behnaz kiani

The emerging neuroscience literature has provided some evidence that meditation may have measurable effects on the electrophysiological parameters in the nervous system. We hypothesized that a novel geometric meditation approach comprising Geometric Somatic-Breathing Based (GSBB) and Geometric Introspective Based (GIB) meditation yield favorable electrophysiological changes at brain’s cortical level and autonomic nervous system upon deep meditative experience. Materials & A multi-sensor digital sampling setup, including Electroencephalography (EEG), Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was used to obtain data and compare meditation and baseline epochs from 3 long-term geometric meditators. The analysis revealed a notable change in autonomic nervous response, including Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as well as GSR and Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) correlates across 10 practiced techniques in training and post-training as compared to the baseline state. Such findings may serve as a pilot validation dataset to pursue further research on quantitative EEG-guided geometric meditation approach.

Quality of life largely depends on one’s perception about different aspects life. The present investigation aimed at comparing the quality of life of mothers with autistic, blind, or normal-functioning children.   This cross-sectional comparative study was done in a population of 146 mothers of children who aged 6-15 years old, in Shiraz, within the period 2013-2014. Ninety six mothers had children who were either blind or autistic, while 50 had children with no disabilities. Participants were enrolled through multi-stage cluster sampling method.  The Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire-100 was employed to collect data and one-way ANOVA was used to analyze results. Findings demonstrated a significant difference in QoL of mothers with autistic, blind, and normal-functioning children. Mothers with normal-functioning children had higher levels of QoL than those with blind kids. In addition, the QoL of mothers with autistic children was lower than the other two groups. Considering the importance of quality of life in mothers’ life and subsequent family functioning, relevant programs need to be pursued to improve conflict resolution in distressed groups.

The aim of the current study was to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of Persianself-report version ofSwanson, Nolan and Pelham rating scale (version IV) (SNAP-IV).
The study population consisted of all 13 to 15 year-old female students of Shiraz city. To prepare the Persian self-report form of SNAP-IV rating scale, the English text of the scale (parent form) was translated into Farsi. Then some changes were made in the translated text in line with self-report form of the scale. The content, response framework, and expressiveness of Persian form were confirmed by psychologist referees. Then, 290 students who were selected through convenient sampling method completed the questionnaire. To assess construct validity, the Letter-Number Sequencing subtest was conducted on 30 students. Also, SNAP-IV rating scale (parent form) was given to the parents of these 30 students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and skewness), Pearson’s correlation and exploratory factor analysis.
The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed two distinct factors of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. These two factors explained 38.23% of total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Spearman-Brown coefficient and Guttman split-half coefficient for inattention dimension were 0.81, 0.81 and 0.80, respectively and for hyperactivity/impulsivity were 0.75, 0.65 and 0.64, respectively.
Based on the results, the Persian self-report version of the SNAP-IV can be used for assessing and screening adolescents with attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.