درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of self-encouragement training on the homesickness (including longing for family, desire to return home, maladjustment, feelings of loneliness, yearning for familiar people and environments) in non-native university students. Method: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test control group. The statistical population consisted of all first-year non-native university students residing in university dormitories at the Islamic Azad University of Ardabil. From this population, 30 university students were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). Data were collected using the Homesickness Questionnaire developed by Van Vliet (2001). The experimental group received 10 sessions of self-encouragement training based on the encouragement training Shwanker's model (1979). Self-encouragement training is a psychological intervention aimed at enhancing resilience and reducing negative emotions by promoting self-acceptance, recognizing personal strengths, and fostering a positive outlook on life. Data analysis was conducted using multivariate covariance analysis via SPSS software, version26. Findings: The results showed that the self-encouragement Training significantly reduced the level of homesickness in the experimental group. Specifically, the post-test mean scores of homesickness and its subcomponents significantly decreased after the intervention (p<0.01). Conclusion: The self-encouragement training significantly reduced feelings of homesickness and its related components among non-native university students. This finding demonstrates the effectiveness of this psychological intervention in improving emotional adjustment and alleviating longing for family and familiar environments. Therefore, it can be considered an effective approach for providing psychological support to non-native university students.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) on experiential avoidance, cognitive emotion regulation, and rejection sensitivity in couples. Methods:  This research employed a quantitative, applied design using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group model. The statistical population included all distressed couples who sought counseling services in Ardabil between 2024 and 2025. From this population, 30 couples whose scores exceeded the cut-off point of 135 were randomly selected and assigned to either an experimental or a control group. Research instruments included the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II (AAQ-II), and the short form of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-SF). The intervention was based on Sue Johnson’s EFCT protocol, implemented in nine 90-minute sessions for the experimental group. Results: Covariance analysis showed that EFCT significantly reduced experiential avoidance, improved cognitive emotion regulation, and decreased rejection sensitivity in distressed couples ( p < .001). The effect size ranged from 65% to 68%, indicating a substantial impact on improving couple relationships. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that EFCT has a significant and positive effect on experiential avoidance, cognitive emotion regulation, and rejection sensitivity in couples.

Objective: This exploratory, hypothesis-generating study investigated alpha-band EEG activity during resting state and cognitive task performance in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and examined its relationship with symptom severity, without a healthy control group. Method: EEG (8-12 Hz) was recorded in 28 adults with ADHD (21-31 years) during (1) eyes-closed rest and (2) a cognitive task requiring sustained attention. Absolute power and NeuroGuide z-scores were extracted. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the ASRS. Paired t-tests, Pearson correlations, and exploratory median split comparisons were performed. Results: Resting and task alpha activity were strongly correlated (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). At the group level, alpha activity unexpectedly increased from rest to task (t(27) = 2.34, p = 0.027). Linear correlations between ASRS total score and alpha activity at rest (r = 0.07) and during task (r = 0.20) were weak and non-significant (p > 0.05). In exploratory median-split comparisons (higher vs. lower symptom severity), individuals with higher severity showed significantly lower task-related alpha (t(26) = 2.12, p = 0.044, d = 0.81), but no significant difference in resting alpha (t(26) = 1.92, p = 0.066). Conclusions: In this hypothesis-generating study of adults with ADHD conducted without a neurotypical control group, we observed within-sample patterns of alpha modulation. The unexpected task-related alpha increase and the association between higher symptom severity and reduced task-related alpha warrant replication in larger, controlled studies with concurrent behavioral performance measures. No ADHD-specific conclusions can be drawn from this exploratory investigation.

  Objective : This study examined the effectiveness of a group counseling program based on Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) in reducing interpersonal sensitivity and enhancing perceived self-efficacy among male high school students with social anxiety. Methods : A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was used. Thirty male students from District 1 of Mashhad, Iran, who met criteria for social anxiety, were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Participants completed the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM), Perceived Competence Scale for Children (PCSC), and Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised (SASC-R) before and after the intervention. The experimental group received an eight-week CFT-based counseling program, held once weekly for 90 minutes and facilitated by a licensed psychologist trained in CFT, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA. Results : The CFT-based program significantly reduced interpersonal sensitivity (F(1, 27) = 18.215, p< .001, η² = 0.403) and improved cognitive competence (F(1, 27) = 6.67, p = .015, η² = 0.198). No significant effects were observed for social or physical competence. Conclusion : These findings provide evidence that CFT reduces interpersonal sensitivity and enhances cognitive competence among adolescents with social anxiety. Although effects did not extend to social or physical competence, the results highlight the potential of CFT as a feasible school-based intervention. Future studies should examine whether integrating behavioral components can extend benefits to externally validated competence domains. This research supports CFT as a culturally adaptable, school-friendly intervention for non-Western contexts.