Social Psychology Research

Abstract In the third millennium, many changes have occurred in the social status of societies, and according to statistics from the World Health Organization, social harms, including divorce and its negative effects on children, have had a worrying increase. discovery of mirror neurons and their effective role in aggression, and children of divorce have may resolve problems in this area. aim of the present study is to design an educational package based on mirror neurons and determine its effectiveness on the aggression of children of divorce.
Method: In this quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design, 30 students, children of divorce with high aggression scores, were selected purposefully during the year 2024-2025 from schools in Sangar district of Rasht city and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 8 mirror neuron-based therapy sessions. Participants completed an aggression questionnaire Eysenck and Wilson (1975) before and after treatment. Descriptive indices and analysis of One-way analysis of covariance were used in spss22 software to analyze the results.
Findings: The results of the analysis showed that mirror neuron-based therapy reduced aggression in the experimental group compared to the control group without treatment (p

Abstract Introduction: Certain occupations, particularly those involving the care of abused and neglected children, can significantly impact the mental health of professionals, underscoring the need for targeted psychological interventions for educators. This study aimed to determine the effect of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) on compassion fatigue and emotion regulation among educators working in care centers for abused and neglected children.
Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all female educators from care centers for abused and neglected children under the auspices of the Golestan Provincial Welfare Organization. A convenience sample of 30 educators from centers in the cities of Galikesh, Gonbad Kavous, and Minudasht was selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Data were collected using the Compassion Fatigue Questionnaire (Portnoy, 1996) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Gross & John, 2022). The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute sessions of Compassion-Focused Therapy, after which a post-test was administered to both groups. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The results of multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in post-test scores for compassion fatigue, expressive suppression, and cognitive reappraisal (the subscales of emotion regulation) following the intervention (p < 0.01). Specifically, Compassion-Focused Therapy significantly reduced compassion fatigue (p < 0.01) and the use of expressive suppression (p < 0.01), while significantly improving the use of cognitive reappraisal (p < 0.01) in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Given the demonstrated effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy, the application of this approach is recommended as a suitable intervention strategy for enhancing the mental health and mitigating the emotional pressures experienced by this group of caregivers.

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoeducational interventions on impulsivity and self-worth among female students experiencing love addiction.
Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population comprised all undergraduate female students at the University of Guilan during the 2022–2023 academic year. From 120 students who scored above the cutoff of 16 on the Love Addiction Inventory, 30 participants were randomly selected and assigned to two experimental groups (n = 10 each) and one control group (n = 10). Data were collected using the Love Addiction Inventory (Peabody, 2005), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Barratt, 2004), and the Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (Crocker, 2003). The first experimental group received ten 45-minute sessions of cognitive-behavioral intervention, while the second experimental group received ten 45-minute sessions of psychoeducational intervention. The control group received no intervention and remained on a waiting list. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The results indicated that both interventions significantly reduced impulsivity and increased self-worth (p < 0.05). Bonferroni post hoc tests revealed no significant difference between the effectiveness of the cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational interventions on either impulsivity or self-worth (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that both cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational interventions are effective in improving impulsivity and self-worth among individuals with love addiction, with neither approach demonstrating superiority over the other.

Abstract Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between risk perception and addiction, considering the mediating role of social health among motorcyclists in District 12 of Tehran Municipality.
Method: This study employed a correlational design using regression analysis to predict risk perception based on addiction, with social health as a mediating variable. The statistical population consisted of all motorcyclists referring to addiction treatment clinics in District 12 of Tehran Municipality. A purposive sample of 300 participants was selected. Data were collected using the Motorcyclists' Risk Perception Questionnaire (Elliot et al., 2008), the Substance Use Disorder Questionnaire (Berman et al., 2005), and the Social Health Questionnaire (Safarinia, 2010).
Results: The results of stepwise regression analysis revealed that addiction significantly predicted risk perception (β = -1.22, p < 0.001). Social health (β = 0.146) and its dimensions—including social flourishing (β = 0.111), social cohesion (β = 0.282), social acceptance (β = 0.615), and social participation (β = 0.662)—also significantly predicted risk perception. Furthermore, social health demonstrated a significant negative correlation with addiction (r = -0.223, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that addiction may diminish motorcyclists' risk perception, both directly and indirectly through its negative association with social health. This reduction in risk perception may subsequently contribute to an increased likelihood of traffic accidents. The results underscore the importance of considering social health factors in interventions aimed at reducing risky driving behaviors among motorcyclists.

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the influence of various dimensions of social participation—namely political, civic, religious, and cultural participation—on general health and its components (somatic symptoms, anxiety-insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression) among male senior high school students in Khorramabad.
Method: The research employed a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population comprised all male senior high school students in Khorramabad during the spring of 2022, from which a sample of 210 participants was selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ; Goldberg & Hillier, 1979) and a researcher-made Students' Social Participation Questionnaire (SSPQ). Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were employed for data analysis.
Results: Participation in political, civic, religious, and cultural activities demonstrated a significant positive correlation with higher general health scores, as well as significant negative correlations with somatic symptoms, anxiety-insomnia, and depression (p < 0.01). However, no significant correlation was observed between any dimension of social participation and social dysfunction. Regression analyses revealed that civic and religious participation were significant positive predictors of general health and significant negative predictors of somatic symptoms, anxiety-insomnia, and depression (p < 0.05). In contrast, political and cultural participation did not emerge as significant predictors in the regression models.
Conclusion: Civic and religious participation emerged as the primary predictors of general health among male senior high school students, highlighting their unique and important role in promoting adolescent health and well-being.

Abstract Introduction: In the contemporary era, suicide is recognized as one of the most serious social problems, resulting in the death of a significant number of individuals who attempt it each year. Consequently, identifying the factors contributing to suicidal ideation is of paramount importance. The aim of the present study was to test a model of suicidal thoughts in students based on early emotional abuse and dark personality traits, with anger rumination serving as a mediating variable.
Method: This study was applied in terms of purpose and employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all male and female students at Mohaghegh Ardabili University during the 2023–2024 academic year, from which a convenience sample of 305 participants was selected. Data were collected using the Suicidal Ideation Scale (Beck et al., 1979), the Anger Rumination Scale (Sukhodolsky et al., 2001), the Early Trauma Inventory (Bernstein et al., 2003), and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale (Jonason & Webster, 2010). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to summarize the findings. Inferential analyses, including Pearson correlation tests and structural equation modeling, were conducted using SPSS-27 and AMOS-24 software.
Results: The results indicated that the proposed research model demonstrated a good fit with the data. Early emotional abuse had a significant direct effect (p < 0.01) and a significant indirect effect (p < 0.05) on suicidal thoughts, with the indirect effect being mediated by anger rumination. Additionally, dark personality traits exhibited a significant direct effect on suicidal thoughts (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: These findings can inform the design of educational and therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing suicidal thoughts and attempts by targeting early emotional experiences, maladaptive personality traits, and ruminative cognitive styles.
 

Abstract Introduction: Emotional infidelity represents a complex phenomenon in marital relationships with profound implications for mental health and couple satisfaction. This issue holds particular significance among middle-aged women due to the unique psychological and social transitions associated with midlife. The present study aimed to identify the psychological processes underlying emotional infidelity and to develop a theoretical model grounded in empirical data.
Method: Data were collected during 2024 through semi-structured interviews with five middle-aged women (aged 35–55 years) who had experienced disclosed emotional infidelity within the preceding three years. Interviews were conducted at two reputable psychology clinics in Tehran and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis employed open, axial, and selective coding procedures, culminating in the extraction of a paradigmatic model centered on the core psychological process of emotional infidelity.
Results: The results revealed that diminished emotional intimacy, feelings of loneliness, marital dissatisfaction, and the pursuit of emotional support constituted the primary antecedents of emotional infidelity. Following engagement in such relationships, participants employed concealment, cognitive rationalization of their behavior, and anxiety related to potential disclosure as key strategies for managing internal and external conflicts. Ultimately, the revelation of infidelity frequently resulted in feelings of guilt, diminished self-esteem, social shame, and marital dissolution.
Conclusion: These findings enhance understanding of the antecedents, processes, and consequences of emotional infidelity among middle-aged women and offer practical insights for family counselors and psychologists. Recommendations for mitigating emotional infidelity in this population include strengthening communication and emotional skills, expanding specialized counseling services, implementing targeted media programs, and enhancing social support networks.

Abstract Introduction: Victims of bullying often exhibit deficits in self-efficacy and adaptive problem-solving styles. Short-term solution-focused group therapy may serve as an effective intervention for improving these psychological variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of short-term solution-focused group therapy on self-efficacy and problem-solving styles in adolescents who have experienced bullying victimization.
Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test and a control group. The statistical population comprised all male first-year high school students in District 1 of Rasht during the 2024–2025 academic year. Following a two-stage screening process, a convenience sample of 30 participants was selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received seven 90-minute sessions of short-term solution-focused group therapy. Data were collected using the Illinois Bullying Scale (Espelage & Holt, 2001), the Bullying/Victim Questionnaire (Olweus, 1996), the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (Morris, 2001), and the Problem-Solving Styles Questionnaire (Cassidy & Long, 1996). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed for data analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that short-term solution-focused group therapy had a statistically significant effect on all components of self-efficacy, with the exception of social self-efficacy, and on all components of problem-solving styles, with the exception of the creative style (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Short-term solution-focused group therapy, by fostering a positive group atmosphere, appears to enhance problem-solving skills and improve self-efficacy beliefs. These improvements, in turn, may increase the capacity of adolescent bullying victims to effectively cope with victimization experiences.

Abstract Introduction: The term "quarter-life crisis" refers to a transitional period from adolescence to adulthood, often characterized by feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, impaired emotional regulation, and diminished psychological well-being. The objective of the present study was to predict quarter-life crisis based on social procrastination, social identity, and cognitive-emotional regulation, with family social support serving as a mediating variable.
Method: The statistical population comprised all psychology students at Payam Noor University of Semnan during the 2024–2025 academic year, from which 259 participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Quarter-Life Crisis Scale (Afandi et al., 2023), the Social Procrastination Scale (Safarinia, 2010), the Social Identity Scale (Safarinia & Roshan, 2011), the Cognitive-Emotional Regulation Scale (Garnefski, 2001), and the Perceived Social Support-Family Scale (Procidano & Heller, 1983). Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed for data analysis.
Results: The results indicated that the proportion of variance explained in the primary endogenous variable (quarter-life crisis) by the four predictor variables was 0.749. The direct effects of social procrastination (β = 0.392), social identity (β = -0.407), adaptive cognitive-emotional regulation (β = -0.345), and maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation (β = 0.367) on quarter-life crisis were all statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, family social support emerged as a significant mediator in the relationships between social procrastination (β = 0.278), social identity (β = -0.249), adaptive cognitive-emotional regulation (β = -0.258), maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation (β = 0.292), and quarter-life crisis (p < 0.001).
Discussion: The findings of this study provide a conceptual and theoretical framework for identifying potential antecedents of quarter-life crisis. This framework may assist in identifying predictive and protective factors that can mitigate psychological distress prior to the onset of quarter-life crisis.

Abstract  
Introduction: Academic underachievement represents a significant and multifaceted challenge within educational systems, affecting not only students' academic performance but also their psychological and social well-being. This phenomenon can lead to diminished self-confidence, increased anxiety, and impaired social relationships, ultimately limiting an individual's life opportunities in the long term. Consequently, identifying and evaluating effective interventions to enhance social skills and mitigate the negative consequences of academic failure is of considerable importance. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of self-affirmation training and positive psychology training on the social skills of male secondary school students experiencing academic underachievement.
Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group and a follow-up phase. The statistical population comprised all male students in the second stage of secondary education in Dargaz County who had demonstrated academic underachievement. A purposive sample of 60 students was selected and randomly assigned to three groups: self-affirmation training (n = 20), positive psychology training (n = 20), and a control group (n = 20). The intervention programs were implemented over a specified period. Data were collected using the Social Skills Inventory (Riggio, 1986) and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.
Results: The findings revealed that both the self-affirmation training program and the positive psychology training program significantly improved students' social skills compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, positive psychology training demonstrated significantly greater effectiveness in enhancing social skills than self-affirmation training. These improvements were sustained at the follow-up assessment, indicating the long-term benefits of both interventions.
Conclusion: The results indicate that while both educational approaches were effective in improving the social skills of academically underachieving students, positive psychology training exhibited superior efficacy due to its comprehensive, motivational nature and emphasis on fostering positive thinking. Accordingly, the implementation of positive psychology-based approaches may serve as a practical strategy for enhancing students' social interactions and psychological well-being.

Abstract Introduction: Internet addiction is a significant mental health concern among adolescents, associated with various negative individual and social consequences. Stressful experiences and social appearance anxiety—defined as concerns about negative evaluation by others—are recognized as major risk factors for the development of this addiction. However, the mediating role of social support in these relationships remains underexplored. The present study aimed to examine the causal model of internet addiction based on stressful experiences and social appearance anxiety, with social support as a mediating variableMethod: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among male high school students in Ardabil during the academic year 2023–2024. A sample of 450 students aged 12 to 14 years was selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using Young's Internet Addiction Questionnaire (1998), the Stressful Experiences Questionnaire (Maslach, 2015), the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (Hart et al., 2008), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (Zimet et al., 1988). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modelin
Results: The results revealed that stressful experiences (β = 0.394, p < 0.001), social appearance anxiety (β = 0.862, p < 0.001), and social support (β = 0.489, p < 0.001) each had a direct positive effect on internet addiction. Furthermore, mediation analysis indicated that social support modulated the negative effects of stressful experiences and social appearance anxiety on internet addiction.
Conclusion: Social support functions as a psychological shield, mitigating the detrimental effects of daily stressors and appearance-related concerns on the tendency toward unhealthy internet use. Accordingly, strengthening support networks for at-risk students may play an effective role in preventing internet addiction.

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: Helicopter parenting style and irrational beliefs can have profound effects on the psychological and social well-being of adolescents. Speech anxiety is a prevalent issue among this age group, which may be influenced by these parenting styles and cognitive patterns. The present study aims to model the relationship between helicopter parenting style and irrational beliefs with speech anxiety, considering the mediating role of perfectionism among female middle school students.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all female middle school students in Kerman city during the academic year 2023–2024. A total of 560 students were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Helicopter Parenting Questionnaire (Pistella et al., 2020), the Irrational Beliefs Scale (Jones, 1968), the Positive and Negative Perfectionism Questionnaire (Terry-Short et al., 1995), and the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (McCroskey, 1970). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Results: The proposed model examining the relationship between helicopter parenting style and irrational beliefs with speech anxiety, with perfectionism as a mediating variable among female middle school students, demonstrated an acceptable fit. Significant relationships were found between helicopter parenting, irrational beliefs, perfectionism, and speech anxiety (p < 0.05). Furthermore, perfectionism mediated the relationship between helicopter parenting and irrational beliefs with speech anxiety (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Helicopter parenting style, irrational beliefs, and perfectionism play significant roles in increasing speech anxiety among adolescents. Perfectionism, as a mediating variable, appears to strengthen these relationships and thereby impacts the psychological and social well-being of students.

Abstract Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of time perspective training on hope and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up, including a control group. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and were then randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received time perspective training over eight weeks, while the control group received no intervention. The study population comprised all patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to a diabetes and endocrinology treatment center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the summer of 1402 (2023).
Results: The findings revealed that the time perspective training approach significantly increased hope (F = 7.391, p = 0.010) and improved quality of life (F = 11.674, p = 0.002) among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that time perspective training can serve as an effective intervention for enhancing hope and improving the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. These changes appear to influence not only individual aspects but also social dimensions of well-being. Accordingly, time perspective training may be utilized as an effective method to promote the mental and social health of individuals with diabetes.

Abstract Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO) in the relationship between personality traits and social media addiction among young adults. Method: This study employed a quantitative-descriptive research design with a correlational approach. Data were collected using three instruments: the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (Andreassen et al., 2012), the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1992), and the Fear of Missing Out Scale (Przybylski et al., 2013). An online questionnaire was administered to a sample of 209 participants (Hair et al., 2010), selected via multistage cluster sampling from 13,000 students at the South Tehran Branch of Islamic Azad University during the 2023–2024 academic year. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: The results indicated that social media addiction could be predicted based on three personality traits—extraversion (p ≤ 0.05), agreeableness (p > 0.01), and conscientiousness (p ≤ 0.05)—as well as fear of missing out (p > 0.01). Moreover, the findings confirmed that fear of missing out plays a mediating role in the relationship between neuroticism (p ≤ 0.05), openness to experience (p ≤ 0.05), and agreeableness (p > 0.01) with social media addiction. Conclusion: These results suggest that the fear of missing out and the fear of being socially excluded are important factors motivating neurotic, open-to-experience, and agreeable individuals to engage in continuous and excessive use of social media.

Abstract Introduction: Failure to provide adequate mental health care for nurses can lead to disruptions in performing daily tasks, reduced motivation, and numerous individual and social consequences. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of emotion regulation training and interpersonal skills training on the psychosocial competence of nurses.
 
Method: The present study was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial with three groups. The study population consisted of 57 nurses, who were purposefully selected from the private hospitals of Amiralmomenin and Valiasr in Tabriz, Iran, in 2024 and were assigned to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. The Felner and Lease Social Competence Questionnaire (1990) was administered to all groups prior to the intervention. One intervention group received eight sessions of emotion regulation training (Gratz & Gunderson, 2006), each lasting 90 minutes, once per week. The other intervention group received interpersonal skills training (Hejazi, Babakhani, & Ahmadi, 2018) over seven sessions of 120 minutes each, twice per week. The same questionnaire was completed by participants following the intervention. Data were analyzed using MANOVA and MANCOVA.
 
Results: The adjusted mean differences in psychosocial competence components—including behavioral skills (-11.812), cognitive skills (-3.170), emotional skills (-3.451), and motivational skills (-3.793)—were statistically significant between the two intervention groups (p < 0.005).
 
Conclusion: Given the greater impact of interpersonal skills training compared to emotion regulation training, interpersonal skills training workshops may be utilized as an effective approach to enhance the psychosocial competence of nurses.