https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/ Journal of Modern Psychological Researches en daily 1 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21600.html The aim of the current research was to investigate the relationship of vulnerable narcissism, underdeveloped defense mechanisms with symptoms of borderline personality disorder mediated empathy and distress tolerance. The research community was made up of female and male students University of Tabriz, from whom 340 people were selected as a sample by multi-stage cluster sampling method. The tools of this research included Vulnerable Narcissism Scale (PNI), Borderline Personality Disorder Scale (STB), Defense Styles (DSQ), Simmons and Gaher Distress Tolerance (2005), and Empathy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by structural equation modeling using SPSS and Amos software. The findings showed that vulnerable narcissism and underdeveloped defense mechanism both directly and indirectly through the mediating role of empathy and distress tolerance have the ability to predict symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Therefore, the findings of this research can be used in planning educational programs and designing therapeutic interventions so that students are less exposed to the harms resulting from the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21601.html The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy on chronic fatigue, failure and resilience in mothers of children with leukemia. This research was conducted in a quasi-experimental manner with a pretest-posttest design with an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population of the study was all mothers with children with cancer in Tehran province in 2020. Using purposive sampling method, a sample of 24 people was selected, 12 in the first experimental group and 12 in the control group were located. The Falman et al. (2013) Fatigue Questionnaire, Connor & Davidson Resilience Questionnaire (2003), Beck Disappointment Questionnaire (1974), and the Gilbert and Allen Feeling Feelings (1998) were completed. The experimental group then received compassion-focused treatment sessions for eight 90-minute sessions once a week, during which time the control group completed their daily routine. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the research data. The results showed that compassion-focused treatment has an effect on chronic fatigue, failure and resilience of mothers with children with leukemia. In fact, compassion-focused therapy reduces chronic fatigue and feelings of failure and increases their resilience. Therefore, attention to compassion-focused treatment plays an important role in the health aspects of mothers with children with cancer. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21602.html One of the developmental tasks in youth is marriage and starting a family. In the same vein, romantic experiences are important sources of emotional connection, contributing to develope a positive self-esteem and greater social integration. Establishing and maintaining successful romantic relationships can have significant implications for later stages in life. It has been described as aiding individuals' mental and physical well-being, thus contributing to their overall welfare—the present study aimed to explore the obstacles of marriage from the perspective of university students. The research design was qualitative phenomenological. The study population consisted of all students at Tabriz University in the academic year 2024, who were purposefully selected as a sample. Quasi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 students from this group until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis using the Colaizzi method and identifying main and sub-themes revealed that obstacles of marriage include 5 main themes: economic factors, socio-cultural factors, psychological factors, physical characteristics, and educational factors. Based on these findings, Universities and policymakers should address challenges in student relationships by supporting them in overcoming obstacles. Implementing programs to promote emotional intelligence can empower students to make informed decisions, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support for student well-being and success. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21603.html The present study aimed to investigate the structural relationship between adverse childhood experiences and pain catastrophizing in individuals with migraine, with depression and anxiety serving as mediating variables. This research employed a correlational design within the framework of structural equation modeling (SEM). The study population consisted of migraine patients aged 20 to 30 who sought treatment at pain clinics in Mashhad during 2024–2025. A total of 204 participants, all of whom had been clinically diagnosed with migraine by a board-certified neurologist and provided informed consent, were selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Sullivan et al., 1995), the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (Dong et al., 2004), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (1996), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (1988). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings revealed that adverse childhood experiences exerted a statistically significant indirect effect on pain catastrophizing through depression (P < 0.01); however, the mediating effect of anxiety was not significant. Among the mediators, depression demonstrated the strongest effect, with a path coefficient of 0.531. These results underscore the critical role of early-life adversity and negative emotional states—particularly depression—in shaping pain perception and pain catastrophizing among migraine patients. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21606.html The objective of present study was the structural modeling of marital covert aggression based on forgiveness and close experience relationships (avoidant and anxious attachment) with the mediating role of perceived stress in married women. The research is applicative and the research method was correlational through structural equations modeling. The statistical population of this study included married women referring to counseling centers in Tehran in 2024. Among the statistical population, 338 people were selected by convenience sampling method. The research tools included Marital Covert Aggression Questionnaire (MCAQ), Forgiveness Questionnaire (FQ), Experience in Close Relationship Questionnaire (ECRQ) and Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ). The results also showed that the total path coefficient (sum of direct and indirect path coefficients) between forgiveness and marital covert aggression (p=0.001, β=-0.192) and perceived stress (p=0.001, β=-0.19) was negative and significant. In addition, the path coefficient between perceived stress and marital covert aggression (p=0.001, β=0.326) was positive and significant. Another finding was that the total path coefficient (sum of direct and indirect path coefficients) between the experience of close relationships (avoidant attachment) and marital covert aggression (p=0.001, β=0.254) and perceived stress (p=0.001, β=0.185) was positive and significant. The results also indicated that the total path coefficient (sum of direct and indirect path coefficients) between the experience of close relationships (anxious attachment) with marital covert aggression (p=0.001, β=0.274) and perceived stress (p=0.001, β=0.272) was positive and significant. Finally, the results showed that the indirect path coefficient between forgiveness, avoidant attachment, anxious attachment and marital covert aggression was significant. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21609.html The research question of this study is: What is the difference in the effectiveness of Intolerance of Uncertainty Therapy and CEmotion-Oriented Therapy Based on Compassion on psychological coherence, resilience, and distress tolerance among women at risk of divorce? Based on the objective, the research methodology was applied. From the perspective of data collection, the study employed a quantitative approach and a quasi-experimental design, specifically a pre-test, post-test design with a control group, followed by a 2-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of all women at risk of divorce who sought consultation at psychological service centers in Tehran’s Districts 1, 2, and 11 during the years 2023–2024. The participants completed the Psychological Coherence Questionnaire (SCQ) by Flensborg-Madsen et al. (2006), the Resilience Scale (RISC) by Connor & Davidson (2003), and the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) by Simons & Gaher (2005). Results indicated that Emotion-Oriented Therapy Based on Compassion was more effective than Intolerance of Uncertainty Therapy in improving psychological coherence, resilience, and distress tolerance. Consequently, the main hypothesis—that there is a difference in the effectiveness of these two approaches on psychological coherence, resilience, and distress tolerance among women at risk of divorce—was confirmed.Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that Emotion-Oriented Therapy Based on Compassion demonstrates greater efficacy compared to Intolerance of Uncertainty Therapy in improving distress tolerance, psychological coherence, and resilience among women at risk of divorce. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21610.html This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a community-based rehabilitation service package training on the quality of life of the elderly. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all elderly people in Isfahan city. The research sample included 45 elderly people from Kolbeh Noor and Ranginkaman Sepid elderly training and rehabilitation centers who were selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly replaced in an experimental group of 22 and a control group of 23. The intervention was carried out in eight sessions 60 minute for the experimental group, while the control group did not receive this training. The research tool included the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Old module (WHOQOL-OLD). Data were analyzed with the statistical method of univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance. The results showed that the community-based rehabilitation service package training had a positive and significant effect on the quality of life and its subscales (sensory functioning, autonomy, past, present, and future activities, social participation, concerns about death and dying, and the ability to establish intimate relationships) in the elderly. The findings provide useful information related community-based rehabilitation service package training to these people. Therefore, specialists and psychologists can use community-based rehabilitation service package training to improve quality of life of the elderly. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21611.html Digital cognitive training tools have gained attention for their potential to enhance core cognitive functions such as working memory and selective attention. Although findings remain mixed, evidence indicates that structured game-based programs may improve executive functioning and attentional control. Lumosity is widely used, yet research on its cognitive effects among Iranian university students is limited. This study examined the immediate and sustained effects of Lumosity games on working memory and selective attention. This applied study used a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a three-month follow-up and an active control group. Thirty students from the University of Shiraz were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups (15 each). Working memory was measured using the Letter–Number Sequencing Test, and selective attention was assessed using the Trail Making Test Part B. The experimental group completed 14 days of Lumosity training. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and MANCOVA at p < .05. After adjusting for pretest scores, the experimental group showed significantly higher working memory performance and faster completion times on selective attention tasks compared to the control group. At three-month follow-up, selective attention improvements persisted, while working memory gains slightly declined yet remained above baseline. Findings indicate that Lumosity training can enhance working memory and selective attention in university students, with attentional gains showing greater long-term stability. Digital cognitive games may serve as an effective supplementary tool for improving cognitive readiness in academic contexts. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21612.html The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotion-focused therapy on suicidal ideation of adolescent under welfare Nourabad city. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design with control group and two-month follow-up. The statistical population of the research was all adolescent under welfare Nourabad city in year 2025. Then the number of 60 adolescent were randomly divided into two groups, including an cognitive-behavioral therapy group (20 adolescent ), emotion-focused therapy group (20 adolescent ) and a control group (20 adolescent ). Then the first experimental group underwent eight sessions of 90-minute cognitive-behavioral therapy and the second experimental group underwent eight sessions of 90-minute emotion-focused therapy. To collect data, Beck scale for suicidal ideation (BSSI) of Beck (1979) was used. Analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test was used for data analysis. The data analysis software was SPSS version 29. The results showed that both interventions had a significant effect on suicidal ideation (p<0.05). In addition, the results of Bonferroni post hoc test showed that emotion-focused therapy is more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy on suicidal ideation (p<0.05). Based on the results of the present study, it can be said that cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotion-focused therapy can be used as a treatment method on suicidal ideation in adolescent and the priority of use in suicidal ideation of adolescent under welfare is with emotion-focused therapy. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21613.html The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of self-affirmation training and positive psychology training on academic well-being and academic engagement among students. The research design was quasi-experimental with a pretest–posttest and control group. The statistical population consisted of all male secondary school students in Dargaz in 2025 who had experienced academic failure. A total of 60 students were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to three groups: self-affirmation training, positive psychology training, and a control group. The training programs were implemented over a specified period, and data were collected using the Academic Well-being Questionnaire (Tomiinien-Soini et al., 2012) and the Academic Engagement Scale (Tynjälä, 2009). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. The results showed that both the self-affirmation training program and the positive psychology training program significantly improved students’ academic well-being and academic engagement compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, positive psychology training demonstrated greater effectiveness in enhancing academic well-being and academic engagement. These improvements were also maintained in the follow-up phase, indicating the long-term benefits of these interventions. Overall, the findings suggest that integrating positive psychology principles into educational settings can enhance students’ motivation, resilience, and academic performance. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21614.html This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of schema therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological distress and forgiveness of divorced women affected by marital infidelity. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group and a 2-month follow-up. The statistical population of the research consisted of all divorced women affected by marital infidelity attending the Fasle Zendegi clinic in Tehran in the winter of 2025. A total of 45 women were randomly divided into 3 groups (15 women in each group). The first experimental group then underwent 10 sessions of 90-minute schema therapy, and the second experimental group underwent 8 sessions of 90-minute cognitive-behavioral therapy. Data was collected using the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) of Kessler and et al. (2003) and Heartland forgiveness scale (HFS) of Thompson et al. (2005).  Analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test was used for data analysis. The data analysis software was SPSS version 29. The results showed that both interventions had a significant effect on psychological distress and forgiveness (p<0.05). In addition, the results of Bonferroni post hoc test showed that schema therapy is more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological distress and forgiveness (p<0.05). Based on the results of the present study, it can be said that schema therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used as a treatment method to on psychological distress and forgiveness of divorced women affected by marital infidelity and priority of use in reduction psychological distress and forgiveness of divorced women affected by marital infidelity is with schema therapy. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_19404.html The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of mindfulness training and self-care training on sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test, two-month follow-up, and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all patients (aged 30–50) suffering from breast cancer who applied to the "Firoozgar Hospital" cancer research center located in Tehran City in 2022 and underwent mastectomy surgery. The sampling method was purposive. Forty-five available patients were selected (15 in each experimental group) and randomly assigned to experimental group 1 (mindfulness training) and experimental group 2 (self-care training). Fifteen other patients were placed in the control group and did not receive any training. The Sexual Self-Esteem Scale (Zeanah & Schwarz, 1996) was administered in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. The training packages were the mindfulness training package (Kabat-Zinn, 2015) and the self-care training package (Clark et al., 2014). Both trainings were applied to the experimental groups (45 minutes each session) weekly, and the control group did not receive any training. The data were analyzed by mixed analysis of variance. Results showed that both mindfulness training and self-care training were equally effective in increasing sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer (p < 0.001). The two-month follow-up confirmed these results. Using mindfulness and self-care training (especially mindfulness) can increase sexual self-esteem in women with breast cancer. Therefore, mindfulness and self-care training (especially mindfulness) are effective in raising sexual self-esteem, and it is necessary to use these methods to improve the therapy of these women with breast cancer, as these components effectively enhance the health of these patients. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21616.html The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and emotion-focused therapy on anxiety in women with breast cancer and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The research method was a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest design and a control group with a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population of the study included women with breast cancer and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder who had referred to hospitals in Tehran in 2025 for follow-up treatment. The sample size consisted of 45 people (15 people in each group) who were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups. The research instruments included the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire (PCL-5) by Ders et al. (1993) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) by Beck and Steer (1990). The mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and emotion-focused therapy group received 8 sessions of approximately 2 hours of intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 software using repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed that both interventions had a significant effect on anxiety (p<0.001). The results of the Bonferroni post hoc test showed that emotion-focused therapy had a greater effect (p<0.05). It can be concluded that in addition to the effectiveness of both treatments, emotion-focused therapy is preferable in treating anxiety in women with breast cancer and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21619.html The objective of this study was to model adolescent positive development based on psychological flexibility, competency perception, and intelligence beliefs, with the mediating role of self-compassion. This research employed a correlational design and was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample included 286 female high school students (aged 15–18) in Tehran during the 2022–2023 academic year, selected through multi-stage cluster sampling and responded to the questionnaires: the Adolescent Positive Development Scale (Geldhof et al.,2014), the Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire (Bond et al.,2011), the Emotional-Social Competency Perception Scale (Zhou & Ji, 2012), the Implicit theory of Intelligence Scale (Abdelfattah & Yates, 2006), and the Self-Compassion Scale (Reis et al., 2011). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and SEM with SPSS 24 and AMOS 22. The findings indicated that the proposed hypothetical model and the measurement models of the studied variables demonstrated acceptable goodness of fit. The direct effects of psychological flexibility on positive youth development (β=0.317), perceived competence on positive youth development (β=0.214), incremental intelligence beliefs on positive youth development (β =0.476), and entity intelligence beliefs on positive youth development (β=0.205) were positive and statistically significant (p<0.05). Moreover, the indirect effect of psychological flexibility on positive youth development through self-compassion was positive and significant. However, the indirect effects of perceived competence and implicit theories of intelligence on positive youth development through self-compassion were not significant. According to the fit indices (χ2(df=70) =192.592, χ2/df=2.751, CFI=0.935, NFI=0.914, IFI=0.947, GFI=0.910, RMSEA=0.077), the model demonstrated an acceptable level of fit. Based on the findings and the significance of the studied variables in positive youth development, training and strengthening these constructs are recommended to promote empowerment and positive growth in adolescents. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21620.html The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of compassion focused therapy on body shame and quality of life in women with breast cancer. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design with control group and 2-month follow-up. The statistical population was women with breast cancer at Taleghani Hospital in Tehran in the summer of 2025. Then the number of 40 women with breast cancer were randomly divided into two groups, including an experimental group (20 women with breast cancer) and a control group (20 women with breast cancer). Then the experimental group underwent ten sessions of 90-minute compassion focused therapy. The body image as a source of shame (BISS) of Duarte et al. (2015) and the short form health survey (SF-36) of Ware (2000) were used to collect data. Analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test were used for data analysis. The data analysis software was SPSS version 29. The results showed that compassion focused therapy had a significant effect on body shame and quality of life in women with breast cancer (p<0.05). These findings indicate that compassion focused therapy can be used in an educational and therapeutic context to body shame and quality of life in women with breast cancer. https://psychologyj.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_16488.html One of the unique characteristics of adolescence is the enjoyment, pride and hope of education, which has positive consequences for the adolescent, family and society.In this program, students were taught "cognitive emotion regulation" and "social competence".The design of this research was pre-test-post-test with an unequal control group and a semi-experimental research method in which the questionnaire "positive learning emotions of learners" was used before and after the training.The statistical population of the research was the 11th grade male students of Marand city, who were selected and replaced in three experimental groups 1, 2 and the control group using the multi-stage cluster random sampling method to participate in the research.The first experimental group was taught "cognitive emotion regulation";The second experimental group was taught "social competence" and the control group did not receive any training. Data were analyzed by SPSS-24 software.The results of multivariate and univariate covariance analysis showed that there is a significant difference between the groups in increasing the positive learning emotions of learners (p<0.05).The two experimental groups that were taught the educational package of "cognitive regulation of emotion" and "social competence" had higher positive learning emotions compared to the control group.By controlling the effect of the pre-test in the two experimental groups, the two methods of teaching social competence and cognitive emotion regulation have different effects, and this difference is in favor of cognitive emotion regulation education (F=32.35, p<0.05).The positive learning emotions of learners in the post-test are significantly different among groups of students.