E-ISSN: 3041-8615 Director in Charge: Dr. Seyed Ali Darbani Editor-in-chief: Dr. Shokoh Navabinejad Associate editor: Dr. Nadereh Saadati Executive Director: Maryam Nayebzadeh Owner: Iranian Association for Women's Studies Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Contact Email: psywoman@kmanpub.com /psychowomenjournal@gmail.com Open Access: YES The psychology of woman journal publishes new theories and scientific-research achievements in various areas and is a suitable platform for presenting and transmitting opinions and results obtained about new findings and studies that are raised in relation with women studies. The publication of this journal causes a detailed and valuable acquaintance and recognition of the studies which can show that how women have a great contribution in the society. Therefore, articles that are dedicated to the psychological and social issues of women and are written according to the scientific structure of the journal will be able to be published in this journal. Therefore, experts and scholars can submit their manuscripts for peer-review and publication in this scientific quarterly by becoming a member of the site. The Psychology of Woman Journal is a scientific open peer-reviewed. The aims and scopes of the journal are to publish articles in the field of women and family, with the following priorities: Pathology and providing solutions for women and family issues Examining and presenting new findings in the theoretical fields of women and family issues from a religious perspective Identifying the needs, abilities of women and the fields of their presence during the development of the Islamic system Explaining the role of women in social processes and social psychology Creating and presenting a new paradigm in the field of women in the country Development of research related to women from the perspective of social psychology and sociology Criticizing and examining the views of schools and experts in the field of women and family 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)
The Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Training on Body Image Concern and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation in Women with Overweight
Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of self-compassion training on body image concern and difficulties in emotion regulation in women with overweight. Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design and a two-month follow-up including a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with overweight in Tehran in 2026. Overweight was defined based on a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 29.9. Following the initial screening, volunteer participants completed the Body Image Concern Questionnaire and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. The mean score of the initial sample was 54.30 on the Body Image Concern Questionnaire and 106.40 on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Therefore, women who obtained scores above the mean on these two instruments were considered eligible for the intervention phase. Subsequently, 30 participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group and a control group, with 15 participants in each group. The experimental group received self-compassion training in eight 60-minute sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention during this period. Data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance in IBM SPSS Statistics. Findings: The results indicated that the experimental and control groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographic characteristics. Furthermore, the results of the two-way repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated that the interaction effect of group and time on body image concern and difficulties in emotion regulation was significant. Based on mean comparisons, the scores of body image concern and difficulties in emotion regulation in the experimental group decreased from the pretest to the posttest stage, and this reduction remained largely stable at the two-month follow-up stage, whereas no substantial changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, self-compassion training can reduce body image concern and difficulties in emotion regulation among women with overweight. Therefore, the application of this training in counseling centers, nutrition clinics, and psychological programs related to body image may be beneficial for improving women’s relationship with their bodies and enhancing their ability to manage difficult emotions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zohre Safari , Seyedeh Fatemeh Dinparast (Author); Mahdieh Salari (Corresponding Author)
The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Flexibility and Suicidal Ideation in Women with Experiences of Spousal Infidelity
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on psychological flexibility and suicidal ideation in women with experiences of spousal infidelity. Methods and Materials: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest structure and a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with experiences of spousal infidelity who were referred to the Arsam Psychological and Counseling Services Center in Tonekabon in 2026. Using convenience sampling, 28 participants were selected and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups, with 14 participants in each group. Data collection instruments included the Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire developed by Dennis and Vander Wal and the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire developed by Keith. The experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy during eight 90-minute sessions, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance in SPSS software. Findings: The findings indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved psychological flexibility in women with experiences of spousal infidelity. The results of covariance analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in posttest psychological flexibility scores after controlling for pretest scores (F = 53.56, p < .001, η² = .59). In addition, cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced suicidal ideation among participants in the experimental group compared with the control group (F = 45.32, p < .001, η² = .56). Conclusion: The findings suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective psychological intervention for increasing psychological flexibility and reducing suicidal ideation among women affected by spousal infidelity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rozhan Sefatian (Author); Eshagh SamKhaniani (Corresponding Author); Fatemeh Miyar Toboni , Santik Vakili , Sadegh Asadi (Author)
Investigating the Relationship Between Prosocial Rule Breaking and Quality of Life with the Mediating Role of Psychological Safety Among Women Employed in Government Offices in Ahvaz
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between prosocial rule breaking and quality of life with the mediating role of psychological safety among women employed in governmental offices in Ahvaz. Methods and Materials: This study was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of methodology using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of women employed in governmental offices in Ahvaz, from whom 385 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Prosocial Rule Breaking Questionnaire developed by Vardaman et al. (2014), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire–Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and Edmondson’s Psychological Safety Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 25. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and structural equation modeling were employed to examine the relationships among the research variables and test the conceptual model. Findings: The results revealed significant positive relationships among prosocial rule breaking, psychological safety, and quality of life. Prosocial rule breaking had a positive and significant effect on psychological safety (β = .580). Psychological safety also demonstrated a positive and significant effect on quality of life (β = .390). In addition, the direct effect of prosocial rule breaking on quality of life was positive and significant (β = .230). The indirect effect of prosocial rule breaking on quality of life through psychological safety was confirmed (β = .226), indicating the mediating role of psychological safety in this relationship. The structural model demonstrated a desirable fit with the data (χ²/df = 2.38, CFI = .951, RMSEA = .060). Furthermore, prosocial rule breaking explained 33.6% of the variance in psychological safety, while prosocial rule breaking and psychological safety together explained 41.2% of the variance in quality of life. Conclusion: The findings suggest that prosocial rule breaking, when occurring within psychologically safe organizational environments, can contribute positively to employees’ quality of life. Psychological safety plays a significant mediating role by reducing fear of negative consequences and encouraging constructive organizational behaviors. Therefore, creating supportive and psychologically secure workplace climates may enhance employees’ well-being, organizational participation, and adaptive performance among women employed in governmental organizations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatemeh Latifat (Author); Abdozahra Naami (Corresponding Author); Seyed Esmaeil Hashemi (Author)
Modeling Marital Satisfaction Based on Differentiation of Self and Perceived Social Support: The Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of psychological well-being in the relationship between differentiation of self and perceived social support with marital satisfaction among married female teachers. Methods and Materials: The present study employed a descriptive-correlational design using path analysis modeling. The statistical population consisted of married female teachers working in elementary, lower secondary, and upper secondary schools in Shiraz during the 2023–2024 academic year who had at least one child. A total of 378 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, the Differentiation of Self Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-26 and AMOS-18 software. Findings: The findings demonstrated that the proposed structural model had an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.99, GFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.04). Differentiation of self had a positive and significant direct effect on marital satisfaction (β = 0.108, p < 0.05) and also an indirect effect through psychological well-being (β = 0.276, p < 0.05). Perceived social support similarly showed significant direct (β = 0.124, p < 0.05) and indirect effects (β = 0.180, p < 0.05) on marital satisfaction through psychological well-being. Psychological well-being had a strong direct effect on marital satisfaction (β = 0.557, p < 0.05). Furthermore, differentiation of self and perceived social support significantly predicted psychological well-being, with coefficients of 0.496 and 0.323, respectively (p < 0.05). The model explained 45% of the variance in marital satisfaction and 38% of the variance in psychological well-being. Conclusion: The results indicated that psychological well-being plays an important mediating role in the relationship between differentiation of self, perceived social support, and marital satisfaction.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zahra Shafiei Sarvestani (Author); Hossein Pourshahriar (Corresponding Author); Omid Shokri (Author)
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Mood Status in Women with Postpartum Depression
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on mood status in women with postpartum depression. Methods and Materials: This applied quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design with a control group among women with postpartum depression who referred to psychological clinics in Tehran during 2023–2024. From a population of 80 women, 40 participants who met the inclusion criteria were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups (20 participants in each group). Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. The experimental group received eight 120-minute sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy based on Hayes’ protocol, while the control group received no intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS version 23. Findings: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in mood status scores in the experimental group following the intervention compared with the control group. ANCOVA results indicated that the effect of group membership on overall mood status was statistically significant (F = 6095.615, p < 0.0001, η² = 0.994). Furthermore, MANCOVA findings revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the subcomponents of mood status, including anxiety (F = 24.136, p < 0.001), depression (F = 13.869, p = 0.001), fatigue (F = 7.807, p = 0.008), confusion (F = 27.566, p < 0.001), anger (F = 20.662, p < 0.001), and vigor (F = 30.461, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment therapy was effective in improving mood status among women with postpartum depression. The intervention reduced anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion while enhancing positive mood and psychological flexibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahdis Jafarbeglou (Author); Ameneh Sadat Kazemi (Corresponding Author)
Lived Experiences of Couples Regarding Grief Caused by Recurrent Miscarriages in Infertile Women: A Phenomenological Study
Objective: This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of couples’ lived experiences of grief caused by recurrent miscarriages in infertile women. Methods and Materials: This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Seventeen participants (14 women and 3 men) with a history of at least two consecutive miscarriages and infertility were purposively selected from specialized infertility centers in Tehran and Qom in 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (individual and couple interviews) and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Findings: Six main themes emerged: emotional turmoil (shock, anxiety, guilt, chronic sorrow, and hopelessness); continuity of loss (multilayered, disenfranchised, and complicated grief); distorted self-concept (sense of bodily defectiveness, doubts about gender identity, and reduced self-esteem); the relationship under the shadow of loss (mutual empathy, distance resulting from differences in grieving styles, and strengthened bond); coping and adaptation (individual strategies, social support, and the role of healthcare staff); and search for meaning (religious meaning-making, post-traumatic growth, and redefinition of goals). Conclusion: Recurrent miscarriage is an existential, relational, and culture-based phenomenon. Grief in this context is multilayered, chronic, and often overlooked. A deep understanding of this experience can contribute to the design of couple-centered interventions and enhance healthcare providers’ sensitivity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hoda Zaraj (Author); Manijeh Firoozi (Corresponding Author); Katayon Vakilian , Fatimah Nosrati (Author)
The Effectiveness of Emotional Schema Therapy on Defense Mechanisms, Emotional Distress Tolerance, and Psychosomatic Symptoms in Married Women with Psychosomatic Disorder Symptoms
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of emotional schema therapy on defense mechanisms, emotional distress tolerance, and psychosomatic symptoms in married women with symptoms of psychosomatic disorder. Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The participants were married women with symptoms of psychosomatic disorder in Isfahan. Eligible participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received eight 90-minute sessions of emotional schema therapy, while the control group received no psychological intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Defense Style Questionnaire-40, the Distress Tolerance Scale, and the Psychosomatic Symptoms Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance and follow-up ANCOVA tests. Findings: The multivariate results showed a significant overall effect of emotional schema therapy on the combined outcomes, Wilks’ Λ = .246, F(5, 24) = 14.68, p = .001, η² = .75. Follow-up analyses showed significant effects on mature defense, F(1, 28) = 9.73, p = .004, η² = .25; immature defense, F(1, 28) = 6.25, p = .010, η² = .18; neurotic defense, F(1, 28) = 14.90, p = .001, η² = .34; emotional distress tolerance, F(1, 28) = 32.58, p = .001, η² = .53; and psychosomatic symptoms, F(1, 28) = 4.54, p = .040, η² = .14. Conclusion: Emotional schema therapy improved defensive functioning, increased emotional distress tolerance, and reduced psychosomatic symptoms in married women with psychosomatic disorder symptoms. Therefore, it may be considered an effective intervention for improving emotional and somatic functioning in this population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zeinab Haghighi (Author); Milad Abedi Ghelich Gheshlaghi (Corresponding Author)
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Sexual Anxiety, Sexual Self-Disclosure, and Sexual Satisfaction in Women
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on sexual anxiety, sexual self-disclosure, and sexual satisfaction among women referring to counseling centers. Methods and Materials: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest structure, including a control group and a follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of women referring to counseling centers in Sabzevar in 2022. A total of 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling based on the inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 participants in each group) and one control group (15 participants). Data collection instruments included the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS), the Sexual Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Sexual Self-Disclosure Scale for spouses. The intervention consisted of eight 90-minute sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy conducted in group format. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests in IBM SPSS Statistics software. Findings: The findings demonstrated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in sexual anxiety (F = 11.69, p < .001), sexual self-disclosure (F = 8.46, p < .001), and sexual satisfaction (F = 20.21, p < .001). Significant time effects and group × time interaction effects were also observed across the three measurement stages. Bonferroni post hoc comparisons indicated that sexual anxiety significantly decreased from pretest to posttest and follow-up, whereas sexual self-disclosure and sexual satisfaction significantly increased in the experimental group. The absence of significant differences between posttest and follow-up stages suggested that the therapeutic effects remained stable over time. Conclusion: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective in reducing sexual anxiety and improving sexual self-disclosure and sexual satisfaction among women. The findings suggest that ACT may enhance women’s psychological flexibility, emotional openness, and relational functioning, thereby contributing to improved sexual well-being and marital intimacy. Accordingly, ACT may be considered an effective therapeutic approach for use in counseling centers and sexual health interventions for women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Akbar Azadvari (Author); Mohsen Doustkam (Corresponding Author); Baratali Ghavami (Author)
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Distress Tolerance and Perceived Stress in Women with Social Anxiety Disorder
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on distress tolerance and perceived stress in women with social anxiety disorder. Methods and Materials: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of women diagnosed with social anxiety disorder based on DSM-5 criteria in Tehran in 2024. A total of 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Data collection instruments included the Distress Tolerance Scale developed by Simmons and Gaher, the Perceived Stress Scale developed by Cohen et al., and the Social Anxiety Questionnaire developed by Connor. The experimental group participated in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy sessions for 8 consecutive weeks, with one 90-minute session per week, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS software after examining assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances. Findings: The results of multivariate analysis of covariance indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in distress tolerance and perceived stress at the posttest stage (p < 0.01). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly increased distress tolerance and reduced perceived stress among women with social anxiety disorder. The findings demonstrated significant effects for distress tolerance (F = 72.851, p < 0.01, η² = 0.622) and perceived stress (F = 47.341, p < 0.01, η² = 0.614). Statistical power for both variables was reported as 1.00, indicating high explanatory strength of the intervention. Conclusion: The findings suggest that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is an effective psychological intervention for improving distress tolerance and reducing perceived stress in women with social anxiety disorder.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elahe Ebrahimi Alavige , Rahman Azizi , Seyed Erfan Siadati (Author); Fatemeh Abedi Firouzjaei (Corresponding Author); Sohila Karimi (Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) on Impulsivity and Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) on impulsivity and cognitive emotion regulation in patients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group and a three-month follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of female patients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder who were referred to psychiatric and psychological clinics in District 3 of Tehran during the first quarter of 2026. Forty-five participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned into three groups, including ISTDP, TFP, and a control group. The research instruments included the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), which were administered at the pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages. The TFP intervention was implemented in twelve weekly 60-minute sessions, whereas the ISTDP intervention was conducted in ten weekly 60-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance in IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26. Findings: The findings demonstrated that both ISTDP and TFP significantly reduced impulsivity and improved cognitive emotion regulation compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Significant interaction effects between time and group membership were observed for non-planning impulsivity and cognitive impulsivity, while no significant interaction effect was found for motor impulsivity. Moreover, significant improvements were observed in most components of cognitive emotion regulation, including self-blame, rumination, positive refocusing, planning-focused refocusing, positive reappraisal, and perspective taking. Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons indicated that TFP was more effective than ISTDP in improving adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and reducing cognitive dimensions of impulsivity. The treatment effects remained relatively stable during the three-month follow-up period. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy and Transference-Focused Psychotherapy are effective interventions for reducing impulsivity and improving cognitive emotion regulation in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder. However, TFP demonstrated superior effectiveness in enhancing reflective and cognitive aspects of emotional regulation. These results highlight the importance of psychodynamic interventions that focus on emotional processing, personality organization, and reflective functioning in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder.
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy
Copyright (c) 2025 Siamak Gholami Mazinan (Author); Sara Hashemi (Corresponding Author); Farhad Jomehri (Author)
The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence, Job Satisfaction, and Life Satisfaction Among Female Nurses in Tehran
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction among female nurses working in hospitals in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This study was conducted using a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of female nurses employed in public and private hospitals in Tehran during the 2025–2026 academic year, from which 312 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The validity and reliability of all instruments had been confirmed in previous studies. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings: The results revealed significant positive correlations among emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction. Emotional intelligence showed a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction (r = 0.61, p < 0.01) and life satisfaction (r = 0.58, p < 0.01). Additionally, job satisfaction was positively associated with life satisfaction (r = 0.66, p < 0.01). The findings of multiple regression analysis demonstrated that emotional intelligence and job satisfaction jointly predicted life satisfaction among female nurses. The regression model was statistically significant (F = 174.68, p < 0.001) and explained 53% of the variance in life satisfaction. Job satisfaction emerged as the stronger predictor (β = 0.47, p < 0.001), while emotional intelligence also significantly predicted life satisfaction (β = 0.34, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results suggest that healthcare organizations should implement emotional intelligence training programs and occupational support interventions to improve nurses’ mental health, professional functioning, and quality of life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Banafsheh Hoseini Firouzabadi (Author); Neda Ali beigi (Corresponding Author)
Comparing the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy on Death Anxiety and Negative Meta-Emotion in Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) on death anxiety and negative meta-emotion in women with multiple sclerosis. Methods and Materials: This applied quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group and follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of women with multiple sclerosis in Tehran, Iran, during 2024–2025. A total of 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into three groups: SFBT, CFT, and control group, with 15 participants in each group. The experimental groups participated in eight 90-minute weekly group therapy sessions, while the control group received no psychological intervention during the study period. Data were collected using Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale and the Negative Meta-Emotion Scale developed by Mitmansgruber et al. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, multivariate analysis, and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons in SPSS at a significance level of p < .05. Findings: The findings demonstrated significant time-by-group interaction effects for both death anxiety and negative meta-emotion. In the comparison between the SFBT and control groups, significant reductions were observed in death anxiety (Wilks’ Lambda = .234, F = 44.30, p = .001, partial η² = .766) and negative meta-emotion (Wilks’ Lambda = .156, F = 72.90, p = .001, partial η² = .844). Similarly, the comparison between the CFT and control groups revealed significant reductions in death anxiety (Wilks’ Lambda = .282, F = 34.30, p = .001, partial η² = .718) and negative meta-emotion (Wilks’ Lambda = .120, F = 165.50, p = .001, partial η² = .880). Bonferroni post hoc comparisons showed that both intervention groups differed significantly from the control group at posttest and follow-up stages. Although the CFT group showed descriptively greater reductions in death anxiety and negative meta-emotion, the direct differences between SFBT and CFT were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results indicated that both Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy were effective in reducing death anxiety and negative meta-emotion in women with multiple sclerosis, and the treatment effects remained stable at follow-up. These findings suggest that brief solution-oriented and compassion-based psychological interventions can serve as effective supportive treatments alongside medical care for women with chronic neurological illness. Both approaches may help patients improve emotional adjustment, reduce existential distress, and develop more adaptive emotional coping strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahsa Naeeni Davarani (Author); Mansoor Alimahdi (Corresponding Author); Amin Rafiepoor, Mehrdad Sabet (Author)
Using Machine Learning to Identify Latent Profiles of Somatosensory Amplification and Catastrophic Misinterpretation of Bodily Cues in Psychosomatic Patients
Objective: To utilize a machine learning framework to evaluate and interpret the predictive power and complex interactions of perceived efficacy, social network centrality, and collective identity strength on the advocacy behavior of women. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional quantitative study analyzed data from a stratified random sample of exactly women in South Africa. Validated self-report scales measured advocacy behavior, internal and external perceived efficacy, social network centrality (derived via an egocentric generator), and collective identity strength. Predictive modeling compared four machine learning algorithms (Gradient Boosting Machine, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Logistic Regression) using an training and testing data partition. Model performance was evaluated using and -score metrics, with SHAP values extracted from the optimal model for feature interpretability. Findings: Tree-based ensemble methods significantly outperformed linear baselines, with the Gradient Boosting Machine achieving the highest of on the test set. SHAP analysis demonstrated that Collective Identity Strength (Mean Absolute SHAP Value of ) was the paramount predictor, followed by Social Network Centrality ( ). Furthermore, Internal Perceived Efficacy ( ) was a substantially stronger predictor than External Perceived Efficacy ( ). Bivariate analyses corroborated these algorithmic outputs, showing advocacy behavior correlated most strongly with Collective Identity Strength ( , ). Conclusion: Advocacy behavior in women is optimally predicted by a non-linear integration dominated by collective identity strength, structural network position, and internal self-efficacy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Brian Mwangi (Author); Kabelo Radebe (Corresponding Author); Iheanyi Onuigbo (Author)
Predicting Adherence to Complex Health Regimens in Women with Chronic Illness: A Random Forest Approach Integrating Health Literacy and Self-Efficacy
Objective: This study aimed to predict adherence to complex health regimens in women with chronic illnesses by evaluating the integrated predictive value of health literacy, self-efficacy, and sociodemographic factors using a Random Forest machine learning approach. Methods and Materials: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 482 women with chronic illnesses recruited from referral hospitals in Jakarta and Surabaya, Indonesia. Data were collected via structured interviews utilizing validated tools, including the General Medication Adherence Scale ( ), the Health Literacy Questionnaire ( ), and the Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale ( ). A Random Forest regression algorithm, optimized via grid search hyperparameter tuning on a 70/30 train-test split, was utilized to evaluate predictive accuracy and rank feature importance. Findings: The optimized Random Forest model (250 trees, maximum depth of 15) successfully explained 74% of the variance in regimen adherence ( ), demonstrating high accuracy with a Mean Absolute Error of 1.85 and a Root Mean Squared Error of 2.42. Feature importance analysis (measured by Gini impurity) revealed that the strongest predictors were self-efficacy in symptom control (0.185), health literacy in understanding information (0.142), self-efficacy in communicating with physicians (0.128), and health literacy in actively engaging with providers (0.115), heavily outperforming static sociodemographic factors such as age, income, and educational attainment. Conclusion: Adherence to complex health regimens is predominantly driven by modifiable psychological and cognitive assets—specifically symptom-management self-efficacy and health information comprehension—rather than static sociodemographic characteristics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abulhudha Subair , Aditya Prasetyo (Author)
Effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Training on Alexithymia and Perceived Stress in Women Affected by Infidelity
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of compassion-based positive couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy on emotional experience toward spouse among young couples in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This applied study employed a semi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group and a two-month follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of young couples referring to counseling and psychological service clinics in District 5 of Tehran between July 2024 and March 2025. Using purposive sampling, 45 couples were selected and assigned into two experimental groups and one control group, with 15 couples in each group. The first experimental group received compassion-based positive couple therapy, while the second experimental group participated in emotionally focused couple therapy. Both interventions were implemented in fifteen two-hour sessions conducted twice weekly. The control group remained on a waiting list and received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Emotional Experience Toward Spouse Questionnaire developed by Yusefi and Ghaffaralehi. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-26 through descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Findings: The results indicated significant effects of group, time, and group-by-time interaction on positive and negative emotional experiences toward spouse (p < .001). Both compassion-based positive couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy significantly increased positive emotional experiences and reduced negative emotional experiences compared with the control group. Bonferroni post hoc comparisons demonstrated that the intervention groups achieved significantly better outcomes than the control group at the posttest stage (p < .001). Pairwise comparisons further revealed significant improvements from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up in both intervention groups, while no significant differences were observed between posttest and follow-up stages, indicating the stability of treatment effects over time. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both compassion-based positive couple therapy and emotionally focused couple therapy are effective interventions for improving emotional experiences toward spouse among young couples. These approaches appear to strengthen emotional intimacy, emotional responsiveness, and adaptive emotional interactions while reducing negative emotional experiences and relational distress. Therefore, the application of emotion-centered and compassion-oriented therapeutic interventions may play an important role in promoting marital well-being and emotional stability among couples.
Copyright (c) 2025 Atena Nobakht Namini (Author); Ayatollah Karimi Baghmalek (Corresponding Author); Alireza Mollazade (Author)
Hierarchical Linear Modeling of Body Surveillance Frequency: Linking Media Consumption Intensity and Internalized Thin-Ideal in Adolescent Females
Objective: The objective of this study was to utilize a multilevel statistical framework to examine how individual-level media consumption intensity and internalized thin-ideal uniquely predict body surveillance frequency, and to determine whether the magnitude of these relationships varies significantly across distinct high school contexts among adolescent females. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a sample of N=1348 Hungarian adolescent females nested within multiple high schools. Participants completed a battery of validated self-report psychometric instruments, including a media exposure inventory, the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 to assess thin-ideal internalization, and the surveillance subscale of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale. Data were analyzed using Hierarchical Linear Modeling to appropriately partition the variance between individual psychological traits (Level 1) and the overarching sociocultural school contexts (Level 2), while controlling for baseline Body Mass Index. Findings: The calculation of the unconditional null model yielded an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 12.8%, confirming that a significant proportion of the variance in body surveillance frequency is attributable to between-school differences. Main effects modeling demonstrated that both intense media consumption and the internalized thin-ideal were robust, significant positive predictors of body surveillance at Level 1. Random slopes analyses revealed that the predictive relationship between the internalized thin-ideal and body surveillance varied significantly across different educational environments; conversely, the random slope for media consumption intensity was not statistically significant, indicating a uniformly detrimental effect across all schools. Additionally, Body Mass Index exhibited a significant positive association with heightened self-surveillance behaviors. Conclusion: Body surveillance among adolescent females is a deeply context-dependent phenomenon where the psychological harm of internalizing societal beauty standards is significantly magnified or buffered by the specific sociocultural climate of the school environment, underscoring the critical need for systemic, whole-school interventions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Martín Echeverría (Author); Ádám Székely (Corresponding Author); Arna Sigurðardóttir (Author)
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Marital Burnout and Social Anxiety in Married Women with Family Problems
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on marital burnout and social anxiety among married women with family problems. Methods and Materials: The present study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test structure including an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population consisted of married women with family problems who referred to counseling centers in Tehran in 2024. Using convenience sampling, 30 participants who obtained high scores on the marital burnout and social anxiety questionnaires were selected and randomly assigned into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Data collection instruments included the Pines Couple Burnout Measure (CBM) and the Social Anxiety Scale. The experimental group participated in eight 2-hour sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Finding: The results of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test confirmed the normal distribution of the data (p > .05). The findings of univariate analysis of covariance demonstrated that, after controlling for pre-test scores, the effect of group membership on post-test marital burnout scores was significant (F = 32.78, p = .001, η² = .59). In addition, the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on post-test social anxiety scores was significant (F = 38.14, p = .001, η² = .56). The results indicated that participants in the experimental group showed significantly lower levels of marital burnout and social anxiety compared to the control group after the intervention. Conclusion: The findings suggest that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is effective in reducing marital burnout and social anxiety among married women with family problems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Afagh Jafari (Author); Seyedeh Somayeh Sayadi Kenari (Corresponding Author); Sara Sirjani , Seyedeh Sekineh Mousavi , Alireza Islami (Author)
The Effectiveness of Meanin-Centered Therapy on the Dimensions of Quality of Life in Women with Grief Syndrome Following Cancer-Related Amputation
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Meanin-Centered Therapy on the dimensions of quality of life in women experiencing grief syndrome following cancer-related amputation. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group and a follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of women with breast cancer experiencing death anxiety and grief symptoms following amputation, who were recruited from specialized oncology centers in Isfahan. A total of 36 participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 18). The experimental group received an eight-session group-based Meanin-Centered Therapy intervention, while the control group did not receive any psychological intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the WHOQOL-BREF, the Grief Experience Questionnaire, and the Death Anxiety Scale. Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS-27, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Findings: The results indicated significant effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group on all dimensions of quality of life (p < 0.001). Participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health at posttest compared to pretest, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Bonferroni post-hoc analyses revealed that the differences between pretest and posttest, as well as between pretest and follow-up, were statistically significant (p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were found between posttest and follow-up (p > 0.05), indicating stability of the intervention effects over time. Effect size indices demonstrated large practical significance across all variables. Conclusion: Meanin-Centered Therapy is an effective intervention for improving multiple dimensions of quality of life in women experiencing grief syndrome following cancer-related amputation, and its effects are sustained over time, suggesting its utility as a meaning-centered therapeutic approach in psychosocial oncology care.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nika Dardashtinia , Baharak Jahandar, Athar Abasian Najafabadi (Author); Gholamreza Talebi (Corresponding Author)
The Effectiveness of Short-Term Object Relations Therapy on the Dimensions of Shame in Women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A Randomized Clinical Trial
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of short-term object relations therapy on the dimensions of shame in women with multiple sclerosis. Methods and Materials: This study was an applied quantitative research conducted using a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up, including an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population consisted of women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis referred to medical centers in Isfahan during 2025–2026. A total of 36 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 18). The experimental group received short-term object relations therapy based on Masterson’s protocol in 14 sessions (45 minutes each, twice weekly), while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Experience of Shame Scale (ESS), which assesses characterological, behavioral, and bodily shame. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-29 at both descriptive and inferential levels, including repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Findings: The results of repeated-measures ANOVA indicated significant effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group on total shame and all its dimensions (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes. Bonferroni post hoc tests showed that shame scores in the experimental group significantly decreased from pretest to posttest and from pretest to follow-up (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed between posttest and follow-up stages, indicating stability of treatment effects. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Short-term object relations therapy is an effective intervention for reducing the dimensions of shame in women with multiple sclerosis, and its effects are stable over time, suggesting its potential as a valuable psychotherapeutic approach for improving emotional functioning in this population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ghazal Mesghali (Author); Gholamreza Talebi (Corresponding Author); Hamidreza Oreyzi (Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy and the Existential–Spiritual Reconstruction Protocol in Enhancing Quality of Life Among Women Attending Healthcare Centers in Bushehr City
Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Existential–Spiritual Reconstruction Protocol in improving the quality of life among women attending healthcare centers in Bushehr City. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with a history of miscarriage who attended healthcare centers in Bushehr City. From the eligible participants, 45 individuals were selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants each (two experimental groups and one control group). Initially, a pretest was administered to all three groups. Subsequently, the two experimental groups received therapeutic interventions over eight 90-minute sessions, and finally, a posttest was conducted for all groups. Data were collected using the Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36). The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 25. Findings: The results indicated a significant difference between the effectiveness of the miscarriage-related Existential–Spiritual Reconstruction Protocol and Emotion-Focused Therapy in improving the quality of life of women with a history of miscarriage. In most dimensions of quality of life, both experimental groups (ESR-A and EFT) showed significant differences compared to the control group (p < .05). Therefore, both interventions led to improvements in quality of life dimensions compared to no intervention. Furthermore, direct comparison between the two experimental groups revealed that in some dimensions, the level of improvement in the first experimental group (ESR-A) was greater than that in the second experimental group (EFT). Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that both interventions are effective in improving the quality of life of women with a history of miscarriage; however, the Existential–Spiritual Reconstruction Protocol, which is developed based on qualitative findings and tailored to the cultural context of the community, showed greater effectiveness.
Existential–Spiritual Reconstruction Therapy
Copyright (c) 2025 Azam Barani (Author); Maryam Gholamzadeh Jofreh (Corresponding Author); Kabra Kazemian Moghadam (Author)
Prediction of Attitudes Toward Marital Infidelity Based on Thinking Styles and Mindfulness with the Mediating Role of Emotional Attachment in Women
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the structural model predicting attitudes toward marital infidelity based on thinking styles and mindfulness with the mediating role of emotional attachment in women. Methods and Materials: This applied study employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of women attending counseling and psychological service centers in Zanjan in 2025. Based on Klein’s recommendation, a sample size of 260 participants was initially selected using convenience sampling, of which 252 valid questionnaires were analyzed after data screening. Data collection instruments included the Attitudes Toward Infidelity Questionnaire (Whatley, 2008), the Thinking Styles Questionnaire–Short Form (Sternberg & Wagner, 1997), the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory–Short Form (2006), and the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (Hirschfeld et al., 1997). Data were analyzed using LISREL (version 8) with structural equation modeling techniques. Findings: The proposed model demonstrated an acceptable fit (χ² = 178.40, df = 88, RMSEA = 0.043, CFI = 0.921). Thinking styles had a significant negative direct effect on attitudes toward marital infidelity (β = -0.391, p < .01), and mindfulness also showed a significant negative direct effect (β = -0.412, p < .01). Emotional attachment significantly predicted attitudes toward marital infidelity (β = -0.745, p < .01). Furthermore, thinking styles (β = 0.637, p < .01) and mindfulness (β = 0.586, p < .01) had significant positive effects on emotional attachment. The indirect effects of thinking styles (β = -0.656) and mindfulness (β = -0.745) on attitudes toward marital infidelity through emotional attachment were significant, confirming the mediating role of emotional attachment. Conclusion: The findings indicate that attitudes toward marital infidelity can be effectively predicted through an integrated model involving thinking styles, mindfulness, and emotional attachment, highlighting the importance of cognitive and emotional mechanisms in shaping relational attitudes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sana Dalali (Author); Hossein Masoomi Jahandizi (Corresponding Author); Mahtab Moraveji (Author)
Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on Emotion Regulation and Anxiety Sensitivity in Women with Borderline Personality Disorder
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of schema therapy on emotion regulation and anxiety sensitivity in women with borderline personality disorder. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and a two-month follow-up with a control group. The statistical population consisted of women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who attended a specialized psychology clinic in Tehran in 2025. A total of 30 participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received schema therapy intervention over ten 90-minute sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and the Anxiety Sensitivity Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS-26. Findings: The results indicated that there were significant differences between the experimental and control groups in emotion regulation (p = 0.024) and anxiety sensitivity (p = 0.008). Additionally, within-group (time) effects were significant for both emotion regulation (p < 0.001) and anxiety sensitivity (p < 0.001). The interaction effect of group and time was also significant for emotion regulation (p < 0.001) and anxiety sensitivity (p < 0.001), indicating that schema therapy significantly improved emotion regulation and reduced anxiety sensitivity in the experimental group compared to the control group, with effects maintained at follow-up. Conclusion: The findings suggest that schema therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing emotion regulation and reducing anxiety sensitivity in women with borderline personality disorder, and its effects are stable over time. Therefore, schema therapy can be recommended as a therapeutic approach for improving emotional and psychological functioning in this population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sima Pakdel Sabzgol , Masoumeh Hasani (Author); Alireza Ahangaran (Corresponding Author)
The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Personality Traits with Attitudes Toward Childbearing in Married Women Aged 25–45
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between childhood trauma and personality traits with attitudes toward childbearing in married women aged 25–45. Methods and Materials: This study employed a fundamental, descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population consisted of married women aged 25–45 who referred to psychological clinics and mental health centers in districts 1 to 5 of Tehran. A sample of 222 participants was selected using a convenience sampling method, based on recommended sample sizes for correlational research and considering potential attrition. Data were collected using the Attitudes Toward Fertility and Childbearing Scale (AFCS), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the short form of the Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 at both descriptive and inferential levels, including Pearson correlation coefficients and simultaneous multiple regression analysis to examine relationships and predictive power among variables. Findings: The results indicated that emotional abuse (r = -0.19, p < 0.01) and emotional neglect (r = -0.16, p < 0.05) were significantly and negatively correlated with attitudes toward childbearing, whereas other trauma dimensions showed non-significant relationships. Among personality traits, extraversion (r = 0.26, p < 0.01), openness to experience (r = 0.17, p < 0.01), and agreeableness (r = 0.22, p < 0.01) demonstrated significant positive correlations with attitudes toward childbearing. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that extraversion (β = 0.15, p = 0.046) and openness to experience (β = 0.13, p = 0.040) significantly predicted attitudes toward childbearing, while childhood trauma variables did not show significant predictive effects in the presence of personality traits. The overall regression model was statistically significant (F = 5.49, p < 0.01) and explained 11% of the variance in attitudes toward childbearing.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hakime Dastani Hossein Abadi (Author); Samad Shirinzadeh (Corresponding Author); Marzieh Poursalehy , Alireza Mollazadeh (Author)
Can Self-Repair Training Help Women with Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder? A Quasi-Experimental Study
Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the capacity of self-repair training to help women with symptoms of borderline personality disorder improve self-regulation and weaken neurotic defense mechanisms. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with three stages: pretest, posttest, and follow-up, along with a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with symptoms of borderline personality disorder in the city of Isfahan during the summer of 2025 who were referred to four centers active in this field. Among them, 40 women were purposively selected and assigned to an experimental group and a control group (20 participants in each group). The Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Gratz & Roemer, 2004) and the Neurotic Defense Mechanisms Questionnaire (Andrews et al., 1993) were used to assess the dependent variables at the three stages. The self-repair training group received training over 10 sessions, whereas the control group received no training. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test in SPSS version 26. Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the self-repair training group and the control group in the variables of self-regulation and neurotic defense mechanisms (p < .05). This means that self-repair training helped women with symptoms of borderline personality disorder improve their level of self-regulation and, in contrast, reduce their use of neurotic defense mechanisms. Conclusion: Therefore, self-repair training can be used in treatment centers to help women struggling with symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
women with symptoms of borderline personality disorder
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammadreza Yekta (Author); Mohsen Golparvar (Corresponding Author); Zahra Yousefi (Author)
Predicting Anxiety Sensitivity Based on Fatigue and Occupational Stress Among Female Law Enforcement Employees
Objective: The present study aimed to predict anxiety sensitivity based on fatigue and occupational stress among female law enforcement employees in Tabriz. Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design with a predictive approach. The statistical population consisted of all female law enforcement employees working in Tabriz in 2025. Using convenience sampling, 230 participants were initially recruited, of whom 212 were included in the final analysis after excluding incomplete questionnaires. Data were collected using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, and the Health and Safety Executive Occupational Stress Indicator Tool. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simultaneous multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results showed that fatigue was positively and significantly correlated with anxiety sensitivity (r = .56, p < .01), and occupational stress was also positively and significantly correlated with anxiety sensitivity (r = .49, p < .01). The findings of multiple regression analysis indicated that fatigue and occupational stress jointly predicted anxiety sensitivity significantly (R = .62, R² = .39, F(2, 209) = 66.08, p < .001). Both fatigue (β = .42, p < .001) and occupational stress (β = .31, p < .001) were significant predictors of anxiety sensitivity, with fatigue showing the stronger predictive contribution. Conclusion: The findings suggest that fatigue and occupational stress are significant predictors of anxiety sensitivity among female law enforcement employees in Tabriz. Higher levels of fatigue and job stress were associated with greater fear of anxiety-related sensations, and fatigue emerged as the stronger predictor. These results highlight the importance of developing organizational and psychological interventions aimed at reducing fatigue, managing occupational stress, and promoting mental health among female law enforcement personnel.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hossein Rostami (Corresponding Author)
Causal Forest Estimation of Treatment Heterogeneity: Identifying Subgroups of Women Benefiting Most from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Pain
Objective: The objective of this study was to apply a causal forest machine learning algorithm to estimate the conditional average treatment effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on pain interference and identify the specific baseline characteristics of women with chronic pain who derive the greatest therapeutic benefit. Methods and Materials: This randomized controlled trial included a sample of N=284adult women (mean age M=51.4years) residing in Spain and suffering from chronic non-malignant pain. Participants were randomly assigned to an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program or a treatment-as-usual control group. Baseline sociodemographic and psychological covariates were assessed using standardized psychometric instruments, including the Brief Pain Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. To move beyond the traditional Average Treatment Effect (ATE), a causal forest algorithm was utilized to estimate the Conditional Average Treatment Effect (CATE) for pain interference, allowing for the empirical identification of high-benefit and low-benefit patient subgroups based on their multidimensional baseline profiles. Findings: While the standard analysis revealed a statistically significant Average Treatment Effect for pain interference (ΔM=-1.24), the causal forest estimation uncovered substantial treatment heterogeneity, with individual CATEvalues ranging widely from -3.10to +0.45. Variable importance metrics derived from the machine learning model identified baseline anxiety as the strongest predictor of treatment benefit, followed closely by the non-judging of inner experience facet of dispositional mindfulness, and the total duration of the chronic pain condition. Specifically, the high-benefit subgroup—which experienced the most clinically significant reductions in pain interference (τ(x)≈-3.10)—was characterized by elevated baseline anxiety and depression, distinctly lower baseline scores in non-judging mindfulness, and a comparatively shorter history of chronic pain. Conclusion: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is not uniformly effective for all chronic pain patients; rather, it yields the maximum reduction in pain interference specifically among women presenting with high emotional distress, highly judgmental psychological traits, and shorter pain durations, highlighting the critical necessity of precision behavioral medicine.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tiago Figueiredo (Author); Laura Benítez (Corresponding Author); Petra Nováková (Author)
Feature Importance Ranking in Machine Learning Models Predicting Help-Seeking Intentions for Mental Health Issues in Women with High Public Self-Awareness
Objective: The objective of this study was to utilize machine learning algorithms to predict professional psychological help-seeking intentions and robustly rank the importance of various psychosocial and demographic features among Taiwanese women exhibiting high public self-awareness. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study recruited N=1,452Taiwanese women identified with high public self-awareness via purposive sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments translated into Traditional Chinese, including the Self-Consciousness Scale, the Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale, and the Kessler Distress Scale. The analytical pipeline was executed using Python (Scikit-learn and XGBoost libraries) for data preprocessing, model training, and performance evaluation across four algorithms (Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, and XGBoost). Finally, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were employed to extract and rank the importance of each feature in the optimal predictive model. Findings: The participant cohort presented a mean age of 31.8years, with 77.9%holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and 44.6%demonstrating high intentions to seek professional psychological help. The XGBoost algorithm achieved superior predictive performance on the test set compared to traditional models, yielding an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.91. SHAP value analysis identified “Self-Stigma of Seeking Help” (Mean ∣SHAP∣=1.24) and “Perceived Public Stigma” (Mean ∣SHAP∣=0.98) as the most paramount negative predictors paralyzing help-seeking intentions, whereas “Mental Health Literacy” (Mean ∣SHAP∣=0.85) emerged as the strongest positive predictor mitigating these barriers. Conclusion: Internalized and public stigma profoundly override clinical need and demographic factors in highly self-aware women, necessitating the implementation of highly confidential, low-barrier mental health interventions that circumvent the fear of social evaluation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pieter Verhaegen (Author); Yu-Chen Lin (Corresponding Author); Thi Lan Nguyen (Author)
Causal Discovery Methods to Map the Longitudinal Relationship Between Workplace Microaggressions, Social Support Networks, and Leadership Efficacy in Women
Objective: The objective of this study is to utilize advanced causal discovery methods on three-wave longitudinal data to precisely map the temporal and structural relationships between workplace microaggressions, the subsequent erosion of social support networks, and the resulting decline in leadership efficacy among professional women. Methods and Materials: This study employed a three-wave longitudinal panel design over a one-year period, collecting data from a sample of 482 professional and managerial women in Mexico. Validated self-report surveys were administered at three distinct time points, each separated by a 6-month interval, to capture the temporal dynamics of the psychological and interpersonal constructs. To transition beyond traditional correlational associations and establish structural directionality, the Peter-Clark (PC) causal discovery algorithm was utilized alongside robust bootstrapping techniques on the R statistical platform, supplemented by formal mediation analysis to quantify indirect pathways. Findings: The causal discovery algorithm successfully identified a robust, fully mediated indirect pathway, eliminating the direct long-term path between early hostilities and later leadership confidence. Specifically, exposure to workplace microaggressions at Time 1significantly eroded social support networks at Time 2, a directed causal edge that was retained in 92.4%of the bootstrap samples. Subsequently, this diminished social support at Time 2directly reduced leadership efficacy at Time 3, a structural path present in 88.7%of the bootstrap samples. Formal mediation analysis confirmed that social support networks act as a significant and critical mediating mechanism in this detrimental dynamic, yielding a standardized indirect effect of -0.046. Conclusion: Subtle workplace hostilities do not merely cause immediate distress, but structurally dismantle the professional social support networks fundamentally required to sustain and cultivate women’s leadership efficacy over time.
Copyright (c) 2026 Raul Rodríguez Pérez (Author); Fernanda Ortega (Corresponding Author)
Unpacking the Heterogeneity of Resilience in Female Survivors of Trauma: A Two-Step Mixture Modeling Approach on Neurobiological and Psychological Markers
Objective: This study aimed to identify distinct bio-psychological latent profiles of resilience among female trauma survivors by integrating psychological and neurobiological markers and to examine how trauma exposure predicts profile membership. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional observational study included a sample of N=452 adult female trauma survivors recruited from support centers in Egypt. Participants completed culturally validated Arabic versions of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Neurobiological data included hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a marker of chronic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and resting high-frequency heart rate variability (HRV) as an index of parasympathetic regulation. A two-step mixture modeling approach was employed, using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to identify resilience classes, followed by multinomial logistic regression to assess predictors of class membership. Findings: The LPA revealed an optimal three-class solution. The Dysregulated/Low Resilience profile (21.0% of the sample) was characterized by low self-reported resilience, high HCC, and low HRV. The Compensatory/Moderate Resilience profile (48.9%) demonstrated moderate scores across all psychological and biological indicators. The Adaptive/High Resilience profile (30.1%) exhibited high self-reported resilience, low HCC, and high HRV. Multinomial logistic regression showed that higher severity of childhood trauma (CTQ) and current PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) significantly increased the odds of belonging to the Dysregulated and Compensatory profiles relative to the Adaptive profile. Conclusion: Resilience among female trauma survivors is a heterogeneous construct comprising distinct bio-psychological profiles, necessitating a multidimensional approach for accurate assessment and intervention.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marwa Onsy (Author); Yara Mahfouz (Corresponding Author); Lukas Brandner (Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Relational Imagery Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Communication Patterns in Women Experiencing Marital Infidelity
Objective: The present study aimed to examine and compare the effectiveness of relational imagery therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on communication patterns in women confronted with marital infidelity. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with three stages (pretest, posttest, and a three-month follow-up) alongside a control group. The statistical population consisted of women aged 25 to 45 who referred to the Sina Counseling Center in Nowshahr after experiencing marital infidelity. From this population, 45 women were selected purposively and randomly assigned to three equal groups of 15: a relational imagery therapy group, an ACT group, and a control group. The Communication Patterns Questionnaire (Christensen & Sullaway, 1984) was used for data collection. Participants in the experimental groups received eight 90-minute intervention sessions twice a week. The collected data were analyzed using a mixed multivariate analysis of variance. Findings: The results demonstrated that both relational imagery therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy were effective in improving communication patterns among women facing marital infidelity. However, no significant difference was found between the two treatment groups regarding their degree of improvement. Conclusion: These findings elucidate the importance of relational imagery-based interventions in enhancing the emotional and functional indicators of women affected by marital infidelity, underscoring the necessity of employing this approach in couple counseling services.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kiana Ghasemnejad (Author); Seyedeh Zahra Sadati (Corresponding Author)