Psychological Achievements

Abstract The aim of this multilevel analysis research was to investigate the relationships of perception of teachers’ diagnostic skills, challenging level of the class, quality of teacher’s teaching and math study skills with math performance in ninth-grade students. Research method was a correlational type, namely multilevel analysis. The statistical population of this research was all ninth-grade male and female students of first secondary school in Kohgiluyeh city, in Iran, in the academic year of 2022-2023, among them, a sample of 1000 students (500 Male and 500 female) was selected by multi-stage random sampling method. Gartner's Classroom Assessment Questionnaire, Gentry and Springer's Scale of Students' Perception of Classroom Activities, Kyriakides et al.'s Teaching Quality Scale, Hooper's Math Study Skills Scale and students' grades of the first semester of math lessons were used to measure the variables of the research. Data were analyzed using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) method. The results of multilevel analysis showed that variables of level 1 (math study skills) and level 2 (average math study skills of class, perception of teacher's diagnostic skills, challenging level of class and quality of teacher’s teaching) were positively and significantly predicting math performance of students. The interactions of level 2 variables (average math study skills of class, perception of teacher's diagnostic skills and the challenging level of the class) with the slope of the relationship between math study skills and math performance were significant. Also, the difference in math performance among classes and the difference between classes in terms of the slope of math study skills and math performance were significant. Based on the multilevel analysis in this research, it can be concluded that paying attention to the improvement of students' math study skills and class variables (average class math study skills, perception of teacher's diagnostic skills, challenging level of class and quality of teacher’s teaching) will lead to the improvement of students' mathematical performance and their positive attitude towards this lesson.

Abstract In recent years, psychologists have emphasized the significance of spirituality in psychological treatment, arguing that neglecting this dimension can reduce therapeutic effectiveness. For individuals with a strong religious background, spirituality is often best achieved through their religious beliefs. Divine religions, particularly Islam, offer practical guidance for connecting with the infinite being. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of self-determination skills training and Islamic quality of life training on perceived social support and psychological well-being among primary caregivers of chronic mental patients in Borujen city. The research was applied in nature and utilized a semi-experimental design that included pre-tests, post-tests, follow-ups, and a control group.The statistical population consisted of 550 primary caregivers of chronic mental patients covered by welfare and rehabilitation centers in Borujen. From this population, 60 caregivers were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups—one receiving self-determination skills training and the other receiving Islamic quality of life training—along with a control group.The research instruments included the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Psychological Well-Being Scales. Interventions were conducted over three months, consisting of 19 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. One group received training on self-determination skills (Field & Hoffman, 2012), while the other underwent Islamic quality of life training (Seifi et al., 2015). After the intervention, all participants completed the questionnaires again (post-test), and the same procedure was repeated two months later for follow-up.Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS-22 software. The findings indicated that both self-determination skills training and Islamic quality of life training significantly improved perceived social support (η² = 0.66, P < 0.05), with Islamic quality of life training showing greater effectiveness. Similarly, both interventions significantly enhanced psychological well-being (η² = 0.12, P < 0.05), with Islamic quality of life training demonstrating higher effectiveness compared to self-determination skills training.
 

Abstract Fibromyalgia is a complex and chronic condition marked by persistent musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and emotional disturbances. Patients often experience difficulties in emotion regulation, which intensify pain perception and reduce quality of life. Research has shown that psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), may help patients process emotional experiences that contribute to chronic stress. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of EFT on emotional balance, sense of coherence, and self-efficacy in individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This quasi-experimental research employed a pretest-posttest control group design. Thirty female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia based on clinical criteria were selected through purposive sampling from rheumatology clinics and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n = 15 each). The experimental group underwent eight 90-minute sessions of EFT over four weeks. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring emotional balance, Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Scale, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was used to analyze post-intervention differences between the groups. The findings demonstrated that participants in the EFT group reported statistically significant increases in emotional balance (p < 0.01), sense of coherence (p < 0.01), and self-efficacy (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Participants described improved emotional awareness and coping, as well as greater perceived control over stressors. These results indicate that EFT can foster adaptive emotional regulation and promote psychological resilience in chronic pain patients. The observed improvements align with previous studies suggesting that emotional awareness and processing reduce autonomic arousal and physiological tension in fibromyalgia. Enhanced self-efficacy and coherence likely mediate the positive impact of EFT by strengthening patients’ internal sense of order and manageability. EFT, therefore, can be viewed as a complementary intervention alongside medical treatment. Emotion-Focused Therapy significantly improves emotional and cognitive dimensions of well-being among fibromyalgia patients. It can serve as a valuable psychotherapeutic approach for individuals struggling with chronic pain and emotion regulation difficulties.

Abstract Suicide, as a psychological and social trauma, poses a significant threat to various segments of society, particularly vulnerable groups such as adolescents and young adults. University students, as a young demographic, are not exempt from this issue, which can be exacerbated by environmental factors, including academic challenges, unemployment, financial difficulties, failures in emotional relationships, inadequate living conditions in dormitories, and uncertainty regarding their career prospects. In addition to these environmental influences, personal factors, particularly psychological characteristics, can either contribute to or protect against the impact of social traumas like suicide. The present study aimed to examine the predictive role of personality transcendence and its dimensions, along with the expertise in emotion regulation, concerning suicidal thoughts among university students at Persian Gulf University during the academic years 1399-1400. The participants included 200 students (119 male and 81 female), selected through multistage cluster sampling. The research utilized the Pakizeh Personality Transcendence Questionnaire and the Gross Emotion Regulation Difficulty Questionnaire as measurement tools. Data were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics.The results indicated that personality transcendence serves as a negative predictor of suicidal thoughts, while problems with emotion regulation are a direct predictor of such thoughts among university students. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the dimensions of personality transcendence play a preventive role. Considering these insights, implementing educational programs to enhance character development and teach adaptive emotion regulation strategies could effectively reduce mental and physical distress and mitigate the tragic consequences of suicide within the university setting.

Abstract This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological capital, knowledge sharing, and innovative work behavior, with job engagement as a mediating factor, among employees of the South East Khuzestan Water Company. Positive attitudes toward work not only foster personal growth but also enhance organizational outcomes through innovation and collaboration. Understanding the psychological mechanisms that drive such behaviors is thus of great importance for organizations seeking sustainable development. The research population consisted of 200 employees of the South East Khuzestan Water Company in 2022, selected through random sampling. Standardized questionnaires were employed to gather data: the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (Luthans et al., 2007), Knowledge Sharing Questionnaire (Huy et al., 2010), Innovative Work Behavior Questionnaire (De Jong & Den Hartog, 2010), and Job Engagement Scale (Schaufeli et al., 2001). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SPSS-24 and AMOS-24 software.The results revealed that the proposed model demonstrated an acceptable fit with the empirical data. Findings confirmed direct and significant relationships between psychological capital and knowledge sharing, innovative work behavior, and job engagement. Moreover, knowledge sharing was positively associated with job engagement, while innovative work behavior was significantly linked to job enthusiasm. Indirect path analysis indicated that job engagement mediated the relationship between psychological capital and both knowledge sharing and innovative work behavior, highlighting the central role of job engagement in translating psychological resources into productive workplace behaviors. The discussion emphasizes that enhancing employees’ psychological capital—through building confidence, optimism, hope, and resilience—strengthens their passion for work. Such passion fosters greater involvement in tasks, enabling employees to demonstrate higher levels of creativity and innovation. Employees with strong psychological capital are more capable of overcoming workplace challenges and perceiving conditions positively, which in turn increases their willingness to share knowledge. When job engagement complements psychological capital, employees experience higher satisfaction, contributing to a culture of collaboration and innovative performance within organizations. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of investing in employees’ psychological resources and engagement to promote both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness.

Abstract Moral reasoning is a key element in various approaches to moral philosophy. This study aimed to develop an explanatory model of moral reasoning based on personality traits and cultural values. In this model, personality traits and cultural values were treated as exogenous variables. Mindfulness served as a first-level mediating variable, while personal values acted as a second-level mediating variable. Moral reasoning was designated as the endogenous variable. The participants consisted of 400 students selected through a multi-stage cluster random sampling method from various faculties at Shiraz University. Data were collected using the Big Five Personality Traits Questionnaire (Goldberg, 1999), the Mindfulness Questionnaire (Brown & Ryan, 2003), the Personal Values Questionnaire (Schwartz, 1994), and the Standard Moral Reasoning Questionnaire (Rest, 1973). Data analysis was conducted using path analysis and factor analysis. The findings indicated that among the Big Five personality traits, conscientiousness and openness to experience had significant positive relationships with moral reasoning. Agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness to experience were positively associated with mindfulness. Furthermore, the personal value of self-transcendence was positively related to moral reasoning. Both self-transcendence and self-enhancement values, along with mindfulness, mediated the relationships between the personality traits of neuroticism, openness to experience, and conscientiousness with moral reasoning. It can be suggested that individuals who score high in openness to experience tend to be more mindful. However, in relation to self-transcendence, a negative association may arise due to the presence of unrealistic idealism as a component of self-transcendence. The findings are discussed in the context of existing theories and research.

Abstract This study aimed to model emotional divorce based on metacognitive beliefs among individuals seeking divorce. The research also examined the mediating roles of emotional processing and dysfunctional communication beliefs. The method used for this research was descriptive-correlational, with a statistical population comprising all men and women who sought divorce at family counseling centers and clinics in Isfahan in 2021. Following Klein's (2010) recommendation for sample size in structural modeling, 226 participants were selected through convenience sampling.Participants completed several instruments: the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ) developed by Wells, the Emotional Divorce Scale by Gottman, the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS) by Baker et al., and the Dysfunctional Communication Beliefs Questionnaire by Edelson and Epshtin. Data were analyzed using path analysis within the framework of structural equation modeling (SEM).The results showed that both metacognitive beliefs and dysfunctional communication beliefs were significantly associated with emotional divorce (p < .01). However, the direct path from emotional processing to emotional divorce was not statistically significant (p > .05). Indirect path analysis indicated that marital communication beliefs and emotional processing served as mediators in the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and emotional divorce. Thus, it can be concluded that metacognitive beliefs may predict emotional divorce in individuals seeking divorce through the mediating effects of marital communication beliefs and emotional processing.

Abstract Introduction
Social anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense anxiety or fear of social situations in which a person may be evaluated by others. People with this disorder worry about receiving negative and positive evaluations from others and avoid situations where they may be evaluated. Social anxiety disorder is related to lower quality of life and more interpersonal, occupational, and academic problems. A high percentage of people with this disorder also report comorbid disorders such as other anxiety disorders, depression, and some personality disorders. Despite high prevalence and important consequences of social anxiety disorder, studies show that one-third of people with this disorder receive treatments. Social anxiety disorder, if not treated, can turn into a chronic disorder that leads to problems, destruction, and comorbid or subsequent disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression. Contextual schema therapy is an approach that integrates Young's schema therapy with the concepts of third-wave therapies and corrects coping, inner critic, and child modes and strengthens healthy adult mode. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of contextual schema therapy on the fear of negative evaluation and the fear of positive evaluation in people with social anxiety disorder.

Method
The present study was performed in the frame of an A-B single-subject design. The statistical population consisted of all the people with social anxiety disorder in Mashhad city, in 1400, out of which 12 people were selected by convenience sampling. The subjects received contextual schema therapy for 16 weekly sessions of 1 hour. The tools were used in the study included the Carleton et al. Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale-II and the Weeks et al. Fear of Positive Evaluation Scale. The data were analyzed using improvement percentage, reliable change index, non-overlapping effect size and visual analysis.

Results
The reliable change index (1.96 <), the improvement percentage (25% <) and the non-overlapping data showed the significant effect of the intervention in reducing the fear of negative evaluation and the fear of positive evaluation of all subjects. The improvement percentage at the follow-up stage indicated that the treatment was effective in reducing the fear of negative evaluation and the fear of positive evaluation.

Discussion
Based on the findings, contextual schema therapy by integrating the third wave approaches was effective in reducing the fear of negative evaluation and the fear of positive evaluation. Therefore, contextual schema therapy can be suggested as an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder.

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and compassion-focused therapy on basic psychological needs, maladaptive magnification, and stress coping strategies in patients with lupus. Given the importance of the role of stress in the recurrence and continuation of lupus episodes and the adverse effects of stress on most aspects of these patients' lives, patients need to receive the necessary training in coping with stress and satisfying psychological needs so that they can manage the situation well when faced with unavoidable stressful situations and remain protected from stress-related harm. The research method was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test and control group. The statistical population of the study was all patients with lupus hospitalized in Ghaem and Razavi hospitals in Mashhad in 2022, of which 45 people were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to 3 groups: experimental 1, experimental 2, and control group. Experimental group 1 received acceptance and commitment therapy, experimental group 2 received compassion-focused therapy, and the control group did not receive any psychological intervention until the end of the study. The research tools included the Basic Psychological Needs Questionnaire (BSNQ), the Adaptive Magnification Style (AIDS), and the Coping Strategies for Stress (CISS). The research data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance and SPSS version 24 software. The results showed that compassion-focused therapy was more effective on basic psychological needs, maladaptive magnification, and coping strategies in patients with lupus (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate that compassion-focused therapy leads to an increase in the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and a decrease in maladaptive magnification and coping strategies in patients by inhibiting automatic emotional reactions and cultivating a sense of human commonality

Abstract The purpose of this study is to design and validate the situational judgment test of critical social thinking of managers in the Iranian Alloy Steel Company. This study is descriptive-survey and applied in terms of purpose. The research sample includes 196 people (for exploratory factor analysis and reliability) and 210 separate people (for confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity) from the management level employees of the Iranian Alloy Steel Company, who were selected by stratified sampling method. In order to formulate the situations and answer options of the test, the opinions of subject experts were used, and the validity of the test was examined using correlation methods, goodness of fit study, factor analysis, and reliability analysis. The results showed that three factors with eigenvalues ​​greater than one explained 57% of the total variance of the scores, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each of the components and the total scale were above 0.7. Also, the results of confirmatory factor analysis were obtained in all cases above 0.5 and the convergent validity of the test with critical social thinking scores in the assessment center showed a moderate correlation. The evidence of this study showed that using the Grossman et al. conceptual model and also using the situational judgment method as a valid tool for measuring employees' communication competencies can effectively measure employees' critical social thinking in complex organizational social situations and potentially be a suitable starting point for designing educational and human capital development interventions in this field.
 

Abstract Adolescents are among the most vulnerable age groups, facing a variety of sexual issues that can be exacerbated by the rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes characteristic of this developmental stage. These challenges can have lasting effects on their mental health, sexual identity formation, and future relationships. This vulnerability is heightened in settings such as residential welfare boarding centers, where emotional support and educational resources may be lacking, making adolescents more susceptible to harmful and dysfunctional sexual experiences. The present study aimed to qualitatively investigate the sexual problems experienced by adolescents living in welfare boarding centers, utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach. A total of 15 adolescents were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation was achieved. The analysis was based on Colaizzi’s method. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information obtained, three methods—credibility, dependability, and confirmability—were employed. This analytical approach allowed for an accurate representation of the adolescents' lived experiences and provided a comprehensive understanding of their sexual problems, examining emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions. Data analysis revealed twenty-seven initial concepts, nine sub-themes, and three main themes:  Sexual Traumas (including sexual harassment by society, harassment from others and family, and the painful recollection of sexual abuse). Sexual Misbehavior (including poor sexual hygiene, addiction to masturbation, and harassment from others and family). Invalid Sexual Modeling (including learning about sex through pornography, sexual awareness and persuasion by peers, and inappropriate sexual patterns). The findings of this research indicate that adolescents in welfare boarding centers face numerous sexual problems that require recognition and intervention. Addressing these issues could facilitate the development of preventive programs aimed at reducing sexual harm. It is recommended that professionals and supervisors in these centers utilize the findings to enhance the sexual health of adolescents. Additionally, it is essential to develop and implement comprehensive, clear, specific, and practical educational intervention programs.

Abstract Quality of work life (QWL), grounded in management science philosophy, prioritizes the enhancement of human dignity and well-being—both psychological and physical—by facilitating opportunities for professional growth and a fulfilling work life. Accordingly, this study investigates QWL among employees in Iran’s steel industry through a qualitative, grounded theory methodology. Using purposive (snowball) sampling and theoretical saturation as the criterion for data collection termination, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants—including frontline employees, specialists, and managers from Mobarakeh Steel Company—and 7 academic experts in organizational behavior and occupational health. Data analysis followed Corbin and Strauss’s systematic three-phase coding process: open coding for initial concept identification; axial coding to establish connections among categories and subcategories; and selective coding to integrate core themes into a cohesive theoretical framework. The analysis yielded five primary causal dimensions influencing QWL: (1) individual-level factors (e.g., self-efficacy, health status); (2) work–life responsibility balance; (3) managerial practices (e.g., leadership style, feedback mechanisms); (4) organizational justice (distributive, procedural, and interactional); and (5) the physical and psychosocial work environment (including safety, ergonomics, and social support). For each dimension, the study proposes targeted, evidence-based strategies across five strategic domains: (i) personalized employee development programs; (ii) strengthening interpersonal and team-based relationships; (iii) streamlining workflows and reducing administrative burdens; (iv) institutionalizing fairness in policies, decision-making, and interpersonal treatment; and (v) redesigning physical workspaces to align with ergonomic and psychological needs. These interventions collectively aim to elevate subjective well-being and job engagement. Critically, enhancing QWL directly contributes to improved organizational performance—specifically, increased productivity, reduced turnover, attraction of skilled talent, lower healthcare and absenteeism costs, and enhanced profitability. Conversely, neglecting QWL correlates with burnout, disengagement, and operational inefficiency. Early identification of detrimental factors—such as inequitable reward systems or hazardous environments—enables proactive managerial response and systemic reform. In capital- and labor-intensive sectors like steel manufacturing, where occupational stress and physical demands are pronounced, embedding QWL into human resource strategy is not merely ethically warranted but economically imperative. This research offers a context-sensitive, theory-driven framework for QWL optimization in heavy industry—a model potentially transferable to comparable industrial ecosystems regionally and beyond.

Abstract Divorce often highlights issues within various aspects of life and the dynamics of family structures. It is frequently associated with increased levels of hostility in both men and women. Additionally, divorce can indicate underlying family dysfunctions, which may manifest as unstable, rigid, or turbulent family patterns. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the attributional styles, coping strategies, and alexithymia of divorced couples in Eqlid City. This was a quasi-experimental study that involved pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments with both experimental and control groups. A total of 40 divorced individuals seeking assistance from the Social Emergency Centers of Eqlid were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participants underwent group cognitive-behavioral therapy for 12 sessions over three months, meeting once a week for 120 minutes each session. Data was collected using the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WoCQ), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (FTAS-20) during the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.The results indicated that individuals in the experimental group showed significantly better performance in all components of attributional styles (with the exception of the seeking social support subscale), coping strategies, and alexithymia compared to those in the control group. Moreover, the effects of the group cognitive-behavioral therapy remained stable until the four-month follow-up. These findings can be utilized by mental health professionals to enhance couples’ mental well-being and reduce marital conflict in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Additionally, the results can inform effective treatment and prevention strategies for family and community psychologists working with dysfunctional families and divorced couples.

Abstract This study was conducted to present a structural model for predicting social interest based on attachment styles, with the mediating role of forgiveness in women. The research was applied for a purpose, quantitative in terms of data, and descriptive–correlational in method. The statistical population consisted of all women attending community centers (Sarāy-e Mahallāt) in Tehran during the years 2020–2021. Using the minimum sample size requirement for structural equation modeling and single-stage cluster random sampling, 305 participants were selected as the sample. Standardized questionnaires—including the Social Interest Questionnaire (Crandall & Reimanis, 1976), the Attachment Styles Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), and the Forgiveness Questionnaire (Rye et al., 2001)—were used for data collection. Content and construct validity were examined, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and McDonald’s omega, all of which indicated acceptable validity and reliability of the instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling) via SPSS-23 and LISREL 8.7. The findings showed that the proposed model had a good fit. Results also indicated that attachment styles have a direct effect on social interest in women. Furthermore, attachment styles influence social interest indirectly through forgiveness. The study revealed that insecure attachment styles—particularly avoidant and ambivalent—reduce social interest, whereas secure attachment, through greater trust and better emotional regulation, enhances it. Attachment styles also affect social interest indirectly, as individuals with insecure attachment tend to exhibit lower forgiveness and weaker emotional intimacy due to fear of rejection and mistrust. Forgiveness plays a significant mediating role and reduces the negative effects of insecure attachment. Early family experiences play a crucial role in shaping attachment patterns and the development of social interest. Based on the findings, training programs focusing on social interest and forgiveness, as well as therapeutic approaches such as emotion-focused, behavioral, and narrative therapies, are recommended to improve relationships and reduce marital conflicts.

Abstract The present study aimed to examine the relationship between self-This correlational study examined the relationship between compassion and job burnout among teachers with over ten years of experience, focusing on the mediating role of resilience. A total of 372 teachers with more than ten years of work experience were sampled using a multi-stage random sampling method. Data was collected using the Neff Self-Compassion Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Maslach and Jackson Burnout Inventory. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling in SPSS-26 and AMOS-25 software.The results from the structural equation modeling indicated that self-compassion had a significant direct effect on job burnout (β = -0.27, p < 0.003). It also had a significant indirect effect on job burnout mediated by resilience (β = -0.28, p < 0.001). Furthermore, resilience had a significant direct effect on job burnout (β = -0.43, p < 0.002). Together, self-compassion and resilience explained 42% of the variance in job burnout. These findings suggest that self-compassion is a crucial factor related to job burnout, as it helps individuals manage stressful situations. Through its positive impact on resilience, self-compassion enables individuals to accept challenges with kindness and awareness, reducing the intensity of job burnout.

Abstract This study aimed to examine the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between spirituality and wisdom within a causal model. Understanding the psychological mechanisms through which spirituality contributes to wisdom can provide important insights for both educational and mental health contexts. The present research employed a descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population consisted of female student teachers enrolled in their final semester at Farhangian University of Tehran. Using a random cluster sampling method, a total of 309 participants were selected for the study. Data were collected through three standardized instruments: the Five-Dimensional Wisdom Questionnaire developed by Webster, the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire designed by Baer et al., and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale developed by Dehshiri et al. All instruments demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in previous studies and in the present sample. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS software. Before testing the hypothesized model, preliminary analyses were performed to assess assumptions of normality and to evaluate descriptive statistics and correlations among the study variables. The proposed model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data based on multiple goodness-of-fit indices. The results indicated that spirituality had a significant direct effect on wisdom. In addition, spirituality exerted a significant indirect effect on wisdom through mindfulness, confirming the mediating role of mindfulness in the proposed model. Specifically, higher levels of spirituality were associated with greater mindfulness, which in turn predicted higher levels of wisdom. Overall, the findings showed that spirituality and mindfulness together accounted for approximately 75% of the variance in wisdom. In conclusion, the results highlight the important role of mindfulness as a psychological mechanism linking spirituality to wisdom. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of wisdom development and have practical implications for educational and psychological interventions. Accordingly, it is recommended that future intervention studies focus on enhancing spirituality and mindfulness to promote wisdom, particularly among teacher education students and other populations involved in educational and helping professions.  

Abstract The aim of the present study was to identify the challenges, obstacles, motivations, and success factors in remarriage based on the lived experience of divorced women with a history of remarriage. The present research design is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative research in terms of data collection methods. The qualitative part of the research was phenomenological, and data analysis was conducted using content analysis and coding using Collaizi’s seven-step method. The statistical population of the qualitative section included all divorced women from Yazd or residing in the city of Yazd in 2023 who had a history of remarriage of at least 6 months. It was conducted using purposive sampling and a semi-structured interview method. The number of participants was selected based on the saturation criterion, which we reached after interviewing 15 people. The interview texts were analyzed using coding, and finally 232 concepts, 30 primary codes, 15 main themes, and 48 subthemes were extracted from the lived experiences of divorced women with a history of remarriage. The pre-remarriage counseling model was developed in 11 sessions. To validate the designed counseling package, the package was provided to 10 professors and experts in the field of marriage and family psychology and analyzed through content and validity. And the test result in all items related to content and validity was higher than 0.7, indicating the suitability of the package. Therefore, the results confirmed the validity of the developed counseling package.

Abstract Adolescence is a critical period in life characterized by significant changes in physical, sexual, social, cognitive, and emotional aspects. These changes can lead to distress, and adolescents often struggle to tolerate this distress, which can have both physical and psychological health consequences. However, various therapeutic and educational interventions have been employed to improve distress tolerance and related factors such as social cognition and intolerance of uncertainty. One promising intervention is emotion regulation training. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of emotion regulation training on social cognition, intolerance of uncertainty, and distress tolerance in adolescents. This applied research utilized a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test/post-test approach and included a control group. The statistical population comprised all male students from public elementary schools in Mashhad in 2022. A total of 30 adolescent males from these schools were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group participated in eight group training sessions based on Gross's emotion regulation model (Gross, 2002), while no intervention was provided to the control group. Participants completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (Carleton et al., 2007), the Social Stories Questionnaire (1986), and the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, employing multivariate analysis of covariance, with a significance level set at 0.05. The average ages of the participants in the experimental and control groups were 12.06 and 12.13, respectively, with an overall average age of 12.01 for all participants. The results indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding social cognition (p = 0.001) and distress tolerance (p = 0.02). However, no significant difference was found in terms of intolerance of uncertainty (p = 0.052). Overall, the findings suggest that emotion regulation training effectively enhances social cognition and distress tolerance among adolescents. Therefore, emotion regulation training can be utilized as an effective intervention by psychologists and mental health professionals to improve these areas in adolescents.

Abstract The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the therapeutic community (TC) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) on the defense mechanisms of methamphetamine addicts. The present study was applied in terms of purpose and was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design with two experimental groups and a control group with a follow-up period. The study population included all methamphetamine addicts who used methamphetamine at least twice a month and at most three times a week for 2 years, who were receiving treatment in two treatment centers: Raz Aramesh Community Therapy Center and NA sessions at Shahid Ostadian Welfare Center in Shiraz during the first 6 months of 2021. To examine and compare three groups, 15 people in each group, for a total of 45 people, were considered. The instrument used in this study was the Andrews et al. Defense Mechanisms Questionnaire, and the TC treatment protocol and the NA treatment protocol were administered in two 90-minute sessions. In all three groups, these questionnaires were first distributed, and then educational interventions were conducted for the test groups. Finally, a post-test was administered to all three groups after two months. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-22, and covariance statistical tests were used for final analysis. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the meaning of only the subscales of inhibitory control and selective attention, somatization, isolation, sublimation and suppression, and neuroticism in the experimental (under NA) and control groups. The results of the Bonferroni test show that there is a significant difference in the mean of the subscales of memory, planning, and social cognition, autistic fantasy omnipotence mechanisms and suppression, neuroticism, extraversion, and openness between TC and NA, and TC had a higher effectiveness. Therefore, according to the results, TC and NA treatment can be used to reduce maladaptive defense mechanisms.

Abstract The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and Schema Therapy on emotional experience toward one’s spouse, forgiveness, and gratitude among couples attending counseling centers in Isfahan City. Marital relationships are dynamic emotional systems that can be improved through structured psychotherapeutic interventions. FAP focuses on enhancing awareness of interpersonal behaviors and reinforcing positive interactions in the therapeutic relationship, while Schema Therapy emphasizes identifying and modifying deep-seated maladaptive schemas that influence emotions and behaviors in close relationships. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up phases, including two experimental groups and one control group. The statistical population comprised all married couples aged 25–45 years in Isfahan. Using convenience sampling, 30 couples were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (10 couples), Schema Therapy (10 couples), and a control group (10 couples). The two experimental groups each received eight 90-minute weekly sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were gathered using three standardized instruments: the Emotional Experience toward Spouse Questionnaire (Bradshaw, 1995; 6 items), the Forgiveness Questionnaire (Rye et al., 2001; 15 items), and the Gratitude Questionnaire (McCullough et al., 2002; 6 items). These tools were administered at three time points—pretest, posttest, and a two-month follow-up—to assess the persistence of therapeutic effects. Data analysis was performed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed no significant difference between FAP and Schema Therapy in improving emotional experience toward the spouse and gratitude. However, there was a significant difference in forgiveness, where Schema Therapy proved more effective than FAP in increasing couples’ forgiveness capacity and reducing marital conflicts. The follow-up results further indicated that treatment outcomes were maintained over time. Overall, both interventions were beneficial in enhancing positive marital emotions, empathy, and appreciation within couples. Nonetheless, Schema Therapy demonstrated greater efficiency in fostering forgiveness, emotional regulation, and long-term relational harmony. These findings suggest that Schema Therapy can serve as a valuable intervention model for counselors aiming to improve relationship satisfaction and reduce conflict in marital settings.