The Journal of Tolooebehdasht

Structural Equation Model in the Relationship between Risky Addictive Behaviors and Metacognitive Beliefs, Attachment Style with the Mediation of Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Women Undergoing Methadone Treatment

Shohreh Ayobi — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Risky behaviors in women with addiction can lead to other social and psychological problems. The present study aimed to investigate the structural equation model in the relationship between risky addictive behaviors, metacognitive beliefs, attachment style, and the mediation of cognitive emotion regulation in women undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).

Methods: The method of the present study was descriptive-correlational with the structural equation model approach. The statistical population included women undergoing methadone maintenance treatment in Kermanshah city, from which 240 people who had referred to special counseling centers 1 and 2 in the first six months of 2024 were selected using the available sampling method. Data collection tools included the Risky Behavior Questionnaire of Moeini and Ahmadi (2014), Wells' Metacognitive Beliefs (2004), Collins and Reid's Attachment Style (1990), and Granofsky and Kraij's Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies (1999). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling in SPSS version 28 and Smart PLS version 3 software.

Results: The results showed that there is a relationship between metacognitive barriers, attachment styles, and cognitive emotion regulation strategies and risky addictive behaviors (P<0/01). Also, cognitive emotion regulation strategies have a mediating role between metacognitive beliefs and attachment styles and risky addictive behaviors.

Conclusion: It can be said that metacognitive beliefs, attachment styles, and cognitive emotion regulation strategies play a role in the occurrence of risky addictive behaviors in women undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that all mental health professionals provide psychological services to help reduce high-risk behaviors in this vulnerable group.

The Effect of Academic Engagement Training Program on Academic Engagement and Sense of Belonging to School in Procrastinating Students

Sakineh-Sadat Marashi — 2026-06-29

Introduction: One of the most important concerns of the educational system is to increase the quality of students' learning and solve their learning problems. Among the factors that can be effective in this regard is procrastination. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of educational engagement program training on academic engagement and sense of belonging to school in procrastinating students.

Methods: This study was conducted using a semi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population included all female students of the first level of high school in Ahvaz in the academic year 2023-24. Using purposive sampling, 30 students with academic procrastination were selected. This number was randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Academic Procrastination Scale, the Academic Engagement Questionnaire, and the School Belonging Scale. Data analysis was performed through SPSS version 24 software using analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test.

Results: The results showed that academic engagement training increased and had a positive effect on academic engagement and a sense of belonging to school in students (p<0/01), and these results continued during the follow-up period (p<0/01).

Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of the academic engagement training program on academic engagement and sense of belonging to school, the findings indicate that academic engagement training should be used as a complementary method to school educational programs for students with academic procrastination.

Investigating the Relationship Between Parental Bonding and Harmful Use of Cyberspace With The Mediating Role of Differentiation in Adolescents

Masomeh Esmaeili — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Considering the significant increase in the use of cyberspace among adolescents and the harms caused by it, investigating the factors related to this issue is of particular importance. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the relationship between parental bonding and harmful use of cyberspace with the mediating role of differentiation in adolescents.

Methods: This study was a correlational study based on modeling. The statistical population comprised all secondary high school students in Kharameh city during the academic year 2023-2024. A sample of 280 students was selected through cluster sampling. The tools used included the Parker Parental Bonding Questionnaire, the Calvo-Frances Harmful Use of Cyberspace Questionnaire, and the Skorn and Friedland Differentiation Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS version 24 software and path analysis.

Results: The results showed that overprotection had a significant negative relationship with differentiation (r=-0/640) and a significant positive relationship with harmful use of cyberspace (r=0/526). Care had a significant positive relationship with differentiation (r=0/461) and a significant negative relationship with harmful use of cyberspace (r=-0/447). Furthermore, the results indicated that the relationship between care: (ß=-0/10); overprotection: (ß=0/22) and harmful use of cyberspace use, mediated by differentiation, had a significant indirect effect (P< 0/05).

Conclusion: According to the research findings, it can be concluded that the quality of parental bonding, both directly and through the mediation of adolescent differentiation, affects the harmful use of cyberspace. Therefore, measures that help improve parental bonding (increasing balanced care and reducing excessive support) and strengthen adolescent differentiation can play an effective role in preventing cyberspace harms.

Discriminant Analysis of Cluster B Personality Disorders Based on The Type of Defense Mechanism and Empathy

Babak Asghari — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Cluster B personality disorders (antisocial, borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders) are often difficult to differentiate because of substantial clinical overlap. Drawing on a psychodynamic and social–cognitive framework that incorporates emotion regulation, unconscious defensive processes, and interpersonal functioning, this study examined whether defense mechanisms and empathy dimensions could differentiate these diagnostic groups.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 and included 100 participants, comprising 80 patients with Cluster B personality disorders (20 individuals in each of the borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorder groups) and 20 healthy controls. Data were collected using the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Davis Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The data were analyzed using multivariate discriminant analysis in SPSS version 26.

Results: Individuals with antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders reported greater use of immature defense mechanisms and lower levels of empathic concern than the other groups. Participants with borderline personality disorder reported higher levels of personal distress. The discriminant model correctly classified 95% of individuals with antisocial personality disorder, 90% of healthy controls, 75% of individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, 65% of individuals with borderline personality disorder, and 50% of individuals with histrionic personality disorder.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that patterns of defense mechanisms and empathy dimensions may help distinguish among Cluster B personality disorders. However, discriminative performance varied across diagnostic subgroups, and the findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and the limitations of the classification model.

Comparison of Microbial Quality Between Traditional Drinking Fountains and Drinking Fountains with Disposable Straw in Educational Facilities of Yazd University of Medical Sciences Campus

Sara Payedar Ardakani — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Regarding the importance of providing healthy drinking water, specially in public places, his study compared the microbial and physicochemical qualities of water from traditional drinking fountains and drinking fountains with disposable straw at educational facilities affiliated with Yazd University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: Conducted as a descriptive analysis over summer and winter, the research involved 12 drinking fountains, in educational centers affiliated with Yazd University of Medical Sciences. Measured parameters included total coliform, fecal coliform, fungi, heterotrophic plate count (HPC), as well as physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, and residual free chlorine.

Results: Results showed that pH, total coliform, fecal coliform, and fungi were at zero levels across all samples. The mean turbidity in output water was 0/38 ± 0/645 NTU for traditional drinking fountains and 0/45 ± 0/68 NTU for drinking fountains with disposable straw, with significantly higher turbidity observed in winter compared to summer (p=0/007). The mean residual free chlorine was consistently low in both the drinking fountains (0/12 ± 0/035 mg/L and 0/12 ± 0/08 mg/L, respectively), falling below the national standard range of 0/2–0/8 mg/L in most cases. While HPC counts showed some increase, they remained within acceptable limits.

Conclusion: The study concluded that all microbial indicators and pH turbidity complied with national standards. However, the observed rise in HPC and reduction in residual chlorine were potentially attributed to water stagnation in water reservoirs and the campus's location at the endpoint of the water supply network. The findings underscore the necessity for daily and regular monitoring of drinking fountains to maintain quality, particularly during the winter season.

Misconceptions About Oral Health and Dentistry: Attitude Evaluation of Clients at Yazd Dental School in 2023

Seyed Hosein Tabatabaei — 2026-06-29

Introduction: People hold various beliefs about oral and dental health, some of which lack a scientific basis and hinder achieving an optimal level of community health. The present study was conducted to examine the attitudes of patients referring to the Yazd School of Dentistry regarding misconceptions about oral and dental health and dentistry, from the winter of 2022 to 2023 (for one year).

Methods: : In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 300 patients referring to the Yazd School of Dentistry were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability and were analyzed using statistical tests.

Results: In terms of intensity, the mean score of incorrect attitudes was 44.83 ± 6.03. In terms of extent, 46.3% of individuals had a moderate level of incorrect attitudes. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean incorrect attitude scores across subgroups based on gender, age, occupation, or media use. However, the difference in mean incorrect attitude scores based on educational level was statistically significant. Linear regression showed that none of the examined variables had a significant ability to predict incorrect attitudes toward dental treatments.

Conclusion: The level of misconceptions about dentistry in the studied community was moderate in both intensity and extent. Therefore, appropriate education especially during the years of schooling can help prevent the impact of incorrect beliefs regarding oral and dental health. This study was derived from a student thesis in dentistry (No. 1280), approved by the Research Council of the Shahid Sadoughi School of Dentistry, Yazd.

The Effectiveness of Group Reality Therapy on Spiritual Health, Perceived Social Support and Mental Toughness in Colon Cancer Patients

Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects not only physical health but also the psychological and social well-being of patients. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group reality therapy on spiritual health, perceived social support, and mental toughness in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: This study employed a quasi‑experimental design with a pretest–posttest and a control group. The statistical population consisted of patients who referred to cancer treatment and support centers in Tehran in 2024. A total of 36 patients who had received a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer from a specialist were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=18) and the control group (n=18). Data collection instruments included the Spiritual Health Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Mental Toughness Scale. The experimental group received 10 sessions of 60minute group reality therapy. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results: Findings indicated that group reality therapy significantly improved religious health (F= 42/73), existential health (F=61/44), family support (F=45/98), friends’ support (F=53/77), support from other important people(F= 43/88), and mental toughness (F=48/01) in patients with colorectal cancer (p< 0/001).

Conclusion: Group reality therapy may be effective in enhancing psychological capacities, strengthening social support resources, and increasing resilience in patients facing life-threatening illnesses. This approach, by emphasizing personal responsibility and improving interpersonal relationships, may help patients better adapt to the disease and the treatment process.

Investigating the Moderating Role of School Type (Regular vs. Gifted) in the Relationship between Perceived Stress, Cyberspace Addiction, by Analyzing the Mediating Role of Psychological Flexibility in Female Students

Mona Sarkehaki — 2026-06-29

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating role of school type (regular vs. gifted) in the relationship between perceived stress, cyberspace addiction, and sleep quality, by analyzing the mediating role of psychological flexibility in female students.

Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 422 female high school students in Omidiyeh City, who were selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983), the Adolescent Cyberspace Addiction Questionnaire (Sadeghzadeh et al., 2018), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire (Ben-Itzhak et al., 2014), and were subsequently analyzed through path analysis and multi-group analysis.

Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the model's paths in the two groups of regular and gifted student (Δχ²=16/68; df=5; P=0/001). Furthermore, comparing path coefficients (β) revealed that the negative effect of stress on reducing sleep quality (-0/55 vs. -0/31) and the negative effect of stress on reducing psychological flexibility (-0/48 vs. -0/29) were significantly stronger in gifted students compared to regular students. Also, the positive effect of psychological flexibility on improving sleep quality was significantly stronger in regular students (β = 0/48) compared to gifted students (β=0/32).

Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that school type (gifted vs. regular) significantly moderates the structural relationships between perceived stress, psychological flexibility, and sleep quality.