https://www.recentpsy.com/ Recent Innovations in Psychology en daily 1 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.recentpsy.com/article_220125.html In the context of adulthood, attending to students by focusing on all components of executive functions and preventing consequences related to their physical and psychological health appears essential. The present study investigated the canonical correlation between executive dysfunctions and mental health problems in students. This descriptive-correlational research design was conducted in 2023 with a statistical population comprising students from universities and higher education institutions in Mashhad. A sample of 245 individuals was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and canonical correlation analysis to examine the relationships between two sets of variables: predictors (executive dysfunctions) and criteria (symptoms of mental disorders). The results indicated a significant relationship between executive dysfunctions and various forms of psychopathology (P≤0.01). Therefore, executive functions may represent an important target for psychopathology prevention programs and interventions. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_224626.html The present study aimed to predict students' academic motivation based on self-efficacy and self-esteem, considering the moderating role of marital status. The research method was correlational, and the statistical population included students at the University of Mazandaran during the 2023-2024 academic year. A total of 323 students were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using Harter's Academic Motivation Scale (HAMS), the Self-Efficacy Scale (SES), and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventories (CSEI). The findings revealed that self-efficacy and self-esteem had a significant positive relationship with academic motivation (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis among single students showed that self-efficacy (β = 0.39) and self-esteem (β = 0.27) significantly predicted academic motivation. Similarly, among married students, self-efficacy (β = 0.42) and self-esteem (β = 0.31) significantly predicted academic motivation. A significant difference was observed between the multiple correlation coefficients of single and married students (P < 0.01). It appears that marital status can moderate the relationships between self-efficacy, self-esteem, and students' academic motivation.  https://www.recentpsy.com/article_221744.html The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of the Dark Triad in the relationship between behavioral inhibition and activation systems and experiential avoidance. The research design was correlational and employed structural equation modeling. A total of 770 graduate students from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch (Tehran, Iran), were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted using the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ), the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System Questionnaire (BIS/BAS), and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD). Data analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that the Dark Triad plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between behavioral inhibition and activation systems and experiential avoidance (P < 0.05). Moreover, behavioral activation and inhibition systems, along with the Dark Triad, exert a significant direct influence on experiential avoidance (P < 0.05). These results suggest that brain system activity, shaped by individual personality traits, impacts students' avoidance of challenging situations. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of experiential avoidance. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_224136.html The aim of this study was to predict emotion regulation strategies based on negative automatic thoughts, with the mediating role of positive affect. Using a correlational design, 200 pregnant women in Yasuj(a city in Iran) were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Regression analysis revealed that negative automatic thoughts significantly reduced positive affect (P < 0.01). Furthermore, positive affect significantly predicted both adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (P < 0.05). While negative thoughts were associated with both types of strategies, their relationship with maladaptive strategies was stronger. In multiple regression analyses, positive affect emerged as a predictor of adaptive strategies, whereas negative thoughts predicted maladaptive strategies (P < 0.01). However, the Sobel test indicated that positive affect did not significantly mediate the relationship between negative thoughts and maladaptive strategies (P > 0.05), but it did mediate the relationship between negative thoughts and adaptive emotion regulation strategies (P < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of managing negative thoughts in enhancing emotional regulation and suggest that boosting positive affect may help improve adaptive regulation strategies by reducing negative automatic thinking. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_222790.html The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program (Triple-P) training for mothers on the emotional and behavioral problems of children aged 6 to 12 years. In a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest and control group, 30 mothers of children aged 6 to 12 years with behavioral problems, who had sought counseling at a center in Pakdasht (a city in Iran), were selected using purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The experimental group received training in the Triple-P program for eight sessions of 120 minutes each, while the control group received no intervention. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated that Triple-P training for mothers significantly improved children's emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer relationship issues, and prosocial behaviors (P<0.001). Accordingly, the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program (Triple-P) training appears to be an effective intervention for reducing emotional and behavioral problems in children aged 6 to 12 years. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_225208.html The present study aimed to examine the structural model of eating disorders based on attachment styles with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in employed women. The research method was correlational, and the statistical population consisted of employed women in hospitals in Hashtgerd city in 2023. A non-random convenience sample of 185 women was selected, and they completed the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale (EDDS), the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Ambivalent attachment had both a direct (β = 0.30) and an indirect (β = 0.043) effect on eating disorders. Secure attachment only had an indirect effect on eating disorders (β = -0.091). The research model demonstrated good fit, and the predictor variables explained 31% of the variance in eating disorders. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that attachment styles, with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation, are effective in predicting eating disorders in employed women. The results of this study can be utilized by mental health professionals in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_222929.html The present study aims to examine the mediating role of the Dark Triad in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and hostile behavior in adulthood. Using a correlational design, 280 employees of the Iranian Oil Terminals Company were selected through convenience sampling in the year 2025. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) scale, and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Path analysis indicated that the proposed model demonstrated good fit. The results showed that the direct effects of childhood emotional abuse on hostile behavior and Dark Triad were significant. Additionally, the direct effects of each Dark Triad on hostile behavior were also significant (P<0.05). The Dark Triad played a mediating role in the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and hostile behavior (P<0.05). Based on these findings, it can be inferred that childhood emotional abuse contributes to hostile behavior in adulthood both directly and indirectly through the influence of Dark Triad. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_225216.html The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on psychosomatic symptoms and health anxiety in women with physical illnesses. This quasi-experimental research followed a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of women with psychosomatic symptoms and physical complaints (cardiovascular and gastrointestinal) who visited public healthcare centers in Mashhad in 2023. The study sample included 30 patients selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants each). The research instruments were the Psychosomatic Complaints Scale (PCS) and the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI-18). The experimental group underwent an 8-session ACT intervention (90 minutes per session, held weekly). Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in psychosomatic symptoms and health anxiety (P < 0.05). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective in reducing psychosomatic symptoms (η² = 0.80) and health anxiety (η² = 0.37). Overall, given the positive effects of ACT in alleviating psychosomatic symptoms and health anxiety in women with physical illnesses, this approach is recommended for psychologists and psychotherapists in the healthcare field. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_222973.html The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on emotional control and pain intensity in women with migraine headaches. This quasi-experimental research employed a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 30 women diagnosed with migraine headaches, who had referred to a neurologist in Urmia (a city in Iran), were voluntarily recruited and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received DBT-based interventions over eleven 60-minute sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Emotion Control Questionnaire (ECQ2), and the Ahvaz Migraine Questionnaire (AMQ). Analysis of covariance revealed that DBT significantly reduced emotional inhibition, rumination, headache, and pain intensity in women with migraine headaches (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an effective approach for improving emotional control and reducing pain severity in women with migraine headaches, and can be practically and efficiently utilized in this population. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_233019.html The present study aimed to investigate the role of emotion regulation difficulties, forecasting, and personal values in predicting the fear of loneliness among university students with dependent personality disorder traits. A sample of 135 students from Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch, who were identified as having dependent personality disorder traits based on the Dependent Personality Inventory-Revised (DPI-R), was selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Student Loneliness Feeling Scale (SLFS), the Schwartz Value Survey (SVS), the Future-Orientation Questionnaire (FOQ), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). The results indicated a significant positive correlation between fear of loneliness and emotion regulation difficulties (p < .05), and significant negative correlations between fear of loneliness and both forecasting and personal values (p < .05). Regression analysis further revealed that emotion regulation difficulties, forecasting, and personal values collectively accounted for 68% of the variance in predicting fear of loneliness. Forecasting was found to have a greater share in predicting the criterion variable. The findings of this study suggest that forecasting, personal values, and emotion regulation difficulties have a significant impact on the fear of loneliness in students with dependent personality disorder traits. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_222991.html This study aimed to determine the role of disconnection and rejection schemas in predicting marital intimacy. Using a correlational design, 102 individuals from a counseling center in Mashhad (a city in Iran) were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the short form of the Schema Questionnaire- Short Form (SQ-SF) and the Couple Intimacy Inventory (CII). The results indicated a significant negative relationship between disconnection and rejection schemas and marital intimacy (P<0.05). Stepwise regression analysis further revealed that abandonment (β = -0.44), mistrust (β = -0.32), and emotional deprivation (β = -0.27) had a significant negative contribution to predicting marital intimacy, collectively explaining 58% of its variance. These findings suggest that early maladaptive schemas related to disconnection and rejection play a substantial role in marital intimacy, underscoring the need for schema-focused interventions in couple therapy. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_234694.html Risky driving behaviors and the significant role of human factors in road accidents represent an important public health concern. This study investigated the relationship between neuroticism and neuropsychological functioning (frontal and temporal lobes, and basal ganglia) with risky driving behaviors among heavy vehicle drivers. A descriptive-correlational design was employed. The study population included truck-trailer and bus drivers attending driver health certificate service centers and vehicle inspection facilities in Najafabad (a city in Iran). Using cluster sampling, 100 participants were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data were collected through the Manchester Driving Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems Questionnaire (BIS/BAS). Neuroticism was significantly and positively associated with risky driving behaviors (P < 0.05). Neuropsychological characteristics of the frontal and temporal lobes and basal ganglia showed strong correlations with risky driving, particularly in slips and errors. The correlation coefficient between personality traits and risky driving behaviors was r = 0.75, while the correlation with neuropsychological characteristics was r = 0.68. Preventive and intervention strategies aimed at modifying and improving driving behaviors are essential. Enhancing drivers’ personality and neuropsychological attributes may reduce risky driving and contribute to road safety. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_221840.html The present study aimed to examine the goodness-of-fit of a model of narcissistic tendencies based on childhood trauma and the quality of interpersonal relationships, with the mediating role of inferiority feelings. This research is fundamental in terms of its objective and employs structural equation modeling as its methodology. A total of 200 high school students from Kuhdasht County (a city in Iran) were selected using convenience sampling during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data collection was conducted using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Quality of Relationships Inventory (QRI), the Comparative Feelings of Inferiority Index (CFII), and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI). Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling with the Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) approach. The results indicated that the proposed model demonstrated a good fit. However, the mediating role of inferiority feelings in the relationship between childhood trauma and the quality of interpersonal relationships with narcissistic tendencies was not confirmed (P > 0.05). The findings suggest that childhood trauma and the quality of interpersonal relationships have direct effects on narcissistic tendencies. However, it appears that variables other than inferiority feelings may mediate these relationships. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_235270.html The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of time management training in reducing social media addiction and learning anxiety among lower secondary school students. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures and a control group. The statistical population consisted of female lower secondary school students in Konarak County (in Iran) during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 30 students were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received time management training across ten 45-minute sessions (once per week). All participants were assessed before and after the intervention using the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ), and the Addiction to Mobile Questionnaire Based on Social Networks (AMQ-SN). Analysis of covariance revealed that time management training significantly reduced learning anxiety and social media addiction in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Based on these findings, time management training can be utilized as an effective approach to improve learning anxiety and mitigate social media addiction among students. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_235779.html Although Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to effectively reduce anxiety symptoms, the specific psychological mechanisms underlying this change require further investigation. The present study sought to determine whether MBSR can reduce anxiety sensitivity in young men by enhancing cognitive reappraisal. Using a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments and a waitlist control group, thirty male university students were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received an eight‑session MBSR intervention consisting of weekly 90-minute sessions. All participants completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index--Revised (ASI-R) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that, compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant reductions in physical and cognitive concerns related to anxiety sensitivity, as well as a significant increase in cognitive reappraisal. Mediation analysis further demonstrated that cognitive reappraisal functioned as a key mechanism explaining how the MBSR intervention reduced cognitive anxiety concerns. These findings suggest that incorporating cognitive reappraisal strategies into mindfulness‑based interventions may enhance outcomes related to anxiety‑related cognitive processes in young men. https://www.recentpsy.com/article_237052.html The aim of the present study was to examine the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and risky behaviors among male adolescents. This research employed a descriptive-correlational design, and the statistical population consisted of male students in the first grade of secondary school in District Four of Karaj city (a city in Iran). A total of 315 students were selected through convenience sampling and completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC), and the Iranian Adolescents Risk-taking Scale (IARS). The findings indicated that adaptive emotion regulation strategies had a positive and significant effect on resilience (P < 0.01), but no significant effect on risky behaviors (P > 0.05). In contrast, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies had no significant effect on resilience (P > 0.05), but exerted a positive and significant effect on risky behaviors (P < 0.01). Resilience itself showed a negative and significant effect on risky behaviors (P < 0.01). Additional results revealed that only the indirect effect of adaptive emotion regulation strategies on risky behaviors through resilience was negative and significant (P < 0.01). In other words, resilience mediated solely the relationship between adaptive emotion regulation strategies and risky behaviors in male adolescents. Accordingly, it seems that reducing risky behaviors in male adolescents requires attention to the role of adaptive emotion regulation strategies and their impact on enhancing resilience.