. This study aims to present structural equation modeling for the effect of perceived stress on the relationship between neuroticism and psychological well-being in the elderly.
Method: This research is a descriptive correlational study that used structural equation modeling. In this study, 214 elderly people from Tabriz city were selected through purposive sampling. In this research, the perceived stress questionnaire of Cohen and colleagues (1983), the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire (1989), and the Costa and McCrae Neuroticism Questionnaire (1992) were used. The data was analyzed using the Pearson correlation method and structural (SPSS and LISREL software) equation modeling.
Results: The results showed that neuroticism has a direct and indirect relationship with psychological well-being, and perceived stress can be an effective mediator.
Conclusion: By reducing stress in the elderly, it is possible to reduce their neuroticism and increase their mental well-being.
