International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume:6 Issue: 3, 2012

Review of related literature indicates that few studies have addressed the impacts of the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) on family, and on the family system in particular. The present research investigates the relationship between DUP and family distress among families with a member suffering from first-episode psychosis (FEP). This was a non-experimental correlational study. Using purposeful sampling, a sample of 107 families from three medical centers was recruited. Family distress was measured using the Family Distress Index (FDI), and was completed by the primary caregiver in each family. Also, DUP was measured by administering a semi-structured interview to primary caregivers with select items from the Course of Onset and Relapse Schedule/Topography of Psychotic Episode (CORS/ TOPE). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results indicated that there is a significant relationship between DUP and family distress, and that DUP is also a predictor of family distress. In sum, these findings suggest that when there is an increase in the delay of seeking family treatment, DUP is prolonged, with an increase in family distress. Thus, prolonged DUP may be an indicator of an increased need for family to seek professional help in order to achieve balance of the family system

The present study examined the relationship between social physique anxiety (SPA), body mass index (BMI), and eating behaviors among students. 302 students from Payame-Noor University, with mean age 23 years and 3 months (SD = 4.56) were randomly selected using a multistage cluster sampling method. All participants filled out the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS). Weight and BMI, Waist, abdomen, and hip were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS- 16, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multivariate regression. The results revealed positive correlations between SPAS and eating behavior components, BMI, waist, abdomen, and hip circumferences. Multivariate regression data revealed that eating behavior components and anthropometrical factors might explain 13.1% of SPAS variance. Findings suggested that body deformation due to fat accumulation in different areas of the body may lead to increased SPA, resulting in dysfunctional eating behaviors (such as disinhibition), which may be due to the arousal of the anxiety cycle.

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of working memory components (central executive, phonological loop, and visual-spatial sketchpad) in students with mathematical disability (MD) in comparison to students without MD. 30 students (female and male) with MD from the Learning Disability Center of Zanjan and 30 elementary school students were matched according to IQ, age, gender and academic performance. The participants performed forward and backward Corsi span tests, counting span tests, and the Sun-Moon Stroop test. Data were analyzed using a T-test and logistic regression. All working memory tasks showed significant differences between the scores of students with MD and students without MD, with the exception of the Corsi span results. Logistic regression analysis showed that impaired backward digit span test results (an assessment of the central executive system of working memory) are a strong predictor of learning disability in students with MD. Results indicated that phonological loop and central executive functioning play an important role in mathematical learning that is presented verbally given that these components of working memory are responsible for the maintenance of verbal information, inhibition of irrelevant information, the simultaneous processing of verbal and visual-spatial information, and the recovery of information from long-term memory. Deficits in these aspects of working memory may result in impaired mathematical learning.

This study tested the moderation effect of two personality traits, extraversion and neuroticism, on the relationship between perceived workplace exclusion and workplace deviance. The participants of this study included 325 employees of an industrial company in Isfahan that were selected by stratified random sampling method. The instruments used in this study were Workplace Exclusion Scale-Revised (WES-R), Workplace Deviance Questionnaire and NEO-FFI. A hierarchical regression analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. Regression analysis revealed that personality traits moderated the relationship of perceived workplace exclusion with workplace deviance. The findings in the current study have implications for HR practitioners who frequently hire applicants for jobs where deviant behaviors are more prevalent and problematic (e.g., finance).

The present study compares early maladaptive schemas and perceived parental rearing behaviors in couples with problem-focused coping styles and emotion-focused coping styles. This was a causal–comparative study. The sample was selected using convenience sampling and consisted of 158 married female students of Tehran universities. They completed the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), the short Egna Minnen Betraffande Uppfostran (EMBU-S), and a coping style questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and a T-test. There were significant differences between couples with problem-focused coping styles and emotion-focused coping styles in each of the subscales of early maladaptive schemas and perceived parental rearing behaviors. Couples in the emotion-focused coping style group had higher scores in all subscales of early maladaptive schemas. Furthermore, the couples with an emotional parenting style applied problem-focused coping more frequently, and those with avoidance and over-support parenting styles applied emotional parenting style more frequently. Results suggest that by providing suitable childhood conditions, in addition to development of the parent–child relationship, individuals develop more effective coping mechanisms in order to better handle stressful situations.

The present study determines the effectiveness of two types of group counseling, Adlerian counseling and cognitive restructuring, based on an allegory to improve the mental health of students. The study was quasi-experimental. Participants consisted of 45 male students from the Teacher Training Center of Tehran, who were randomly assigned to two case groups and a control group. One case group underwent Adlerian group counseling, and the other underwent cognitive restructuring based on an allegory of 12 sessions. The mental health scale GHQ-28 was administered at pretest, posttest and follow-up stages. Results suggest that cognitive restructuring based on allegory effectively improved the mental health outcomes of group members and made a meaningful decrease in social function. However, significant changes were not found for participants in the Adlerian group. Modern treatments, such as cognitive restructuring, can be effectively utilized in Iran due to their cohesion with Iranian culture. It would be appropriate to promote it as an effective treatment based on the present study’s results.

The present study investigates the effects of similar and dissimilar personality traits on the marital adjustment of university students. This comparative study included 200 couples, ranging from students pursuing Associate Diplomas to PhDs at Islamic Azad University, who were selected using 2-stage cluster sampling. The assessment tools used were the NEO form short questionnaire, and the Locke-Wallas Marital Adjustment Scale (LWMAS). Data were analyzed using variance analysis. Results of neuroticism scales indicated that when both parties were rated as stable, marital adjustment was more likely than when both rated highly in neuroticism. Additionally, in instances when males were accommodating and females were not accommodating, marital adjustment was more frequent than when both parties were not accommodating. [Remark 7] These findings suggest that certain personality traits may predict successful marital adjustment, as well as the importance of personality factors for married couples.

The present research examined the predictors of childhood anxiety based on early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) of children and the parenting styles of their mothers among 9–13-year-old students. Participants were 152 children who were selected using cluster random sampling from elementary and middle schools in Tehran. Instruments included Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Schema Inventory for Children (SIC), and Baumrind Parenting Styles Inventory. The data were analyzed with Pearson correlation and multiple regression methods. Results suggest that EMSs of children play a more significant role in prediction of childhood anxiety than parenting styles of mothers. Meanwhile, regression analysis identified the EMSs of failure, vulnerability, loneliness, and submission as the ones that explain most of the variance in total anxiety. Children’s anxiety can be influenced by their schemas to a large extent; therefore, training logical beliefs to children is essential.

This study investigates the relationship between student perception of teacher’s behavioral style and their psychological well-being. Participants consisted of 452 high school students who were selected by multistage cluster sampling in Shiraz city. The participants filled out the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Perception of Teacher's Scales. The results of multiple regression showed that perception of control can predict all component of well-being negatively, while perception of structure from teachers can predict autonomy, personal growths and environment mastery positively. In addition perception of involvement from teachers predict autonomy component of well-being negatively. The results suggested that positive perception of teachers or environment has beneficial effects on the psychological well-being of students. As such, teachers should decrease controlling behavior, thereby providing a proper environment for increased psychological well-being of their students.

The purpose of the present study is to improve the quality of education through the illustration of methods for changing student attributions and improvement in their motivational levels for learning. An instructional program and feedback were used with two groups (29 in the case group and 28 in the control group) of high school students in a semi-experimental framework. The case group received feedback. The two groups were evaluated using a pretest and posttest model and then followed up. The Peterson Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to measure both positive and negative events. Finally, data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). In the case group, the learning motivation of students through feedback improved and their negative attributions changed significantly. Moreover, improvement in learning motivation lasted for about 2 months following the feedback program. Results suggest that the learning motivation of students receiving feedback is significantly improved, as well as sustained, and attributions change positively.

This study investigates the impact of social competence training program on the individual social ability and the general health of female freshman high school students in the city of Tehran. The sample consisted of 30 students from educational district 14 in Tehran who were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Before administering skills training, Social Competence and General Health Questionnaires were administered to both groups. The experimental group took part in 10 sessions (105 minutes each) of a social competence-training program. After finishing the program, social competence and general health questionnaires were administered to both groups again. Data were analyzed using a covariance statistical measure. Results indicated that the social competence-training program was effective in increasing individual social abilities (cognitive, motivational, behavioral and emotional), as was as general health of participants. Furthermore, it decreased somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression. Based on the results, it is recommended that social competence training programs should be made available to students.

Anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health issues facing children. However, Ravenette’s treatment makes it possible to safely enter a child’s inner world through identifying difficulties and beliefs using pictures. Furthermore, without a child’s conscious awareness, this treatment model can clarify various hidden aspects which help in treatment. Ravenette has played a crucial role in children’s treatment as a result of the constructive theory; he is a pioneer in utilizing painting for treatment of children. Constructive theory posits that there is no difference between assessment and treatment as searching an individual’s mental structures has inherent treatment value and provides ample clarification. Children were assessed using the Achenbach Children’s Checklist and CAT scans. The anxiety levels of participants were significantly reduced following treatment. Ravenette’s treatment significantly decreases anxiety symptoms in children. Results of the present study suggest that assessing and treating common childhood mental health issues, such as depression, obsession and anxiety disorders, is possible using Ravenette’s treatment model.