Mental Wellness is dedicated to the rapid dissemination of high-quality Mental health research that can help us meet the challenges of the 21st century and capitalize on the promises ahead. Mental Wellness provides an ideal forum for the exchange of information on mental health, including research from the ‘core’ fields of psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, and public health, as well as related fields such as nursing, genomics research, pharmacology, education, criminology, medical sociology, and others. It also supports the publication of interdisciplinary research, which cannot be defined by a traditional, more conventional scientific discipline. The journal strives to de-stigmatize, raise public awareness of, and help advance treatment and prevention of mental illness. To ensure rapid dissemination of information, Mental Wellness board aims to complete the review process of each paper within 3 months of its initial submission. We also publish special issues on relevant themes proposed by guest editors. We wish to encourage more contributions from the scientific community to ensure the continued success of the journal. Authors, reviewers, and guest editors are always welcome. We also welcome comments and suggestions that could improve the quality of the journal. Thank you. We hope you will find Mental Wellness informative.
Mindfulness as a buffer against job burnout and teaching motivation decline in academia
Faculty members are central to higher education quality, yet increasing job demands have heightened stress and burnout, particularly in resource-limited settings. Mindfulness has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance well-being and teaching motivation while reducing burnout. This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study investigated the level of mindfulness and its association with teaching motivation and job burnout among 156 faculty members at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2025. Participants (51.9% female, mean age 48.85) completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing mindfulness, teaching motivation, and job burnout. Results indicated moderate to low levels of mindfulness and average scores for both teaching motivation and job burnout. “Acting with awareness” was the strongest mindfulness facet, while “non-reactivity to internal experience” was the weakest. Emotional exhaustion was the most prominent burnout dimension. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between mindfulness and teaching motivation and a negative correlation between mindfulness and burnout. These findings underscore the potential benefits of mindfulness in fostering motivation and mitigating job burnout among medical faculty, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in similar institutional contexts.
Copyright (c) 2026 the Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Enhancing the mental well-being of postmenopausal women using ExoTMS®
Mental well-being may be adversely affected during menopause. This study examines the effects of a novel ExoTMS® technology on its improvement. Postmenopausal female participants (n=14; 61.8±7.8 years; body mass index: 22.5±2.5 kg/m2) were retrospectively selected from a multi-center study. Participants underwent four transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) sessions. Evaluation was performed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), Subject Satisfaction and Mental Wellness Questionnaire, and Therapy Comfort Questionnaire. WEMWBS significantly increased (p=0.001) from a baseline of 54.4±9.4 (moderate well-being) to 62.8±8.8 (high well-being) at 3 months post-treatment. 92.9% of participants reported feeling happier and experiencing greater mental energy. All participants reported feeling less stressed and found the treatment comfortable. These findings suggest that ExoTMS may serve as an effective intervention for enhancing mental well-being in postmenopausal women.
Bridging global challenges and local innovations: multidimensional approaches to addiction prevention and treatment
Dear Editor, Addiction stands as one of the defining global health challenges of our era, marked by its multifaceted impact across diverse societies and the intricate interplay of individual, social, and structural determinants...
Copyright (c) 2025 the Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Enhancing quality of life in Iranian women with breast cancer: the efficacy of psychological interventions. A meta-analysis
This meta-analysis assessed the impact of psychological interventions on the quality of life of breast cancer patients in Iran, reviewing sources from 2006 to 2021, including theses, journals, and international research by Iranian authors. The study analyzed 40 clinical trials with effect sizes, sourced from databases like Magiran, Civilica, Normgs, Scientific-Research Journals, Irandoc, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO, involving 1946 participants. The overall effect size was 0.45, with a significant level of p<0.001, indicating a considerable impact on patients’ quality of life. The highest effect sizes were d=1.91 and Fisher’s z (Zr)=0.84, while the lowest were d=0.28 and Zr=0.14. According to Cohen’s interpretation, these interventions have a moderate effect size, suggesting they can effectively improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients. The study highlights the potential of psychological interventions as a non-pharmacological strategy for enhancing patient well-being, emphasizing their importance in breast cancer care in Iran. This research supports the adoption of psychological interventions to improve the quality of life among individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.
Family size and children’s emotional adjustment: a comparative study of anxiety and aggression using the Family Drawing Test
This study aimed to investigate differences in anxiety and aggression among children from one-child, two-child, and multiple-child families using the Family Drawing Test. The research employed a causal-comparative design. Participants included 90 children aged 7 to 12 years (30 from each family type), who were purposefully selected from elementary schools in western Mazandaran and eastern Gilan provinces during the 2023-2024 academic year. The Family Drawing Test was administered, and data were analyzed using chi-square tests in SPSS-24. Findings revealed significant differences in anxiety and aggression levels across family types (p≤0.01). Children from one-child families displayed lower levels of anxiety and aggression compared to those from two-child and multiple-child families. However, no significant difference was observed between children from two-child and multiple-child families. The results suggest that family size and birth order can influence children’s emotional and behavioral development. The Family Drawing Test proved to be an effective tool for assessing inner emotional states such as anxiety and aggression in a non-threatening manner.
Maladaptive emotional schemas as mediators in the link between childhood emotional neglect and affective symptoms in medical students
This study explores the link between childhood emotional neglect and the development of depression and anxiety, focusing on the mediating role of maladaptive emotional schemas. Conducted at the Zahedan Faculty of Medical Sciences, the research involved 273 students who completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Leahy Emotional Schemas Questionnaire. Analysis using SPSS v22 and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro revealed that both childhood emotional neglect and maladaptive emotional schemas significantly predict symptoms of depression (adjusted R2=0.32) and anxiety (adjusted R2=0.34). The study confirms that maladaptive emotional schemas mediate the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and mental health issues. This implies that individuals with histories of childhood emotional neglect are more prone to developing maladaptive emotional schemas, which may lead to depression and anxiety. The findings underscore the importance of addressing childhood emotional neglect and maladaptive emotional schemas in therapeutic settings when treating depression and anxiety. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions that consider these factors to mitigate the risk of depression and anxiety in individuals with such backgrounds.
Health literacy and preventive behaviors among healthcare workers in southeastern Iran during COVID-19: a web-based survey analysis
This study examines health literacy and preventive behaviors during COVID-19 among healthcare workers in southeastern Iran. Health literacy, which encompasses skills like reading, listening, and decision-making in health contexts, significantly influences personal health responsibility and attitudes. The study used a descriptive-analytical approach, surveying 400 healthcare workers through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed demographics, preventive behaviors based on guidelines from the Iranian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, and COVID-19 health literacy. Analysis in SPSS V. 21 revealed that avoiding hugging and kissing (32%) and wearing masks (28.7%) were the most common preventive behaviors. Among participants, 54% had sufficient health literacy, 32% were borderline, and 16% were insufficient. Female workers showed higher compliance with preventive measures, and 75.3% had received the COVID-19 vaccine. A significant link was found between health literacy levels and adherence to preventive behaviors (p<0.001). The results highlight that insufficient health literacy often hinders effective COVID-19 preventive behaviors among these workers. Consequently, targeted interventions are necessary to enhance health literacy and support better preventive practices in this group.
Disrespectful behaviors of professors in the educational environment from the perspective of medical students
The aim of this study is to examine the disrespectful behaviors of professors in the educational environment from the perspective of medical students at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2023, a total of 203 medical students (interns and externs) participated. Data were collected using Clark’s 24-item questionnaire based on a Likert scale, with subscales for disruptive-disrespectful and threatening-disrespectful behaviors. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The participants included 203 students, comprising 100 interns (49.3%) and 103 externs (50.7%). The results indicated that the most common form of disrespectful behavior by professors was threatening behavior toward students. The findings showed that most students believed threatening behaviors by professors were among the most disruptive elements in the educational process. Further research is needed to better understand such behaviors in academic settings and to offer solutions for minimizing their occurrence.
Cannabis use and breastfeeding: frequency of use, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in milk, and clinical strategies to reduce harm
As cannabis legalization expands, increasing numbers of pregnant and breastfeeding women may view it as a safe, natural alternative for managing health concerns. This article examines current research on cannabis use during breastfeeding, with a focus on delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration in milk. Frequency of cannabis use influences the amount of THC in milk and is related to self-reported health problems and adverse childhood experiences. This review also suggests clinical strategies for reducing risk while supporting maternal and infant well-being.
Personality traits and early maladaptive schemas in methadone maintenance patients vs. healthy controls: a comparative study
This research investigated the differences in personality traits and early maladaptive schemas between patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment and healthy controls in Zahedan, Iran. The study involved 81 patients in methadone maintenance treatment and 81 healthy controls, assessing them using the Big Five Inventory - Short Version and the Young Schema Questionnaire 90-item. Data analysis using independent t-tests and Chi-square tests in SPSS v25 revealed significant differences in both personality traits and early maladaptive schemas between the study groups. The methadone group was more extroverted and neurotic, with no differences in openness to experience, conscientiousness, or agreeableness. They scored significantly higher in early maladaptive schemas (395.4±36.5) than the control group (317.9±32.8), indicating a higher likelihood of maladaptive schemas. Significant differences were found in specific schemas, such as “abandonment/instability”, “social isolation”, “negativity/pessimism”, “defectiveness/shame”, “mistrust/abuse”, “insufficient self-control”, “enmeshment”, and “failure to achieve”, with the methadone maintenance group exhibiting more maladaptive schemas. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating personality traits and early maladaptive schemas in therapy for substance users to enhance treatment outcomes.
Enhancing ethical hiring practices: a remedy for academic narcissism
In the contemporary academic landscape, ethical hiring practices are increasingly recognized for their critical role in countering academic narcissism, which is a condition marked by an excessive focus on personal achievements and self-importance, often undermining collaborative and community-oriented values. This review delves into the mechanisms by which ethical hiring can mitigate these narcissistic tendencies, emphasizing the importance of fostering an academic environment that prioritizes integrity, diversity, and genuine scholarly contributions. By examining the intersection of hiring practices and academic culture, the discussion highlights how strategic recruitment can serve as a foundation for a more inclusive and ethically grounded academic community.
Comparison of the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education and career counseling in reducing job choice helplessness among students
The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education and career counseling in reducing job choice helplessness among students. The statistical population of this research included all students studying at the Bandar Anzali branch of Azad University during the 2023-2024 academic year. The sample consisted of 45 students who were purposefully selected from volunteers willing to participate in the study. The participants were then randomly assigned to three groups: two experimental groups (entrepreneurship education and career counseling) and one control group. The instrument used in this research was the Job Choice Insolvencies Questionnaire. After conducting a pre-test, experimental interventions, and a post-test, the data were analyzed using covariance analysis and the Bonferroni post hoc test. The results of the covariance analysis indicated that both entrepreneurship education and career counseling are effective in reducing job choice helplessness among students. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education and career counseling in reducing job choice helplessness; both methods were equally impactful. Therefore, both entrepreneurship education and career counseling can be utilized to reduce job choice helplessness among university students.
Copyright (c) 2024 the Author(s) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A comprehensive narrative review on psychotherapies for patients with autism spectrum disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Psychotherapeutic interventions must tailor to meet the specific needs of individuals with ASD, given their diverse presentation of symptoms and functioning levels. This narrative review explores the range of psychotherapies available for individuals with ASD, examining their methodologies, effectiveness, and suitability. By using targeted search terms such as “autism,” “autistic disorder,” “autism spectrum disorders,” “psychotherapy,” “psychological intervention,” and “psychosocial intervention,” an extensive review of publications in English from 2000 to 2024 was conducted. This review covered several databases, including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The review identified ten major psychological interventions for the treatment of individuals with ASD: behavioral therapies, developmental therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, family therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, parent-mediated interventions, and dance movement psychotherapy. The main text elaborates on the effects of each intervention on various aspects of ASD. By providing this comprehensive overview, clinicians can select appropriate therapeutic strategies that cater to the individual profiles of those with ASD, ultimately enhancing therapeutic outcomes and quality of life for this population.
Unveiling covert psychopathy: a case report utilizing the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised scale in the forensic psychiatric setting
This case report explores the diagnostic complexities and treatment challenges associated with psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in a forensic psychiatric setting. Utilizing the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) scale, we assessed a 29-year-old male previously detained for two attempted murders and investigated for insulting a public official. Despite a history of mood and psychotic symptoms, previous evaluations failed to identify underlying psychopathic traits. Our assessment revealed a PCL-R score of 33/40, indicating a clear picture of psychopathy. The subject exhibited aggressive and violent behaviors from childhood, including cruelty to animals and reckless actions. Diagnoses over time included attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, reflecting significant diagnostic heterogeneity. The case underscores the importance of comprehensive psychopathy assessments in forensic contexts, particularly when previous diagnoses and treatments have been inconsistent. Our findings highlight the potential of the PCL-R scale as a valuable tool for identifying covert psychopathic traits, which are often underestimated. This study calls for further research into the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for psychopathy and ASPD, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions in correctional institutions to mitigate the risk of recidivism.
Prenatal olanzapine exposure and congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot): a case report and review of emerging evidence
Recently, concerns have emerged about the potential teratogenic effects of olanzapine, particularly its association with congenital malformations such as congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). Evidence from a large Finnish study, which reported a 2.5-fold increase in musculoskeletal anomalies, as well as various case reports, suggests a significant link between in-utero exposure to olanzapine and these anomalies. This case report aims to add to the growing body of evidence by detailing a new instance of clubfoot following prenatal olanzapine exposure. A 25-year-old woman suffering from bipolar I disorder with psychotic features was treated with olanzapine during pregnancy, resulting in the birth of a male infant with clubfoot but no other malformations. This case underscores the importance of careful risk assessment and monitoring for pregnant women undergoing psychiatric treatment with olanzapine. Potential mechanisms, such as disrupted fetal musculoskeletal development due to olanzapine’s pharmacological effects, warrant further investigation. Comparative analysis with other cases highlights consistent patterns, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms and risk factors involved.
The relationship between academic expectation stress and self-defeating behavior and cognition: the mediating role of emotional self-awareness
Self-defeating behaviors and cognitions can significantly hinder individuals’ ability to achieve their goals. This study aims to explore the relationship between academic expectation stress and self-defeating behavior and cognition, with a focus on the mediating role of emotional self-awareness. Using a correlational design and structural equation modeling, we surveyed 200 first-year secondary school girls from villages in Roudbane city during the 2022-2023 academic year. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Academic Expectations Stress Inventory, the Self-Defeating Behaviors and Cognitions Scale, and the Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire. Analyses were conducted using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling with SPSS v26 and AMOS v24 software. Results indicated that both academic expectation stress and emotional self-awareness directly influence self-defeating behavior and cognition. Additionally, academic expectation stress indirectly affects these outcomes through the mediating role of emotional self-awareness. These findings suggest that educational psychologists and school counselors should consider both academic stress and emotional self-awareness when developing strategies to prevent self-defeating behaviors and cognitions in students.
HEXACO personality traits, spiritual intelligence, and views on euthanasia among medical students: a moderation analysis
The ethical dilemma of euthanasia presents a significant challenge in medical practice. The attitudes of medical students toward euthanasia can be shaped by a variety of factors, such as their personal beliefs, values, and personality traits. This study explored the intricate relationship between personality traits, as outlined by the model, and medical students’ attitudes toward euthanasia, with a particular focus on the potential moderating effect of spiritual intelligence. In this cross-sectional study, 219 medical students from Zahedan, Iran, including 85 males and 134 females, were selected in 2022 using a non-random convenience sampling method. Participants provided socio-demographic information, including age, gender, and medical degree. They were also evaluated using the spiritual intelligence self-report inventory, the 24-item brief HEXACO inventory, and the euthanasia attitude scale (EAS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 29 and included both descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical linear regression). The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between the personality trait of openness to experience and favorable attitudes toward euthanasia. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between EAS scores and spiritual intelligence, as well as the honesty-humility dimension of personality. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that spiritual intelligence moderated the relationship between EAS scores and the associated personality traits. The study underscores the importance of understanding how HEXACO personality traits and spiritual intelligence influence medical students’ attitudes toward euthanasia. This insight is vital for medical educators and policymakers in creating educational programs that foster critical thinking, empathy, and ethical decision-making in future healthcare professionals. Additionally, this knowledge can guide the formulation of euthanasia policies that respect the diverse viewpoints and values within the medical community.
The role of loneliness and general health in predicting life satisfaction
Students are one of society’s most important groups, and their health and well-being are among every nation’s priorities. Satisfaction with life, as one of the effective components of well-being, is related to mental and physical health; throughout time, the feeling of satisfaction with one’s life faces some ups and downs. This descriptive study investigated the relationship between loneliness, general health, and student satisfaction and was carried out using correlational designs on the statistical population of Sistan and Baluchistan University students in 2023. Furthermore, 106 people were selected among male and female students by the convenience sampling method, and they were asked to complete satisfaction questionnaires: Huebner’s life, Goldberg’s general health scale, and Russell’s loneliness questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software through Pearson’s correlation coefficient and step-by-step regression model. The findings indicated a significant relationship between life satisfaction, general health, and loneliness (p<0/001). Also, the step-by-step regression analysis showed that loneliness can predict life satisfaction (p<0/001). It seems that the developments and conditions of the student period and the distance of most students from their families pose serious challenges, including the unpleasant feeling of loneliness, which overshadows life satisfaction and, consequently, the psychological well-being of this young group, ultimately reducing their efficiency. Their social and educational skills are adequate; therefore, self-care behaviors, creating and developing stable social interactions in academic environments, and seeking help for mental and emotional health problems are emphasized. Considering the limitations of the current research and its cross-sectional nature, longitudinal studies in this field are recommended.
Personalized Full-Body In-Bed Gym at home: lessons from personal experiences
Muscles and mobility deteriorate with age, and exercising is the only sure countermeasure. It is useful to offer safe and toll-free rehabilitation training, such as the Full-Body In-Bed Gym, easy to learn and perform at home. Based on my own experience, I suggest a 10-20-minute daily routine of easy and safe physical exercises that may improve the main 300 skeletal muscles used for everyday activities. Many of the exercises can be performed in bed (Full-Body In-Bed Gym), so hospital patients can learn this light workout before leaving the hospital. The routine consists of a series of repetitions of bodyweight exercises to be performed one after the other, without time breaks in between. Alternating sequences of arm and leg exercises are followed by moving body parts in lying and sitting positions in bed and by standing and sitting down. Progressive improvements can be tested by a series of push-ups on the bed or the floor. Starting from 3-5, the number of repetitions is increased by adding 5 more every week. To maintain or even shorten the total daily time of workout, each movement is then speeded up. The devoted time every morning (or at least 5 days a week) to train all the major muscles of the body can remain under 15 minutes. Because there are no breaks during and between sets, the final push-ups become very challenging. At the end of the daily workout, heart rate, depth, number of spontaneous ventilations, and frontal perspiration increase for tens of minutes. Here is an example of how to implement the progression of the Full-Body In-Bed Gym, presenting an educational case report of a trained 80-year-old person in stable pharmacological management. Details of the workouts and the related results are presented in the 2024 book, How to Rejuvenate at 80’s. Positive results on quality of life, mental wellness, and persistence in a group of older adults were recently reported in a scientific publication. Although performed in bed, in addition to strengthening the main muscles, ventilatory ones included, Full-Body In-Bed Gym at home is a resistance training equivalent to a short jog. Started in early winter and continued regularly throughout spring and summer, Full-Body In-Bed Gym can help maintain the independence and mental wellness of elderly people. It is a simple approach that deserves further clinical trials.
Self-poisoning with drugs as a common suicide method among children and adolescents: a concise report from Zahedan, southeastern Iran
Intentional poisoning by drugs and chemicals is a common emergency in Iran and is recognized as the third leading cause of suicide globally. This report focuses on the prevalence of suicide attempts through self-poisoning among children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years, based on data collected from the children’s emergency room at Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan between 2009 and 2018. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional approach to examine all cases of children referred to the emergency department for suspected suicide attempts by self-poisoning. Data collection was comprehensive (census method), and analysis was conducted using SPSS software along with descriptive statistical techniques. Out of 45 documented suicide cases, 28 involved girls and 17 involved boys. Self-poisoning represented 23.07% of these cases. Most of these attempts occurred in the 15-18 age group and were predominantly reported in urban settings. The substances most commonly used for self-poisoning included sedative-hypnotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. The findings indicate a significant prevalence of suicide attempts by self-poisoning among older children and adolescents, with a notable gender disparity favoring females. Urban areas showed higher rates of such incidents, suggesting possible socio-economic and cultural influences. The frequent use of prescription medications for self-poisoning underscores the urgent need for stricter control measures to limit access to these drugs among young populations. This study highlights critical aspects of suicide methods among children and adolescents in Zahedan, emphasizing the role of age, gender, and urban residency in influencing suicide attempts. It also calls for enhanced regulatory policies to prevent access to potentially lethal medications, aiming to reduce the incidence of suicide by self-poisoning in this vulnerable group.
The double-strand bond between metacognition and schizophrenia: actual impact and future directions
Controlling, monitoring, and modulating cognitive processes is what is known as metacognition: it guides behavior through several types of mental activities that range in complexity from discrete activities, such as recognizing others' judgment, to more integrated ones, such as recognizing oneself and others' cognitive processes. There is an increasing body of research examining the impact of schizophrenia on metacognition, underlining their double-strand link, especially on a wide range of mental processes, including reasoning, autobiographical memory, cognitive beliefs, and clinical insight. Metacognition is intimately linked to the severity of symptoms as well as specific symptomatic sub-domains, such as positive symptoms, negative symptoms, or disorganization. Recently, cognitive-derived psychotherapies have been developed to treat metacognitive deficits in schizophrenia. While all these treatments share a metacognitive component, each one targets different aspects. In metacognitive therapy, false or unhelpful beliefs are treated; in metacognitive training, cognitive biases are the main focus; in cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychoses, the core is represented by schematic dysfunctional beliefs; in metacognitive reflection insight therapy, metacognitive knowledge and self-identity are addressed; and in metacognitive interpersonal therapy for psychosis, interpersonal ideas or events may trigger delusional thinking. Future directions should address the need for more refined knowledge of metacognition processes and the need for growing mental health professionals’ expertise in the field. Moreover, the evaluation of metacognition-based intervention effectiveness in real-world populations and in high-risk psychosis and their enforceability in mental health facilities should become a critical issue.
Copyright (c) 2023 the Author(s) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The relationship between the quality of life and social well-being among the families of COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study
Social well-being is one of the essential aspects of well-being that is highly connected to psychological health and has been challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this respect, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the quality of life and social well-being among the families of COVID-19 patients. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 people were selected by simple random sampling among the families of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran. Also, data were collected using Keyes’s social well-being questionnaire and the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire, which were finally analyzed by Stata version 12 software and linear regression models. The findings showed the quality of life of divorced people was lower than that of single people. People with university education also had a higher quality of life than people with undergraduate education. Besides, a significant relationship was observed between age, all subscales of social well-being, and quality of life. It seems that the COVID-19 crisis has been a challenge to social well-being and can threaten people’s psychological health. Therefore, the emphasis should be necessarily placed on self-care, maintaining social commitments, and asking for help with mental and emotional disturbances during this pandemic.
Epidemiology of deaths due to suicide in the southeast of Iran: a retrospective study from 2010 to 2017
Suicide is the most real life-threatening challenge for populations worldwide; therefore, it is important to identify its risk factors. This study comprised an epidemiological survey of suicide deaths referred to the forensic setting of Zahedan, Iran, between 2010 and 2017 (a total of 214 completed suicide cases). The research method was descriptive-analytical with a retrospective approach. The research tool was a questionnaire prepared based on the information form about the suicide deaths at the Zahedan Forensic Medicine Center. A frequency distribution in descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The findings showed that hanging was the main method of suicide in the southeast of Iran. The highest suicidal rates were also related to adults with the following conditions: aged between 20 and 30, males, married individuals, employed people, urban dwellers, people without a history of suicidal behavior, and people with an elementary education. The results obtained by the current study can be useful for identifying suicide risk groups among attempted suicides and designing suicide prevention programs.
A no-win situation: psychiatrists navigating competing obligations between free will, paternalism, duty of care, and position of guarantee
This paper examines the ethical tensions psychiatrists encounter in balancing competing obligations to patients and society, heightened in the COVID-19 era. With reference to the Italian situation, legal concepts such as duty of care or the rule of law defined “position of guarantee” engender heightened duties of care but generate discordance concerning patient autonomy. As a matter of fact, Italian psychiatrists are considered responsible for the effects of their interventions on patients and their behaviors. Consequently, managing involuntary treatment, assessing risk, and worrying about liability strain practitioners' efforts to uphold non-maleficence. As mental healthcare needs escalate globally amidst resource constraints, the application of ethical principles is imperative. Evidence-based approaches prioritizing collaborative harm reduction over social control must be reinforced through education, oversight, and organizational policies. With balanced civil commitment criteria and realistic expectations acknowledging risk prediction limits, therapeutic alliances can be maintained. Greater investment in community-based systems can mitigate coercion and marginalization. Psychiatrists worldwide endeavor to uphold beneficence and non-maleficence within shifting accountability landscapes. This perspective advocates collective efforts to promote patient welfare through equitable, quality care. Navigating the multifaceted nexus of competing obligations demands thoughtful dialogue and judicious reforms responsive to both practitioner and patient needs. By engaging with ethical complexities with scientific rigor and compassion, psychiatry can uphold humane, ethical standards despite mounting challenges.
Resilience and mental toughness as predictors of anxiety, depression, and mental well-being
To examine how strongly the attributes of resilience and mental toughness predicted levels of anxiety, depression, and mental well-being, a quantitative online survey of 281 adults was employed. The survey was conducted in the United Kingdom (April to June 2021) using opportunity sampling. Resilience, mental toughness, and mental well-being were measured by the 10-item Connor-Davidson resilience scale, the 10-item mental toughness questionnaire, and the 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale, respectively. In addition, the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) measured anxiety and depression, and the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to measure depression. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze which attribute was the strongest predictor of mental health. Mental toughness was found to be a significantly stronger predictor of well-being (β=0.54) than resilience (β=0.21), of anxiety (β=-0.70 versus 0.02, respectively), of HADS depression (β=-0.52 versus -0.15), and of PHQ-9 depression (β=-0.62 versus -0.09). We propose that mental toughness may predict well-being more strongly than resilience because it is a broader construct, incorporating proactive traits that enhance well-being. The findings suggest that training and interventions that enhance mental toughness in non-clinical populations may be more effective at promoting mental well-being and reducing anxiety and depression than those that enhance resilience. Further research is required to test these practical implications and to clarify why mental toughness is a stronger predictor than resilience for positive mental health.
Review of Theories of Borderline Personality Disorder (Springer Nature, 2024)
Borderline personality disorder is a complex mental health condition that poses significant challenges for clinicians, researchers, and those affected by it...
A comparison of personality traits and early maladaptive schemas in individuals with gender dysphoria and non-affected individuals
The purpose of the present study was to compare personality traits and early maladaptive schemas in individuals with gender dysphoria and non-affected individuals. The research method was causal-comparative. The research population included individuals referring to medical centers and clinics in Lahijan City in 2023. Using purposive sampling, 30 individuals with gender dysphoria and 30 individuals without an affliction were selected as the research sample. The research instruments included the Short Form Neo-Five Factor Personality Inventory and the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form. Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of variance using SPSS-23 software. The findings showed that in individuals with gender dysphoria, the personality traits of neuroticism were significantly higher, and the personality traits of agreeableness were significantly lower than in individuals without gender dysphoria (p<0.05). Regarding early maladaptive schemas, individuals with gender dysphoria scored significantly higher than individuals without gender dysphoria in five domains: detachment and exclusion, impaired autonomy and functioning, impaired limitations, other orientation and hypervigilance, and inhibition (p<0.05). According to the findings, it can be concluded that individuals with gender dysphoria face some psychological problems, and special attention should be paid to their psychological health.
Copyright (c) 2025 the Author(s) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The neuro-inflammatory perspectives on the application and utilization of ursodeoxycholic acid in schizophrenia
Various research methods to treat schizophrenia have experienced conflicting etiological theories through their evolution, with diverse emphasis on genetic, physiological, biochemical, and psychological aspects. However, major breakthroughs have not been reached despite decades of research on schizophrenia. This article aims to provide perspectives on research findings and cast light on the potential involvement of bile acid metabolism in schizophrenia and its impacts on the neuro-inflammatory response. These results can be exploited to identify new leads for drug treatment through an enhanced understanding of disease pathophysiology.
Factors associated with disordered eating behaviors among schizophrenia patients
Recent hypotheses suggest that patients with schizophrenia consume more unhealthy foods, an issue that raises the need for a more meticulous examination of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in such patients due to increasing rates of metabolic mortality and morbidity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate predictors associated with DEBs in schizophrenia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2018 to November 2019. A total of 131 patients with schizophrenia were recruited through convenience sampling among outpatients referring to the Baharan Psychiatric Clinic (Zahedan, Iran). Patients were evaluated using demographic information forms and the eating attitudes test-26 items. In this study, 120 patients (52 males and 68 females) with schizophrenia provided correct answers to the questionnaires. According to regression analysis results, the variables of marital status, employment, classes of medication, and duration of disease could significantly predict DEBs among schizophrenia patients. The results of this study demonstrate the need for a more meticulous examination of DEBs at earlier stages of schizophrenia. Besides, psychosocial interventions and antipsychotic medication switching seem to be associated with a decreased risk of DEBs among schizophrenia patients.