مجله تحقیقات علوم رفتاری
سال دهم شماره 3 (پیاپی 24، امرداد و شهریور 1391)

Aim and The present study examined the predictability of quality of life (QOL) based on personality traits and demographic characteristics of drug addicts. Methods and Materials: In the current descriptive, cross-sectional study, 200 individuals were randomly selected from addicts who referred to drug addiction treatment centers in Tehran (Iran). The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and the short version of Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were completed by the participants. The collected data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis. Personality traits of self-directedness, persistence, and employment status explained 33% of variance of the total QOL score. Self-directedness and persistence explained 16% of the variance of physical subscale of QOL. Self-directedness, reward dependence, and employment status explained 34% of the variance of psychological subscale of QOL. Self-directedness and employment status explained 20% and 26% of the variance of social and environmental subscales of QOL, respectively. The mentioned factors could significantly predict QOL. Improving self-directedness and reward dependence along with decreasing persistence and unemployment would reduce QOL in drug addicts.

This research evaluated the effects of humanoid robots on improvement of eye contact in autistic children.Methods and Materials: This research used a multiple baseline, single-subject design with control to test 5 autistic children (2 girls and 3 boys) in Tehran during 2010. The children aged 7 to 9 years and were tested by Gilliam Autism Rating Scales (GARS) to ensure the presence of substantial autistic symptoms. A semi-automatic humanoid robotic doll with remote control was used in this study. A short scenario was designed for the primary experimental sessions before the main test. The scenario was established by 3 pilot sessions on an autistic child. We observed children for 15 sessions. The experimental sessions were held twice a week for 7 weeks. Each session lasted for 30 minutes, i.e. 15 minutes for eye contact between robot-human and 15 minutes to observe human-human eye contact development. All sessions were recorded by two cameras and finally rated by independent observers based on the number of seconds of human-human eye contact in each session. The results showed that the duration of eye contact increased during the course of 15 sessions. This change could have been resulted from the effect of the independent variable. Robots have been shown to be a catalyst to improve some skills in autistic children. However, they need to be further studied in order to be effectively employed as a therapeutic intervention. In addition, many children may require extensive therapy for years to improve their behavior and facilitate integration in society.

Aim and The present study tried to evaluate the relations between emotional intelligence, motivational beliefs and self-regulatory learning strategies among the students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Isfahan, Iran). Methods and Materials: In a descriptive, correlational study during the academic year of 2010-11, 1300 undergraduate students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected by stratified random sampling. The measurement tools were Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory and Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. Data was analyzed by fitness indexes of structural equation modeling, correlation analysis, and chi-square test. Path coefficients of empathy and interpersonal relationship were not significant. Similarly, path coefficients of realism, responsibility, and exhilaration with motivational beliefs were not significant. All paths in the effects of motivational beliefs and self-regulatory learning strategies on academic performance were significant. The components of emotional intelligence, motivational beliefs and self-regulatory learning strategies were all significantly effective on academic performance. The findings of the present study can be beneficial to educational researchers and policy makers in designing interventions to promote emotional intelligence, academic performance, and motivational strategies.

Aim and There is a relation between patient's levels of physical functioning and their acceptance of chronic pain. However, this relation has not been examined amongst Iranian chronic pain patients. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the relation between acceptance of chronic pain and physical disability. Methods and Materials: In a descriptive-correlational study, convenience sampling was used to select 245 chronic pain patients from pain clinics in Tehran, Iran during spring and summer of 2010. The participants completed the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) and a demographic questionnaire. They also provided information about physical disability, pain intensity, and daily dysfunction. Data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple hierarchical regression models. There were significant relations between acceptance of pain and pain intensity and disability (P < 0.001). According to the regression model, acceptance of pain could predict a significant proportion of variance of disability scales (i.e. physical disability and daily dysfunction) (P < 0.0001). Therefore, it was a better predictor of disability compared to over pain intensity, gender, education, and pain duration. Chronic pain acceptance is an important factor in reducing the perceived disability in chronic pain patients. Therefore, acceptance-based treatment methods are helpful to decrease pain-related disability.

Aim and There are no questionnaires to assess the psychosomatic complaints of university students in Iran. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of Takata and Sakata's psychosomatic complaints scale among Iranian university students.Methods and Materials: In this study, multistage cluster sampling was used to select 291 individuals from all male and female students of Mohaghegh Adabili University (Iran). Data was collected using Takata and Sakata's psychosomatic complaints scale and Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire. The obtained data was analyzed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Takata and Sakata's psychosomatic complaints scale had efficient face, content, concurrent, and construct validity to assess university students. The retest reliability and internal consistency of the scale were also adequate. Takata and Sakata's psychosomatic complaints scale can be used to identify students with psychosomatic complaints. Therefore, the use of this scale in student counseling is recommended. Keywords: Psychosomatic complaints scale, Validity, Reliability, Students, Ardabil

Aim and Infertility may cause various forms of emotional and psychosocial problems, especially among women. Many studies have focused on the psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, and marital adjustment, in infertile women. However, very little research has been published concerning women's perception of infertility. This study aimed to investigate the irrational perception of parenthood in infertile women and its relation with demographic characteristics. Methods and Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 137 infertile women were selected using convenience sampling from patients who referred to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center. Data was collected using questionnaires to assess demographic characteristics, quality of life, and irrational perception of parenthood. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman's correlation, and Pearson's correlation in SPSS. The mean score of irrational perception of parenthood was 41.0 ± 10.3. There was an inverse correlation between irrational perception of parenthood and education, economical status, and quality of life of couples (P < 0.01). Psychological pressure exerted by relatives was also correlated with irrational perception of parenthood (P < 0.05). High levels of irrational perception of parenthood existed among infertile women. They believed they needed to have children in order to live a happy life. Counseling has to be directed toward changing the perceptions of these women. Moreover, educational programs for close relatives and insurance coverage for infertility treatment are recommended.

Aim and

This study investigated the effectiveness of group play on social skills of female preschool children (6-7 years old). Methods and Materials: In this semi-experimental study, 20 female 6-7 year-old children were randomly selected and assigned to intervention and control groups (n = 10 in each). The intervention group participated 12 sessions of group play. All children were examined using the Social Skills Inventory. The applied intervention was evaluated through pre-test and post-test and the groups were compared using analysis of covariance.

Social skills in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group.

Findings of this study revealed that group play can significantly and effectively enhance social skills of preschool children.

Neuropsychological studies have demonstrated that preclinical dementia accompanies a decreasing trend in cognitive state a few years prior to clinical diagnosis. Sudden decline in episodic memory and semantic knowledge have been found to have the capability to differentiate patients in preclinical state of dementia from those experiencing normal aging. In addition, decline in episodic memory is usually the earliest cognitive change that occurs prior to the development of clinical dementia syndrome. Asymmetry in cognitive abilities may also occur in this preclinical phase of the disease and predict imminent dementia. This review summarizes the contributions of neuropsychological assessment in early diagnosis of dementia.