Social support

This study aims to explore the psychological and emotional adjustment of parents raising children with intellectual disabilities. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 26 parents recruited through online platforms. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring diversity in caregiving experiences. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached, and all interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to identify key themes related to parental psychological adjustment, coping mechanisms, and social interactions. The results revealed that parents experienced significant emotional distress upon receiving their child’s diagnosis, including grief, denial, and prolonged sadness. Chronic stress was a recurring theme, with concerns over financial burdens, caregiving demands, and uncertainty about their child’s future contributing to heightened anxiety. Coping strategies varied, with some parents relying on social support networks, religious beliefs, and cognitive reframing, while others struggled with emotional exhaustion and isolation. Family relationships were deeply affected, with some parents reporting marital strain and sibling adjustments, whereas others experienced strengthened familial bonds. Social stigma and external judgment further complicated parental adjustment, with many parents becoming active advocates for disability rights and inclusion. Despite the challenges, many parents reported significant personal growth, emotional resilience, and increased psychological strength over time. The psychological and emotional adjustment of parents raising children with intellectual disabilities is a complex process influenced by stress, coping mechanisms, family dynamics, and social factors. While many parents experience significant distress, those with strong support systems and adaptive strategies demonstrate greater resilience. This study highlights the need for targeted support programs, advocacy efforts, and policy interventions to enhance parental well-being and social inclusion.

Purpose- This research examines the impact of social factors on the sustainability and success of rural entrepreneurship in the eastern border of Zayandeh River, Isfahan, Iran. Design/methodology/approach- Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 key stakeholders, including rural entrepreneurs, local managers, agricultural jihad managers and experts, entrepreneurship experts, and rural development specialists. MAXQDA software was used for data analysis. Findings- The findings of this research show that trust, support, social participation and teamwork are very important for the success and sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. Mutual trust between entrepreneurs and communities, active participation in economic initiatives and joint efforts, increases innovation, productivity and adaptability in rural businesses. In addition, cultural norms and local power dynamics significantly influence entrepreneurial behaviors. Practical implications- Policymakers should prioritize strengthening local financial institutions, fostering entrepreneurial culture, and adopting participatory methods for designing and implementing entrepreneurship programs. These measures can help to increase the economic capabilities of rural communities. Creating equal opportunities for all members of society and rebuilding trust between rural communities and government institutions is necessary and mandatory. This trust can lead to improved collaborations and effective partnerships. Also, strategies to remove the cultural barriers of entrepreneurship are also necessary to create a suitable environment for innovation and growth and to encourage more people to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Originality/value- This study contributes to the existing literature by providing an integrated conceptual model of social factors affecting the sustainability of rural entrepreneurship. It enhances understanding of the social dynamics that shape entrepreneurial ecosystems in rural areas, particularly areas facing environmental and economic challenges. The obtained insights can provide effective policies and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable rural entrepreneurship in similar contexts. 

Objective: This study aimed to present a structural model of the quality of life for the elderly based on self-care with the mediating role of social support. Methods: The research employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of individuals aged 60 to 75 years living in urban homes in Tehran, with 314 participants selected as the research sample. The data collection tools included the Iranian version of the Phillips Social Support Questionnaire (1986), the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire (1989), and the Elderly Self-care Questionnaire by Younesi et al. (2020). The statistical technique used was a full latent variable structural equation model, and the data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, AMOS version 24, and R software version 4.3.1. Examination of the model fit indices indicated that the model overall is in excellent condition for explaining and fitting the data. Findings: The results showed that both social support and self-care have a significant positive effect on the quality of life variable for the elderly. Moreover, the self-care variable also has a significant positive impact on the social support variable at a 95% confidence level. Additionally, the self-care variable significantly affects the quality of life of the elderly through the mediating variable of social support. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the mediating role of social support can play a significant role in examining changes in the quality of life of the elderly. It is recommended that the importance of social support be emphasized and taught in elderly care centers and other counseling and guidance centers.

This study investigated the direct and indirect relationships between perceived social support and academic procrastination, mediated by Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU), based on the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model. The sample comprised 354 Iranian high school students (60% female), who completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), and the Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students (PASS). The instruments' validity was confirmed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), while reliability was assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The results of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that perceived social support has a significant negative effect on both academic procrastination and PSMU. Moreover, PSMU was found to play a significant mediating role in the link between perceived social support and academic procrastination. Overall, a decline in perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others prompts individuals to seek support through unregulated social media use, which subsequently contributes to academic procrastination.

The present study aimed to predict job burnout in employed men and women based on work-family conflict mediated by perceived social support and psychological capital. This study is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive in terms of its method and is of the correlation type. The statistical population of this study consists of all men and women employed in governmental and non-governmental offices and organizations in Tehran in the spring of 2024, of which 237 people were selected through available sampling. The research tools included the Job Burnout Questionnaire by Maslach et al. (2001), Multidimensional Measure of Work–Family Conflict by Carlson et al. (2000), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support by Zimet et al. (1990), and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire by Luthans et al. (2007). The structural model fit was examined using structural equation modeling and SPSS and AMOS software. The results showed that burnout in employed women and men is predicted based on work-family conflict (P=0.001, β=0.500). Burnout in employed women and men is predicted based on work-family conflict with the mediation of perceived social support (P=0.001, Z=5.33). Burnout in employed women and men is predicted based on work-family conflict with the mediation of psychological capital (P=0.001, Z=5.07).