Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Romantic relationships during student life are among the most significant interpersonal experiences. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between impulsiveness and love addiction among university students.  Method: This descriptive-correlational study utilized structural equation modeling. The sample consisted of 360 undergraduate students from the University of Guilan during the 2023-2024 academic year, selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Peabody Love Addiction Scale (2005), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (2004), and Kraaij & Garnefski’s Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (2019). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and path analysis.  Results: The final model demonstrated good fit (RMSEA = 0.05, p < 0.001). All path coefficients were significant except for the paths from adaptive emotion regulation to impulsiveness and from maladaptive emotion regulation to love addiction (p > 0.001). Findings revealed that maladaptive emotion regulation mediates the relationship between impulsiveness and love addiction (p < 0.001). However, the indirect effect of impulsiveness on love addiction through adaptive emotion regulation was not significant (p > 0.05).  Conclusion: The study concludes that maladaptive emotion regulation serves as a mediating variable by reinforcing dysfunctional relational patterns, while impulsiveness significantly contributes to love addiction in students through maladaptive emotion regulation.   

Abstract Introduction: Universities play a critical role in fostering optimal academic performance and addressing the evolving challenges faced by students. This study aimed to investigate changes in social skills, academic motivation, and grit among first-year to third-year university students.  Method: This comparative study included a statistical population of all undergraduate students at Bu-Ali Sina University during the second semester of the 1402-1403 academic year. A sample of 310 bachelor students was selected using stratified random sampling, with approximately one-third representing first-year, second-year, and third-year students, respectively. Data were collected using the Social Skills Scale (Gresham & Elliott, 1999), the Academic Motivation Scale (Harter, 1981), and the Grit Scale-Short Form (Duckworth et al., 2007). Data analysis was conducted using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).  Results: The results revealed significant differences among first-year, second-year, and third-year students in terms of social skills and academic motivation (P < 0.01). Specifically, third-year students exhibited higher levels of social skills and academic motivation compared to first- and second-year students, while first-year students scored lower than both second- and third-year students. However, no significant differences were observed among the three groups regarding grit (P = 0.322).  Conclusion: The findings suggest that social skills and academic motivation tend to improve as students progress through their university years, while grit remains relatively stable. To support student development, university counseling centers and student associations should implement targeted programs to enhance academic motivation, improve social skills, and foster resilience, particularly among incoming first-year students. 

Abstract Introduction: The Internet, as an advanced technology, has several negative effects, one of which is Internet addiction. This addiction is influenced by various factors. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the roles of loneliness, social anxiety, and sensation seeking in predicting Internet addiction among students.
 Method: This research is descriptive and correlational in nature. A total of 269 male and female students from Neishabor University were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method. The participants completed several questionnaires, including Young's Internet Addiction Questionnaire (1998), Russell's Loneliness Scale (1980), the Social Anxiety Scale developed by Metic and Clark (1989), and Zuckerman's Sensation-Seeking Scale (1978).
Findings: To analyze the data, we employed Pearson correlation methods and stepwise regression analysis. The results from the Pearson correlation indicated a significant relationship between loneliness and Internet addiction. Additionally, social anxiety was found to have a direct and significant relationship with Internet addiction. Furthermore, all components of sensation-seeking also showed a direct and significant relationship with Internet addiction. The regression analysis results revealed that the loneliness variable accounted for 8% of the variance in Internet addiction. In the second step, social anxiety explained an additional 9% of the variance. In total, the three variables together accounted for 11% of the variance in Internet addiction.
Conclusion: According to the research findings, loneliness, social anxiety, and thrill-seeking all play a significant role in predicting students' social health. It is recommended that suitable and effective counseling services be provided for students. Additionally, it is essential to identify the causes of loneliness among students and to prevent complications such as internet addiction by implementing appropriate solutions to mitigate this issue.

Abstract Introduction:As the world constantly evolves, students encounter new situations and social differences that can affect various aspects of their lives. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of identity styles in the relationship between perceived parenting practices and gender stereotypes among graduate students. Method: The research method employed in this study was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consisted of all graduate students enrolled at Tabriz University in 2022, from which 206 individuals were selected using an available sampling method with the sample size determined based on Klein's model. To collect data, the Parental Authority Questionnaire, Identity Styles Questionnaire, and Gender Stereotypes Questionnaire were administered and analyzed using path analysis. Results:The findings revealed a direct relationship between perceived parenting styles and gender stereotypes, with the mediating role of identity styles. The research model was found to have an acceptable fit. Perceived parenting styles were significantly associated with gender stereotypes, with informational identity style acting as a mediator (p < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant indirect relationship between perceived parenting styles and gender stereotypes through the mediating effect of the confused-avoidant identity style (p < 0.05). However, the normative identity style did not significantly mediate this relationship (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the phenomenon of gender stereotypes among students. It was found that parenting styles directly and indirectly through identity styles significantly influence students' use of gender stereotypes. The findings highlight the importance of considering both direct and indirect factors in understanding how gender stereotypes develop and are perpetuated.

Abstract   Introduction:As the Internet becomes increasingly prevalent in daily life, negative impacts have also grown. One such impact is Problematic Internet Use (PIU). This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of Maladaptive Emotion Regulation (MER) and Impulsivity (IMP) in the relationship between Shame and PIU. Method:The present study utilized a descriptive-correlation design and path analysis using SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 24  to investigate the relationship between Shame (Cohen et al., 2011), Maladaptive Emotion Regulation (Garnefski, 2006), Impulsivity (Barrat, 1995), and Problematic Internet Use (Kaplan, 2010) questionnaires in a sample of 340 (male and female) University of Tabriz students in the academic year 1402-1403, selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method based on Kline's formula. Results:The results showed that there is a direct and indirect relationship between the feeling of shame Problematic use of the Internet through impulsivity. Also, the fit indices showed that the research model has a good fit. The relationship between the experience of shame and Problematic use of the Internet was significant with the mediation of impulsivity (p< 0.01). However, the effect of maladaptive emotion regulation (p<0.05) on Problematic use of the Internet was not significant.The data analysis demonstrated that Shame is positively associated with Problematic Internet Use (PIU), both directly and indirectly through the mediating effect of Impulsivity. The proposed model exhibited a strong fit with the data. Specifically, the direct relationship between Shame and PIU was significant (p < 0.01), as was the indirect effect of Shame on PIU via Impulsivity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrate that Shame is a significant factor in the development of Problematic Internet Use, with Impulsivity playing a mediating role. This suggests that efforts to address and reduce PIU may benefit from considering individuals’ experiences of Shame, as well as strategies for improving emotional regulation. Future research may expand upon these findings to develop more comprehensive models of PIU, leading to improved interventions and preventive measures.

Abstract Introduction: The concept of belonging is a fundamental aspect of human relatedness theory, which posits that feeling connected to others is a core psychological need. The Sense of Belonging Instrument (SOBI) has been developed to measure this construct among college students, a population for whom belonging can significantly impact academic and social success. This study aims to validate the SOBI within the framework of human relatedness theory. Method: In a descriptive-correlational and validation study, 200 participants from higher education institutions in Mashhad were randomly selected through a multistage sampling method. They completed the Sense of Belonging Instrument (Hagerty & Patusky, 1995), Need to Belong Scale (Kelly, 1999), Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (Ditommaso, Brannen, & Best, 2004), Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form (Waller, Meyer, & Ohanian, 2001), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (Lovibond, & Lovibond, 1995), the Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler et al., 2002), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985). The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, correlation coefficient, multiple regression, and multivariate analysis of variance. Results: Findings revealed that the sense of belonging instrument has a two-factor structure accounting for 71.72% of the variance. The negative and significant correlation of the sense of belonging instrument with the need to belong, the feeling of social loneliness, and the schema of social isolation, supported divergent validity (P<0.01). Furthermore, predictive validity analyses demonstrated that the SOBI's dimensions are inversely associated with depression and psychological distress, while positively associated with life satisfaction (P<0.01). No marked differences were noted concerning age and gender. Conclusion: The SOBI demonstrated robust validity and reliability within this study, endorsing its utility as a productive instrument to measure the sense of belonging in students

Abstract Introduction: Social cognition deals with the process of recognizing, processing, and using social data to regulate interpersonal performance and socially effective behavior. From the point of view of social psychology, it is very important in social and effective relationships. The present research was conducted with the aim of predicting social cognition based on self-differentiation and cognitive flexibility in students. Method: The present research was conducted with the aim of predicting social cognition based on self-differentiation and cognitive flexibility in students. The study was conducted in the academic year 1401-1400. A sample of 221 students was selected using the multi-stage cluster sampling method.  The research data were collected using Nejati, Kemari, and Jafari's social cognition (2017), self-differentiation (Drake, 2011), and Dennis and Vandrwal’s cognitive flexibility questionnaire (2010). The SPSS version 24 was used for the regression and Multivariate analyses. Finding: The results showed that self-differentiation and cognitive flexibility reliably predict social cognition. The results of the standardized regression coefficient also showed that the differentiation components have a greater predictive share (44.6%) in social cognition. Results: The results of the present research show the importance of the role of self-differentiation and psychological flexibility in students, which can be effective in designing counseling programs.      

Abstract Introduction: Since the introduction of social networks, the pace of change in life has increased exponentially. Dependence on social networks can fundamentally change the course of human life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and basic psychological needs with dependence on social networks mediated by emotional intelligence.
Method: The correlation research design was structural equation modeling. The statistical population is students of Tehran province in 1400, of which 515 people were studied by multi-stage random sampling. Regarding education, 13.98% less than bachelor, 48.74% bachelor, 24.08% master and 13.20% doctorate participated. To measure the research variables, internet and social network addiction questionnaire
(Young, 1998), lifestyle questionnaire (Lali & Abedi, 2012), the basic needs satisfaction in general scale (Guardia et al., 2000) and emotional intelligence questionnaire (Scott, 1998) were used.
Findings: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between lifestyle components, basic psychological needs and emotional intelligence with dependence on social networks (P <0.01). According to RMSEA, GFI and CFI indices, the fit of the model was approved with values ​​of 0.057, 0.994 and 0.967, respectively. Also, the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between lifestyle and basic psychological needs with dependence on social networks was identified.
Conclusion: Therefore, by improving lifestyle and basic psychological needs, it is possible to correct dependence on social networks.

Abstract  Introduction: Socialism as a personality trait refers to presenting a desirable and pleasant image of oneself. Understanding the predictors of socialization leads to a better understanding of the factors that strengthen social interactions. This study aimed to predict Socialism based on social exchange styles and Parenting Styles in students. 
Method: The design of the present study was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population included all students of the Graduate Center of Payame Noor University of Tehran In the 2020-2021 academic year. 200 students were selected by Purposive sampling. The Socialism Questionnaire Questionnaire (Penner, 2002), the Social Exchange Styles Scale (Leybman et all, 2011), and  Parenting Styles Questionnaire (Baumrind, 1967) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Data were analyzed in Spss-24 software.
Results: The results showed that fairness and overinvestment exchange style and Authoritative parenting style can significantly predict Socialism in students (p≤0.001). The results of the standardized regression coefficient also showed that justice with a standard beta of 0.35 has the highest predictive power.
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it can be said that fairness and overinvestment exchange style, and Authoritative parenting can explain and justify socialism and can be used to identify the underlying factors of socialization.

Abstract It is necessary to examine the social responsibility and self-discipline of the young generation because of their importance in determining the active and future force of the creators of society. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study is to understand the role of gender inequality in self-discipline and social responsibility in predicting academic achievement of female students in Tehran universities.
Method: This research is a descriptive correlation according to the practical purpose and based on the data collection method. The statistical population of this study consists of all female students of Tehran universities who are studying in the academic year of 2009-2010. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select the sample of students. Thus, 384 people were selected as multi-stage multi-stage clusters from among the universities of Tehran. In order to collect information, Khoshrou et al. (2017), Zandkarimi Self-Disciplinary Questionnaire (2010) and Soroush Responsibility Questionnaire (2011) were used to collect information. The data collected were statistically analyzed step by step using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression.
Results: The results of correlation coefficient showed that there is a positive relationship between the perception of gender inequality, self-discipline and responsibility with academic achievement of female students (001≥P). The results of step-by-step multivariate regression showed that 35% of female students' academic achievement variance is explained by perceptions of gender inequality, self-discipline, and accountability.
The results of the study confirm the relationship between the perception of gender inequality, self-discipline and responsibility of female students with academic achievement. Therefore,

Abstract Introduction: the materialism as an important subject among people, which occupies a central place in their life and expected to be the greatest source of satisfaction or dissatisfaction, defined (Belk, 1985). Also, Studies showed that the materialism has different psychological antecedents. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of self-esteem, personal sense of power, personal relative deprivation (PRD) and uncertainty (UC) in materialism of students.
Method: The statistical population of this research includes all male and female students of the Tehran University of Ahwaz in the academic year 1396. From this community, 181 people were selected by available sampling method. This was a descriptive correlation study focused on the relationship between materialism and self-esteem, personal sense of power, personal relative deprivation, uncertainty among 181 male and female students of the University of Tehran via questionnaires of these variables.
Results: The results of the variables correlation matrix revealed a positive and significant relationship between materialism and uncertainty (P=0.0285, sig=0.001); and personal relative deprivation (P=0.237, sig=0.001) at the 0.01 level. The results of regression also showed that the prediction of materialism based on the personal relative deprivation (B=0.244, t=2.08) and uncertainty (B=0.216, t=2.13) was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results showed that, materialism can be predicted on the base of UC and PRD variables in Iranian sample.
Keywords: Materialism; Uncertainty; Self-esteem; Personal sense of power; Personal Relative Deprivation

Abstract Introduction: Past research has shown that social support helps reduce psychological stress during periods of crisis and affects people's mental health. Resilience is also the ability of people to stay healthy, with resistance and tolerance in difficult and high-risk conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between social support and social development with resilience in students of Islamic Azad University of Roudehen Branch.
Method: The statistical population of the study consisted of all female and male students who studied at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level of the Islamic Azad University of Roudhan Branch in 1395. The research sample consisted of 380 students of Islamic Azad University, Roodehen Branch. The Participants completed the Scale of Multidimensional Social Support Questionnaire (Zimit, Dahlem, Ziemet, and Farley 1998), Social Development Scale of Weinland (Edgar, 1953), and Researcher's Scale of Conner and Davidson (2000).
Findings: Findings showed that the observed correlation coefficient between social development and social support with students’ resilience was significant at the level of 0/0001 with a degree of freedom of 378 times. It indicates that  the more social support students receive, the more their social growth increases. There It indicates that  a significant relationship between resilience and social support, in other words, the more social support students receive, the more their resilience increases.
Conclusion: Findings of the research indicate that increasing the resilience of students with the improvement in social support and social development level is important, we can use the findings to formulate programs to increase student resilience.

Abstract Aim: The current study was conducted by the aim of investigating the relationship between sympathy and empathy with the desire to spirituality in university students. Method: Research method is descriptive correlational. The study sample is includes all students in psychology college in central Azad university of Tehran. The number of sample, based on Morgan table is 385 people (10 men and 283 woman) and the sampling method is available Data collection instrument includes self- report scale for sympathy of Rashton et al (1981), empathy scale of Mehrabian and Epstein (1972) and Robert Cloninger questionnaire for desire to spirituality (2003). Data analysis and statistical analysis were done by correlation and multi- variate regression. Result: The findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between sympathy, the desire to spirituality (sig= 0.006, r= 0.139) and between empathy and the desire to spirituality (sig= 0.000, r= 0.412). All dimensions of empathy had a significant relationship with sympathy and the desire to spirituality variants. Regression coefficient also confirmed the relationship and indicated that sympathy can be a positive and significant prediction for the desire to spirituality. Additionally, empathy variant, the elements of cooperation empathy and empathy towards others can also significantly predict the desire to spirituality. In investigating the conceptual model of the research, the appropriateness indicates of the study and the relationship between variants were confirmed. Conclusion: based on the findings, the increase in sympathy, empathy and the desire to spirituality among young people is a necessary issue and any kind of improvement in spirituality can lead to developments in emphatic values.

Abstract During last two decades Social health has been one of the most notable subject under investigation.this study aimed at exploring the relationship between social health and individualism and collectivism, gender socialization of students .Research carried out on 218 (female and male) students of Azad university –south Tehran branch.The participants were asked to complete the social health, individualism and collectivism and gender socialization questionnaires.Data were analyzed using pearson correlation and regression analysis. Results showed that among Social health indicators just social acceptance had not significant correlation. None of social health indicators had significant correlation with vertical individualistic.Futhermore, there was significant correlation between social health indicators and vertical collectivism.On the other hand,there was significant correlation between cohesion,adaptability,involvement and vertical collectivism.There was not significant correlation between social health indicators and gender socialization. The regression analysis indicated that gender socialization is predictable by social well-being indicators and individualism and collectivism cultural values.Finally we conclude that the knowledge of the findings can provide the significant implication on the provision of student`s socialization. د

Abstract Abstract This study aimed to examine the relationship between social anxiety, spiritual health and life satisfaction with Internet addiction among students at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman . This study was descriptive and a correlation. Sample size included 374 Kerman University students who were chosen in random sampling based on gender. Kimberly Young questionnaire, Canvor Social anxiety questionnaire, Polotsine and Ellison spiritual health and life satisfaction questionnaire by Dainer and et.al. were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, Pearson correlation and multiple regressions. Results showed significant relationship between social anxiety, spiritual health and life satisfaction with Internet addiction. Findings showed no significant differences between the rate of social anxiety and life satisfaction in male and female students. The spiritual health of female students was higher than male students and male students were more Internet addicted than female students. Key words: social anxiety, spiritual health, life satisfaction, Internet addiction, students.

Abstract Introduction: This research was conducted to investigating the role of university atmosphere on students’ creative achievement Method: Through random multi-stages sampling 362 undergraduate students were selected from university of Mazandaran. The instruments of the present study were creative achievement scale (Carson, Peterson & Higgins; 2005) and perception of creative atmosphere questionnaire. The data was analyzed by structural equational modeling method. Results: According to the results, the predictive role of creative atmosphere in the creative achievement of students was confirmed and can predict 31% of variance in creativity. Conclusions: The creative atmosphere of university as a social variable, play a significant role in creativity of students.