mehdi manouchehri

The study investigated the direct and indirect pathways between eating self-efficacy and emotional eating behavior in women with overweight and obesity, evaluating the parallel mediating roles of shame and guilt related to body and weight.

A total of 228 women between the ages of 18 and 70, with overweight and obesity (Body Mass Index≥ 25), were recruited through purposive sampling. Participants completed online questionnaires: Demographic Information Questionnaire (DIQ), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), Weight- and Body-Related Shame and Guilt Scale (WEB-SG), Weight Efficacy Lifestyle-Short Form (WEL-SF). Descriptive statistics and parallel mediation analysis (PROCESS model 4) with bootstrapping were used to test the hypothesized model. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data.

Higher levels of eating self-efficacy were directly associated with the lower levels of emotional eating behavior (P< 0.001), and indirectly related to reduced emotional eating by decreased weight- and body-related shame and guilt (P< 0.05). Shame and guilt served as partial, parallel mediators. The model explained 39% of the variance in emotional eating behavior (R2= 0.39).

This study underscores the importance of addressing cognitive and emotional factors in interventions to improve eating behaviors and manage obesity in women, providing actionable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers.

 This study aims to examine the relationship between childhood abuse and self-regulation, with a specific focus on how dark personality traits mediate this relationship in university students in Tehran.

Methods and Materials:

  The research adopted a cross-sectional design and included university students from undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs during the academic year 2021-22. Using convenience sampling, 400 students were selected to participate. Data were collected through three standardized instruments: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) for childhood abuse, the Dark Triad Personality Traits Questionnaire for dark personality traits (Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, Narcissism), and the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) to measure self-regulation. Linear regression analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 to explore the relationships between childhood trauma, dark personality traits, and self-regulation, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

 The findings revealed that childhood trauma significantly predicted self-regulation skills, with dark personality traits (Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Narcissism) acting as mediators in this relationship. Specifically, higher levels of childhood abuse were associated with lower self-regulation abilities, and dark traits such as high Machiavellianism and Psychopathy exacerbated this negative relationship. Additionally, significant correlations were found between all subscales of the CTQ and SRQ, as well as between dark traits and poor self-regulation.

 This study concludes that childhood abuse has a detrimental effect on self-regulation, and this relationship is moderated by dark personality traits. It highlights the importance of considering both traumatic experiences and personality factors in understanding self-regulation challenges in young adults. Interventions aimed at improving self-regulation should address both childhood trauma and dark personality traits to enhance emotional well-being and personal development.

This study aimed to investigate the concurrent relationships between weight self-stigma and disordered eating behaviors, mediated by weight- and body-related shame and guilt, fear of negative appearance evaluation, and eating self-efficacy, among women with overweight and obesity.

This study was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 228 Iranian women, aged 18-70 years, with overweight and obesity (BMI≥ 25), who were purposively selected. Participants responded to online demographic questions and research measurement tools (Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, Weight- and Body-Related Shame and Guilt Scale, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle-Short Form, Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale). Statistical methods of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation matrix, structural equation modeling and bootstrapping mediation analysis were used to analyze the data, through SPSS 23 and AMOS 23.

The results showed that weight self-stigma had significant paths to all research variables in a structural model (P< 0.05). Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that eating self-efficacy mediated the relationships between weight self-stigma and emotional (P< 0.001), external (P< 0.001), and restrained eating behaviors (P< 0.002). Additionally, weight and body-related guilt mediated the relationship between weight self-stigma and restrained eating behavior (P< 0.001). Totally, the research model explained 14.9% of the variance of emotional and external eating behaviors, and 36.2% of the variance of restrained eating behavior.

The findings highlight the importance of considering weight self-stigma in obesity research. Additionally, improving eating self-efficacy and addressing guilt through psychological interventions are crucial for managing eating behaviors in this population.

Obesity is a health concern with complex dimensions. This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of psychological factors, including weight self-stigma, weight- and body-related shame and guilt, eating self-efficacy, and fear of negative appearance evaluation, on disordered eating behaviors in Iranian women with overweight and obesity.  This descriptive cross-sectional research was carried out in 2020-2021 among 228 Iranian women, aged 18 to 70 years, with overweight and obesity who were selected by purposive sampling method. Data were collected through online standard questionnaires. SPSS-23 was used to analyze the data.  All the predictor variables had significant associations with disordered eating behaviors (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that eating self-efficacy was a predictor of emotional eating behavior (β = -0.534, P<0.001). Additionally, fear of negative appearance evaluation and eating self-efficacy were predictors of external eating behavior (βf = -0.416, βs-e = -0.416, P< 0.001). Moreover, weight and body related guilt and eating self-efficacy were predictors of restrained eating behavior (βg = 0.442, βs-e = 0.300, P< 0.001).  These findings emphasize the importance of psychological variables in obesity. Specifically, self-efficacy, fear of negative evaluation, and guilt were important constructs in predicting disordered eating behaviors. Thus, in clinical weight loss programs, considering psychological treatments based on strengthening self-efficacy and self-compassion in this group is helpful to improve their healthy eating behaviors.

Life skills are a set of abilities designed by the World Health Organization to promote the quality of life and recommend it to all members of society. This study aimed to determine and evaluate the effective components of the life skills course.

The present research was a qualitative and of the phenomenology model. Using purposive based sampling method, 20 participants of life skills course were selected who met the studying criteria including the maximum absence of 2 sessions in a 10-session course, age over 18 years, and personal consent to participate in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured and individual open-ended interviews until data saturation was achieved. The recorded interviews were then handwritten and analyzed.

Qualitative analysis of the interviews led to the extraction of five themes: “cognitive and emotional self-awareness,” “group dynamics,” “content capability in conceptualization and operation of structures and processes,” “gaining insight and unconscious change,” and “self-compassion formation.

According to the obtained results, life skills training in a participatory and active method based on a coherent protocol in a context of intimacy, empathy and non-judgmental group atmosphere, leads to increased self-awareness and motivation and belief in the change in individuals. This underscores the need to focus on psychological education in a participatory and active manner.

Children facing challenges such as social deficiencies during childhood may struggle in social interactions and unhealthy emotional relationships, thus increasing their vulnerability to sexual addiction. The relationship between childhood traumas and sexual addiction is influenced by various factors such as social support, mental framing, and attachment styles, highlighting the importance of thoroughly examining the impact of each of these factors on this relationship. Strong scientific evidence can guide decision-makers in implementing effective measures and policies to prevent childhood traumas and sexual addiction.

The present study aimed to model the structural equations of the relationship between childhood traumas and sexual addiction, with the mediating role of perceived social support, mental framing, and attachment styles.

The current research employed a descriptive correlational approach and structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all virtual students in Tehran universities during the academic year 2021-2022. The sample size was determined to be 322 individuals based on the Klein formula (2011), considering the possibility of dropouts, with 370 individuals ultimately included. Data collection utilized the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Bernstein et al., 2003), Sexual Addiction Screening Test (Carnes, 1988), and Adult Attachment Style Questionnaire (Collins & Read, 1990). The gathered data were analyzed using path analysis in LISREL and SPSS software.

The research findings indicate significant correlations, confirming the hypothesized correlation between variables for developing the structural equation model (p< 0.05).

The relationship between childhood traumas and sexual addiction is influenced by various factors, including social support, mental framing, and attachment styles, underscoring the critical importance of thoroughly investigating the impact of each of these factors on this relationship. Strong scientific evidence can guide decision-makers in implementing effective measures and policies to prevent childhood traumas and sexual addiction.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that greatly affects the quality of life. While prior research suggested a linear connection between conscientiousness and health outcomes like quality of life, recent studies propose a more intricate, curved relationship.

The present study aimed to determine the inverted U-shaped curvilinear relationship between conscientiousness and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

This descriptive-correlational study in Tehran’s private gastroenterology clinic in 2020 included 232 IBS patients. Data collected via the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Excel 2023 for statistical assessment at a 95% confidence interval.

Scatter plots and regression equations demonstrated a strong curvilinear relationship (R2 = 0.14) between conscientiousness and IBS patients’ quality of life, surpassing the linear relationship (R2 = 0.08). Curvilinear regression analysis revealed significant correlations (95% CI) for both the first-degree coefficient (β1 = 2.304, P < 0.001) and the second-degree coefficient (β2 = -2.043, P < 0.001).

The findings indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between conscientiousness and quality of life in IBS individuals. This underscores the importance of addressing exceptionally high conscientiousness levels in healthcare.

 With the increase in the aged population, the physical and mental health of the elderly have become more important. Since resilience is an important concept in the mental health of the elderly, this study aims to predict the resilience of the elderly in Tehran, Iran, based on their religious orientation, mental toughness, physical health, and sleep disorders.

 This is a descriptive-correlational study with a cross-sectional design. Participants were 256 elderly people aged >60 years (Mean age: 66.42±4.37 years) selected by a simple random sampling method from those living in Kahrizak Nursing Home in Tehran, Iran. They completed the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, Clough et al.’s mental toughness questionnaire-48 items, physical health questionnaire, and Lynch’s sleep disturbance questionnaire to measure resilience, religious orientation, mental toughness, physical health, and sleep disorders. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in AMOS and SPSS software, version 23.

 Religious orientation (t=4.32, r=0.24, P<0.001), mental toughness (t=6.87, r=0.68, P<0.001), physical health (t=5.12, r=0.57, P<0.001) and sleep disorders (t=-5.18, r=-0.52, P<0.001) could significantly predict the resilience of the elderly in Tehran. 

 The resilience of the elderly in Tehran has a positive and significant relationship with their religious orientation, mental toughness, physical health, and sleep disorders. These components can predict the resilience of the elderly. Therefore, by controlling these components, the resilience of the elderly can be improved.

This study aimed to identify the elderly’s psychological and social problems, their needs, and priorities in order to provide implications for future research and intervention. The research method is qualitative and the statistical population is all the elderly of Tehran city, who are members of the Center of Senior Citizens’Association of Tehran city. 48 people were selected by purposive sampling method (four groups of 12 people). To collect information, a focused group discussion method was used to collect issues and problems of the elderly. The nominal group method was used to prioritize issues and problems. Results of the research showed that in the sample of the elderly, the category of worries about children was given the highest priority. The category of disturbing thoughts and memories was the second priority of the elderly. The category of anxiety about diseases and the category of financial, social, and geographical issues were the third and fourth priorities. Loneliness was also the least priority among the elderly. The results of the present study can be used by therapists to develop intervention programs to address the psychological and social problems of the elderly.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits and can significantly impair quality of life (QOL). Personality has an important effect on health-related quality of life. However, its effect on the quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is yet unknown. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship of quality of life with neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness, and their subcomponents in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods & Materials:

 This is a descriptive-correlational study. The studied population was IBS patients referred to a private gastrointestinal clinic in Tehran in 2021.The sample size was 223, and subjects were selected through the consecutive sampling method. The data were collected using NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality Of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used at the confidence level of 95% through the SPSS software version 24.

The mean score of IBS-QOL was 57.68±20.55. Regression analysis suggested that personality subcomponents such as self-reproach (β=-0.376, P<0.001) and positive affect (β=0.160, P=0.020) were the most important predictors of the score of IBS-QOL. The scores of self-reproach and positive affect explained 22.6% of the variance score of IBS-QOL.

The results of current study suggested that the scores of some personality subcomponents including self-reproach and positive affect significantly predict the score of IBS-QOL. Hence, it seems that in addition to common pharmaceutical treatments for IBS patients, considering personality subcomponents (particularly self-reproach and positive affect) is effective in improving these patients’ quality of life.

The aim of this study was to compare the brain-behavioral systems in soldiers with borderline personality disorder or traits and healthy soldiers.

This is a descriptive-crosssectional, causal-comparative study conducted in 2019. The first statistical population of the study included all the soldiers referring to a military psychiatric hospital who had been diagnosed to have borderline personality disorder or traits, and the second one consisted of the soldiers who were mentally healthy. The sample size in each group was 106. The samples were selected using the availability sampling method, and the required data were collected using demographic questionnaires and the Behavioral Inhibition-Activation Systems Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance by SPSS Statistics 25.

The results showed that the performance of behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition system was better in healthy soldiers compared to that of soldiers with borderline personality disorder or traits.

It seems that the role of brain-behavioral systems can be considered in psychological interventions for people with borderline personality disorder or traits

Knowing the variables affecting health is clinically important. The purpose of this study was to determine the mediating role of coping styles in relation between attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas and health dimensions.

In a descriptive study, 500 students from Azad University of Medical Sciences of Tehran between 2017 and 2018 were selected by available sampling method. Participants (250 female and 250 male) were asked to complete questionnaires of adult attachment scales, early maladaptive schemas, coping styles, and general health. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling.

The results showed that the tested model had suitable fit. There was a significant negative relationship between subscales of attachment styles other than secure attachment with dimensions of health. In the early maladaptive schemas scale, other than the sub-scale of the other direction, the other subscales had a significant negative relationship with the dimensions of health. In the scale of coping styles, there was a significant positive correlation between problem-oriented strategy subscales, and emotional-oriented strategies had a negative significant relation with health dimensions, The results also showed that coping styles had mediating role in the relationship between attachment styles and early maladaptive schemas with health dimensions.

These findings, while pointing to the complexity of attachment nature, early maladaptive schemas and coping styles, emphasize the identification and conceptualization of various variables affecting health.