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)
Prediction of Borderline Personality Disorder Based on Attachment Style, Emotion Regulation, and Social Support in Women
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and alexithymia with emotional divorce in married women. Methods and Materials: The study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all married women who referred to counseling centers in Tonekabon city in 2025. Using convenience sampling, 232 participants were recruited; after excluding incomplete questionnaires, data from 220 participants were analyzed. Data collection instruments included the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Gottman Emotional Divorce Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS-26. Findings: Inferential analyses indicated that early maladaptive schemas and alexithymia were positively and significantly correlated with emotional divorce (p < .01). Among schema domains, disconnection and rejection, other-directedness, and impaired limits showed significant associations with emotional divorce. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that disconnection and rejection entered the model first and significantly predicted emotional divorce. The addition of alexithymia significantly increased the explained variance, followed by other-directedness and impaired limits in subsequent steps. In the final regression model, disconnection and rejection, alexithymia, other-directedness, and impaired limits jointly accounted for approximately one-third of the variance in emotional divorce, with all predictors demonstrating statistically significant standardized regression coefficients (p < .01). Conclusion: Early maladaptive schemas, particularly disconnection and rejection, together with alexithymia, play a central role in predicting emotional disengagement within marriage, underscoring the importance of integrative schema- and emotion-focused approaches in marital assessment and intervention.
Copyright (c) 2025 Panthea Mehrarashk, Alireza Pirkhaefi (Author)
Ranking Empowerment Mechanisms in Group Therapy for Women
Objective: This study aimed to identify and rank the key empowerment mechanisms that emerge in group therapy for women through a mixed-method approach combining qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative prioritization. Methods and Materials: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted. The first phase consisted of a qualitative literature-based thematic analysis using NVivo 14 to identify empowerment mechanisms from 68 peer-reviewed studies until theoretical saturation was achieved. Six main themes emerged: intrapersonal awareness and self-discovery, interpersonal connection and support, agency and decision-making power, cognitive and emotional regulation skills, collective empowerment and social identity, and transformative change and growth. The second phase involved quantitative ranking using SPSS 26. A structured questionnaire developed from the qualitative findings was distributed to 231 women participants from the United States who had attended group therapy sessions. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) to determine the degree of agreement among participants. Findings: Results indicated a high level of consensus among participants (Kendall’s W = 0.83, p < 0.001). The mean ranking revealed that intrapersonal awareness and self-discovery (M = 4.58, SD = 0.41) was the most significant empowerment mechanism, followed by interpersonal connection and support (M = 4.47, SD = 0.44) and agency and decision-making power (M = 4.35, SD = 0.52). Lower-ranked mechanisms included cognitive and emotional regulation skills (M = 4.29, SD = 0.48), collective empowerment and social identity (M = 4.18, SD = 0.55), and transformative change and growth (M = 4.11, SD = 0.61). Conclusion: The study concludes that empowerment in group therapy for women is a progressive process beginning with intrapersonal awareness and extending toward social identity and transformation.
Ranking Determinants of Therapy Dropout Among Women
Objective: This study aimed to identify and rank the primary determinants contributing to therapy dropout among women through an integrated mixed-method approach, highlighting the personal, relational, and systemic factors influencing discontinuation of psychological treatment. Methods and Materials: A sequential exploratory mixed-method design was employed. In the qualitative phase, an extensive literature review was conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved, and data were analyzed using NVivo 14 to extract thematic categories and conceptual patterns. Seven main themes were identified, encompassing individual, cultural, and institutional determinants. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire based on qualitative results was administered to 260 Chinese women who had prematurely discontinued therapy. Participants rated the importance of each determinant on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, employing descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha for reliability, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance to assess consensus in ranking. Findings: Results revealed that therapeutic relationship issues ranked as the most influential determinant (Mean = 4.62), followed by financial and logistical barriers (Mean = 4.45) and personal and psychological factors (Mean = 4.31). Systemic and institutional barriers (Mean = 4.18) and life circumstances and external stressors (Mean = 3.97) were moderately ranked, while socio-cultural constraints (Mean = 3.85) and treatment process and structure (Mean = 3.66) were identified as less decisive factors. Kendall’s W indicated a high level of agreement among participants, confirming the robustness of rankings. Conclusion: Therapy dropout among women is shaped by intertwined relational, psychological, and structural determinants, with the therapeutic relationship emerging as the most critical factor. Enhancing empathy, cultural sensitivity, financial accessibility, and flexible service design is essential to reduce attrition and promote sustained engagement in therapy.
Ranking Identity Threats in Women in STEM: A Mixed-Method Analysis in the Brazilian Context
Objective: This study aimed to identify and rank the primary dimensions of identity threats experienced by women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields in Brazil. Methods and Materials: The research adopted a two-phase sequential exploratory mixed-method design. In the qualitative phase, an extensive literature-based thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 14, reviewing 75 academic and empirical sources published between 2010 and 2025 to achieve theoretical saturation. Seven overarching categories of identity threats were identified through open, axial, and selective coding. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings was distributed to 220 women in STEM professions and graduate programs across Brazil. Participants rated the impact of each identified threat on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, employing descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha for reliability, and the Friedman test for ranking. Findings: The Friedman analysis revealed significant differences among the perceived intensity of threat dimensions (χ² = 126.74, p < 0.001). Gender stereotyping and bias (Mean Rank = 5.96, M = 4.72, SD = 0.41) and organizational culture and climate (Mean Rank = 5.73, M = 4.58, SD = 0.46) emerged as the most dominant threats, followed by work–life integration challenges (Mean Rank = 5.28, M = 4.37, SD = 0.54). The least influential category was structural and policy barriers (Mean Rank = 3.39, M = 3.48, SD = 0.74). These differences were statistically significant, confirming a hierarchical pattern of identity threats. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that interpersonal and organizational dynamics exert a stronger impact on women’s identity threat experiences in STEM than structural policies. Targeted institutional reforms, inclusive mentoring systems, and identity-affirming interventions are essential to fostering equity and belonging in STEM professions.
Ranking Lived Barriers to ADHD Diagnosis in Adult Women
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and rank the lived barriers that adult women experience in obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through an integrated mixed-method approach. Methods and Materials: A sequential mixed-method design was employed, consisting of an initial qualitative phase followed by a quantitative ranking phase. In the qualitative phase, a systematic literature review was conducted until theoretical saturation, identifying six major thematic categories of diagnostic barriers using NVivo 14 software. These categories encompassed gendered diagnostic bias, emotional and psychological masking, sociocultural stigma and norms, systemic and institutional barriers, self-perception and help-seeking attitudes, and life-stage-specific challenges. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire derived from the qualitative themes was administered to 225 adult women aged 20–55 years residing in Mexico. Participants rated each barrier on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26, including calculation of mean scores and Kendall’s W coefficient to assess agreement. Findings: Results revealed strong concordance among participants regarding the hierarchy of barriers (Kendall’s W = 0.81, p < 0.001). Gendered diagnostic bias ranked as the most significant barrier (M = 4.68, SD = 0.41), followed by emotional and psychological masking (M = 4.52, SD = 0.47) and sociocultural stigma and norms (M = 4.36, SD = 0.56). Systemic and institutional barriers (M = 4.21, SD = 0.63), self-perception and help-seeking attitudes (M = 4.05, SD = 0.59), and life-stage-specific challenges (M = 3.87, SD = 0.68) followed in descending order. Conclusion: The findings underscore the multidimensional nature of ADHD diagnostic inequities among adult women, revealing the interplay between clinical bias, cultural stigma, emotional masking, and systemic limitations.
Prioritizing Barriers to Help-Seeking for Intimate Partner Violence
Objective: This study aimed to identify and prioritize the psychological, social, economic, structural, interpersonal, and informational barriers that prevent women from seeking help in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods and Materials: The research was conducted in two phases. The first phase adopted a qualitative design, employing a systematic literature review of studies published between 2000 and 2025 to identify recurring themes related to help-seeking barriers for IPV survivors. Data were analyzed using NVivo 14 software until theoretical saturation was achieved, leading to six main categories: psychological, social and cultural, economic, structural and institutional, interpersonal and relational, and informational and awareness barriers. In the second quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire derived from these themes was distributed to 216 women in South Africa who had experienced or witnessed IPV. Responses were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with mean scores and ranking analysis applied to prioritize the identified barriers. Findings: Results showed that psychological barriers ranked as the most significant deterrent to help-seeking (mean = 4.61, SD = 0.42), followed by social and cultural barriers (mean = 4.47, SD = 0.48) and economic barriers (mean = 4.29, SD = 0.51). Structural and institutional barriers ranked fourth (mean = 4.16, SD = 0.57), while interpersonal and relational barriers (mean = 3.98, SD = 0.62) and informational and awareness barriers (mean = 3.75, SD = 0.65) were of relatively lower but still notable importance. The hierarchical ranking highlights the interplay between internalized emotions, sociocultural pressures, and systemic inadequacies in shaping help-seeking behaviors. Conclusion: The study underscores the primacy of psychological and cultural factors in deterring help-seeking among IPV survivors. Effective interventions should therefore combine trauma-informed psychological support, cultural awareness training, and systemic reforms to enhance accessibility, trust, and empowerment within survivor-centered service frameworks.
Ranking Trauma-Informed Care Needs Among Refugee Women
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and rank the trauma-informed care needs of refugee women through a mixed-method approach integrating qualitative literature synthesis and quantitative prioritization among refugee women in Germany. Methods and Materials: The study employed a two-phase mixed-method design. In the first phase, an extensive qualitative literature review was conducted to identify key trauma-informed care dimensions relevant to refugee women, with data analyzed inductively using NVivo 14 until theoretical saturation was achieved. Seven overarching themes were extracted, including safety and protection, psychological support, cultural and linguistic sensitivity, empowerment and agency, social support networks, access to health and social services, and training for service providers. In the second phase, a structured questionnaire based on these themes was administered to 200 refugee women residing in Germany. Participants rated the importance of each care dimension on a five-point Likert scale, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics and the Friedman test to determine the relative ranking of themes. Findings: The Friedman test indicated statistically significant differences in the perceived importance of trauma-informed care dimensions (p < 0.001). Safety and protection achieved the highest mean rank (4.78), followed by psychological support and healing (4.65) and cultural and linguistic sensitivity (4.39). Empowerment and agency (4.22) and social support networks (4.10) were moderately ranked, while access to health and social services (3.98) and training and capacity building for service providers (3.85) ranked lower. Conclusion: Findings highlight the multidimensional nature of trauma-informed care, emphasizing that safety, psychological healing, and cultural alignment are essential for effective refugee support.
Lived Experience of Women Applying for Divorce from Marital Life with a Husband Having Cluster B Personality Disorders: A Phenomenological Study
Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the interplay between developmental adversity, emotion dysregulation, interpersonal dysfunction, and psychotherapeutic interventions in explaining symptom persistence and change in borderline personality disorder. Methods and Materials: This study employed a structured analytical design integrating clinical, developmental, and therapeutic evidence related to borderline personality disorder. Data sources included standardized diagnostic frameworks, empirical findings on developmental risk factors, and outcome evidence from evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches. Core domains of analysis encompassed early life adversity, affective instability, interpersonal functioning, comorbidity patterns, and treatment responsiveness, with particular attention to schema therapy, mentalization-based treatment, and integrative interventions grounded in contemporary clinical psychology. Findings: Inferential analysis indicated that childhood adversity and family instability were significantly associated with heightened affective instability and interpersonal dysfunction in borderline personality disorder. Emotion dysregulation emerged as a central mediating mechanism linking early relational trauma to adult symptom severity. Interpersonal dysfunction demonstrated robust associations with occupational impairment, relational instability, and psychosocial stress. Therapeutic findings suggested that structured psychotherapies, particularly schema-based and mentalization-oriented interventions, were associated with significant reductions in core borderline symptoms, while pharmacotherapy showed limited effects on core personality features and functioned primarily as an adjunct for comorbid conditions. Conclusion: The findings support an integrative, developmental–relational model of borderline personality disorder in which early adversity, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal dysfunction jointly contribute to symptom persistence, while evidence-based psychotherapies offer meaningful pathways for clinical improvement. Emphasizing early intervention, trauma-informed care, and integrative therapeutic strategies may enhance long-term outcomes and reduce the individual and societal burden associated with borderline personality disorder.
Copyright (c) 2025 Somayeh Aghajani (Author); Mahnaz Haji Heydari (Corresponding Author)
Prediction of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Based on Internal Locus of Control with the Mediating Role of Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies in Infertile Women
Objective: The present study aimed to predict difficulties in emotion regulation based on internal locus of control through the mediating role of emotion-focused coping strategies among infertile women in Tehran. Methods and Materials: This research employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of infertile women referring to infertility treatment centers in Tehran in 2025. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size determination table, 400 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004), the Rotter’s Internal–External Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966), and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS; Endler & Parker, 1990). Data analysis was performed using SPSS-27 for descriptive and correlational statistics and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling. Model fit was evaluated using χ²/df, GFI, AGFI, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA indices. Findings: Results showed that internal locus of control was significantly and negatively correlated with difficulties in emotion regulation (r = –.48, p < .001) and emotion-focused coping (r = –.36, p < .001), while emotion-focused coping was positively correlated with difficulties in emotion regulation (r = .42, p < .001). The SEM results confirmed that internal locus of control had a direct negative effect on emotion regulation difficulties (β = –0.33, p < .001) and an indirect effect through emotion-focused coping (β = –0.14, p < .01). The model fit indices (χ²/df = 1.73, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.042) indicated an excellent model fit. Conclusion: Internal locus of control plays a crucial protective role in reducing emotional regulation difficulties among infertile women, both directly and indirectly, through the regulation of emotion-focused coping strategies. Strengthening internal control beliefs and promoting adaptive emotional coping can enhance psychological resilience in infertility-related distress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Majid Mahmoodi Mozafar (Author); Mohammad Mohebi (Corresponding Author); Maryam Feyzbakhsh Vaghef (Author)
Effectiveness of Group Training Based on Choice Theory on Family Functioning and Responsibility in Married Women
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of group training based on Choice Theory on family functioning and responsibility among married women aged 40 to 55 years in District Three of Tehran in the year 2024. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design using a pretest–posttest control group with a two-month follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of married women aged 40 to 55 years residing in District Three of Tehran in 2024. From this population, 100 participants were selected through convenience sampling and completed the research instruments, including the California Psychological Inventory Responsibility Scale (1987) and the McMaster Family Assessment Device developed by Epstein et al. (1980). Participants whose scores on family functioning and responsibility were below the sample mean were identified, and 48 of them were purposively selected and randomly assigned into two equal groups: an experimental group and a control group. Both groups completed the pretest simultaneously. The experimental group then received group training based on Glasser’s Choice Theory (2001) in eight weekly sessions, each lasting 120 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Four days after completion of the sessions, both groups completed the posttest simultaneously. Two months later, follow-up assessments of the dependent variables were administered to the experimental group. The collected data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance, Bonferroni post-hoc tests, and SPSS version 23. Findings: The results indicated that group training based on Choice Theory significantly improved family functioning and responsibility among married women at the posttest stage. Moreover, a significant difference between the experimental and control groups was observed at the follow-up phase, indicating that the experimental group maintained superior scores in both family functioning and responsibility (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the principles of Choice Theory can be effectively applied to enhance family functioning and responsibility among married women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parviz Moradianzand (Corresponding Author); Zohre Rezaei , Roghye Falihi , Mitraa Esmaeilian (Author)
Identification and Ranking of Motivational Factors Influencing the Tendency Toward a Health-Promoting Lifestyle in Women with Eating Disorders
Objective: This study aimed to identify and rank the key motivational factors that influence women with eating disorders in adopting and maintaining a health-promoting lifestyle. Methods and Materials: The research employed a sequential mixed-methods design consisting of a qualitative and a quantitative phase. In the qualitative phase, an extensive literature review was conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved to identify major motivational themes related to health-promoting behaviors in women with eating disorders. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo 14 software through open, axial, and selective coding, which resulted in seven main motivational categories. In the quantitative phase, the identified factors were operationalized into a structured questionnaire and administered to 200 women with eating disorders in Tehran. Participants were selected purposively from counseling and treatment centers. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26, applying descriptive statistics and mean-score ranking to determine the relative importance of each motivational factor. Findings: The results revealed that among the seven identified motivational dimensions, intrinsic motivation (M = 4.56) ranked highest, followed by emotional regulation (M = 4.47) and social support (M = 4.31). Cognitive awareness (M = 4.25) and environmental and cultural factors (M = 4.11) occupied intermediate ranks, while behavioral regulation (M = 4.02) and physical and health awareness (M = 3.89) ranked lower. Conclusion: Strengthening internal motivation, self-efficacy, and emotional regulation should be central to intervention programs aimed at sustainable behavioral change in this population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hossein Gorji Azandariyani (Corresponding Author); Iraj Shakerinia, Masoumeh Hosseinzadehmahdavi (Author)
The Effect of Healthy Lifestyle Education Combined with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Health Anxiety and Health Dimensions in Pregnant Women at Risk of Preeclampsia
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of healthy lifestyle education combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on health anxiety and multidimensional health outcomes in this high-risk population. Methods and Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia were recruited from the Tolou Salamat Center in Tehran and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention group participated in eight weekly sessions of lifestyle education integrated with mindfulness-based stress reduction, while the control group received no intervention. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing health anxiety (HAI-18) and health dimensions (Four-Dimensional Health Scale) at baseline, post-intervention, and 1.5-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and multivariate analysis of covariance. Findings: The intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in health anxiety scores and sustained improvements across multiple health domains—including psychological, social, physical, and spiritual well-being—compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Key health anxiety indicators, such as perceived likelihood of illness and general health concerns, decreased substantially and these benefits persisted at follow-up. Similarly, significant gains were observed in total health scores and specific dimensions of quality of life, with the intervention explaining a considerable proportion of variance in outcomes. Conclusion: Healthy lifestyle education combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction is an effective intervention for reducing health anxiety and enhancing multidimensional health among pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia. Integration of such programs into standard prenatal care—especially for high-risk populations—is recommended.
Copyright (c) 2025 Peimaneh Mohammadi (Author); Mojgan Agah Heris (Corresponding Author); Ezatollah Kurd Mirza Nikozadeh, Amin Rafiepoor (Author)
The Effectiveness of Quality of Life Therapy on Ego Strength and Psychological Empowerment in Women with Inadequate Spousal Support
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Quality of Life Therapy (QoLT) on improving ego strength and psychological empowerment among women with inadequate spousal support. Methods and Materials: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and 45-day follow-up stages using experimental and control groups. The statistical population consisted of all women with inadequate spousal support in Shahrekord in 2023. Thirty participants were selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to two groups of fifteen participants each. The experimental group received eight weekly sessions (90 minutes each) of Quality of Life Therapy based on the CASIO model, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data were collected using the Ego Strength Scale by Markstrom et al. (1997) and the Psychological Empowerment Scale by Thomas and Velthouse (1990). The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS-26 to compare the changes across the three measurement stages (pretest, posttest, and follow-up). Findings: The results of repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of time and group interaction on both ego strength (F(1,28)=33.38, p<.001, η²=.641) and psychological empowerment (F(2,28)=55.09, p<.001, η²=.750). The between-group effects were also significant for ego strength (F(1,28)=16.68, p<.001, η²=.471) and psychological empowerment (F(1,28)=25.59, p<.001, η²=.583), indicating that participants in the Quality of Life Therapy group showed substantial improvements compared to the control group, with effects maintained at follow-up. Conclusion: Quality of Life Therapy can be used as a comprehensive, cognitive-behavioral, and life-satisfaction-based intervention for promoting psychological resilience and empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Roya Sayadifard (Author); Seyed Hamid Atashpour (Corresponding Author); Zahra Yousefi (Author)
Contexts of Silence and Disclosure in Women’s Experiences of Workplace Harassment
Objective: This study aimed to explore how women in Chile experience, interpret, and navigate silence and disclosure in the context of workplace harassment. Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative, interpretive design, the study employed semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 women from diverse professional sectors in Chile, including education, healthcare, public administration, and corporate organizations. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Interviews were conducted in Spanish, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14 software following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. The analysis identified recurrent patterns and contextual dynamics shaping participants’ decisions to remain silent or disclose their experiences. Ethical approval was secured to ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and voluntary participation. Findings: The analysis generated four major themes: (1) Culture of Silence and Fear, reflecting institutional tolerance, power asymmetry, and fear of retaliation; (2) Psychological and Social Consequences, encompassing emotional exhaustion, identity disruption, and withdrawal; (3) Pathways to Disclosure, illustrating incremental, strategic, and collective disclosure processes; and (4) Healing and Resistance, describing women’s efforts to reclaim agency through storytelling, solidarity, and advocacy. Findings revealed that silence was a learned survival strategy shaped by structural inequities, while disclosure emerged as a negotiated act dependent on social support, trust, and contextual safety. Conclusion: The study highlights that workplace harassment is sustained by systemic silence rooted in fear, gender hierarchy, and institutional neglect. However, women’s acts of disclosure and resistance signify transformative pathways toward empowerment and organizational change.
Contexts of Loneliness in Women Choosing Voluntary Singlehood: A Qualitative Study in Mexico
Objective: This study aimed to explore the emotional, sociocultural, and existential contexts of loneliness among women in Mexico who have consciously chosen voluntary singlehood. Methods and Materials: This research employed a qualitative exploratory design using semi-structured interviews to capture the lived experiences of women identifying as voluntarily single. A total of 22 participants aged between 27 and 49 years were recruited through purposive sampling from various regions in Mexico, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, and Monterrey. Interviews were conducted in Spanish, recorded with consent, and transcribed verbatim. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework, supported by NVivo 14 software for systematic coding and organization. Rigor was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and maintenance of an audit trail throughout the analysis process. Findings: Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Emotional Landscapes of Solitude, describing women’s redefinition of loneliness as reflective solitude balanced with emotional ambivalence; (2) Sociocultural Frames of Expectation, capturing the influence of cultural scripts, family pressure, and stigma in shaping the social experience of singlehood; and (3) Strategies of Meaning-Making and Self-Construction, reflecting participants’ agency in redefining fulfillment, establishing supportive social networks, and framing singlehood as a feminist and existential choice. Conclusion: Voluntary singlehood among women in Mexico represents a complex psychosocial process of self-definition within traditional cultural boundaries. Loneliness in this context is best understood not as deprivation but as an evolving emotional state rooted in agency, meaning-making, and resistance to normative gender expectations.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Psychological Distress and Sleep Quality in Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on psychological distress and sleep quality in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental and applied research design using a pretest–posttest control group format. The statistical population consisted of all women diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome who attended hospitals and medical centers in Tonekabon in 2024. The research sample comprised 30 participants selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The research instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler, 2002) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Buysse et al., 1989). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27. Findings: The results indicated a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean scores of psychological distress and sleep quality (P < .001). Conclusion: The findings favored the experimental group. Overall, the results demonstrated that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effectively reduced psychological distress and improved sleep quality among women with irritable bowel syndrome.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tahereh Shapouri (Author); Alireza Jafari (Corresponding Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy and Short-Term Solution-Focused Therapy on Intolerance of Uncertainty in Pregnant Women
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and short-term solution-focused therapy (SFBT) on intolerance of uncertainty among pregnant women in 2024. Methods and Materials: This study was applied in purpose and employed an experimental design with a pretest–posttest–follow-up structure and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all pregnant women who visited comprehensive health service centers and obstetric specialists in Semnan City and had become pregnant naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques in 2021 and 2022. A total of 66 pregnant women were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software, version 27. To measure intolerance of uncertainty, the Freeston Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale was employed. Findings: The results indicated that both cognitive–behavioral therapy and short-term solution-focused therapy significantly reduced intolerance of uncertainty among pregnant women, demonstrating the effectiveness of both approaches. Statistically, the mean score of the short-term solution-focused group was lower than that of the cognitive–behavioral group, indicating a greater impact of this therapeutic method on intolerance of uncertainty. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that both therapeutic approaches were effective in reducing intolerance of uncertainty and maintained stable effectiveness over time. Therefore, it is recommended that behavioral therapy specialists incorporate the findings of this study into their treatment programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Farnoosh Irvani (Author); Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi (Corresponding Author); Ahmad Mansouri (Author)
Structural Model Comparison of the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Self-Compassion via Affective Flexibility in Women Seeking Divorce and Non-clinical Women
Objective: This study aimed to compare the structural relationships between early maladaptive schemas and self-compassion, mediated by affective flexibility, in women seeking divorce and non-clinical (community) women. Methods and Materials: The research employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of all women seeking divorce and non-clinical women who attended counseling and psychology centers in Tehran in 2024. A total of 400 participants (200 women seeking divorce and 200 non-clinical women) were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003), Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form (YSQ-S3; Young, 1998), and the Affective Flexibility Scale (Fu et al., 2018). Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 and AMOS-24 through confirmatory factor analysis and multigroup SEM to assess model fit, path coefficients, and mediation effects via bootstrapping. Findings: The proposed structural model showed good fit indices for both groups. Early maladaptive schemas significantly and negatively predicted affective flexibility (β = −0.211, p < .001) and self-compassion (β = −0.142, p = .048) among women seeking divorce, and also demonstrated negative effects in the community group. Affective flexibility positively predicted self-compassion in both groups (divorce-seeking: β = 0.372, p < .001; community: β = 0.501, p < .001). Bootstrapping results confirmed the mediating role of affective flexibility in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and self-compassion, with stronger indirect effects observed in the divorce-seeking group (β = −0.0777, p = .006). Multigroup comparisons showed that path differences were significant for Disconnection & Rejection → Affective Flexibility and Impaired Autonomy & Performance → Self-Compassion. Conclusion: Enhancing affective flexibility may therefore strengthen self-compassion and mitigate schema-driven emotional vulnerability in relational distress contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samaneh Arvin (Author); Mohammad Mehdi Jahangiri (Corresponding Author); Firoozeh Zangeneh Motlagh (Author)
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy on Marital Adjustment of Married Women
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in improving marital adjustment among married women. Methods and Materials: This applied and experimental study used a pretest–posttest–two-month follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included married women who attended the Hazrat Zainab Cultural Center in Mashhad, Iran, during 2022–2023. Sixty eligible participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (CFT, SFBT, and control), but due to attrition, 16 participants remained in the CFT group, 18 in the SFBT group, and 18 in the control group. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; Spanier, 1976) was used to measure marital adjustment. The CFT group attended twelve 90-minute weekly sessions based on Gilbert’s model, while the SFBT group participated in six 90-minute sessions following the Diamond approach. Data were collected at three time points (pretest, posttest, and two-month follow-up) and analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance with SPSS-27. Findings: The results indicated significant main effects of time (p < .001, η² = .76) and group (p = .004, η² = .20) as well as a significant time × group interaction (p < .001, η² = .59) for marital adjustment. Post hoc Bonferroni tests showed that both the CFT and SFBT groups had significantly higher marital adjustment scores at posttest and follow-up compared with the control group (p < .001). However, no significant difference was found between the CFT and SFBT groups at either posttest or follow-up (p > .05). Conclusion: Both Compassion-Focused Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy effectively improved and sustained marital adjustment in married women, with comparable therapeutic impact.
Copyright (c) 2025 Masoumeh Kheirkhah (Author); Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi (Corresponding Author); Sepideh Pourheydari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Examining the Effectiveness of Compassion-Based Acceptance and Commitment Integrated Therapy on Cortisol Hormone Levels and Mindfulness in Infertile Women Undergoing Hormone Therapy
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of compassion-based acceptance and commitment integrated therapy on reducing cortisol hormone levels and improving mindfulness in infertile women undergoing hormone therapy. Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of infertile women undergoing hormone therapy in Isfahan, Iran, in 2023, from which 40 participants were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). The therapeutic intervention was conducted for the experimental group in 10 sessions. Research instruments included the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and a salivary cortisol assessment test. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Findings: The results indicated that compassion-based acceptance and commitment therapy had a significant effect on reducing cortisol levels (P < .001) and improving various dimensions of mindfulness (P < .01). In the experimental group, the mean cortisol level decreased significantly in the posttest (a 2.2-unit reduction), while the control group showed a minimal, non-significant decrease. Moreover, overall mindfulness in the experimental group increased by 13.3 units; dimensions such as acceptance of negative emotions, present-moment focus, and non-judgmental awareness also demonstrated positive changes. MANOVA results further revealed that the difference between groups regarding the combination of dependent variables was significant (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.712, P < .001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that compassion-based acceptance and commitment integrated therapy is effective not only in reducing physiological stress (cortisol) but also in enhancing mindfulness skills.
Compassion-Based Acceptance and Commitment Integrated Therapy (ACT-CFT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanaz Pourgoli, Maryam Dehghan (Author); Kamran Pourmohammad Ghouchani (Corresponding Author); Elham Naghshineh (Author)
Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Perceived Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on perceived pain and sleep quality among patients with fibromyalgia. Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest format, a control group, and a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of all patients with fibromyalgia who referred to the rehabilitation clinic of Modarres Hospital in Tehran during 2023–2024. Using purposive sampling, 45 participants were selected and randomly assigned to three equal groups of 15. Data were collected using the Pain Perception Questionnaire (McGill, 2009) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Buysse et al., 1989). The CBT intervention was conducted across 10 weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Participants in the control group did not receive any psychological intervention during this period. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. Findings: The findings indicated that CBT significantly reduced perceived pain (F = 107.539, η² = 0.349) and improved sleep quality (F = 190.376, η² = 0.427) in patients with fibromyalgia (p < .05). Conclusion: The results support the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in alleviating perceived pain and enhancing sleep quality among individuals with fibromyalgia. These findings underscore the importance of psychological and behavioral factors in the management of fibromyalgia and highlight the potential of CBT as an effective complementary intervention to improve patients’ overall functioning and quality of life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anbar Sadighi, Alireza Shokrgozar (Author); Sheida Sodagar (Corresponding Author); Maryam Bahrami-Hidaji, Seyed Ahmad Raeissadat (Author)
Prediction of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Based on Sleep Quality and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women
Objective: This study aimed to examine the prediction of interpersonal emotion regulation based on sleep quality and sexual function in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: The present research was a descriptive–correlational study. The statistical population included postmenopausal women living in Karaj, Iran. A sample of 196 participants was selected using convenience sampling. The instruments used included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (IERQ). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results showed that both sleep quality and sexual function significantly predicted interpersonal emotion regulation. Specifically, sleep quality had a significant relationship with interpersonal emotion regulation (P < .05), and sexual function also significantly predicted interpersonal emotion regulation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that sleep quality and sexual function play an important role in predicting interpersonal emotion regulation in postmenopausal women. Accordingly, improving these two factors can contribute to enhancing psychological well-being and quality of life in postmenopausal women.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nazgol Malek Mohammadi (Author); Mojtaba Ansari Shahidi (Corresponding Author)
Designing and Validating a Community-Based Palliative Psychological Service Package and Evaluating Its Effectiveness on Pain Perception and Death Anxiety in Patients with Breast Cancer
Objective: This study aimed to design, validate, and evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based palliative psychological service package on pain perception and death anxiety in patients with breast cancer. Methods and Materials: In the qualitative phase, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 women diagnosed with breast cancer and content analysis of 22 related scientific articles. The designed intervention package was then presented to 15 psychology experts, and its validity was confirmed using survey methods and content analysis. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included women with breast cancer residing in Khorramabad city, who were purposively selected and then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants in each group). The research instruments included the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Melzack, 1975) and the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (Templer, 1970), both of which demonstrated appropriate reliability and validity. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS version 26 with repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Findings: The findings indicated that the intervention package significantly reduced pain perception and death anxiety in the experimental group. The package, which emphasized mindfulness techniques and emotion management training, effectively contributed to the psychological and social empowerment of the patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of integrating psychological interventions with breast cancer treatments and developing effective community-level palliative care programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohamad Sharif Malmir (Author); Mohammadreza Seyrafi (Corresponding Author); Saeedeh Zomorodi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prediction of Women’s Sexual Well-Being Based on Spouses’ Autistic Personality Traits, Alexithymia, and Empathy: The Mediating Role of Loneliness
Objective: This study aimed to predict women’s sexual well-being based on their spouses’ autistic personality traits, alexithymia, and empathy, with loneliness examined as a mediating variable. Methods and Materials: This descriptive–correlational study was conducted among married students from technical faculties of universities in Tehran during the 2025 academic year. A total of 300 heterosexual couples were selected using convenience sampling. Measurement instruments included the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Empathy Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Sexual Well-Being Scale. Data analyses were carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM) through SPSS and SmartPLS software. Reliability and validity indices—including Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted (AVE)—indicated strong psychometric adequacy of all constructs. Model fit was evaluated using R², Q², and SRMR indices. Findings: Spouses’ autistic personality traits showed a significant negative effect on women’s sexual well-being (β = −0.378, t = 7.507, p < 0.001). Alexithymia demonstrated a very strong negative relationship with women’s sexual well-being (β = −0.848, t = 7.922, p < 0.001). Conversely, empathy exhibited a significant positive effect on sexual well-being (β = +0.333, t = 7.147, p < 0.001). Loneliness significantly mediated the relationships between emotional traits and sexual well-being (β = −0.418, t = 3.712, p < 0.01). The structural model showed high predictive power, with R² = 0.977 for women’s sexual well-being and acceptable Q² and SRMR values. Conclusion: Emotional and personality traits of male partners—including autistic characteristics, alexithymia, and empathy—play a crucial role in shaping women’s sexual well-being, with loneliness serving as a significant mediating mechanism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zhaleh Ghorbanpour kalateh Molaei, Haeideh Saberi, Simin Bashardoost (Author)
Comparing the Effectiveness of Paradoxical Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Body image in Women with Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of paradoxical therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on body image in women with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up and a control group was used. The statistical population comprised all women seeking cosmetic surgery who attended aesthetic clinics in Tehran between October–December 2023. To identify individuals with BDD symptoms, the Body Dysmorphic Evaluation Scale (Rabaii et al., 2011) was administered to all clinic visitors. After scoring, those with elevated scores were evaluated through a diagnostic interview by a clinical psychologist. Ultimately, 45 participants were purposively selected and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Research instruments included the Body image Questionnaire (Soweto and Garcia, 2002) and the BDD scale (Rabaii et al., 2020). Data were analyzed in SPSS-2 using repeated-measures ANOVA. Findings: Results indicated no significant difference between the Paradoxical therapy and CBT groups in body image scores (F = 0.886, p > .05). However, the statistical analyses confirmed that both interventions significantly reduced body image relative to the control condition among women with body dysmorphic disorder. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the effectiveness of Paradoxical therapy and CBT in improving body image among women with body dysmorphic disorder does not differ significantly.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elham Mahboubi (Author); Ali Shaker Dioulagh (Corresponding Author); Ali Khademi, Mohammad Hassan Asayesh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Resilience and Negative Meta-Emotion in Infertile Women with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on resilience and negative meta-emotion in infertile women with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This quasi-experimental research employed a pretest–posttest control-group design with a three-month follow-up. The statistical population comprised all infertile women with OCD who attended treatment centers in Tehran in 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Before the intervention, all participants completed the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC; 2003). The experimental group then received an rTMS intervention delivered in six weekly 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results indicated a significant difference between pretest and posttest across groups (p < .05). Additionally, for both resilience and negative meta-emotion, significant between-group differences were observed at posttest and at follow-up (p < .05). These findings suggest that rTMS can effectively enhance resilience and reduce negative meta-emotion in infertile women with OCD.
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Copyright (c) 2025 Saloomeh Zorrieh (Author); Mahdieh Rahmanian (Corresponding Author); Amin Rafiepoor (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Phenomenological Analysis of Divorced Women’s Experiences with Multiple Sexual Relationships After Divorce
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and analyze the lived experiences of divorced women who engage in multiple sexual relationships after divorce, focusing on psychological, social, familial, economic, and identity-related dimensions. Methods and Materials: This research employed a qualitative phenomenological design to capture the subjective meanings of participants’ post-divorce experiences. Ten divorced women attending a family counseling clinic in Shiraz were recruited through purposive sampling, based on criteria including at least one year since divorce, a history of multiple sexual relationships, and willingness to share personal experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, complemented by field notes and document analysis. Data analysis followed Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology, involving open, axial, and selective coding. Trustworthiness was ensured through prolonged engagement, member checking, peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail. Ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and participant autonomy were strictly observed. Findings: The analysis revealed six overarching dimensions shaping the experiences of divorced women: (1) psychological and emotional struggles characterized by loneliness, ambivalence, and fear of judgment; (2) social and cultural pressures involving stigma, secrecy, and value conflicts; (3) identity and gender redefinition, including proving femininity, asserting independence, and exercising control over sexuality; (4) familial dynamics, such as estrangement, concealment from relatives, and concern about children; (5) economic realities, with experiences of both dependency and empowerment through financial independence; and (6) coping strategies and personal reconstruction, including spiritual practices, counseling, journaling, and efforts to build healthier relationships. Conclusion: The study underscores that divorced women’s engagement in multiple sexual relationships is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by intersecting psychological, social, familial, cultural, and economic forces. These experiences reveal both vulnerability and resilience, emphasizing the need for supportive interventions, culturally sensitive counseling, and policies that reduce stigma while fostering autonomy and well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maliheh Esfandiari (Author); Nazanin Honarparvaran (Corresponding Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Development of a Mindfulness-Based Coping Skills Training Package for Cancer and Its Effectiveness on Reducing Stress, Blood Cortisol Levels, and Psychological Self-Efficacy in Women with Breast Cancer in Bandar Abbas (A Mixed-Methods Study)
Objective: This study aimed to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based psychological coping skills training package in reducing stress and cortisol levels and enhancing psychological self-efficacy among women with breast cancer. Methods and Materials: The study employed a mixed-methods design in two phases. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with 12 patients and psychology experts, alongside thematic analysis and literature review, were conducted to identify core dimensions of coping needs. The content and structure of the package were developed and validated using the Delphi method with 15 experts. The final program comprised ten 90-minute sessions focusing on mindfulness practice, adaptive coping strategies, and stress management skills. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest, control group, and two-month follow-up was applied. Thirty women with breast cancer, aged 20–45, were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. Data collection involved the Perceived Stress Scale, the Psychological Self-Efficacy Scale, and blood cortisol measurement. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS 26. Findings: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in perceived stress scores compared to the control group (p < .001), with improvements sustained at follow-up. Cortisol levels also decreased significantly in the experimental group across posttest and follow-up (p < .001). Psychological self-efficacy scores increased markedly after the intervention (p < .001), indicating enhanced coping capacity. The interaction effects confirmed that improvements were specific to the experimental group. Conclusion: The mindfulness-based coping skills training package effectively reduced stress and cortisol levels and improved psychological self-efficacy in women with breast cancer, underscoring its potential as a complementary intervention to enhance psychological adaptation and overall quality of life in oncology care.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shirin Karimpour (Author); Kobra Haji Alizadeh (Corresponding Author); Eghbal Zarei (Author)
The Effectiveness of Spiritual Self-Care on Death Anxiety and Hope for Life in Cardiac Patients
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a structured spiritual self-care program in reducing death anxiety and enhancing hope for life among female patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods and Materials: The research employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of female patients referred to the cardiology ward of Sina Hospital in Semnan in 2024. A total of 45 participants were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (two intervention groups and one control group). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly applied, and participants provided written informed consent. Data were collected using the Templer Death Anxiety Scale and the Miller Hope Scale. The intervention included structured sessions of spiritual self-care practices such as prayer, gratitude, patience, and reflection. Data analysis was conducted using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Greenhouse–Geisser corrections through SPSS version 26. Findings: The results revealed significant between-group differences for both dependent variables. Results showed that spiritual self-care significantly reduced death anxiety (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.235, F(2,27) = 43.9, p < .001, η² = 0.765) and significantly increased hope for life (F(1,28) = 88.8, p < .001, η² = 0.760) in the intervention groups compared to the control group. Pairwise comparisons confirmed that these improvements were sustained at the three-month follow-up, indicating the stability of intervention effects. Conclusion: The findings suggest that spiritual self-care interventions are effective in reducing existential distress and fostering hope among cardiac patients. Incorporating spiritual self-care into cardiac rehabilitation and psychological support programs may enhance holistic patient care and improve long-term psychological resilience.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shirin Taherian (Author); Nemat Sotoudeh Asl (Corresponding Author); Raheb Ghorbani (Author)
The Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas, Resilience, and Coping Styles in Predicting Intolerance of Uncertainty among Female Nurses
Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive role of early maladaptive schemas, resilience, and coping styles in explaining intolerance of uncertainty among female nurses in Tehran. Methods and Materials: The research employed a correlational descriptive design. The study population consisted of female nurses working in hospitals across Tehran, from which 410 participants were selected using the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Data were collected using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were reported, Pearson correlations were conducted to examine bivariate relationships, and multivariate linear regression was used to identify predictors of intolerance of uncertainty. Assumptions of regression analysis were tested and confirmed. Findings: Results indicated that all schema domains were significantly and positively correlated with intolerance of uncertainty (r values ranging from .39 to .56, all p < .01). Resilience (r = –.48, p < .01) and task-oriented coping (r = –.44, p < .01) were negatively correlated with intolerance of uncertainty, whereas emotion-oriented coping (r = .41, p < .01) and avoidance-oriented coping (r = .37, p < .01) were positive correlates. The regression model was statistically significant, F(9, 400) = 78.62, p < .01, with R² = .41, indicating that the predictors explained 41% of the variance in intolerance of uncertainty. Overvigilance/inhibition (β = .23, p < .01) and disconnection/rejection (β = .19, p < .01) emerged as the strongest schema-related predictors, while resilience (β = –.31, p < .01) and task-oriented coping (β = –.22, p < .01) were protective factors. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that maladaptive schemas and maladaptive coping styles increase intolerance of uncertainty, whereas resilience and task-oriented coping reduce it. These results underscore the need for schema-focused interventions, resilience-building programs, and coping-skills training to enhance psychological well-being among nurses.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Najafi Aliehkolaei, Nazgol Malek Mohammadi , Fatemeh Momeni (Author); Shaghayegh Abedi (Corresponding Author); Elham Mostafavi , Zohreh Zadhasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0