Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Investigating the factors that influence flourishing in marital life is crucial for reducing family problems, enhancing wellbeing, and improving positive functioning among couples. This study aimed to examine the relationship between teamwork skills, empathy, and self-control with couples’ flourishing, considering the mediating role of we-ness. Method: The statistical population consisted of married men and women aged 25 to 50 in Kashan, Iran, in 2024. A sample of 356 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Participants completed the Flourishing Scale (Butler & Kern, 2016), the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (2009), the Teamwork Skills Scale (Romero, 2022), the Self-Control Scale (Tangney et al., 2004), and the Weness Scale (TopcuUzer et al., 2021). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in Amos24. Results: SEM results indicated that the proposed model had a good fit with the data. Empathy (β = 0.280, p ≤ 0.001), self-control (β = 0.140, p ≤ 0.001), and teamwork (β = 0.269, p ≤ 0.001) directly predicted flourishing. Furthermore, weness significantly mediated the relationships of both empathy (β = 0.128, p ≤ 0.01) and teamwork (β = 0.131, p ≤ 0.01) with flourishing. However, the indirect effect of self-control on flourishing through weness was not significant. Conclusion: Based on these findings, counselors and couple therapists can strengthen teamwork skills and empathy to enhance couples’ sense of we-ness and shared identity, thereby supporting greater flourishing in their relationships.

Abstract Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of social-emotional competence training on mental toughness, empathy, and school belonging among female students with antisocial behaviors. Method: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of all female high school students in Khorramabad with antisocial behaviors during the 2024–2025 academic year. A sample of 30 students was selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants per group). The experimental group received social-emotional competence training across ten 90-minute sessions. Data collection instruments included the Antisocial Behavior Questionnaire (Burt & Donnellan, 2009), the Basic Empathy Scale for Children and Adolescents (2010), the Short Version of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (Papageorgiou et al., 2019), and the School Belonging Scale (Brown & Evans, 2002). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 26. Results: The ANCOVA results indicated that social-emotional competence training led to a significant increase in mental toughness (p < .001), empathy (p < .001), and school belonging (p < .001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that social-emotional competence training can serve as an effective approach for enhancing mental health and reducing antisocial behaviors among female students. Based on these results, it is recommended that such training be integrated into preventive and intervention programs within schools.

Abstract Introduction: In recent years, speciesism and animal rights have emerged as complex interdisciplinary challenges across various scientific domains, including ethics, social psychology, sociology, and gender studies. The present study specifically investigates the mediating role of empathy in the relationship between dimensions of social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism with speciesism among women and men.
Method: This study employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of all individuals aged 18 to 70 years residing in Yazd city during the year 1403 (2024–2025) who held at least a high school diploma. A total of 442 participants (228 women, 199 men, and 15 individuals with unspecified gender) were selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed the following instruments: the Speciesism Scale (Cavalieri, 2019), a researcher-developed Right-Wing Authoritarianism questionnaire (1403), the Social Dominance Orientation scale (Ho et al., 2015), and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (empathy) (Davis, 1983). Model fit indices, standardized coefficients, descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and the bootstrap method (for examining the mediating role of empathy) were employed in the analysis.
Results: The results indicated that empathy, as a mediating variable, significantly influences the relationship between right-wing authoritarianism and dimensions of social dominance orientation with speciesism (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that personality traits may exert a substantial influence on empathy levels and, consequently, on speciesist attitudes.

Abstract Introduction: Theory of mind (ToM) and executive functions (EFs) are crucial for understanding and interpreting social behavior, potentially mitigating cyberbullying by fostering empathy. This research examines the mediating role of empathy in the relationship between ToM, EFs, and cyberbullying. Method:A descriptive correlational design was employed. The study population comprised all secondary school students in Kermanshah, Iran, during the 2021-2022 academic year. A sample of 400 students was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Empathy Quotient (Baron-Cohen, 2003), the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (Barkley, 2012), the Cyberbullying and Victimization Experiences Scale (Antoniadou et al., 2016), and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001). Data analysis involved Pearson correlations and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results revealed significant negative correlations between ToM and cyberbullying (p < .01), between EF deficits and empathy (p < .01), and between empathy and cyberbullying (p < .01).  A significant positive correlation was found between EF deficits and cyberbullying (p < .01), as well as between ToM and empathy (p < .01).  Crucially, SEM confirmed the significant mediating role of empathy in the relationship between both ToM and cyberbullying, and EF deficits and cyberbullying. Conclusion: These findings suggest that deficits in ToM and EFs may increase the risk of cyberbullying, potentially due to impaired empathy.  ToM and EFs are essential for navigating social interactions.  Difficulties in understanding others' intentions and emotions, coupled with executive function deficits, may hinder the ability to interpret social cues and contribute to involvement in cyberbullying, either as a perpetrator or a victim.  Interventions aimed at enhancing ToM, EFs, and empathy may be beneficial in preventing and addressing cyberbullying.

Abstract Abstract
Introduction: This research was conducted to predict marital satisfaction based on extraversion, marital empathy, and marital forgiveness in married women.
Method: A descriptive-correlation method of regression type was utilized in the current research. Using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a total of 840 married women residing in Lorestan province were selected. Data were collected using the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale, the NEO-FFI Questionnaire, the Marital Empathy Scale, and the Marital Forgiveness Scale as standard questionnaires. The collected data were checked and analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The coefficient of determination obtained from the multiple linear regression test was equal to 0.378, which shows that the model explains 37.8% of the changes in marital satisfaction. According to standard coefficients, extraversion, empathy, and forgiveness were significant predictors of marital satisfaction. From the findings, it can be concluded that extraversion, empathy, and forgiveness have a positive and favorable effect on marital satisfaction, such that one unit increase in extraversion, empathy, and forgiveness leads to an increase of 0.121, 0.255, and 0.421 units in marital satisfaction, respectively. The most important variable affecting marital satisfaction was forgiveness, followed by empathy, and extraversion.
Conclusion: To strengthen the satisfaction of couples, especially women, it is suggested to organize educational programs that prioritize increasing knowledge of extraversion personality trait and strengthening positive traits such as empathy and forgiveness.

Abstract Introduction: Cyberbullying has emerged as a significant issue in both theoretical and practical realms. The present study sought to investigate the efficacy of social cognition training on the empathy and moral indifference of adolescents who engage in cyberbullying.  Method: The research design was a quasi-experimental, pre-test-post-test control group design. The statistical population consisted of all male students in the second year of middle school in Gorgan during the academic year 2023-2024. Thirty participants were randomly selected using cluster sampling and allocated to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received eight 60-minute sessions of social cognition skills training, while the control group did not receive any training during this period. The instruments used for data collection were Orgavo et al.'s Empathy Questionnaire (2017) to measure empathy, Caprara and Capana's Moral Indifference Questionnaire (2006) to assess moral indifference, and Antiad et al.'s Cyberbullying Questionnaire (2016) to determine cyberbullying behaviors. Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups after social cognition training in terms of the effect on empathy and moral indifference variables in favor of the experimental group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that social cognition training is a promising approach to increase empathy and reduce moral indifference among adolescents who engage in cyberbullying. Given the importance of these factors in preventing cyberbullying, researchers and educators must consider incorporating social cognition training as a practical tool in their efforts to address this issue.

Abstract Introduction: Cyber aggression is a new form of interpersonal violence among adolescents that can cause a lot of damage to their mental health, so it is necessary to address its underlying factors. Therefore, the present study was conducted to predict cyber aggression based on empathy, moral indifference, and rumination of anger in adolescents. Method: The research method was a correlational description. The statistical population of this research was all the students studying in the second-period boys' high schools in Tabriz in the academic year 2022-2023, and 395 people were selected by the multi-stage cluster sampling method based on Morgan's sampling table. Anger rumination questionnaires (ARS), basic empathy scale, cyber aggression questionnaire for adolescents (CYBA), and moral indifference questionnaire were used in this research. The data were analyzed using the simultaneous regression analysis test. Results: The results showed that there is a significant negative relationship between cyber aggression and emotional empathy (P<0.05) and a positive relationship between moral indifference and anger rumination with cyber aggression (P<0.01); Also, the results showed that 0.27 changes in cyber aggression are explained by emotional empathy, moral indifference, and anger rumination subcomponents. Also, cognitive empathy, memories of anger, and understanding the causes do not have a significant contribution to predicting cyber aggression (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The present study showed that to control behaviors such as cyber aggression, more attention should be paid to emotional and moral components such as empathy, moral indifference, and anger rumination.

Abstract Introduction: Paternalism is a ubiquitous phenomenon in interpersonal relations and social life; However, few studies
Introduction: Paternalism is a ubiquitous phenomenon in interpersonal relations and social life; However, few studies have investigated its relationship with other psychological constructs and in particular, it is unclear how it relates to different components of empathy in the context of interpersonal relationships. The present study aims to develop and validate a measure that evaluates paternalism in everyday life and then to examine its relationship with components of empathy and behavioral contagion.
Method: The present study follows a correlational design and participants were selected based on convenience sampling. First, exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the structural validity and factor loadings of the paternalism questionnaire, and internal reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. Then, in a second study, Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Golbabaei et al., 2022), and Empathy Index (Jordan et al., 2016) were used to predict paternalism, using a multivariate regression.
Findings: Paternalism was positively correlated with empathic concern (r = .184, p < .05) and was negatively correlated with personal distress (r = -.202, p < .01). Moreover, in a linear regression model empathic concern (β = .306, p < .01) and personal distress (β = -.318, p < .01) predicted paternalism (F (2, 139) =9.538, p < .01 ).
Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the importance of considering the contrary consequences that different components of empathy may have in some situations. By using experimental methods and including other constructs, future studies can shed light on different antecedents of paternalism in everyday life.
 

Abstract Introduction: Prosocial behaviors include behaviors such as empathy, altruism, cooperation with the aim of benefiting others, which improve the level of this behavior to facilitate interactions and the well-being of the community. so the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between affiliation motivation and prosocial behavior was mediated by empathy and self-efficacy.
Method: The research method was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population included students of Bu Ali Sina University of Hamadan. The sample size was 380 students who were selected using cluster random sampling method. Research instruments included Cuadrado et al.'s (2016) affiliation motivation, the Caprara et al. (2005) prosocial behavior, the Albiro et al. (2009) empathy, and Scherer et al. (1982) self-efficacy scales. Structural equation analysis method was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that the direct effect of affiliation motivation on empathy (p <0.01, β = 0.32) and self-efficacy (p <0.01, β = 0.27) was significant. The direct effect of self-efficacy (p <0.01, β = 0.30) and empathy (p <0.01, β = 0.37) on prosocial behaviors is also significant. The results showed that the indirect effects of affiliation motivation through empathy (p <0.01, Z = 7.92) and self-efficacy (p <0.01, Z = 5.27) on prosocial behavior were significant.
 
Conclusion: Based on the results, concluded that affiliation motivation, empathy and self-efficacy have a significant effect on student prosocial behaviors, so to increase these behaviors, trainings to increase self-efficacy, affiliation motivation and empathy in the educational environment can be considered.
 

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to effectiveness of gratitude training on empathy and communication skills in adolescents girls.
Method: This research was conducted through a pre-test and post-test research design with a control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of 3258 female eighth-grade students in Rasht city in the academic year of 2019-2020, from which a sample of 40 was selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. For data collection, Quinn Dam (2004), Empathy Juliff & Farrington (2006), and Emmons & McCullough Appreciation Training Questionnaire (2) were used. The data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance.
Results: The results showed that gratitude training influenced female adolescents' empathy (P˂0.028) and communication skills (P˂0.001).
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that adolescence is a very important and important period with unique characteristics. In this context, appreciation of training can be effective.

Abstract This research aimed the Developing empathy skills program based on social cognition and study of it`s effectiveness on prosocial behavior in airport service staff. This research is a kind of semi experimental study with pre-test, post-test and follow-up with the control group. The research population consisted of all Airport Services staff of Iran Air employed at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. 24 persons of cargo service purposefully were divided into two experimental and control groups. Then prosocial personality questionnaire (pbs) was performed on both groups. The experimental group received empathy skills in eight sixty-minute session. While members of the control group received no training. Data analysis showed that the experimental group compared with the control group after the meetings, found a significant increase in prosocial behavior (α=0.05). Finally, the findings showed that empathy skills training program based on social cognition could be used as an effective therapeutic-intervention program to improve prosocial behaviors in airport services staff.

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 Introduction: The purpose of the current study was to explore the moderating effect of Positive and Negative Religious Coping on the relationship between Perceived stress and Empathy. Method: In this descriptive correlational study 193 boy students were selected of high school in khorramabad. Then the students completed Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE), and Basic Empathy Scale (BES). Results: Results revealed a significant meaningful relationship between stress and Empathy (β= -.74, p

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of the theory of mind training on empathy and bullying in children. Method: The research design of the study was of Full-experimental type with pretest-posttest by control group. 36 preschool girls in Tehran were selected by convenience sampling. The random sample of 18 students in the experimental group and the control group were 18 children and their mothers were taken pre-test. The meetings theory of mind were applied on experimental group and both mother groups were taken posttest. The instruments used in this study were Empathy Questioner (EQ) and Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire Revised (OB/VQ-R).Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results: Results showed a significant increase in the mean scores empathy and a significant decrease in subscales of bullying (001 / ≥p) scores of the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that theory of mind training sessions can improve empathy and reduce bullying behaviors in children. So, theory of mind on moral emotions increase and improve behavior and social skills in children is effective.