adolescents

Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between coping styles and psychological well-being in female heads of households.Methods: The research design was quantitative, descriptive and within the framework of the correlational method. The statistical population of the research was formed by all the women heads of the household in Sarai, Yousef Abad neighborhood of Tehran in 2024. In this study, using convenience sampling, 50 women were selected as samples. In order to collect research data, Coping Styles Questionnaire for Stressful Situations (CISS) and Ryff scale of psychological well-being (RSPWB) were used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software, and research hypotheses and data were analyzed using correlation test, one-sample t, one-factor ANOVA, and Tukey's post hoc test.Results: The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between problem-oriented coping style and psychological well-being in women heads of households. Also, there is a significant negative relationship between emotional and avoidant coping styles with psychological well-being. According to (P<0.01) for all hypotheses, the level of significance has been proven.Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that female heads of households who use a problem-oriented coping style have a greater sense of self-efficacy and peace of mind, and the use of previous experiences in solving various life problems will make them self-reliant people. And they have higher psychological well-being, and in contrast to female heads of households who use an emotional and avoidant coping style, they have lower psychological well-being.

This study aims to investigate the predictive relationship between empathy, adaptive behavior, and neurodevelopmental functioning in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Understanding how these factors interplay can inform targeted interventions to enhance the quality of life and developmental outcomes for this population. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample of 330 adolescents diagnosed with ASD, aged 12 to 18 years. Participants were assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3) for neurodevelopmental functioning, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) for empathy, and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3) for adaptive behavior. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression using SPSS-27. Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores of 85.45 (SD = 15.23) for neurodevelopmental functioning, 52.30 (SD = 8.57) for empathy, and 70.12 (SD = 10.34) for adaptive behavior. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between neurodevelopmental functioning and both empathy (r = .56, p < .001) and adaptive behavior (r = .67, p < .001). The regression analysis indicated that empathy (β = .38, p < .001) and adaptive behavior (β = .52, p < .001) significantly predict neurodevelopmental functioning, explaining 55% of the variance (R² = .55, p < .001). The study findings highlight the significant roles of empathy and adaptive behavior in predicting neurodevelopmental functioning in adolescents with ASD. Interventions focusing on enhancing these areas could positively impact the overall development and daily functioning of individuals with ASD. Future research should utilize longitudinal designs to further explore these relationships and examine the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills on neurobehavioral functioning in adolescents with autism. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 282 adolescents aged 12-18 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) for neurobehavioral functioning, the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS), and the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R). Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression were conducted using SPSS version 27 to examine the relationships and predictive power of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills on neurobehavioral functioning. Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores of 78.54 (SD = 10.37) for neurobehavioral functioning, 84.29 (SD = 12.51) for emotional maturity, and 81.75 (SD = 11.68) for problem-solving skills. Pearson correlation showed significant positive correlations between neurobehavioral functioning and emotional maturity (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), and problem-solving skills (r = 0.38, p = 0.005). Regression analysis indicated that emotional maturity (B = 0.32, p = 0.001) and problem-solving skills (B = 0.29, p = 0.005) significantly predicted neurobehavioral functioning, explaining 27% of the variance (R² = 0.27). The study demonstrates that higher levels of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills are associated with better neurobehavioral functioning in adolescents with autism. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating emotional and cognitive skill development in interventions to enhance neurobehavioral outcomes for this population. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to explore these relationships over time and include diverse populations for broader applicability.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of drama therapy on friendship quality and emotion regulation in adolescents with physical disabilities. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 adolescents aged 13-18 years, randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving drama therapy (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention comprised ten 60-minute sessions over three months. Measures used included the Friendship Quality Scale (FQS) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with analyses performed in SPSS version 27. Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. For friendship quality, the intervention group’s scores increased from a mean (M) of 55.12 (SD = 5.47) at pre-intervention to 68.25 (SD = 6.23) post-intervention and slightly decreased to 66.84 (SD = 6.01) at follow-up. Emotion regulation scores in the intervention group increased from 36.45 (SD = 4.12) at pre-intervention to 45.78 (SD = 4.96) post-intervention and slightly decreased to 44.67 (SD = 4.81) at follow-up. ANOVA results showed significant main effects for group and time (p < .001), with significant interactions between time and group for both variables (p < .001). Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed significant pre- to post-intervention and pre- to follow-up improvements in the intervention group (p < .001). Drama therapy significantly enhances friendship quality and emotion regulation in adolescents with physical disabilities, with effects sustained at a three-month follow-up. These findings support the incorporation of drama therapy in therapeutic programs for this population to address their unique psychosocial challenges.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Reality Therapy in improving temperament and sleep quality among adolescents with learning disorders. This randomized controlled trial included 30 adolescents, aged 12 to 18, diagnosed with learning disorders. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (15 participants) or the control group (15 participants). The intervention group underwent twelve 60-minute sessions of Reality Therapy over a two-month period, while the control group received no therapeutic intervention. Temperament and sleep quality were assessed using the Revised Dimensions of Temperament Survey (DOTS-R) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively, at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and two-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements and the Bonferroni post-hoc test, with SPSS-27 software. The results indicated significant improvements in both temperament and sleep quality in the intervention group compared to the control group. These improvements were sustained at the two-month follow-up. Specifically, the intervention group showed marked improvements in emotional regulation and sleep patterns, highlighting the efficacy of Reality Therapy in addressing these critical aspects of adolescent health. Assumptions for ANOVA were confirmed, ensuring the robustness of the findings. Reality Therapy significantly improves temperament and sleep quality in adolescents with learning disorders, with effects lasting beyond the intervention period. This study supports the use of Reality Therapy as a viable intervention for improving emotional and sleep-related outcomes in this population. Further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is recommended to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits.

This study aimed to explore the key components of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of adolescents with sensory impairments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 31 participants recruited via online platforms. Theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of identity development in this population. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, with NVivo software facilitating the identification of core themes and subthemes. The results highlighted four primary themes shaping identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. Personal identity formation was influenced by self-perception, emotional regulation, autonomy, and future aspirations. Social identity was shaped by peer relationships, family dynamics, social stigma, and the presence of mentors. Cultural and community belonging emerged as a significant factor, with participants emphasizing the role of cultural engagement, media representation, and community participation in shaping their identity. Coping strategies, including the use of assistive technologies, psychological resilience, and adaptive social skills, were found to play a crucial role in navigating identity-related challenges. These findings align with existing literature emphasizing the intersection of self-perception, social interactions, and cultural narratives in identity formation. The study underscores the complexity of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments, highlighting the interplay between personal, social, cultural, and adaptive factors. The findings suggest that fostering inclusive educational environments, providing mentorship opportunities, and improving media representation can positively impact identity formation in this population. Further research is needed to explore identity development across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to develop targeted interventions.

This study aimed to examine the predictive role of frustration tolerance and social competence in body image satisfaction among adolescents with physical disabilities. This research utilized a correlational descriptive design with a sample of 350 adolescents with physical disabilities, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination table. Participants completed standardized self-report measures assessing body image satisfaction (MBSRQ), frustration tolerance (FDS), and social competence (SSRS). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation to explore associations between variables and linear regression to determine the predictive power of frustration tolerance and social competence on body image satisfaction. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS-27, and assumptions of normality, linearity, and multicollinearity were confirmed before conducting the regression analysis. Descriptive statistics showed that participants had a mean body image satisfaction score of 74.56 (SD = 9.87), a frustration tolerance score of 62.34 (SD = 8.23), and a social competence score of 68.21 (SD = 7.95). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between body image satisfaction and frustration tolerance (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and body image satisfaction and social competence (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). The regression model was statistically significant (F(2, 347) = 90.75, p < 0.01, R² = 0.46), indicating that frustration tolerance (B = 0.42, β = 0.39, t = 5.25, p < 0.01) and social competence (B = 0.56, β = 0.47, t = 7.91, p < 0.01) were both significant predictors of body image satisfaction. The findings suggest that higher frustration tolerance and greater social competence are associated with increased body image satisfaction in adolescents with physical disabilities, with social competence playing a slightly stronger role. These results highlight the importance of resilience-building and social skills interventions to enhance body image satisfaction in this population.

This study aimed to explore the digital literacy needs, challenges, and support preferences of adolescents with intellectual disabilities to inform inclusive educational practices and policy interventions. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured focus group interviews with 20 adolescents aged 13–18 years diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in Taiwan. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from both inclusive mainstream schools and special education centers. Data collection was conducted through four focus groups, each comprising five participants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Thematic saturation guided the completion of data collection. Trustworthiness was enhanced through triangulated coding, member checking, and maintaining an audit trail. Analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) access to digital tools and infrastructure, (2) digital skills and usage patterns, (3) social and emotional factors, and (4) support systems and educational strategies. Participants reported limited and unequal access to digital devices, inadequate school resources, and lack of individualized digital instruction. While many adolescents demonstrated basic digital engagement (e.g., opening apps, watching videos), they struggled with more complex tasks such as evaluating online content or engaging in digital communication. Emotional barriers included fear of making mistakes and social comparison with peers. Support from family members and peers emerged as critical, while participants emphasized a need for gamified, visual, and hands-on digital training tailored to their learning styles. Adolescents with intellectual disabilities experience significant barriers to digital inclusion, stemming from infrastructural, cognitive, emotional, and instructional gaps. Addressing these challenges requires context-sensitive, learner-centered interventions and greater collaboration among educators, families, and policymakers to ensure equitable access to digital literacy education.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the sexual health of adolescents living in residential centers based on the opinions of experts in the city of Isfahan. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. The participants included sexual health experts from the city of Isfahan, selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. These individuals were examined using semi-structured interviews, and data saturation was achieved with 10 interviews. Findings: After data analysis and coding, 94 initial codes, 11 axial codes, and 4 core codes were extracted. The core codes included the experience of negative emotions, various sexual disorders, experiences of neglect and rejection in the environment, and incorrect sexual upbringing. The axial codes were classified as feelings of hatred towards one's body due to sexual exploitation and income, belief in one's own badness due to sexual abuse, sexual problems of abused adolescents, inclination towards same-sex attraction, confusion about sexual orientation, sexual abuse of adolescents living in centers, lack of proper sexual education in the adolescents' families, inability to protect oneself due to the absence of support in situations of sexual abuse, compensating for rejection through non-committal sexual-emotional relationships, sexual vulnerability related to insecure attachment, and incorrect sources of sexual information. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that adolescents living in residential centers face sexual health problems. It is recommended that psychologists and supervisors of these centers use the findings of this study to improve the sexual health of adolescents.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of adolescent-specific psychological security training with adolescent-centered mindfulness training on the well-being of adolescents experiencing psychological insecurity. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases, involving two experimental groups and one control group. The population included all male students aged 14 to 16 years in the city of Isfahan. Sixty students were selected through convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to the study groups. The research instrument was the Ryff Well-Being Questionnaire (1989). All three groups were assessed at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up using this instrument. The first experimental group received well-being training, while the second group received adolescent-centered mindfulness training. The control group was placed on a waiting list. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (repeated measures analysis of variance). Findings: The results indicated that both methods were effective in improving the well-being of these adolescents, and there was no significant difference between the two experimental groups in this regard (P = 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that both methods can enhance the psychological well-being of this group of adolescents.

Objective: This study aimed to predict self-harming behaviors based on cognitive emotion regulation strategies and emotional distress tolerance, with the mediating role of internalized shame in adolescents visiting harm reduction centers in Tehran. Methods: The research employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population included adolescents aged 14 to 18 who attended drop-in harm reduction centers in District 12 of Tehran (Shush-Harandi neighborhood) during the first four months of 2022. A total of 300 participants were selected using purposive sampling. The research tools included the Self-Injury Questionnaire (Sansone et al., 1998), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Garnefski et al., 2001), the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005), and the Internalized Shame Scale (Cook, 1993). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and AMOS24 software. Findings: The results indicated a relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies (-0.39), emotional distress tolerance (-0.41), internalized shame (0.36), and self-harming behaviors (P < 0.01). Furthermore, internalized shame mediated the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies (B = 0.52) and emotional distress tolerance (B = 0.45) with self-harming behaviors in adolescents (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that since internalized shame mediates the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and emotional distress tolerance with self-harming behaviors, focusing on factors influencing these behaviors can help reduce the risks associated with this developmental period.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-family connection program in enhancing social belonging and reducing risk behaviors among adolescents. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 adolescents aged 13–16 from Hungary, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention group participated in a seven-session, school-based Peer-Family Connection Program designed to improve interpersonal communication, emotional regulation, and relational bonding with peers and caregivers. Sessions were conducted weekly, lasting 45–60 minutes each. Social belonging and risk behavior were measured using validated standardized tools at pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests in SPSS-27. Findings: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between time and group for both social belonging (F(2, 56) = 17.08, p < .001, η² = .39) and risk behavior (F(2, 56) = 14.57, p < .001, η² = .34), indicating that the intervention group improved significantly over time compared to the control group. Bonferroni post-hoc analysis showed significant improvements in social belonging from pre-test to post-test (p < .001) and from pre-test to follow-up (p < .001), with no significant decline between post-test and follow-up. Similarly, risk behavior significantly decreased from pre-test to post-test (p < .001) and remained reduced at follow-up (p < .001), with no significant difference between post-test and follow-up. Conclusion: The Peer-Family Connection Program demonstrated sustained effectiveness in increasing adolescents’ social belonging and reducing their engagement in risk behaviors. These findings support the integration of relational interventions involving both peers and caregivers as a means to promote healthy adolescent development.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of shame in the relationship between parental rejection and child emotion dysregulation among adolescents in Colombia. Methods: The research employed a descriptive correlational design using a sample of 482 adolescents aged 10 to 17, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sampling table. Participants were recruited from public and private schools in urban areas of Colombia. Standardized tools were used to measure perceived parental rejection, internalized shame, and emotion dysregulation. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation to assess bivariate relationships and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS-21 to evaluate the direct, indirect, and total effects within the hypothesized mediation model. Assumptions for normality, linearity, and multicollinearity were checked and confirmed prior to analysis. Findings: Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between parental rejection and shame (r = .61, p < .001), parental rejection and emotion dysregulation (r = .58, p < .001), and shame and emotion dysregulation (r = .65, p < .001). SEM results indicated that the structural model had a good fit (χ²(84) = 211.63, χ²/df = 2.52, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.055). Parental rejection significantly predicted shame (β = 0.61, p < .001), and shame significantly predicted emotion dysregulation (β = 0.54, p < .001). A significant direct effect was found from parental rejection to emotion dysregulation (β = 0.33, p < .001), alongside a significant indirect effect through shame (β = 0.33, p < .001), supporting full mediation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that shame is a critical emotional mechanism linking perceived parental rejection to difficulties in emotion regulation among adolescents. Targeting shame in therapeutic and educational interventions may mitigate the negative emotional consequences of parental rejection and promote emotional resilience in youth.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of resilience training and acceptance and commitment group training on improving quality of life in male students from divorced families, while controlling for age at the time of parental divorce and the duration since the divorce. Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 90 male students in grades 5 to 9 from Kouhchenar County, whose parents were divorced. Participants were selected using convenience sampling from six schools with the highest prevalence of students from divorced families and were randomly assigned to three groups: resilience training (n = 30), acceptance and commitment training (n = 30), and control (n = 30). The interventions included ten 50-minute weekly sessions based on Kruger’s (2006) resilience protocol and eight weekly sessions based on Hayes and Rose’s (2008) ACT protocol. All participants completed the WHOQOL-BREF before the intervention, immediately after, and at a one-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and MANCOVA while adjusting for confounding variables. Findings: Significant improvements were observed in all four domains of quality of life—physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health—in both intervention groups across time (p < 0.001). The time × group interaction effect was also significant for all components (p < 0.001). Between-subjects analysis showed significant differences in posttest mean scores among the three groups (p < 0.001), and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons confirmed that both experimental groups outperformed the control group (p < 0.001), with the ACT group showing significantly greater improvements than the resilience group in all domains (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both resilience training and ACT-based group training effectively enhanced the quality of life of students from divorced families; however, ACT demonstrated superior and more sustained improvements. These findings highlight the potential of ACT as a preferred school-based intervention for adolescents coping with familial disruption.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate adolescents’ behavioral patterns when facing family challenges. Methods: For the present research, a qualitative and grounded theory approach was used. The research population consisted of all female adolescents aged 14 to 18 in Tehran who were studying in the academic year 2023. The data were collected and saturated through semi-structured interviews with 17 adolescents selected via purposive and snowball sampling. Results: The results extracted the 53 open codes, 11 axial codes, and 5 selective codes from interviews with participants. The findings showed that “extreme parental concerns,” “ideological disagreement,” and “the imposition of strict restrictions” were the main family challenges experienced by adolescents. Moreover, efficient and inefficient coping strategies were the most frequent strategies adopted by adolescents when facing family challenges. Finally, intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences were the main consequences of adolescents’ behavioral patterns in facing family challenges. Conclusion: Knowing the behavioral patterns of teenagers when facing family challenges can help provide family counseling services and raise awareness of the developmental characteristics of teenagers.