Journal of Assessment and Research in Applied Counseling (JARAC)

The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Therapy on Executive Functions in 11- and 12-Year-Old Adolescent Boys with Anxiety Disorder

Parisa Mazahi

; Arezoo Shomali Oskoei *

; Mehdi Roozbahani

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy on executive functions in 11- and 12-year-old adolescent boys with anxiety disorder.

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group. The participants were 34 adolescent boys diagnosed with anxiety disorders, selected through convenience sampling from three psychotherapy clinics in Tehran in 2022. They were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 20 sessions of neurofeedback therapy, each lasting 45 minutes. The cognitive abilities of participants were assessed using Nejati's (2013) Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire, which evaluates executive functions across seven domains. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to compare changes in executive functions across the pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages.

Findings: The results indicated that neurofeedback therapy had a significant positive effect on executive functions, including memory, inhibitory control, decision-making, planning, sustained attention, social cognition, and cognitive flexibility (p = 0.001). Improvements were observed in the experimental group across all stages compared to the control group, suggesting that neurofeedback therapy effectively enhanced cognitive performance in adolescents with anxiety disorders.

Conclusion: Neurofeedback therapy was found to be an effective intervention for improving the executive functions of adolescents with anxiety disorders. The therapy’s ability to regulate brain activity led to significant cognitive enhancements, providing a promising non-invasive treatment option. Future studies should explore the long-term effects and broader applications of neurofeedback in different populations.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Sexual Education and Sensory, Proprioceptive, and Tactile Exercises on Children's Attachment Styles

Mahdieh Safarnia

; Mahnaz Estaki *

; Mahdieh Salehi

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of sexual education and sensory, proprioceptive, and tactile exercises on children's attachment styles.

Methods and Materials: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements. Thirty children aged 4 to 7 years were selected from five therapeutic clinics in Tehran using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (sexual education and sensory exercises) and a control group. Data were collected using the Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire and the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT). The experimental groups received their respective interventions for five months, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were applied for pairwise comparisons.

Findings: The results revealed a significant decrease in attachment disorder scores in the post-test and follow-up phases for both experimental groups compared to the pre-test, while the control group showed no significant changes. The difference between the post-test and follow-up scores was not significant, indicating the stability of the treatment effects over time. Sexual education and sensory, proprioceptive, and tactile exercises were effective in reducing attachment disorders and promoting secure attachment in children.

Conclusion: Both sexual education and sensory exercises can be considered effective interventions for enhancing secure attachment in children.

The Effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) on Self-Compassion and Defense Mechanisms in Individuals with Depression

Rasa Soufi Amlashi

; Arezoo Shomali Oskoei *

; Khalil Mirzaei

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.5.3.20

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) on self-compassion and defense mechanisms in individuals with depression.

Methods and Materials: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest-follow-up design and a control group. The statistical population of this study included all individuals with mild depression who referred to healthcare centers in districts four and six of Tehran during the spring and summer of 2023. Using convenience sampling and inclusion/exclusion criteria, 30 individuals were selected and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Participants responded to the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003) and the Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (Andrews et al., 1993) for pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments. After the implementation of ISTDP for the experimental group, the data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Findings: The results indicated that ISTDP increases self-compassion in individuals with depression. Moreover, ISTDP increases the use of mature defense mechanisms and decreases the use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms in individuals with depression.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) effectively increases self-compassion and enhances the use of mature defense mechanisms while reducing the use of immature and neurotic defenses in individuals with depression. These findings suggest that ISTDP can be a valuable therapeutic approach for improving emotional regulation and reducing depressive symptoms through deeper emotional integration and resolution of unconscious conflicts.

Comparing The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Paradoxical Treatment on Rumination in Adolescents with Social Anxiety Symptoms

Atefeh Nurollahi

; Fatemeh Shahabizadeh *

; Maryam Nasri

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.5.4.20

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) and Paradoxical Treatment (PT) in reducing rumination and associated symptoms in adolescents with social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Methods and Materials: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest and two-month follow-up across two experimental groups and one control group. Sixty adolescents aged 12-18 years with diagnosed SAD were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to MBT, PT, or control groups (20 participants each). Participants completed self-report measures of rumination and depression at three stages: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. The MBT group received seven weekly 90-minute sessions based on Kabat-Zinn’s mindfulness framework, while the PT group received seven weekly 90-minute sessions focused on paradoxical intention strategies. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni post-hoc tests to explore differences between groups and across time points.

Findings: The repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant within-group effects for both brooding (F(1.24, 190.59) = 30.87, p < 0.001, η² = 0.35) and reflection (F(1.29, 254.37) = 64.45, p < 0.001, η² = 0.53). Interaction effects between the test stages and group were also significant for both brooding (F(2.49, 74.03) = 11.99, p < 0.001, η² = 0.30) and reflection (F(2.58, 59.34) = 15.04, p < 0.001, η² = 0.35). Post-hoc tests revealed significant reductions in rumination and depression for both MBT and PT groups compared to the control group, with no significant difference between the interventions.

Conclusion: Both MBT and PT are effective in reducing rumination and depression in adolescents with SAD, providing sustained therapeutic benefits over time.

The Relationship Between Academic Self-Efficacy and Academic Adaptation: The Mediating Role of Academic Resilience

Elnaz Abedi

, Maryam Kazemi

, Marzieh Mirlohi

; Tahere Haghdan *

; Fatemeh Rezaee

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.5.1.19

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the mediating role of academic resilience in the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic adaptation in a group of students from the Islamic Azad University of Qeshm and Bushehr in the academic year 2023-2024.

Methods and Materials: In this descriptive-correlational study, the participants were 207 students selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling method, who completed the McIlroy and Bunting's Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, Anderson et al.'s Academic Adaptation Scale, and Samuels' Academic Resilience Scale. The validity and reliability of the research scales were assessed and confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. SPSS version 25 was utilized for descriptive data analysis and correlation matrix among research variables, while AMOS version 24 was employed for hypothesis testing and research model analysis.

Findings: The findings indicated that the research model had a good fit with the collected data. Additionally, the results demonstrated a significant direct effect of academic self-efficacy on academic resilience and a significant direct effect of academic resilience on academic adaptation. Moreover, the effect of academic self-efficacy on academic adaptation through the mediation of academic resilience was significant.

Conclusion: Overall, the findings of the present study highlight the role of academic self-efficacy and academic resilience in explaining academic adaptation. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that to enhance students' academic adaptation, attention should be given to their academic self-efficacy and academic resilience.

Comparison of Mental Toughness Between Athletes in Individual and Team Sports of the CISM of the I.R.I.

Amir Abasgholipour *

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.5.4.19

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the levels of mental toughness among athletes from different sports within the national military teams of the Islamic Republic of Iran, focusing on both individual and team sports.

Methods and Materials: This descriptive-applied study employed a causal-comparative (ex post facto) design. The sample consisted of 40 athletes from various sports, including volleyball, taekwondo, wrestling, pentathlon, and athletics. Participants were selected purposefully and completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare overall mental toughness and its subscales across different sports. Tukey’s post-hoc test was employed to identify specific group differences where significant ANOVA results were found. The assumptions for ANOVA, including normality, homogeneity of variances, and independence, were checked and confirmed.

Findings: The one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in overall mental toughness among the different sports (F(4, 39) = 27.02, p = 0.001). Significant differences were also found in the subscales of confidence (F(4, 39) = 20.52, p = 0.000), constancy (F(4, 39) = 17.54, p = 0.000), and control (F(4, 39) = 6.43, p = 0.001). Tukey’s post-hoc test indicated that taekwondo and volleyball athletes exhibited significantly higher mental toughness scores compared to athletes from wrestling, athletics, and pentathlon.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the nature of the sport, particularly the level of physical and psychological demands, significantly influences mental toughness levels in athletes. Taekwondo and volleyball athletes displayed higher mental toughness, suggesting the need for sport-specific mental training programs. These findings highlight the importance of tailored psychological interventions to enhance mental toughness, particularly in competitive military sports environments.

Determining the Effectiveness of a Grounded Theory-Based Intervention Protocol in Enhancing Psychological Status and Improving Performance in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Yasaman Ghorbani Ashin

; Mohammadreza Seirafi *

; Khadijeh Abolmaali Alhosseini

, Morvarid Ahadi

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.5.3.19

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a Grounded Theory-based intervention protocol in enhancing the psychological status and performance of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Methods and Materials: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures, a control group, and a 2-month follow-up. The study population for both the quantitative and qualitative aspects included all individuals with IBS visiting the Rah Ehya Neurology and Psychiatry Clinic, Shahid Tajrish Hospital, and Behbood Gastroenterology Clinic in Tehran during Fall and Winter 2022. Additionally, published literature on IBS patients was used for the qualitative analysis. The qualitative sample consisted of 12 IBS patients selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured format. This also included 21 relevant published articles that were subjected to thematic analysis. The quantitative sample comprised 28 IBS patients selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The intervention protocol was administered to the experimental group over 8 sessions of 60 minutes each, spanning 8 weeks. The study utilized the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), Quality of Life Scale (World Health Organization, 1994), Worry Scale (Meyer et al., 1990), Problem-Solving Questionnaire (Hepner & Petersen, 1982), and the Physical Health Symptom Scale (Spiller et al., 2010). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23, employing descriptive statistics, mixed-design ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.

Findings: Results indicated that the developed intervention protocol had a significant impact on the quality of life, psychological distress, problem-solving skills, worry, and performance of patients with IBS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The Grounded Theory-based intervention protocol demonstrated sufficient capability to enhance the psychological status and performance of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Effectiveness of McMaster Model Psychoeducational Training on Family Intimacy in Bipolar Patients

Fatemeh Bibak

; Mohammadreza Bahrani *

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.5.2.19

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of McMaster Model psychoeducational training on enhancing family intimacy among families of bipolar patients in Bushehr.

Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements, including a control group. The sample consisted of 50 participants (25 in the experimental group and 25 in the control group) selected through convenience sampling from the families of bipolar patients in Bushehr in 2023. The experimental group participated in a 10-session McMaster Model psychoeducational program, while both groups completed the Alexis J. Walker and Linda Thompson Intimacy Questionnaire (1983) before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA to assess the impact of the training on family intimacy.

Findings: The results indicated a significant difference between the estimated post-test scores of the experimental and control groups, with the McMaster Model psychoeducational training significantly improving family intimacy in the experimental group (P < .001). The effect size of the intervention was 0.314, and the statistical power was 0.743, suggesting sufficient sample size for hypothesis confirmation. Additionally, the training significantly enhanced the level of affection within the families, with an effect size of 0.349 and a statistical power of 0.776.

Conclusion: The study concluded that McMaster Model psychoeducational training has a significant positive impact on family intimacy and affection among families of bipolar patients in Bushehr. These findings support the integration of this training into therapeutic practices for families dealing with bipolar disorder to enhance family cohesion and emotional well-being.

About the Journal

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, LinkedIn, ABCD Index, Researchgate, and DOAJ.