Journal of Assessment and Research in Applied Counseling (JARAC)
E-ISSN: 3041-8518 Director-in-Charge: Dr. Mehdi Rostami Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Valiolah Farzad Associate editor: Dr. Mehdi Rostami Owner: KMAN Research Institute Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Contact email: jarac@kmanpub.com / journalarcp@gmail.com Open access: YES Journal of Assessment and Research in Applied Counseling is a scientific open-access double-blind anonymous peer-review journal publishing original articles, reviews, short communications and scientific reports of a high scientific and ethical standard in psychology, counseling and related academic disciplines. This journal is published four times per year, in English, by KMANPUB. It covers scientific subjects in the following fields: Assessment, evaluation and measurement tools for counseling and psychotherapy New individual and family psychotherapy and counseling approaches Journal of Assessment and Research in Applied Counseling is indexed and abstracted by the Google Scholar, APA PsycInfo, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/assessment-and-research-in-applied-counseling-%D9%81%D8%B5%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87-%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%B4-%D9%88-%D9%BE%DA%98%D9%88%D9%87%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%AF%DB%8C-b40aa4249/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/assessment-and-research-in-applied-counseling-%D9%81%D8%B5%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87-%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%B4-%D9%88-%D9%BE%DA%98%D9%88%D9%87%D8%B4-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%AF%DB%8C-b40aa4249/">LinkedIn, ABCD Index, Researchgate, ICMJE, and <a href="https://www.ebsco.com/m/ee/Marketing/titleLists/afh-journals.htm#:~:text=Journal%20of%20Assessment%20&%20Research%20in%20Applied%20Counseling" data-cke-saved-href="https://doaj.org/toc/2821-2738?source=%7B%22query%22%3A%7B%22bool%22%3A%7B%22must%22%3A%5B%7B%22terms%22%3A%7B%22index.issn.exact%22%3A%5B%222821-2738%22%5D%7D%7D%5D%7D%7D%2C%22size%22%3A100%2C%22sort%22%3A%5B%7B%22created_date%22%3A%7B%22order%22%3A%22desc%22%7D%7D%5D%2C%22_source%22%3A%7B%7D%2C%22track_total_hits%22%3Atrue%7D">EBSCO. About the Publisher Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. Publisher Office: Unit 5‑10825 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3E3 https://journals.kmanpub.com Email: kmanpu@kmanpub.com Telegram: +1 (647) 656‑4401 | WhatsApp: +1 (437) 429‑3507 Germany Office: Dratelnstrasse, Wohnung A60, 21119 Hamburg, Germany (+4915207720487)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapy and an Integrated Acceptance and Commitment–Based Therapy with Schema Therapy on Improving Interpersonal Relationships and Controlling Explosive Anger in Insecurely Attached Nurses with Anxiety Symptoms
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of short-term psychodynamic therapy and an integrated acceptance and commitment–based therapy with schema therapy on improving interpersonal relationships and controlling explosive anger in insecurely attached nurses with anxiety symptoms. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and one-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of nurses working in intensive care, coronary care, emergency, and oncology wards of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad during the second half of 2024. Following a multistage screening process based on the Kian-Zadeh Adult Attachment Styles Questionnaire and the anxiety subscale of the DASS-21, 30 nurses with insecure attachment styles and elevated anxiety symptoms were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: short-term psychodynamic therapy, integrated acceptance and commitment–based therapy with schema therapy, and a wait-list control group (n = 10 per group). Each intervention was delivered in eight 70-minute sessions over four weeks. Data were collected using validated measures of interpersonal relationships and explosive anger at pretest, posttest, and follow-up. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS-V22. Findings: Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed significant group effects for both interpersonal relationships and explosive anger at posttest and follow-up (p < .01). Bonferroni comparisons showed that both intervention groups significantly outperformed the control group on all outcomes. Short-term psychodynamic therapy demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in explosive anger at posttest compared to the integrated intervention (p < .05), while the integrated acceptance and commitment–based therapy with schema therapy showed a stronger effect on interpersonal relationships at posttest (p < .01). Differences between the two intervention groups were no longer significant at follow-up. Conclusion: Both short-term psychodynamic therapy and integrated acceptance and commitment–based therapy with schema therapy are effective interventions for improving interpersonal relationships and reducing explosive anger in insecurely attached nurses with anxiety symptoms, with differential short-term advantages across outcome domains.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fatemeh Hasannejad (Author); Fatemeh Shahabizadeh (Corresponding Author); Jalil Jarrahi Feriz (Author)
Improving Employability Skills Acquisition of Visually Impaired Students Through Inclusive Career Coaching Progrmme
Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of an inclusive career coaching programme in improving employability skills acquisition among students with visual impairment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental design was employed involving 25 visually impaired students purposively sampled from public tertiary institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. Participants were assigned to either a treatment group (n = 12) receiving the inclusive career coaching programme or a control group (n = 13). Employability skills were assessed at pretest, posttest, and follow-up using a validated and reliable instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline scores and demographic variables. Findings: Descriptive statistics indicated marked improvement in employability skills for the treatment group from pretest (M = 35.75, SD = 5.72) to posttest (M = 56.08, SD = 4.27) and follow-up (M = 62.17, SD = 3.19), while the control group showed minimal change. ANCOVA results revealed statistically significant effects of the intervention on posttest (F(1,8) = 156.43, p < .001, η²p = 0.951) and follow-up employability scores (F(1,8) = 195.84, p < .001, η²p = 0.961), indicating both immediate and sustained gains. Gender and age did not significantly moderate the programme’s effectiveness. Conclusion: The inclusive career coaching programme was highly effective in enhancing employability skills among students with visual impairment. These findings suggest that structured, inclusive interventions can foster skill acquisition, improve self-efficacy, and promote socioeconomic participation for this population.
Copyright (c) 2026 Liziana Onuigbo (Author); Mkpoikanke Sunday Otu (Corresponding Author)
Why Do Romantic Relationships Start Early and End Quickly? Examining the Pattern of Unstable Relationships Among Generation Z
Objective: This study aimed to identify and model the psychological, behavioral, and digitally mediated factors that explain why romantic relationships among Generation Z tend to initiate rapidly yet remain unstable. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of Generation Z young adults residing in Toronto, Canada, all of whom had experienced at least one romantic relationship in recent years. Data were collected using a comprehensive online questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, relationship histories, attachment-related variables, emotional regulation, and digital relational practices such as dating-app use and social media monitoring. A machine learning framework was employed to analyze the data, including supervised classification algorithms and unsupervised clustering techniques. Multiple models were trained and validated using cross-validation procedures, and explainability methods were applied to identify the most influential predictors of relationship instability. Findings: Inferential results indicated that non-linear machine learning models significantly outperformed linear models in predicting relationship instability. Rapid emotional attachment, attachment anxiety, fear of abandonment, intensive dating-app use, and frequent social media monitoring emerged as the strongest predictors of unstable romantic trajectories. Clustering analyses revealed distinct relational profiles, including accelerated–fragile, digitally entangled, avoidant–episodic, and relatively stable patterns, with the majority of participants falling into instability-prone profiles. Protective effects were observed for indicators of secure attachment and offline relational support. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that unstable romantic relationships among Generation Z are best understood as outcomes of interacting psychological vulnerabilities and digitally shaped relational practices rather than isolated individual deficits. Early emotional acceleration combined with constant digital comparison creates conditions under which relationships form quickly but lack durability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Derek Péloquin (Corresponding Author); Jessica Brassard , Nadereh Saadati, Lawrence Siegel , Mehdi Rostami, Kamdin Parsakia, Nicole H. Garcia (Author)
Workload and Creative Performance: The Buffering Role of Intrinsic Motivation
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of workload on creative performance and to test whether intrinsic motivation buffers the potential negative impact of workload among employees in Colombia. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational research design was employed with a sample of 397 full-time employees from diverse organizations across Colombia, selected using Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination table. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Quantitative Workload Inventory, the Work Preference Inventory–Intrinsic Motivation subscale, and the Employee Creativity Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 21. Model fit was assessed through multiple indices, including χ², degrees of freedom, χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA. Findings: Results indicated that workload was significantly and negatively correlated with creative performance (r = –.31, p < .001) and with intrinsic motivation (r = –.27, p = .001), while intrinsic motivation was strongly and positively correlated with creative performance (r = .48, p < .001). SEM analysis confirmed good model fit (χ²/df = 1.74; GFI = .94; CFI = .97; RMSEA = .043) and revealed that workload exerted a significant direct negative effect on creative performance (β = –.29, p < .001) and on intrinsic motivation (β = –.27, p < .001). Intrinsic motivation showed a robust positive effect on creative performance (β = .52, p < .001) and buffered the negative workload–creativity relationship, partially mediating and weakening the total negative impact of workload (β total = –.15, p = .041). Conclusion: Findings highlight that although heavy workload reduces employees’ creativity, fostering intrinsic motivation can protect and sustain innovative performance under job demands. Organizations should design roles and climates that support autonomy, curiosity, and self-driven engagement to maintain creativity despite high workload conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mercedes Narcisa Idrovo, Yirsa Meza Villanueva, Stephanie Flores Carrera (Author)
AI Anxiety and Technostress: The Buffering Role of Growth Mindset
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between AI anxiety and technostress among South African technology users and to determine whether a growth mindset moderates the impact of AI anxiety on technostress. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was applied with a sample of 440 participants recruited across various professional and academic sectors in South Africa, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sampling table to ensure adequate statistical power. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Technostress Creators Scale (TCS), the AI Anxiety Scale (AIAS), and the Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale to measure growth mindset. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Pearson’s correlation examined relationships between variables. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with maximum likelihood estimation was performed using AMOS 21 to test the hypothesized moderating effect of growth mindset on the AI anxiety–technostress link. Findings: AI anxiety demonstrated a strong, positive correlation with technostress (r = .63, p < .001), whereas growth mindset was negatively correlated with both technostress (r = –.42, p < .001) and AI anxiety (r = –.47, p < .001). The SEM analysis yielded excellent fit indices (χ²/df = 2.20, GFI = .93, AGFI = .91, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .052). AI anxiety had a significant positive direct effect on technostress (β = .61, p < .001), while growth mindset showed a significant negative direct effect (β = –.32, p < .001). A significant indirect effect of AI anxiety on technostress through growth mindset (β = –.11, p < .001) confirmed the moderating role of growth mindset. Conclusion: Findings highlight AI anxiety as a critical predictor of technostress and demonstrate that fostering a growth mindset can meaningfully buffer the psychological strain associated with AI-driven environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elizabeth Mangundu (Author); Sinokuthokoza Segun Oyeyiola (Corresponding Author)
Social Media Doomscrolling and Anxiety: Psychological Resilience as a Moderator
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between social media doomscrolling and anxiety among Egyptian adults and to test whether psychological resilience moderates this association, potentially buffering individuals against the anxiety-provoking effects of doomscrolling. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was used with a sample of 399 adult social media users recruited from diverse Egyptian online communities. Sample size was determined based on the Morgan and Krejcie table to ensure adequate statistical power. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Social Media Disorder Scale adapted for doomscrolling, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety, and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) for psychological resilience. Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 27 for descriptive and bivariate statistics and AMOS 21 for structural equation modeling (SEM). Model fit was evaluated using χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA indices. Findings: Results showed that doomscrolling was significantly and positively correlated with anxiety (r = .58, p < .001), while resilience was negatively associated with both doomscrolling (r = –.46, p < .001) and anxiety (r = –.52, p < .001). SEM demonstrated an excellent fit (χ²/df = 2.10, GFI = .93, CFI = .96, RMSEA = .053). Doomscrolling had a significant direct effect on anxiety (β = 0.47, p < .001) and a significant indirect effect via reduced resilience (β = –0.11, p < .001). Resilience strongly predicted lower anxiety (β = –0.35, p < .001) and significantly buffered the relationship between doomscrolling and anxiety. Conclusion: Excessive exposure to negatively oriented social media content is associated with heightened anxiety, but psychological resilience serves as a protective factor, weakening this link.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mona El-Sayed (Corresponding Author); Saeed Jabactey Alzaharni (Author)
Self-Defining Memories and Future Self-Continuity: A Qualitative Study in Emerging Adulthood
Objective: This study aimed to explore how emerging adults in Mexico narrate self-defining memories and how these narratives shape their sense of continuity with their envisioned future selves. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the narrative and temporal processes that support future self-continuity. Twenty emerging adults (12 women and 8 men) aged 18–29 years from various regions of Mexico were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews focused on personally significant life events, emotional interpretations, and future identity projections. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, and NVivo 14 software was used to support systematic coding and organization of emerging categories. Findings: Analysis revealed three main thematic domains: (1) narrative foundations of identity, including formative turning points, emotional markers of the past, and value anchors; (2) bridging present and future selves, encompassing vision of future identity, continuity across time, and agency over life direction; and (3) social and cultural context shaping self, involving family influence, cultural belonging, and negotiation of societal expectations. Participants demonstrated an active process of meaning-making, reframing adverse experiences into resilience-building narratives and integrating cultural heritage with personal aspirations. Rich, detailed self-defining memories supported optimism and future planning, while vague or fragmented narratives were linked to uncertainty and anxiety about adulthood. Conclusion: Emerging adults’ self-defining memories serve as psychological resources that maintain identity coherence and promote future self-continuity. Culturally embedded narrative reflection may strengthen resilience, self-agency, and adaptive life planning during the transition to adulthood.
Copyright (c) 2025 Paulo Castro-Medina (Corresponding Author); Juan Pablo Saravia (Author)
Parental Criticism and Emerging Adult Identity Confusion: The Moderating Role of Self-Compassion
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between parental criticism and identity confusion in emerging adults and to determine whether self-compassion moderates this relationship. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was employed with a sample of 422 emerging adults (aged 18–29) residing in Germany. Participants were recruited online and completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing parental criticism, self-compassion, and identity confusion. The sample size was determined according to the Morgan and Krejcie table to ensure adequate statistical power. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 and AMOS-21. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to explore bivariate relationships among variables. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to test the hypothesized model and to examine direct, indirect, and total effects, as well as the moderating role of self-compassion. Model fit was evaluated using multiple indices, including χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA. Findings: Results indicated a significant positive correlation between parental criticism and identity confusion (r = .52, p < .001) and a significant negative correlation between self-compassion and identity confusion (r = –.47, p < .001). SEM revealed that parental criticism directly predicted higher identity confusion (β = .49, p < .001), while self-compassion directly predicted lower identity confusion (β = –.38, p < .001). Parental criticism negatively predicted self-compassion (β = –.41, p < .001), and an indirect effect of parental criticism on identity confusion through reduced self-compassion was also significant (β = –.16, p < .001). The structural model demonstrated excellent fit (χ²/df = 2.01, CFI = .97, TLI = .96, RMSEA = .049). Conclusion: Parental criticism significantly contributes to identity confusion in emerging adults; however, self-compassion acts as a protective factor by buffering this adverse effect. Enhancing self-compassion may be an effective strategy to support identity development among individuals with critical parental backgrounds.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anni Kröger , Marc Hölling (Author); Feray Perchec (Corresponding Author)
Mechanisms of Self-Concept Coherence in Late Adolescence Under Academic Pressure
Objective: This study aimed to explore and conceptualize the psychological and contextual mechanisms through which late adolescents maintain a coherent self-concept while navigating intense academic demands in the Brazilian educational context. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 18 late adolescents (10 females and 8 males, aged 17–21) from Brazil who were experiencing significant academic pressure. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in gender, academic stage, and performance levels. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All interviews were conducted in Portuguese, lasted between 60 and 90 minutes, and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied with support from NVivo software version 14, following iterative coding, category refinement, and constant comparison to ensure depth and consistency. Credibility was enhanced through peer debriefing and member checking. Findings: Four overarching thematic categories were identified: navigating academic pressure, identity negotiation and self-concept alignment, psychological adaptation strategies, and future orientation with self-continuity. Adolescents reported internalizing family and cultural expectations while simultaneously striving for authenticity, often reframing success to protect identity stability. Cognitive reframing, emotional regulation, and self-compassion emerged as key strategies to mitigate stress and preserve self-concept clarity. Social support from peers and family played a dual role, sometimes buffering stress but occasionally intensifying pressure. Future-oriented thinking, including goal reappraisal and constructing life narratives linking past, present, and envisioned adult selves, contributed to resilience and a coherent sense of self despite academic adversity. Conclusion: Maintaining self-concept coherence in late adolescence is a dynamic, context-sensitive process involving adaptive psychological strategies and relational negotiation. These insights provide a foundation for designing culturally responsive educational and mental health interventions to help adolescents sustain identity stability under academic stress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Martha Louzada Júnior (Author); Jacinto Dos Santos Lino (Corresponding Author)
Mechanisms of Rumination Deactivation: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study in Young Adults with Anxiety
Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and underlying psychological and contextual mechanisms by which young adults with anxiety naturally deactivate rumination. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design based on interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences. The study involved 21 Indonesian young adults (aged 18–30) who self-identified as experiencing recurrent anxiety and ruminative thought patterns. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling from mental health support networks and university counseling centers. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in Bahasa Indonesia and analyzed using NVivo 14 software. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Analysis followed iterative coding, theme development, and integration processes, with peer debriefing and member checking to ensure credibility and confirmability. Findings: Four overarching themes emerged: (1) awareness and cognitive shifts, including recognition of mental loops, decentering, cognitive reframing, and acceptance of imperfection; (2) emotional processing and release, such as naming core emotions, expressive disclosure, self-soothing practices, and emotional reappraisal; (3) behavioral and environmental regulation, encompassing structured routines, purposeful engagement, digital boundaries, and adaptive social connection; and (4) coping resources and growth, involving self-directed use of therapy-informed tools, spirituality and existential meaning-making, strengthening self-efficacy, and future-oriented hope. These mechanisms revealed a layered, dynamic process of disengaging from repetitive negative thinking in everyday contexts. Conclusion: Rumination deactivation among young adults with anxiety involves a synergistic interplay of metacognitive awareness, emotional regulation, behavioral structuring, and personal growth resources. Understanding these naturalistic strategies can inform culturally sensitive interventions, prevention programs, and self-help tools to support mental well-being in emerging adulthood.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jefri Nur , Nafesa Azzahranisa (Author); Okta Nurika Akhni (Corresponding Author)
Identifying the Components of Parent–Adolescent Communication Breakdown: A Qualitative Analysis
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and identify the key components of communication breakdown between parents and adolescents within the Canadian context. Methods and Materials: This qualitative research employed an exploratory design using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 26 participants, including 13 parents and 13 adolescents residing in Canada. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in gender, age, and family backgrounds. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews, lasting 45–60 minutes, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. NVivo 14 software was used to facilitate systematic coding, categorization, and theme development. Rigor and trustworthiness were ensured through member checking, audit trails, and peer debriefing. Findings: Analysis revealed three overarching categories of communication breakdown: emotional barriers, interactional dynamics, and contextual influences. Emotional barriers included lack of emotional expression, high reactivity, misinterpretation of intentions, lack of empathy, emotional distance, and spillover of parental stress. Interactional dynamics encompassed power struggles, poor listening skills, inconsistent communication styles, inadequate conflict resolution strategies, technology-related distractions, generational language gaps, and parentification of adolescents. Contextual influences comprised cultural expectations, family structure complexities, peer and social pressures, academic and career demands, socioeconomic stressors, and parental migration and adaptation challenges. Illustrative quotations highlighted how these components disrupted trust, openness, and relational balance within families. Conclusion: The study concludes that parent–adolescent communication breakdown is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by emotional regulation challenges, relational dynamics, and broader socio-cultural contexts. Addressing these issues requires interventions that foster emotional literacy, active listening, and culturally responsive dialogue strategies. Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of family communication and provide implications for practitioners, educators, and policymakers seeking to strengthen adolescent well-being and family relationships.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chidinma Chikwe (Corresponding Author); Oriana Piskorz-Ryń , Haixin Qiu (Author)
Parental Overprotection and Youth Anger Expression: The Mediating Role of Experiential Avoidance
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between parental overprotection and anger expression among adolescents and young adults. Methods and Materials: This study used a descriptive–correlational design with a sample of 400 adolescents and young adults from Turkey, determined using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. Participants completed the State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) to assess anger expression, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) to measure experiential avoidance, and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to assess parental overprotection. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive and correlational analyses, and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings: The results indicated that parental overprotection was positively correlated with both experiential avoidance (r = .42, p < .001) and anger expression (r = .39, p < .001). Experiential avoidance was also positively correlated with anger expression (r = .46, p < .001). SEM analyses revealed that parental overprotection significantly predicted experiential avoidance (b = 0.47, β = .42, p < .001), and experiential avoidance significantly predicted anger expression (b = 0.62, β = .44, p < .001). The direct path from parental overprotection to anger expression was significant (b = 0.28, β = .21, p < .001), and the indirect effect through experiential avoidance was also significant (b = 0.29, β = .18, p < .001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that experiential avoidance partially mediates the relationship between parental overprotection and anger expression, highlighting avoidance as a key transdiagnostic mechanism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ayşe Şahin (Corresponding Author); Dilek Soylu (Author)
Conceptualizing Existential Anxiety in High-Achieving Populations: Dimensions and Adaptive Responses
Objective: This study aimed to explore how high-achieving individuals experience and conceptualize existential anxiety and to identify the adaptive responses they employ to cope with these concerns. Methods and Materials: A qualitative design grounded in interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to deeply examine the lived experiences of existential anxiety among high performers. Twenty-five participants from Hungary, recognized for sustained excellence in fields such as academia, business, arts, sports, and science, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews lasting 60–90 minutes, conducted face-to-face or online according to participant preference. Interview questions focused on participants’ perceptions of meaning, identity, mortality, and strategies for coping with existential unease. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached, after which transcripts were analyzed inductively using NVivo 14. An iterative coding process—open, axial, and thematic analysis—was used to develop higher-order categories and ensure rigor through double coding and member checking. Findings: Analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) sources and manifestations of existential anxiety, including pressure to maintain achievement, identity fragility, isolation in excellence, mortality awareness, and value–performance dissonance; (2) cognitive–emotional processing, characterized by internal dialogue, meaning searching, existential curiosity, and development of self-awareness; and (3) adaptive coping and growth responses, such as purpose reorientation, relational anchoring, mindfulness, creative expression, boundary setting, professional renewal, and existential acceptance. Participants often described an initial phase of perfectionistic rumination and isolation followed by deliberate meaning reconstruction and connection-seeking, transforming anxiety into growth. Conclusion: Existential anxiety in high-achieving individuals emerges at the intersection of success-driven identity and existential awareness but can become a powerful driver for personal transformation when supported by reflection, relationships, spirituality, and curiosity. These findings deepen theoretical understanding and inform culturally sensitive, meaning-centered interventions for high performers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Orsolya Demetrovics (Author); Norbert Hetényi (Corresponding Author)
The Counseling Relationship Assessment Measure (CRAM): Initial Validation and Psychometric Properties
Purpose: A new assessment of the counseling relationship is presented, which is needed given the limitations of current assessments in the literature. Method: The research team developed 100 items to assess these three factors from the perspective of the counselor (50 items) and the client (50 items) then had 12 professional counselors serve as content validity judges. Based on their feedback, several items were deleted or modified. The modified assessment measures were then sent to 168 counselors and to 252 clients. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) and then Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to examine their factors structure. Results: Analyses yielded two 6 items versions of the assessment measure (i.e., client and counselor forms), comprised of the underlying constructs of Frame Consensus, Collaborative Motivation, and Collaborative Action. Both forms displayed strong psychometric properties indicative of reliability and validity. Conclusions: The new measure can be used as a complement to or as an alternative to existing measures of the counseling relationship in research or practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jairo Fuertes (Author)
Exploring Motivational Structures Underlying Persistence in Individuals With ADHD
Objective: This study aimed to explore the underlying motivational structures that enable individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to sustain persistence and long-term goal engagement despite attentional and emotional challenges. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed to capture the lived experiences of adults and emerging adults with ADHD. Using purposive sampling, 25 participants (14 males, 11 females; aged 18–40) with a formal ADHD diagnosis were recruited from support groups, mental health clinics, and online communities in Thailand. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews lasting 60–90 minutes. The interviews explored personal definitions of persistence, self-regulatory strategies, emotional experiences, and the role of social and cultural contexts. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14 software. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Findings: Analysis revealed three overarching motivational themes: internal drive and self-regulation, external structure and social anchoring, and adaptive coping and resilience-building. Internal processes such as self-determination, emotional self-monitoring, cognitive reframing, and future-oriented thinking enabled participants to stay engaged despite executive function challenges. External supports—including family and peer encouragement, structured environments, feedback from mentors, and cultural values—served as anchoring forces. Adaptive coping strategies, including breaking tasks into smaller steps, using mindfulness and body regulation, and creatively channeling reward sensitivity, further reinforced persistence. These interwoven systems formed a dynamic motivational architecture that participants developed to sustain long-term efforts. Conclusion: Persistence in ADHD emerges from a complex interaction of personal agency, cultural and social scaffolds, and adaptive resilience strategies. Understanding these motivational systems can inform culturally sensitive interventions that strengthen self-regulation, leverage social support, and empower individuals with ADHD beyond symptom control.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sirinut Gunchai (Author); Thanaphat Kuntawong (Corresponding Author); Patcharee Sumethokul (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring the Dimensions of Self-Concept in Adolescents from Marginalized Communities
Objective: This study aimed to explore the multidimensional nature of self-concept among adolescents living in marginalized communities, focusing on personal, social, and coping dimensions that shape identity development. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews as the sole data collection method. Twenty-one adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from marginalized communities in Turkey were purposively selected to provide diverse perspectives. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring comprehensive exploration of emerging themes. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo 14 software. Rigorous procedures, including iterative coding, peer debriefing, and continuous comparison, were applied to ensure credibility and trustworthiness of the findings. Findings: Three overarching categories of self-concept emerged: personal identity, social identity, and coping and resilience. Personal identity encompassed subthemes such as self-image, self-esteem, emotional awareness, autonomy, future aspirations, and self-reflection. Social identity included peer relationships, family roles, community belonging, cultural identity, social comparison, stigma and discrimination, and gender roles. Coping and resilience involved coping with marginalization, sources of support, coping strategies, resilience building, and identity negotiation. Participants described vulnerabilities including low self-esteem, stigma, and tension between traditional and modern cultural norms, alongside strengths such as supportive relationships, community pride, and resilience strategies. Illustrative quotations highlighted adolescents’ lived experiences and strategies for negotiating complex identities. Conclusion: The study underscores the multifaceted and context-dependent nature of adolescent self-concept, shaped by family, peers, community, culture, and broader structural realities. Despite significant challenges, adolescents demonstrated resilience and agency in redefining self-worth and negotiating cultural boundaries. These findings highlight the need for supportive interventions in schools, families, and communities that address both vulnerabilities and strengths, empowering adolescents in marginalized settings to construct positive self-concepts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Selva Turan (Author); Mehdi Rostami (Corresponding Author); Valerie Karstensen, Amna Arif (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Identifying Components of Positive Youth Development in Multicultural Contexts
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and identify the key components of Positive Youth Development (PYD) as experienced by adolescents and young adults in multicultural contexts. Methods and Materials: This qualitative study employed a purposive sample of 25 participants aged 15–24 years from Michigan, representing diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focused on identity formation, resilience, cultural interaction, and future readiness. Interviews, lasting between 45 and 75 minutes, were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo 14 software. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. To enhance trustworthiness, peer debriefing, member checking, and reflexive memoing were incorporated throughout the research process. Findings: The analysis revealed four overarching themes and multiple subthemes that collectively represent the components of PYD in multicultural contexts. The first theme, personal growth and identity formation, emphasized self-awareness, resilience, and bicultural identity negotiation. The second, social relationships and support networks, included family support, peer bonds, mentorship, and community engagement. The third, cultural competence and diversity adaptation, reflected intercultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and strategies for balancing heritage with adaptation. The fourth, skills and future readiness, highlighted educational engagement, career planning, life skills, creativity, leadership, and health behaviors. Illustrative quotations demonstrated how youth integrated internal and external assets to foster resilience, belonging, and thriving. Conclusion: The findings affirm the universality of developmental assets while underscoring their cultural variability in multicultural contexts. By situating PYD within diverse environments, this study highlights the interplay of identity, relationships, cultural competence, and future readiness in shaping youth development. The results provide valuable implications for educators, policymakers, and practitioners in designing culturally responsive and inclusive youth programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nadereh Saadati, Necati Çobanoglu, Olga Coelho (Author); Seyed Amir Saadati (Corresponding Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring the Role of Peer Collaboration in Enhancing Adolescent Motivation to Learn
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how peer collaboration contributes to enhancing motivation to learn among adolescents in Malaysian secondary schools. Methods and Materials: This research employed a qualitative design with an exploratory approach to capture adolescents’ lived experiences of peer collaboration. A total of 29 participants (15 females and 14 males) aged 13–17 years were recruited using purposive sampling to ensure diversity in academic performance and background. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews guided by open-ended questions on peer interactions, motivational influences, challenges, and facilitators of collaboration. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and online, lasting between 45 and 60 minutes each, until theoretical saturation was reached. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software, following iterative cycles of coding, categorization, and theme development. Findings: Analysis revealed four major themes with multiple subthemes. First, peer collaboration practices included group study sessions, peer tutoring, collaborative projects, informal peer discussions, online collaboration, and peer feedback exchange. Second, motivational outcomes of collaboration involved increased engagement, sense of responsibility, confidence building, academic persistence, and emotional support. Third, challenges to peer collaboration were identified as unequal participation, conflicting personalities, time management difficulties, distractive interactions, misinformation, language barriers, and motivational gaps. Finally, facilitators of effective peer learning included teacher support, structured grouping, collaboration skill training, technological tools, positive peer norms, and institutional support. Participants’ narratives highlighted both the empowering and constraining aspects of peer collaboration in shaping motivation. Conclusion: The study concludes that peer collaboration is a powerful driver of adolescent motivation to learn, operating through academic, emotional, and social pathways. However, its effectiveness is contingent on the quality of peer relationships, structural support from teachers and institutions, and the ability to manage challenges within collaborative contexts. Practical implications include the need for structured facilitation, training in collaboration skills, and leveraging digital tools to optimize motivational benefits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ye Mu (Author); Pei-Yin Shin (Corresponding Author); Qi Shen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
An Analysis of Nigerian TVET Graduates' Career Decision Self-Efficacy
Objective: This study examined the degree of career decision self efficacy among recent graduates of technical vocational education and training in Nigeria. The aim was to understand how these graduates perceive their ability to make informed career choices, and to determine whether demographic characteristics predict their levels of self efficacy. Methods and Materials: The study employed a quantitative survey design involving three hundred and fifty recent graduates from the southeast region of Nigeria. A purposive sampling approach ensured representation across different technical vocational education programs, genders, ages and marital statuses. Data were gathered using the Career Decision Self Efficacy Scale Short Form, which contains twenty five items rated on a five point Likert scale. Regression analysis was used to examine the predictive influence of demographic variables. Findings: The results indicated that graduates displayed a high level of career decision self efficacy. The regression model showed that demographic characteristics significantly predicted self efficacy outcomes. Graduates with stronger academic achievement and those enrolled in more relevant technical vocational education programs reported higher levels of self efficacy. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for policymakers, counsellors and educators to strengthen targeted interventions that support career planning and transition for technical vocational education graduates. Enhanced guidance programmes may further improve graduates’ confidence and readiness for labour market entry. This study provides empirical insight into the career decision competence of technical vocational education graduates in Nigeria, contributing evidence that can inform national strategies for improving career development support within the sector.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mkpoikanke Otu (Corresponding Author); Maximus Monaheng Sefotho (Author)
Leveraging Mobile Therapy Systems for Competitive Advantage in Depression Treatment Among Mental Health Counsellors in Enugu State, Nigeria
Depression remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to mental health care is limited. Mobile Therapy Systems (MTS) offer an innovative approach to addressing these challenges. This study examined the use, effectiveness, and challenges associated with MTS for depression treatment among mental health counsellors in Enugu State, Nigeria. Using a binomial test, data were analyzed from 34 counsellors to identify patterns in MTS adoption, preferred features, and barriers to usage. The findings revealed that 70.6% of counsellors reported using MTS, with occasional use being the most common (58.8%). Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook were the most utilized, while features such as cognitive-behavioral therapy modules and data privacy were rated as essential. Customization of MTS to local contexts and cultural needs was deemed "very important" by 73.5% of respondents. Despite its potential, counsellors identified technical issues, high costs, and limited client acceptance as significant barriers to MTS adoption. This study highlights the importance of user-friendly, affordable, and culturally adaptive MTS platforms in expanding access to mental health care. Recommendations include improving digital infrastructure, providing targeted training for counsellors, and fostering public awareness to enhance client acceptance. The findings offer actionable insights for optimizing MTS implementation in resource-limited settings, contributing to the broader discourse on digital health innovations in mental health care.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mkpoikanke Otu (Corresponding Author)
Exploring Components of Intergenerational Transmission of Stress in Adolescents
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the components and mechanisms through which stress is transmitted across generations within families and how adolescents experience and respond to these dynamics. Methods and Materials: This study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews to capture adolescents’ lived experiences of intergenerational stress. A purposive sample of 18 adolescents, aged 13–18 years, was recruited from diverse socio-economic and family backgrounds in Ireland. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews lasted between 45 and 60 minutes, were audio-recorded with informed consent, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 14 software, following a systematic coding process that progressed from open codes to subthemes and broader categories. Credibility was enhanced through peer debriefing and member checking. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis. The first, family stress dynamics, captured the spillover of parental work stress, marital conflict, and parental coping strategies into the home environment, shaping parenting practices and communication patterns. The second, adolescent responses to stress, included emotional reactions such as anxiety, sadness, and guilt, as well as behavioral outcomes including withdrawal, academic decline, risky peer relationships, and health complaints. The third, transmission pathways and protective factors, highlighted observational learning, role reversal, and cultural narratives as mechanisms of stress transfer, while also identifying personal resilience, external supports, and family warmth as protective buffers. Adolescents’ voices emphasized both the risks of internalizing parental stress and the potential for resilience-building interventions. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that intergenerational transmission of stress is a multifaceted process shaped by family functioning, communication patterns, cultural narratives, and resilience mechanisms. While family conflict and parental distress intensify adolescent vulnerability, protective factors such as resilience and external supports mitigate adverse outcomes. These findings underscore the need for family-centered and culturally sensitive interventions to disrupt cycles of stress transmission and promote adolescent well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Armin Khadem Fini (Author); Seyed Milad Saadati (Corresponding Author); Sergii Boltivets (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Smartphone Overuse and Relationship Dissatisfaction: The Mediating Role of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO)
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between smartphone overuse and relationship dissatisfaction among young adults, with a specific focus on examining the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO). Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was employed, involving a sample of 400 young adults recruited from Manchester, United Kingdom. The sample size was determined based on the Morgan and Krejcie table to ensure adequate statistical power. Participants completed three validated instruments: the Smartphone Addiction Scale–Short Version (SAS-SV) for smartphone overuse, the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOS) for FoMO, and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16) for relationship dissatisfaction. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses, while Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed with AMOS-21 to test the hypothesized mediational model. Findings: Pearson correlations revealed significant positive associations between smartphone overuse, FoMO, and relationship dissatisfaction (all p < .001). Model fit indices indicated acceptable fit (χ²/df = 2.01, CFI = .96, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .051), supporting the robustness of the mediational model. Smartphone overuse significantly predicted FoMO (β = .48, p < .001) and relationship dissatisfaction both directly (β = .29, p < .001) and indirectly through FoMO (β = .17, p = .002). The total effect of smartphone overuse on relationship dissatisfaction was β = .46 (p < .001), confirming the mediating role of FoMO in this relationship. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for interventions that address not only digital dependency but also the psychological mechanisms, such as FoMO, that intensify relational strain in the digital age.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parichehr Mehdiabadi, Roodi Hooshmandi (Author); Jiantang Yang (Corresponding Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Self-Repair in Women with Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Qualitative Study
Objective: This study aimed to develop an integrated model of self-repair needs among women with symptoms of borderline personality disorder using a deductive thematic network analysis of scientific literature. Methods and Materials: This qualitative study employed a deductive thematic network analysis approach to synthesize findings from scholarly sources published between 2011 and 2025 that addressed self-repair, identity, emotion regulation, narrative processes, and empowerment in women with borderline personality disorder. A total of 120 articles, books, and dissertations were initially retrieved through systematic searches in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ISC, and other scientific databases. Based on predefined inclusion criteria—credibility, retrievability, adherence to scientific standards, and direct relevance to self-repair needs—21 sources were selected for final analysis. Data extraction was conducted using a structured thematic coding form, and the analytic process followed Attride-Stirling’s (2001) framework for thematic network development. The rigor of the analysis was enhanced through independent coding by five reviewers and validation using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). Findings: Analysis revealed six major organizing themes essential to self-repair in women with borderline personality disorder: identity repair, self-acceptance repair, self-concept repair, cognitive-behavioral repair, self-narrative and problem re-narration, and self-empowerment. Each theme encompassed multiple foundational and inferential subthemes, indicating a multidimensional structure underlying self-repair processes. High agreement among coders (CVR and CVI = 0.999) confirmed the robustness and consistency of the thematic categories. The inferential patterns emphasized that identity fragmentation, maladaptive cognitions, emotional dysregulation, self-criticism, disrupted narrative coherence, and feelings of emptiness function as interconnected barriers to effective self-repair. Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive integrative framework describing the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and narrative domains essential for self-repair in women with borderline personality disorder, offering a foundation for designing targeted therapeutic models and assessment tools.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammadreza Yekta (Author); Mohsen Golparvar (Corresponding Author); Zahra Yousefi (Author)
Online Sexual Exposure and Risky Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Sensation Seeking
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between online sexual exposure and risky sexual behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults, with sensation seeking tested as a mediating variable. Methods and Materials: A descriptive–correlational design was employed with a sample of 400 adolescents and young adults in Canada, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination table. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires measuring risky sexual behaviors, online sexual exposure, and sensation seeking. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses using SPSS version 27, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS version 21 were applied to test the hypothesized mediation model. Model fit was evaluated using chi-square, CFI, TLI, GFI, AGFI, and RMSEA indices. Findings: The results revealed that online sexual exposure was significantly and positively correlated with risky behaviors (r = .46, p < .001), while sensation seeking also showed a significant correlation with risky behaviors (r = .52, p < .001). SEM analysis demonstrated good model fit (χ² = 142.83, df = 71, χ²/df = 2.01, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, GFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.051). Online sexual exposure had a significant direct effect on risky behaviors (β = .29, p < .001) and an indirect effect through sensation seeking (β = .09, p = .002). The total effect of online sexual exposure on risky behaviors was β = .38 (p < .001), confirming partial mediation. Conclusion: These findings highlight that sensation seeking plays a crucial mediating role in linking online sexual exposure to risky sexual behaviors. Digital platforms not only increase exposure opportunities but also align with sensation-seeking tendencies, thereby heightening vulnerability to sexual risk.
Copyright (c) 2025 Leila Saeidtaleshi (Corresponding Author); Shiva Sherkat, Niki Nourbakhsh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Family Stress and Physical Rehabilitation Adherence in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Health Beliefs
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between family stress and physical rehabilitation adherence among adolescents, with health beliefs considered as a mediating variable. Methods and Materials: This descriptive correlational study included 399 adolescents aged 12–18 years who were undergoing physical rehabilitation programs in Minnesota. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table to ensure sufficient statistical power. Data were collected using standardized and validated instruments: the Medical Outcomes Study General Adherence Scale for adherence, the Health Belief Model Scale for health beliefs, and the Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes for family stress. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 21. Descriptive statistics were computed, Pearson’s correlations were used to examine bivariate associations, and a structural equation model (SEM) was applied to test the hypothesized mediating role of health beliefs. Findings: Results indicated that family stress was significantly and negatively associated with physical rehabilitation adherence (r = –.39, p < .001) and health beliefs (r = –.29, p < .001). Health beliefs were positively correlated with adherence (r = .47, p < .001). Family stress had a significant negative direct effect on adherence (β = –0.26, p < .001) and an indirect effect through health beliefs (β = –0.12, p = .002), with a total effect of β = –0.38 (p < .001), confirming partial mediation. Conclusion: Strengthening adolescents’ health beliefs may serve as a buffer against the adverse effects of family stress and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seyed Amir Saadati (Corresponding Author); Seyed Alireza Saadati , James Ma (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Health Anxiety and Differentiation of Self in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease in Hamadan City
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing health anxiety and improving self-differentiation in patients with coronary artery disease in Hamadan. Methods and Materials: A semi-experimental research design with a pretest-posttest format and control group was used. The statistical population included all coronary artery disease patients aged 35 to 55 referred to Farshchian Hospital in 2024. Forty-five eligible participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two intervention groups (short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy) and one control group (n = 15 per group). Both interventions were delivered in group format over 12 sessions within 90 days. Data were collected using the Health Anxiety Inventory (Salkovskis et al., 2002) and the Differentiation of Self Inventory (Skowron & Friedlander, 1998). Data analysis was conducted using univariate ANCOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS version 25, with assumptions confirmed prior to analysis. Findings: ANCOVA results showed that both psychotherapeutic interventions significantly reduced health anxiety compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the two treatment groups. For self-differentiation, significant differences were found among all three groups, with the psychodynamic group showing significantly higher gains than both the cognitive-behavioral and control groups (p < 0.001). Similar patterns were observed across subscales, including emotional reactivity, I-position, emotional cutoff, and fusion with others, where the psychodynamic approach demonstrated greater effect sizes. Conclusion: Both short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective in reducing health anxiety in cardiac patients; however, the psychodynamic approach appears superior in enhancing deeper psychological constructs such as self-differentiation. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both symptom reduction and personality development in psychosomatic treatment planning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mehdi Ebrahimkhani (Author); Hasan Rezaei Jamolouei (Corresponding Author); Saeed Ariapooran, Abolghasem Yaghoobi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Phenomenology of Self-Alienation in People With High Perfectionistic Traits
Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experience of self-alienation among individuals with high perfectionistic traits. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 24 participants (13 females, 11 males) aged 21–39 from various regions in India. Participants were purposively sampled based on high perfectionistic tendencies, as determined through a brief screening using items adapted from the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Interviews focused on internal emotional processes, identity-related experiences, and interpersonal functioning. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo software (Version 12) in accordance with a phenomenological approach. Open codes were systematically categorized into subthemes and overarching themes through iterative coding and peer debriefing. Findings: Four major themes were identified: (1) Disconnection From Authentic Self, characterized by emotional numbing, identity confusion, and suppression of personal desires; (2) Internalized Criticism and Unrealistic Standards, encompassing harsh self-talk, fear of failure, and obsession with flawlessness; (3) Emotional Isolation and Disconnection From Others, marked by relational avoidance, superficial connections, and loneliness; and (4) Existential Emptiness and Loss of Meaning, involving achievement void, value confusion, and lack of intrinsic purpose. Participant narratives revealed a cycle of emotional suppression and performative self-presentation that deepened their sense of alienation and inner fragmentation. Conclusion: Self-alienation is a central psychological consequence of perfectionistic self-presentation, affecting identity, emotional regulation, and social connection.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Psychological and Cultural Factors Influencing Career Indecision in First-Generation Students
Objective: This study aims to explore the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to career indecision among first-generation university students. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 25 first-generation undergraduate students enrolled in public universities across Argentina. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in gender, field of study, and academic standing. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo software, following open, axial, and selective coding procedures. The analysis yielded four main thematic categories: internal psychological conflict, family and socio-cultural expectations, structural and informational barriers, and social comparison and belonging uncertainty. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed that internal psychological factors such as low self-efficacy, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, and fear of failure significantly hindered participants’ ability to make confident career decisions. Cultural and familial expectations created added pressure to choose traditionally prestigious and economically secure careers, often in conflict with personal interests. Structural barriers, including inadequate career guidance and informational inequities, further complicated decision-making processes. Lastly, many students experienced intense social comparison and imposter syndrome, contributing to a sense of alienation and emotional vulnerability. These themes interact dynamically, creating a complex and layered portrait of career indecision rooted in both individual and systemic dimensions. Conclusion: Interventions must move beyond standardized career guidance to incorporate culturally sensitive, psychologically supportive, and structurally informed approaches tailored to the unique challenges faced by this population.
Exploring the Underlying Factors Influencing Help-Seeking Avoidance Among University Students
Objective: This study aimed to explore the underlying psychological, cultural, institutional, and cognitive factors that contribute to help-seeking avoidance among university students. Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative phenomenological design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 university students from various institutions across Hungary. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews focused on students’ personal experiences and perceptions regarding barriers to academic or psychological help-seeking. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. Codes and themes were inductively derived through a six-phase process involving open coding, theme development, and analytic memoing to ensure trustworthiness and rigor. Findings: Four major themes emerged: (1) Perceived Social and Cultural Barriers, including stigma, family norms, and peer group expectations; (2) Emotional and Psychological Factors, such as fear of vulnerability, self-stigma, emotional suppression, and trust deficits; (3) Institutional and Structural Constraints, including limited access, confidentiality concerns, and inadequate outreach; and (4) Personal Beliefs and Cognitive Barriers, such as belief in self-reliance, minimization of distress, and skepticism about help effectiveness. Participants consistently described a complex interplay of internalized attitudes, environmental cues, and cultural narratives that reinforced avoidance behaviors. Several students cited prior negative experiences and mistrust in university services as key deterrents. Conclusion: To address these issues effectively, universities must implement culturally sensitive, accessible, and stigma-reducing mental health strategies that reshape peer norms and institutional practices.
Self-Stigma and Low Mental Health Literacy as Predictors of Help-Seeking Avoidance
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of self-stigma and mental health literacy in help-seeking avoidance among Moroccan adults. Methods and Materials: A correlational descriptive design was employed with a sample of 390 participants selected through random sampling based on the Krejcie and Morgan table. Data were collected using standardized tools: the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH), the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale – Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS-27 to explore relationships among the variables and assess the predictive power of the independent variables on help-seeking avoidance. Findings: Pearson correlation results indicated that help-seeking avoidance was significantly and positively correlated with self-stigma (r = .61, p < .001) and negatively correlated with mental health literacy (r = –.54, p < .001). The regression model was significant, F(2, 387) = 184.23, p < .001, with an R² of .49, indicating that 49% of the variance in help-seeking avoidance was explained by the predictors. Self-stigma significantly predicted help-seeking avoidance (B = 0.46, β = .49, p < .001), as did mental health literacy (B = –0.21, β = –.37, p < .001), with self-stigma having a stronger standardized effect. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that both high self-stigma and low mental health literacy are significant and independent predictors of help-seeking avoidance. Interventions aiming to increase mental health service utilization should address both cognitive knowledge gaps and internalized stigma. This dual approach may enhance openness to professional help, especially in sociocultural contexts where mental illness is stigmatized.