randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Coping Abilities Workshop, a structured intervention designed to enhance self-regulation, improve social performance, and reduce aggression among first to third-grade primary school students exhibiting signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Tehran, District 2. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial involved 60 students, evenly divided into an intervention and a control group. Each group comprised 30 participants, and the intervention spanned eight weeks, with follow-up assessments conducted three months post-intervention. Measurements for self-regulation, social performance, and aggression were taken using standardized tools at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, utilizing SPSS software version 27. Findings: Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control. Post-intervention results showed substantial increases in self-regulation (mean pre = 32.45, SD = 4.12; mean post = 45.67, SD = 3.56) and social performance (mean pre = 28.54, SD = 2.95; mean post = 40.26, SD = 2.45), along with a notable reduction in aggression (mean pre = 35.60, SD = 5.12; mean post = 20.22, SD = 4.75). These effects were maintained at the three-month follow-up, indicating the lasting impact of the intervention. Conclusion: The Coping Abilities Workshop significantly enhanced self-regulation and social performance while effectively reducing aggression among primary school students with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The intervention proved to have a sustainable impact, suggesting its potential for broader application in similar educational and behavioral settings.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social skills training on enhancing self-determination and working memory in individuals with visual impairments. A randomized controlled trial design was used, involving 40 participants with visual impairments, randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The intervention group underwent ten 60-minute sessions of social skills training over four months, while the control group received no specific intervention. Self-determination was assessed using the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report (SDI), and working memory was measured using the Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ). Data were collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and a four-month follow-up. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were conducted using SPSS version 27. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-determination from pre-intervention (M = 45.25, SD = 6.34) to post-intervention (M = 58.43, SD = 5.27) and at the four-month follow-up (M = 55.37, SD = 5.82). Similarly, working memory scores improved from pre-intervention (M = 39.18, SD = 7.24) to post-intervention (M = 51.22, SD = 6.05) and were maintained at follow-up (M = 48.76, SD = 6.50). The ANOVA results indicated significant main effects for self-determination (F(2, 76) = 41.52, p < .001, η² = 0.53) and working memory (F(2, 76) = 38.19, p < .001, η² = 0.50), as well as significant time x group interaction effects (self-determination: F(2, 76) = 32.35, p < .001, η² = 0.46; working memory: F(2, 76) = 31.88, p < .001, η² = 0.45). The findings demonstrate that social skills training is significantly effective in enhancing self-determination and working memory in individuals with visual impairments. These improvements were sustained over a four-month follow-up period, suggesting the potential of such interventions to positively impact cognitive and social functioning in this population.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-efficacy training in reducing perfectionism and enhancing self-worth among gifted high school students. A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 40 gifted high school students randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group participated in an eight-session self-efficacy training program, while the control group received no intervention. Both groups were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a four-month follow-up. Perfectionism and self-worth were measured using validated scales. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in perfectionism scores from baseline (M = 72.45, SD = 5.28) to post-intervention (M = 64.32, SD = 6.15) and follow-up (M = 66.89, SD = 5.92) compared to the control group, which showed no significant change. Similarly, self-worth scores in the intervention group increased significantly from baseline (M = 32.19, SD = 4.15) to post-intervention (M = 38.45, SD = 3.92) and follow-up (M = 36.98, SD = 4.20), whereas the control group showed no significant change. The ANOVA results indicated significant main effects of time (F(2, 76) = 27.12, p < .001) and group (F(1, 76) = 102.95, p < .001) for perfectionism, and time (F(2, 76) = 24.65, p < .001) and group (F(1, 76) = 111.30, p < .001) for self-worth, with significant interaction effects for both variables. Self-efficacy training is effective in reducing perfectionism and enhancing self-worth among gifted high school students. The positive effects were maintained at a four-month follow-up, suggesting the potential long-term benefits of such interventions in this population.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ego State Therapy (EST) in enhancing prosocial behavior and health motivation among young adults with mild physical disabilities. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed, involving 30 participants aged 18-30 with diagnosed mild physical disabilities. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=15), which received eight 90-minute sessions of EST, or the control group (n=15), which received no intervention. Prosocial behavior and health motivation were assessed using the Prosocialness Scale for Adults (PSA) and the Health Motivation Scale (HMS), respectively, at baseline, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 software, with analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements and Bonferroni post-hoc tests to control for multiple comparisons. Results indicated significant improvements in prosocial behavior (F(2, 28) = 12.45, p < 0.001) and health motivation (F(2, 28) = 10.89, p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. These improvements were sustained over the five-month follow-up period, with significant interaction effects between group and time for both prosocial behavior (F(2, 28) = 8.67, p < 0.001) and health motivation (F(2, 28) = 9.23, p < 0.001). Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed significant improvements from baseline to post-intervention and from baseline to follow-up in the intervention group, with no significant changes in the control group. Ego State Therapy significantly enhances prosocial behavior and health motivation in young adults with mild physical disabilities, with sustained effects over a five-month follow-up period. These findings suggest that EST is a valuable therapeutic approach for promoting psychological integration and well-being in this population. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential benefits of integrating EST with other therapeutic modalities.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of exposure therapy in enhancing life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility in adults with ADHD. This study employed a randomized controlled trial design, with 30 adults diagnosed with ADHD randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) receiving eight sessions of exposure therapy or a control group (n = 15) receiving no intervention. Life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and five-month follow-up using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), respectively. Data analysis was conducted using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine within- and between-group differences over time, with post-hoc pairwise comparisons performed using the Bonferroni adjustment. The results indicated a significant main effect of time and group, as well as a significant interaction effect between time and group for both life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility (p < 0.01). Post-hoc analyses showed that the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in both variables from baseline to post-treatment (p < 0.001), with these gains maintained at follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes over time. The findings suggest that exposure therapy effectively enhances life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility in adults with ADHD, with long-term benefits observed at follow-up. Exposure therapy appears to be a promising intervention for improving life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility in adults with ADHD. By reducing avoidance behaviors and promoting adaptive cognitive responses, this approach may help individuals with ADHD develop greater emotional and cognitive adaptability. The sustained benefits observed at follow-up suggest that exposure therapy may provide long-lasting improvements in quality of life for this population.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Sandplay Therapy in reducing self-handicapping behaviors and improving the quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 children diagnosed with ASD, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 15) receiving Sandplay Therapy or the control group (n = 15) receiving no intervention. The intervention consisted of eight 90-minute sessions conducted over eight weeks. Self-handicapping behaviors were measured using the Self-Handicapping Scale (SHS), and quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), both of which demonstrated established validity and reliability. Assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, with post-hoc comparisons conducted using the Bonferroni test. The results indicated a significant reduction in self-handicapping behaviors in the experimental group from pre-test (M = 42.85, SD = 4.31) to post-test (M = 31.76, SD = 3.76) and further at follow-up (M = 29.45, SD = 3.45), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Similarly, quality of life improved significantly in the experimental group, with scores increasing from pre-test (M = 52.12, SD = 5.12) to post-test (M = 63.45, SD = 4.78) and follow-up (M = 67.32, SD = 4.50), whereas the control group remained stable. ANOVA results confirmed significant main effects of time and group, as well as a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05). Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons indicated that improvements were sustained at follow-up. Sandplay Therapy is an effective intervention for reducing self-handicapping behaviors and enhancing the quality of life in children with ASD, with sustained benefits observed at follow-up. These findings highlight the potential of nonverbal, expressive therapies in supporting emotional regulation and adaptive functioning in children with ASD.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a strength-based intervention on altering attitudes toward marital infidelity and enhancing sexual self-concept among women experiencing marital conflict. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was employed with 30 women from the Mehravar Counseling Center in Tehran, divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention consisted of eight 75-minute sessions based on strength-based principles. Data were collected at three points using the Attitudes Towards Infidelity Scale (ATIS) and the Sexual Self-Concept Inventory (SSCI). Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with repeated measurements and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, utilizing SPSS-27. Findings: The intervention group showed significant improvements in both measured outcomes. Attitudes toward marital infidelity decreased from a pre-test mean of 42.53 (SD = 5.67) to 37.82 (SD = 5.12) at follow-up. Sexual self-concept increased from a pre-test mean of 30.88 (SD = 4.45) to 35.64 (SD = 3.72) at follow-up. The ANOVA results revealed significant time effects and time x group interactions for both variables (p < .001). Conclusion: The strength-based intervention was effective in significantly improving attitudes toward marital infidelity and sexual self-concept among women with marital conflicts. These findings suggest that such interventions can be beneficial in marital counseling settings, offering a promising approach for enhancing marital satisfaction and individual well-being.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on reducing depression and cognitive biases in married women. Methods and Materials: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 married women in Tehran who exhibited elevated depressive symptoms and cognitive biases. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) receiving eight weekly 75-minute ACT sessions or a control group (n = 15) receiving no psychological intervention. Depression and cognitive biases were assessed at pretest, posttest, and five-month follow-up using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Cognitive Bias Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS-27. Findings: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant time × group interactions for depression (F(2, 54) = 45.22, p < .001, η² = .63) and cognitive biases (F(2, 54) = 39.52, p < .001, η² = .60). Bonferroni tests showed significant reductions in depression and cognitive bias scores from pretest to posttest (p < .001) and pretest to follow-up (p < .001) in the experimental group. No significant differences were found between posttest and follow-up scores (p > .05), indicating stability of treatment effects. Conclusion: Findings suggest that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and cognitive biases in married women and that these benefits persist over a five-month follow-up. ACT may offer a promising therapeutic option for addressing both emotional and cognitive vulnerabilities in this population by promoting psychological flexibility and values-based action.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Stress Inoculation Training (SIT) on improving co-parenting quality and reducing interpersonal obsessive-compulsive symptoms in mothers with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Method: This study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with 30 mothers diagnosed with OCD, randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15). The intervention group received eight 60-minute SIT sessions over eight weeks. Co-parenting quality and interpersonal obsessive-compulsive symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and four-month follow-up using validated questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, conducted via SPSS-27. Findings: The intervention group showed significant improvements in co-parenting quality from baseline (M = 48.67, SD = 8.92) to post-intervention (M = 58.92, SD = 7.41), with effects maintained at the four-month follow-up (M = 56.80, SD = 7.93). Interpersonal obsessive-compulsive symptoms significantly decreased from baseline (M = 30.53, SD = 6.47) to post-intervention (M = 22.17, SD = 5.32), with sustained reductions at follow-up (M = 24.40, SD = 5.89). The ANOVA results indicated significant effects of time (p < .001) and group (p < .001), as well as significant time-by-group interactions (p < .001) for both variables. Conclusion: SIT significantly enhances co-parenting quality and reduces interpersonal obsessive-compulsive symptoms in mothers with OCD. These improvements were maintained at the four-month follow-up, indicating the intervention's long-term efficacy. SIT offers a promising therapeutic approach for addressing the unique challenges faced by parents with OCD.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing negative affect, improving emotional processing, and enhancing psychological hardiness in women experiencing domestic violence. Methods and Materials: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants, divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention group underwent eight 90-minute ACT sessions over eight weeks, while the control group received no treatment. Outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up stages using validated tools for Negative Affect, Emotional Processing, and Psychological Hardiness. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with SPSS-27. Findings: Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group across all variables. For Negative Affect, mean scores decreased from 3.52 (SD = 0.45) at pre-intervention to 2.89 (SD = 0.39) post-intervention and 2.45 (SD = 0.33) at follow-up (F(1,28) = 30.19, p = 0.001, η² = 0.52). Emotional Processing scores increased from 3.20 (SD = 0.40) to 3.80 (SD = 0.37) post-intervention and 4.25 (SD = 0.31) at follow-up (F(1,28) = 34.38, p = 0.001, η² = 0.55). Psychological Hardiness improved from 3.15 (SD = 0.38) to 3.95 (SD = 0.35) post-intervention and 4.10 (SD = 0.32) at follow-up (F(1,28) = 36.57, p = 0.001, η² = 0.58). The control group showed minimal changes across all measures. Conclusion: ACT was highly effective in reducing negative affect, improving emotional processing, and enhancing psychological hardiness in women experiencing domestic violence. The results suggest that ACT is a valuable therapeutic approach for this population, with sustained benefits over time.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Emotional Schema Therapy (EST) in improving relationship quality and conflict resolution styles among betrayed spouses. Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 30 participants from Tehran, Iran, who were recruited through counseling centers and online advertisements. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (15 participants), which received eight weekly 90-minute EST sessions, or the control group (15 participants), which did not receive any therapeutic intervention during the study period. Data were collected at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up, using standardized measures of relationship quality and conflict resolution styles. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 27. Findings: The results indicated significant improvements in both relationship quality and conflict resolution styles in the experimental group compared to the control group. For relationship quality, repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between time and group (F(2, 54) = 82.46, p < .001). Similarly, for conflict resolution styles, a significant interaction effect was observed (F(2, 54) = 76.92, p < .001). Bonferroni post-hoc tests showed that these improvements were sustained at the five-month follow-up. Conclusion: Emotional Schema Therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing relationship quality and conflict resolution styles in betrayed spouses. By targeting maladaptive schemas and promoting emotional regulation, EST provides a comprehensive framework for addressing relational challenges following infidelity. These findings support the integration of EST into marital therapy practices.