Sample Of Iranian Students Research Articles

Connotative Interpretations of the “Sex” Word in a Sample of Iranian Students: A Pilot Study

Objective: Sex is a ubiquitous word which is widely used in other languages with a meaning somewhat different from the English one. This study plan to examine the attributes assigned by a group of Iranian Farsi speakers to “sex” constructs.Method: the total of 33 women and 31 men (45 single and 19 married mean, age= 28.26), of medical students of Tehran University participated in this study which was done at 2020. Our measurement scale has been borrowed from Osgood; fifteen bipolar items in seven-point Likert that arranged in odd and even order is offered to participants. Some of poles are: “Cold-Warm”, “Weak-Strong”, “Secure-Unsecure”, “Hidden-Obvious”, “Up-Down”, “Funky-Fragrant”. Results: this sample evaluated “sex” as warm, strong, up, fragrant, beautiful, sweet, white, good taste, good and active. Interestingly, there are more agreement than disagreement in comparison of two genders. However, there is a significant difference between male and female in the item of “unsecure-secure”. Also, regarding the marital status no significant difference was found between single and married students. The only marginal was Hidden-Obvious and Bad Taste-Good Taste.Conclusion: When communication involves the use of sexuality-related words, semantics may play a particularly important role. Therefore, exploring the meaning of sex assigned by users seems necessary.

Psychometric properties of the college student subjective wellbeing questionnaire (CSSWQ) in a sample of Iranian students

In the field of the measurement of the psychological characteristics of students in Iran some questionnaires have been so far standardized; however, negative constructs such as depression and stress have been emphasized more by these student tools. Given the lack of tools related to the measurement of student wellbeing as well as the problems of current tools besides the lack of a proper study on this matter in Iran, this research was carried out aiming at investigating the psychometric properties of the College Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (CSSWQ) in a sample of Iranian students. This is a correlational research with the statistical population including female and male students of Shahed and Shahid Beheshti Universities in Tehran (Iran) in 2020. In this study, the convenience sampling method was employed to obtain the sample and 138 students were ultimately considered as the sample size. This tool’s reliability was measured by the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and splitting methods and its validity was measured by convergent and divergent methods. For the subscales and the overall scale, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were obtained above 0.70, and the correlation coefficients in the splitting method were obtained above 0.60. Moreover, the scores obtained from this tool exhibited a significant negative correlation with the scores of the negative constructs in the tools DASS, the PWI-A, and the PANAS and a significant positive correlation with their positive constructs. In the end, it was concluded that the CSSWQ has good reliability and validity in the statistical population in question.

Assessing Psychometric Properties of the Behavioral Emotion Regulation Questionnaire in an Iranian Population

Background: The Behavioral Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (BERQ) has been designed to assess the adaptive and maladaptive strategies for emotion regulation. Objectives: The current investigation aimed to study the psychometric properties of the BERQ in a sample of Iranian students. Methods: To assess the psychometric properties of the BERQ (2020 - 2021), 301 students (150 males and 151 females) at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS) were selected using convenience sampling. In addition to the BERQ, the participants completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Afterward, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, convergent and divergent validity, and confirmatory factor analysis were calculated and applied using LISREL V 8.80 and SPSS V 20. Results: The results of factor analysis supported the five-factor structure of the BERQ (including seeking distraction, seeking social support, actively approaching, withdrawal, and ignoring) in the Iranian student sample (RMSEA = 0.08, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.90, normed fit index (NFI) = 0.90). Furthermore, the positive subscales of the BERQ were significantly and positively correlated with the positive cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the CERQ. They also had a significant negative correlation with depression, anxiety, stress, and worry. Moreover, withdrawal and ignoring were significantly and positively correlated with anxiety, stress, worry, depression, and negative emotion regulation strategies of the CERQ (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The Persian version of the BERQ has suitable psychometric properties. This questionnaire could be utilized for assessing the healthy and unhealthy reactions of individuals.

A Psychometric Lens for E-Learning: Examining the Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of University Students’ Engagement Inventory (P-USEI)

Student engagement is a critical component of e-learning, which became an important focus for most academic institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. University students’ engagement is measured using various scales with different subscales. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the University Student Engagement Inventory (P-USEI). A cross-sectional methodology study was conducted among Iranian university students (n = 667) from April to May 2020. After forward–backward translation, the content, and construct validity, and reliability of the scale were assessed. The results obtained from the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the P-USEI has three factors: cognitive, emotional, and behaviour. The findings of the study supported the adequate reliability, factorial, convergent, and discriminant validities of P-USEI in a sample of Iranian students. The P-USEI dimensions have predictive value for important academic variables that can be generalized by developing the research through a psychometric evaluation on student engagement.

Structural validity of the Persian version of the Suicide Capacity Scale among Iranian college students.

This study was the first step in translating the Suicide Capacity scale (SCS-3) from English to Persian and then determining its structural validity in a sample of Iranian students. The sample consisted of 600 participants selected by the convenience sampling method and answered the questionnaires of the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) Depressive Symptom Index-Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS), suicide attempt, and suicidal capacity(SCS-3). The single-group factor analysis suggested that the three-factor model shows the goodness of fit with the data. Suicide capacity is a psychometric tool that can be included in public health studies, health psychology, and empirical research to identify suicide-related behaviors in different populations.

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Perth Emotional Regulation Competency Inventory

Background: The Perth Emotional Regulation Competency Inventory (PERCI) was designed to assess healthy and unhealthy behavioral responses to maladaptive conditions and stressful life events. The current study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the PERCI in a sample of Iranian students. Materials and methods: In order to evaluate the psychometric properties of PERCI, 379 (including 201 males and 178 females) students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS) were selected using the available sampling method (between June 2018 and Feb 2019). Subjects completed the PERCI, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Thereafter, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, convergent and divergent validity, as well as confirmatory factor analysis, were performed using Lisrel (version 8.5) and SPSS (version 25) software packages. Results: The participants' mean age was 25.31±7.26 years, and the majority of them (%53) were female. The result of internal consistency of the total score and its subscales using Cronbach's alpha was calculated to be in the range of 0.66-0.94. The results of factor analysis supported the eight-factor structure of the PERCI for positive (controlling experience, inhibiting behavior, activating behavior, and tolerating emotions) and negative (controlling experience, inhibiting behavior, activating behavior, and tolerating emotions) emotion regulation strategies in the sample of Iranian students (RMSEA=0.07, CFI=0.90, NFI=0.89). Furthermore, the results pointed out that the positive factors of the PERCI had a positive and significant relationship with positive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (P<0.05), and it displayed a negative and significant correlation with difficulties in emotion regulation, anxiety, and worry (P<0.05). Conclusion: In general, the results of the present study indicated the appropriate psychometric properties of the Persian version of PERCI. This inventory can be used in treatment interventions and future studies to access adaptive and maladaptive reactions.

Psychometric Validation of the Farsi Version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in a Sample of Iranian Students in the USA

Psychometric Validation of the Farsi Version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in a Sample of Iranian Students in the USA

COVID-19-related knowledge, risk perception, information seeking, and adherence to preventive behaviors among undergraduate students, southern Iran.

Globally, the novel COVID-19 has been recognized as one of the most important pandemics and devastating diseases in human history, with many deaths and morbidities. In the absence of effective treatment and limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine, people must adhere to recommended preventive measures. This study aimed to determine the level of COVID-19 knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and health information-seeking and preventive behaviors as well as associated factors with preventive behaviors in a sample of Iranian students at Persian Gulf University. Data was collected using an online structured and validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Spearman correlation tests were applied to analyze data. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. In total, 98% (319/325) of the participants completed the survey. A majority of participants were aware of the three main COVID-19 symptoms: fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath, while half of them were unaware of gastrointestinal problems caused by COVID-19. More than half of the subjects had a low perceived susceptibility and severity toward COVID-19. Most of the participants engaged in preventive behaviors and got COVID-19 information from social media and the Internet. Preventive behavior was associated with perceived susceptibility (P = 0.015), perceived severity (P = 0.014), and health information seeking (P < 0.001) of individuals toward COVID-19. The results of our research can help health authorities develop health promotion programs for student populations by providing baseline data.

Personality change goals and plans as predictors of longitudinal trait change in young adults: A replication with an Iranian sample

Goals and plans for changing one’s personality traits have been found to be commonly held, particularly in young adults. Evidence for whether such goals and plans can predict actual trait change is mixed. The current study replicated and extended the methodology of a previous study to investigate whether trait change goals and plans predict change over a year in a sample of Iranian students. It was found that goals and plans before and after the 12-month period predicted longitudinal change in Openness to Experience, but no association was found for other traits. To explore whether this relationship between goals and change in Openness to Experience is replicable, further research with samples of differing ages and cultures is needed.

Structural relations between brain-behavioral systems, social anxiety, depression and internet addiction: With regard to revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (r-RST)

The exclusion of Internet addiction as a diagnostic category in DSM-V does not detract from the importance of this problem. Based on the literature, we have examined a model that comprises neurobiological factors (brain-behavioral systems) and psychopathologies (depression and social anxiety) predicting Internet addiction on a sample of Iranian students (240 females and 213 males), using Jackson-5 Scale, 2nd version of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and Young's Internet Addiction Test. Data analysis showed that r-BIS is not related to Internet addiction, directly or indirectly, and r-BAS is related to Internet addiction only through depression and social anxiety. Finally, FFFS is related to Internet addiction both directly and indirectly; i.e. through depression and social anxiety. In sum, findings dismissed the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (r-RST) in favor of the original Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (o-RST). In addition, it seems that the conceptualization of Internet addiction as a secondary disorder is more appropriate than a primary disorder.

The Dark Triad, Reinforcement Sensitivity and Substance Use

This study examined the direct and indirect relationships between pathological narcissism, behavioral activation/inhibition systems (BAS/BIS), self-control, and substance abuse in a sample of Iranian students. Results showed that there are positive relationships between pathological narcissism and BAS with substance abuse and negative relationships between BIS and self-control with substance abuse. We tested, using structural equation model, whether pathological narcissism, BAS, and BIS predict substance abuse through self-control. Results confirmed the mediating role of self-control in the relations of pathological narcissism and BAS, but not BIS to substance abuse.

Pathological narcissism, brain behavioral systems and tendency to substance abuse: The mediating role of self-control

This study examined the direct and indirect relationships between pathological narcissism, behavioral activation/inhibition systems (BAS/BIS), self-control, and substance abuse in a sample of Iranian students. Results showed that there are positive relationships between pathological narcissism and BAS with substance abuse and negative relationships between BIS and self-control with substance abuse. We tested, using structural equation model, whether pathological narcissism, BAS, and BIS predict substance abuse through self-control. Results confirmed the mediating role of self-control in the relations of pathological narcissism and BAS, but not BIS to substance abuse.

The Health-Related Quality of Life Index KIDSCREEN-10: Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Convergent Validity and Reliability in a Sample of Iranian Students

The aim of the present study was to evaluate validity and reliability of the Health Related Quality of Life Index KIDSCREEN-10 in a sample of Iranian school students. Using multistage sampling, 551 middle and high school students were selected in Yazd and answered to KIDSCREEN-10 index. Each 100 students also completed one more questionnaire (included in research tools). To verify the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha measure and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) were used and Confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis methods were employed to assess the construct validity and convergent validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha (0.80) and intraclass correlation coefficient (0.85) confirmed reliability of the questionnaire, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated a unidimentional structure for the questionnaire. Moreover, obtained a high correlation between the total score of the KIDSCREEN-10 index and the total scores obtained from other indices was an indicative of convergent validity for the scale. However, the correlations obtained for the KIDSCREEN-10 index with the dimensions in the other questionnaires varied from low (for Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scales) to moderate and high (for KIDSCREEN-52, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, General Health Questionnaire-28, Personal Well-Being Index—School Children, and Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory). Significant differences in quality of life scores were found between male and female students of 11 to 15 and 16 to 19 year old, whereas such a difference was absent in psychological and socio-economic status. Overall, the KIDSCREEN-10 has an acceptable validity and reliability in Iranian students and can be used for health care polices and research projects here in this country.

Among a sample of Iranian students, adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is related to childhood ADHD, but not to age, gender, socioeconomic status, or birth order—an exploratory study

Objective. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young adult Iranian students and to examine gender, birth order, socioeconomic status (SES), and history of ADHD as potential predictors of adult ADHD. Methods. A total of 387 young adult students (mean age: 19.6 years; 66.3% females) completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-V1.1 symptom checklist to assess current symptoms of ADHD and the Wender Utah Rating Scale to assess symptoms of ADHD in childhood and adolescence. Experts’ ratings were based on Wender–Reimherr Interview. Results. Self-rated and expert-rated prevalence rates were 16.5% and 13.4%, respectively. Past symptoms of ADHD were correlated with current symptoms. Childhood ADHD, current hyperactivity, and disorganization predicted current ADHD. Conclusions. Among a sample of Iranian students, the prevalence rates of ADHD were higher than estimated rates worldwide. Data also show child ADHD to be associated with adult ADHD; gender, age, birth order, and SES did not seem to influence current symptomatology.

Recess Activity and General Health Status among Iranian Elementary Schools' Pupils.

Regular and daily physical activity during childhood and at school is one of the important part of requirements of normal growth, development and well-being. To achieve physical activity promotion among school child aged population recess as outside of class time efforts is scheduled and allows students to engage in physical and social activities. The purpose of the present study was to assess recess activities as well as status of physical activities among a sample of Iranian students at the primary schools. This cross-sectional study was performed in four randomly selected schools from a list of 26 elementary schools in March, 2012 in the city of Shahindej, located in North-west of Iran. Participants were 439 (10-12 years) elementary schools'. Physical activity level by self-reporting, mental health using the parent-completed Child Health Questionnaire, and happiness was assessed using a Persian translated version of the Subjective Happiness Scale. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was applied in two steps using the enter method to analyze data in the SPSS version 17. Backward logistic regression analysis showed that gender of the parent who answered the study questions, father's education, educational grade of children, BMI, physical function, physical health, health status of the children and family function were significantly related to the children's physical activity level. Promoting parents' awareness and schools' staff about importance of physical activities especially in recess times must be an important part of school and community mental health promotion programs.

The effect of integrating rational emotive behavior therapy and art therapy on self-esteem and resilience

This research explored the effect of combined rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and the art therapy (engraving method) on improving self-esteem and resilience. The research method was quasi experimental. The study used the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (SEI) and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale as pre- and post-test assessments to assess the effects on a sample of Iranian students. A sample of 24 Iranian university students were randomly placed in two groups, including one experimental group and one control group. This was followed by REBT and art therapy while students in the experimental group were taught for 10 sessions over a 10 weeks period there was no treatment for the control group over this time. The participants in both groups were evaluated before and after 10 sessions. The gathered data were analysed using the t-test method through the SPSS package. The results showed that the integration of REBT and art therapy for increase the self-esteem and resilience of students. Further, implications of the study and suggestions for future use are discussed.

Mediation effect of anger rumination on the relationship between dimensions of anger and anger control with mental health

The aim of this study was to examine mediation effect of anger rumination on the relationship between dimensions of anger and anger control including trait anger, state anger, anger in, anger out, anger-control in, and anger-control out with mental health in a sample of Iranian students. A total of 449 volunteer students (234 girls, 215 boys) were included in this study. All participants were asked to complete the Tehran Multidimensional Anger Scale (TMAS; Besharat, 2008), Anger Rumination Scale (ARS; Sukhodolsky, Golub, &amp; Cromwell, 2001), and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI; Veit &amp; Ware, 1983). Anger rumination mediated the relationship between dimensions of anger and anger control with mental health in opposite directions. Analysis of the data revealed that higher levels of anger was associated with lower levels of psychological well-being as well as higher levels of psychological distress. In contrast, higher levels of anger control were associated with higher levels of psychological well-being as well as lower levels of psychological distress. Mediation effect of anger rumination for the association of anger dimensions with mental health was full for psychological well-being and partial for psychological distress. Conversely, mediation effect of anger rumination for the association of anger control dimensions with mental health was partial for psychological well-being and full for psychological distress.

Mediation effect of anger rumination on the relationship between dimensions of anger and anger control with mental health

The aim of this study was to examine mediation effect of anger rumination on the relationship between dimensions of anger and anger control including trait anger, state anger, anger in, anger out, anger-control in, and anger-control out with mental health in a sample of Iranian students. A total of 449 volunteer students (234 girls, 215 boys) were included in this study. All participants were asked to complete the Tehran Multidimensional Anger Scale (TMAS; Besharat, 2008), Anger Rumination Scale (ARS; Sukhodolsky, Golub, & Cromwell, 2001), and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI; Veit & Ware, 1983). Anger rumination mediated the relationship between dimensions of anger and anger control with mental health in opposite directions. Analysis of the data revealed that higher levels of anger were associated with lower levels of psychological well-being as well as higher levels of psychological distress. In contrast, higher levels of anger control were associated with higher levels of psychological well-being as well as lower levels of psychological distress. Mediation effect of anger rumination for the association of anger dimensions with mental health was full for psychological well-being and partial for psychological distress. Conversely, mediation effect of anger rumination for the association of anger control dimensions with mental health was partial for psychological well-being and full for psychological distress.

What is the relationship between alexithymia and ego defense styles? A correlational study with Iranian students

The relationship between alexithymia and ego defense styles was investigated in a sample of Iranian students. The association between the components of alexithymia including difficulty in identifying and describing feelings and externally oriented thinking with ego defense styles including mature, neurotic, and immature defense styles was investigated in two hundred and eighty six students in the University of Tehran. All participants were asked to complete the Farsi version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (FTAS-20) and Defense Styles Questionnaire (DSQ). Results showed that there was a significant negative correlation between alexithymia and mature defense style as well as a significant positive association with neurotic and immature defense styles. It is concluded that alexithymia is associated with ego defense mechanisms. Results are discussed in terms of the implications of the present results in terms of designing possible modification and intervention programmes as well as answering important theoretical questions.

The Relationship Between Hardiness and Time Perspective in Students

Hardiness is described as a trait of personality that individuals whose have it avoid of comfort and security daily work and seek progress and development. Moreover they are interested in challenging with new conflict. Hardy personality includes of 3 related but distinctive components which are commitment, control and challenge. Time perspective refers to the ways in which an individual views his/her past, present and future. This construct is an unconscious cognitive structure that a person implements in the time of decision making about short term or long term goals and actions and includes past (positive or negative), present (hedonistic or fatalistic), and future time perspective. The main purpose of the present research was to investigate the relationship between hardiness and time perspective in a sample of Iranian students. A total of 372 students (114 boys, 258 girls) were participated in this study as volunteers. They were asked to complete The Hardiness Scale (Bartone, Ursano, Wright & Ingraham, 1989; Janda, 2001) and Zimbardo Time perspective Inventory (ZTPI-15, in press). Results showed significant positive correlation between challenging and positive past time perspective (r=.21), and future time perspective (r=.25). The results also revealed significant positive correlation of control with negative past time perspective (r=.18), and present fatalistic (r=.19), and significant positive correlation of commitment with present fatalistic (r=.15), and negative past (r=.11). Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that individuals with hardy personality have more positive time perspective.