Psychological Achievements

Abstract The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between meta-cognitive beliefs and social acceptance versus preparation for drug addiction among the students of Razi University of Kermanshah. The sample composed of 120 (60 females and 60 males) students of Social Sciences Department of Razi University who were selected using a stratified random method. The data consisted of Meta-Cognitive Beliefs Questionnaire (MCQ-30), Kervan and Marlow Social Acceptance and Addiction Preparation Scale (APS).  The study was correlational, and data analysis Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression was used. The findings indicated that there are a negative and significant relationships between meta-cognitive beliefs and its factors (except the negative beliefs about uncontrollable thoughts) and social acceptance, and addiction preparation. It could be concluded that there are a relationships between meta-cognitive beliefs and social acceptance, and preparation for addiction in male and female students.

Abstract The aim of this study was designing and testing a model for precedents of prosocial behavior in students of Shahid Chamran University in Ahvaz. In this model, empathy is independent variable that directly and indirectly predicted prosocial behaviors by mediation of religiosity, moral identity and prosocial moral reasoning using AMOS. 438 undergraduate students were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used for testing the proposed model. Results showed that the direct paths from empathy to prosocial behavior, empathy to prosocial reasoning, religiosity to prosocial behavior, and prosocial reasoning to prosocial behavior were non-significant. After omitting, non-significant paths, the model fitted the data properly.

Abstract This study examined students’ profiles regarding motivation orientations and tested whether profile groups differed on school-burnout. The study was performed on students from Maragheh. 370 students, as a sample group were selected by using multi-stage clustering method. The instruments, employed in the study were the Academic Motivation Scale and School-Burnout Inventory. Hierarchical cluster analysis method, MANOVA and post hoc tests were used to determine the optimal cluster structure of students. The results revealed that 4 profiles: (a) students with low level of motivation, (b) students with mastery- avoidance and approach- performance orientation, (c) students with multiple-goal orientation, and (d) students with mastery-performance approach orientation. In addition, it was found that students in the study with multiple-goal orientation and mastery-performance approach reported the least degree of school-burnout. Students with multiple-goal orientation have various goals, expectancies and values that motivate them for self-efficacy and high-interest in school activity.

Abstract The aim of this research was to study the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The research method was semi-experimental design with pre-post test, follow up and control group. The original sample consisted of 800 students who were selected by random cluster sampling. Then, based on clinical interview and acquiring above the cut-of-point in Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale (BAARS) 30 students were randomly selected. Also, they were randomly divided into two groups, as experimental and control. The instruments were Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale (BAARS) and Barkley structured interview. The experimental group were administered 13 sessions of 90 minutes of cognitive–behavioural therapy, but the control group did not receive any intervention. The results revealed that there was significant difference between two groups (p<0.05). The rate of ADHD and its symptoms in experimental group, in comparison control group decreased. These results persisted significantly after follow-up period.

Abstract The present study investigated the relationship of secure and insecure avoidant attachment styles with depression and life satisfaction with mediating role of optimism and social support among female undergraduate students of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The sample consisted of 300 employees who were selected randomly by multi-stage sampling method. In order to investigate Attachment Styles Inventory (AAI; Simpson, 1990), optimism (LOT-R; Scheier, Carver & Bridge, 1994), Social Support (PSSI; Phlips, 1986), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Beck, 1974) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; Ryff, Lee, Essex & Schmutte, 1994). Results showed that secure attachment life style with satisfaction and depression has respectively significant negative relationship and positive relationship, and there is respectively significant positive relationship and negative relationship between insecure avoidant attachment style and life satisfaction and depression. There are significant positive relationships between secure attachment style and social support and optimism. Research also confirmed the mediating role of optimism and social support variables.

Abstract The facts about death and dying are the most emotional and complex topics of childhood. As the acquisition and development of the death concept has been a topic of interest for decades the main goal of the present study was the investigation of the relationship between awareness of death concept and depression among children seven to nine years old. To this end, a sample of 103 male and female students was selected from the first, second, and third grades of elementary schools. The participants answered the questions of the Death Interview for Children and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Data analysis showed that all the subcomponents of death concept significantly and positively correlated with depression in children. In addition, the results of stepwise regression analysis revealed that only Inevitability subcomponent can predict depression in children. With regard to these findings, awareness of death concept can contribute to children's depression. But, a mature awareness of death concept is not so. The results were discussed based on the stress exposure model of depression.

Abstract The purpose of the current study was investigating the effects of Multi-component cognitive-behavioral group-therapy on insomnia, sleep self-efficacy, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and four sleep parameters. The population was day-work personnel of Aghajari Oil and Gas Production Company. The sample consisted of 45 employees with insomnia who were selected by multistage random sampling method and assigned to experimental, placebo and waiting list groups. They completed Athens Insomnia Scale, Sleep Log, Perceived Sleep Self-efficacy Scale and Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep. The experimental group received 6 sessions of group therapy. The two control groups received no intervention but placebo group was asked to bring their filled sleep log to six meeting sessions for review. The results of MANCOVA and Benferoni post hoc showed that there were significant reductions on insomnia, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, total time in bed, sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset. Significant increases were observed on sleep self-efficacy and total sleep time of experimental group, in comparison to two control groups in post-test and follow-up. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of total time in bed at follow up. No significant differences were found between the two control groups.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to prepare norm scores and determine the validity and reliability of Campbell Interest and Skill Survey on Isfahan high school students. 412 students were selected by cluster random sampling method and Campbell Interest and Skill Survey was administeredto them. Campbell Scales reliability coefficients were computed using alpha and test–retest methods. Orientation Interests Scales validities were computed in three ways: correlation between Orientation Interests Scales and Educational-Vocational Interest Short Form Inventory, comparison of scores of male and female students, and correlation between Orientation Interest Scales and Orientation Skill Scales. The Validity of second battery of CISS Scales, that is Orientation Skill, Scales was analyzed through two ways:  correlation between Orientation Skill Scales and Skill Confidence Inventory, and correlation between Orientation Skill Scales and Orientation Interest Scales. The validity of the third battery of scales, that is 29 Basic Interest Scales, was examined using the correlation of this battery of scales and 29 Basic Skill Scales. The validity of 29 Basic Skill Scales also was examined using the correlation of this battery of scales and 29 Basic Interest Scales. In sum, findings showed that Farsi form of CISS is a valuable instrument for evaluation of interest and skill, and has satisfactory reliability and validity for high school students.

Abstract Several studies showed that egalitarian gender ideology can have a significant impact on the couple’s marital harmony and marital discord. This impact can be direct or indirect and can be in interaction with other significant psychological variables such as perception of equity. This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of egalitarian gender ideology on marital harmony and marital discord with the mediation of perception of equity. The subjects of the study were 150 couples (150 men and 150 women) whose children were studying in elementary schools of Ahvaz, selected according to multistage random sampling. The participants completed Measures of Marital Harmony (MHQ) and Marital Discord (MDQ), Gender Ideology (GIS) and Measure of Equity Perceived (MEP). Data were analyzed, using structural equation modeling (SEM) and also the indirect effects were tested by bootstrapping method. The results indicated that the proposed model did have good fit indices. The results also showed that the egalitarian gender ideology had an effect, both direct and indirect, on marital harmony and marital discord in men and women.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of individual and group cognitive-behavioral therapy on adolescents’ depression. The research design was the pre-test and post-test experimental research with control group and follow up. For these purposes, 26 adolescents with depression were randomly selected and assigned to three groups of individual: cognitive-behavioral therapy, group cognitive-behavioral therapy and control group. Depression Questionnaire for Children and depression diagnostic interview were used to assess the extent of depression. The results showed that individual and group cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly affected reducing signs of depression in post-test and in follow up stages. But it did not reveal any significant difference between individual and group therapy in post-test and in follow up. Generally, the results of this research indicated that individual and group cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in reducing adolescents’ depression and they can be used as a clinical intervention by specialists.

Abstract This research intended to study the simple and multiple relationships of shyness and loneliness with addiction to Internet among Azad University students in Ahwaz. 225 students were chosen by random sampling method. To gather the data Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (1983), Russell, Peplau and Cutrona Loneliness Scale (1980) and Internet Addiction of Law and Cheng (2007) were used. Results showed that there is a positive relationship between shyness and loneliness, and Internet addiction among students. Regression analysis, by using enters method, showed shyness and loneliness could predict Internet addiction.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the simple and multiple relationships of parenting styles (authoritative motherhood, authoritative fatherhood, authoritarian motherhood, authoritarian fatherhood, permissive motherhood and permissive fatherhood) and adjustment (social, emotional, goal involvement and academic) in students. The statistical population of this study included Shahid Chamran university students in Ahvaz.  From this population, a total of 182 students were selected by multistage random sampling method. The Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) and Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) were used to collect the data. The results of simple correlation analysis showed that   there were positive correlations between permissive and authoritative motherhood and authoritative fatherhood, and negative correlations between authoritarian motherhood and authoritarian fatherhood with overall adjustment and academic adjustment. Authoritative motherhood, permissive motherhood and permissive fatherhood were positively related to social adjustment of students. Authoritative motherhood and authoritative fatherhood were positively related to emotional adjustment and authoritarian motherhood and authoritarian fatherhood were negatively related to emotional adjustment. There were positive correlations of authoritative motherhood, permissive motherhood authoritative fatherhood and permissive fatherhood with goal involvement and there was negative correlation between authoritarian fatherhood and goal involvement. The Multiple correlation analysis using Canonical Correlation coefficients showed that the strongest relationship of predictive variable set with the criterion variable set, was between fatherhood authoritative parenting style and academic adjustment.