Social Psychology Research

Abstract Introduction: Antisocial behaviors—characterized by actions that violate social norms and laws, such as aggression, violence, and property damage—can have severe consequences for adolescents, including academic struggles, social difficulties, and legal repercussions. These behaviors also harm interpersonal relationships with family and peers. This study examined the mediating role of vengeful tendencies in the relationship between effortful control and antisocial behavior among adolescents in Shiraz, Iran.  Method: The study population included all high school students in Shiraz during the 2022-2023 academic year. A sample of 567 students was selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling. Participants completed validated measures of Effortful Control (Ellis & Rothbart, 2001), Vengeful Tendencies (Flores-Camacho et al., 2022), and Antisocial Behavior (Burt & Donnellan, 2009). Path analysis was conducted using SPSS-24 and AMOS-24 to test the proposed model.  Results: The model demonstrated good fit. Findings revealed significant direct effects of effortful control on vengeful tendencies (p = 0.000, β = -0.51), effortful control on antisocial behavior (p = 0.000, β = -0.11), and vengeful tendencies on antisocial behavior (p = 0.000, β = 0.13). Additionally, vengeful tendencies mediated the relationship between effortful control and antisocial behavior (p = 0.000, β = -0.29) at the 0.01 level.  Conclusion: The results suggest that improving effortful control may reduce vengeful tendencies and, consequently, antisocial behaviors in adolescents. 

Abstract Introduction:  University students, particularly young adults, face significant challenges—including academic, occupational, and interpersonal stressors—that may contribute to suicidal ideation when left unaddressed. Given that suicidal thoughts strongly predict suicide risk, this study aimed to investigate the predictive role of attachment styles and dark personality traits in suicidal tendencies, with perceived social support as a mediator, among students at Farhangian University of Kurdistan Province.  Method: This applied descriptive-correlational study included a statistical population of 2,000 students. Using Morgan and Krejci’s sampling table, a sample of 545 participants (297 male, 248 female) was selected via random sampling. Data were collected using validated measures: the Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale (1961), Zimet et al.’s Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (1988), Collins and Read’s Revised Adult Attachment Scale (1990), and Johnson and Webster’s Dark Triad Personality Inventory (2010). Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential analyses (Spearman’s correlation, structural equation modeling via SPSS and PLS software) were employed.  Results: Secure, avoidant, and anxious attachment styles, as well as dark personality traits, did not significantly predict suicidal tendencies. However, perceived social support had a significant negative effect on suicidal tendencies. Mediation analysis revealed that while social support did not mediate the relationship between secure attachment or dark traits and suicidality, it significantly reduced suicidal tendencies in the context of insecure and avoidant attachment styles.  Conclusion: These findings highlight the protective role of social support against suicidality, particularly among students with insecure attachment styles. Interventions aimed at strengthening parental support, fostering secure attachment, and enhancing perceived social support may help mitigate suicidal tendencies, thereby improving student well-being and academic outcomes. 

Abstract Introduction: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant psychological and social changes, making emotional adjustment a vital aspect of well-being. This study examined the relationship between adolescents' perception of interparental conflict and their emotional adjustment, with social skills and relationship competence as potential mediators.  Method: This descriptive-correlational study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 380 high school students in Shahrekord, Iran, selected via randomized cluster sampling. Participants completed validated measures: the Children’s Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale (CPIC; Grych et al., 1992), the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY; Matson et al., 1983), the Social Competence Questionnaire (Smart & Sanson, 2003), and the Emotional Adjustment Scale (Rubin et al., 2007). Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS and SPSS-26.  Results: Results revealed significant direct effects of interparental conflict on relationship competence (β = -0.212), social skills (β = -0.397), and emotional adjustment (β = -0.237). Social skills (β = 0.486) and relationship competence (β = 0.09) also directly predicted emotional adjustment (all p < 0.001). The indirect effect of interparental conflict on emotional adjustment through mediators was significant (β = -0.213, p < 0.001), with a path coefficient of determination (R² = 0.482).  Conclusion: The findings underscore the detrimental impact of interparental conflict on adolescents’ emotional adjustment and highlight the protective roles of social skills and relationship competence. Interventions aimed at reducing interparental conflict and enhancing adolescents’ social competencies may promote emotional well-being during this sensitive developmental stage.   

Abstract Introduction: Sexual diversity is a disorder that usually occurs when love fades in relationships and there is no desired sexual satisfaction in that relationship. The purpose of the present study was to predict sexual diversity based on attachment styles with the mediating role of impulsivity among couples studying at Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran Province. Method: The research method was descriptive-correlational based on structural equations. All couples studying at Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran Province in the academic year 1402-1403, with 181 female and 119 male respondents. The sample size was determined to be 287 people. However, ultimately 300 people completed the questionnaires. These people were selected through non-random and purposive sampling. Information was collected through the attachment styles questionnaires of Bartholomew and Horwitz (1991), attitudes towards infidelity (extramarital affairs) by Whatley (2008), and impulsivity questionnaires of Barrett et al. (1995). Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential methods using Student's t-test. Results: Based on the findings, attachment styles, with the mediating role of impulsivity, predicted couples' sexual diversity. This finding indicates that attachment style and impulsivity indices were significantly able to predict sexual diversity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, attachment styles, mediated by impulsivity, affect couples' sexual diversity. In general, it can be noted that personality and psychological characteristics, such as impulsivity and attachment styles, can affect various aspects of marital relationships, including sexual diversity.

Abstract Introduction: The rising prevalence of unhealthy and high-risk behaviors among socially disadvantaged women, coupled with inadequate training interventions, presents a pressing public health concern. This study examined the efficacy of Awareness-Based Self-Care Skills Training (ABSST) in reducing high-risk sexual behaviors and enhancing general self-efficacy among marginalized women. Method: Utilizing a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design, the study sampled 30 women receiving services at Rah Novin Support Center in Amol (2022). Participants were randomly assigned to experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Measurement tools included the High-Risk Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (Zarei et al., 2018) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (Sherer et al., 1982). The experimental group underwent 8 weekly 120-minute ABSST sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data analysis employed multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) using SPSS software. Results: Results demonstrated significant intervention effects, with ABSST effectively reducing high-risk sexual behaviors (p<0.01) and substantially improving general self-efficacy (p<0.01). The most pronounced impact was observed on self-efficacy enhancement. Conclusion: The findings indicate that ABSST represents an effective intervention for mitigating sexual risk behaviors and bolstering self-efficacy among socially disadvantaged women. Implementation of such programs could significantly contribute to improving both psychological well-being and physical health outcomes in this vulnerable population.      

Abstract Introduction: Social competence serves as a critical predictor of academic and social success, significantly influencing both current and future functioning. This study evaluated the efficacy of a Social Competence Group Training Program (SCGTP) in addressing insecure attachment and enhancing social skills among orphaned children. Methods: Employing a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design with three-month follow-up, the study sampled 30 institutionalized children in Sanandaj (2022-2023 academic year). Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on scoring one standard deviation above the mean on insecure attachment measures (Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire, 2000) and one standard deviation below on social skills measures (Social Skills Rating System; Gresham & Elliott, 1990). Random assignment created experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group received 16 weekly 45-minute SCGTP sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data analysis utilized analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS-23. Results: Findings demonstrated significant intervention effects, with SCGTP effectively reducing insecure attachment (p<0.001) and improving overall social skills (p<0.001), including specific components of cooperation, assertiveness, and self-control. Treatment gains were maintained at three-month follow-up. Conclusion: The SCGTP represents an effective intervention for ameliorating attachment insecurity and enhancing social competence in orphaned children. Implementation of such programs in institutional settings could substantially improve psychosocial outcomes for this vulnerable population.  

Abstract Introduction: Introduction: Marital intimacy is a multifaceted construct encompassing emotional, affective, and social dimensions, rooted in acceptance, satisfaction, and love. This study develops a structural model of marital intimacy based on distress tolerance and differentiation, examining the mediating role of the quality of relationships with in-laws among married women seeking counseling.  Method: Using a descriptive-correlational design and structural equation modeling, this study included 239 married women from counseling centers in Nourabad County, Lorestan Province. Participants completed the Differentiation of Self Inventory (Skowron & Smith, 1998), the Quality of Relationship with In-Laws Questionnaire (Cheraghi, 2014), the Marital Intimacy Scale (Thompson & Walker, 1983), and the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005). Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 and Smart PLS.  Results: Distress tolerance accounted for 17% and differentiation of self for 21% of the variance in marital intimacy. Additionally, distress tolerance indirectly explained 10% of marital intimacy through relationship quality with in-laws, while differentiation of self contributed 5%. Both constructs had significant direct, indirect, and total effects on marital intimacy (differentiation: β = 0.209, 0.110, 0.320; distress tolerance: β = 0.169, 0.167, 0.336; all p ≤ 0.05).  Conclusion: The findings highlight the significant roles of distress tolerance and differentiation in marital intimacy, with relationship quality with in-laws serving as a key mediator. Interventions aimed at enhancing these factors may improve marital intimacy in married women attending counseling centers. 

Abstract Introduction: Marital intimacy is a multifaceted construct encompassing emotional, affective, and social dimensions, rooted in acceptance, satisfaction, and love. This study develops a structural model of marital intimacy based on distress tolerance and differentiation, examining the mediating role of the quality of relationships with in-laws among married women seeking counseling.  Method: Using a descriptive-correlational design and structural equation modeling, this study included 239 married women from counseling centers in Nourabad County, Lorestan Province. Participants completed the Differentiation of Self Inventory (Skowron & Smith, 1998), the Quality of Relationship with In-Laws Questionnaire (Cheraghi, 2014), the Marital Intimacy Scale (Thompson & Walker, 1983), and the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005). Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 and Smart PLS.  Results: Distress tolerance accounted for 17% and differentiation of self for 21% of the variance in marital intimacy. Additionally, distress tolerance indirectly explained 10% of marital intimacy through relationship quality with in-laws, while differentiation of self contributed 5%. Both constructs had significant direct, indirect, and total effects on marital intimacy (differentiation: β = 0.209, 0.110, 0.320; distress tolerance: β = 0.169, 0.167, 0.336; all p ≤ 0.05).  Conclusion: The findings highlight the significant roles of distress tolerance and differentiation in marital intimacy, with relationship quality with in-laws serving as a key mediator. Interventions aimed at enhancing these factors may improve marital intimacy in married women attending counseling centers. 

Abstract Introduction: Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder requiring sustained treatment and psychosocial support. This study examines the structural relationships between self-stigma and relapse in methadone maintenance patients, with self-esteem and perceived social support as mediating factors.  Method: A descriptive-correlational design was employed, utilizing structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of individuals with substance use disorders attending addiction treatment centers in Karaj, Iran (2023). A sample of 209 participants was randomly selected. Data were collected using the Relapse Prediction Scale (Wright et al., 1993), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), and Perceived Stigma Scale (Loma et al., 2013). Analyses included Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling.  Results: Self-stigma demonstrated significant direct effects on:  - Reduced perceived social support (β = -0.50, p < 0.01)  - Lower self-esteem (β = -0.58, p < 0.01)  - Increased relapse risk (β = 0.56, p < 0.01)  Indirect effects of self-stigma on relapse were also observed through the mediators (β = 0.33, p < 0.01), accounting for 37% of the total effect.  Conclusion: The results highlight the detrimental role of self-stigma in relapse vulnerability, while underscoring the protective functions of self-esteem and social support. Interventions targeting stigma reduction alongside self-esteem and social support enhancement may improve treatment outcomes in methadone maintenance therapy.   

Abstract Introduction: Identity development represents a crucial developmental task that begins in adolescence but continues into young adulthood. This study investigates how parenting styles and children's temperament influence identity formation among young adults, with particular attention to the mediating role of attachment styles. Method:This correlational study employed structural equation modeling to examine relationships between key variables. Participants included 400 university students from both public and private institutions in West Azerbaijan province, selected through multi-stage cluster sampling during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data collection utilized standardized measures: the Revised Identity Style Inventory (Bennion & Adams, 1986), Parenting Styles Questionnaire (Zeinali et al., 2011), Children's Temperament Scale (Ellis & Rothbart, 2001), and Attachment Styles Questionnaire (Van Aken et al., 2003). Results:The findings demonstrated significant relationships between all study variables. Ineffective parenting (p < 0.01) and children's temperament ( p < 0.05) predicted insecure attachment, while effective parenting (p < 0.01) and temperament (p < 0.01) promoted secure attachment. Both attachment styles significantly influenced identity formation (secure: p < 0.01; insecure:  p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that effective parenting (p < 0.01) and temperament (p < 0.05) indirectly supported identity formation through secure attachment, while ineffective parenting (p < 0.01) hindered it via insecure attachment. Non-significant pathways included direct effects of parenting/temperament on identity formation (all p > 0.05) and some mediated relationships (all p > 0.05). Conclusion:These results highlight the complex interplay between parenting practices, temperamental characteristics, and attachment security in shaping identity outcomes. The findings suggest that interventions improving parenting skills and fostering secure attachments may facilitate healthier identity formation processes among youth.  

Abstract Introduction:  Generational differences in work values have significant implications for organizational management. This qualitative study explores and compares job attitudes, expectations, and priorities between Generation X (born 1965–1980) and Generation Z (born 1995–2012) in Tehran, Iran. By examining their distinct perspectives, the research provides insights into how these generations perceive work environments and job requirements, highlighting differences shaped by their unique socio-cultural and economic contexts.  Method:  Adopting Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework, this study employed purposeful sampling to recruit 22 participants (12 Gen X, 10 Gen Z). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and systematically analyzed to identify emergent themes regarding workplace expectations and priorities.  Results: The analysis revealed striking generational contrasts in workplace expectations and priorities. Generation Z participants consistently emphasized the importance of flexibility, continuous learning opportunities, rapid career growth potential, and diverse work environments as key factors in their ideal job setting. In contrast, Generation X respondents placed greater value on traditional employment factors including job stability, financial security, and clearly defined career progression paths. These divergent preferences appear to reflect each generation's distinct formative experiences - where Generation X came of age during periods of economic instability that shaped their focus on security, Generation Z's digital-native upbringing in an increasingly globalized and technologically-driven world has fostered different professional expectations and work values. The findings underscore how socio-historical context fundamentally shapes generational attitudes toward work. Conclusion:  The findings underscore the necessity of generation-specific HR strategies to enhance engagement and retention. Organizations must balance flexibility for Gen Z with stability for Gen X while fostering intergenerational collaboration. Future research should employ mixed-method approaches across diverse cultural settings to strengthen generalizability.   

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: Divorce often leads to familial tension, resulting in significant behavioral and psychological challenges for divorced women. Understanding the psychological factors influencing their adjustment is crucial for effective intervention. This study aimed to develop a structural model of psychological flexibility based on family intimacy and social adjustment, mediated by social well-being, in divorced women.  Method: This descriptive-correlational study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of divorced women in Tehran during 2023–2024. A sample of 350 participants was initially estimated, with an additional 20% (N = 420) included to account for potential attrition. Using purposive sampling, 409 questionnaires were analyzed. Data were collected using standardized measures: the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (Dennis & Vanderwaal, 2010), Social Well-Being Scale (Keyes, 1998), Bell Social Adjustment Inventory (1945), and Family Intimacy Scale (Thompson & Walker, 1983). Data analysis employed Pearson’s correlation and SEM.  Results: Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between psychological flexibility and family intimacy, social adjustment, and social well-being (p < 0.01). Multivariate regression confirmed that family intimacy, social adjustment, and social well-being significantly predicted psychological flexibility (p < 0.01). The structural model demonstrated good fit, supporting the hypothesized relationships.  Conclusion: Consistent with prior research, this study highlights the predictive roles of family intimacy, social adjustment, and social well-being in the psychological flexibility of divorced women. These findings underscore the importance of fostering supportive family dynamics and social integration to enhance psychological resilience post-divorce.