Iranian Journal of Psychiatry

Mental Health Challenges of Iranian Nurses in War: Letter to the Editor

Amir Hossein Goudarzian, Tahereh Yaghoubi — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:15:02 +0330

Exploring the Challenges and Consequences of Maternal Parenting in the Age of Digital Children (Digital Baby Syndrome): A Grounded Theory Study

Hassan Zareei Mahmoodabadi; Zeinab Sadat Shamrizi, Mohammad Reza Mohammadi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330

Objective: One of the important issues affecting parenting is how parents navigate the digital age. The digital age has created the concept of ideal parenting, which can unintentionally distance parents from the real world, preventing them from recognizing their children’s primary needs. Consequently, children may seek alternative spaces to fulfill their needs, which often involve virtual and unreal content, leading to negative effects and consequences. Thus, this study aims to explore the challenges and consequences of parenting in the age of digital children.

Method: This qualitative research was based on grounded theory. The study environment included mothers with children engaged with digital devices in Yazd Province, Iran. Based on theoretical, purposive, and snowball sampling, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and 12 participants were selected until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA software.

Results: Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory method, including open, axial, and selective coding. From open coding, 450 initial codes were extracted; axial coding yielded 23 subcategories, and selective coding resulted in four main categories: ideal parenting, immersion in cyberspace, lack of self-differentiation (fusion), and unbridled cyberspace. The core category of the digital child was also identified.

Conclusion: Parenting in the digital age can prevent parents from connecting with the real world and understanding the child’s primary needs, directing the child toward spaces away from reality. Many parents are unaware of the challenges and potential problems caused by such spaces.

Experiential Avoidance, Perfectionism, and Self-Compassion in Maladaptive Versus Adaptive Daydreaming: A Comparative Study in Iran

Maryam Pourmoazzen, Hoda Doosalivand, Malek Bastami, Amir Sam Kianimoghadam — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330

Objective: This study aimed to compare experiential avoidance, perfectionism, and self-compassion between individuals with maladaptive and adaptive daydreaming tendencies within Iranian cultural context.

Method: The study utilized an online survey distributed via social media to a convenience sample of Iranian adults. The final sample consisted of 428 participants, who were divided into an MD group (n = 210) and a normative group (n = 218). This classification was based on a conservative cutoff score of ≥ 50 on the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale-16 (MDS-16). Participants also completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS–H), and the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ). A series of multivariate one-way analyses of variance (MANOVAs) were conducted to compare the groups.

Results: The MANOVA revealed a significant overall statistical difference between the groups. Compared to the normative group, individuals with MD reported significantly higher levels of experiential avoidance. The MD group also scored significantly higher on the negative components of self-compassion, including self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification, and scored significantly lower on the positive component of mindfulness. Furthermore, maladaptive daydreamers scored significantly higher on other-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism. No significant differences were found for self-oriented perfectionism, self-kindness, or common humanity.

Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence that, within an Iranian sample, MD is associated with higher levels of experiential avoidance, other-oriented and socially-prescribed perfectionism, and deficits in self-compassion. These findings highlight crucial psychological factors potentially involved in the maintenance of MD. Therapeutic approaches may be enhanced by fostering self-compassion, addressing maladaptive perfectionistic beliefs, and employing strategies to reduce experiential avoidance.

Difficulties in Accepting the Past as a Mediator between Perfectionism and Symptoms of Depression among University Students in Yazd

Milad Zare, Marjan Poshtmashhadi, Hamid Poursharifi — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330

Objective: The Existential Model of Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms (EMPDS) assumes that difficulties in accepting the past explains why socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) is linked to depressive symptoms. Prior research on EMPDS relies on homogeneous samples and cross-sectional designs, limiting our understanding of EMPDS. More importantly, SPP may be affected by different cultural norms, and no study to date has examined this model in Iran. This study aimed to test EMPDS in Iran using a moderated mediation framework, a heterogeneous sample, and a longitudinal design with two waves.

Method: This study used a two-wave longitudinal design in a diverse sample of unmarried undergraduate and graduate Iranian students (N = 251; 117 men and 134 women) studying at universities in Yazd province. We collected the data in February and March 2023. The analysis was moderated mediation analysis. In the first wave, a link to the survey was distributed, which included demographic questions, the SPP scale, and baseline measure of depressive symptoms. One month later, participants who had completed wave 1 were recontacted to complete the Difficulties in Accepting the Past questionnaire and depressive symptoms scale.

Results: SPP predicted depressive symptoms through difficulties in accepting the past (b = 0.64, SE = 0.09, 95% CI = [0.46; 0.83]), and depressive symptoms were also linked to past acceptance (b = 0.35, SE = 0.05, 95% CI = [0.25; 0.45]). A bootstrapping analysis confirmed a significant mediation effect (b = 0.72, 95% CI = [0.27; 2.53]). However, the interaction between SPP and acceptance of the past was not significant (b = -0.007, SE = 0.006, 95% CI = [-0.017; 0.007]).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that psychotherapists treating clients with SPP should consider interventions facilitating meaning-making and acceptance of the past. The study also highlights the importance of accounting for cultural influences when applying EMPDS.

Demographic and Family Factors Associated with Body Image Dissatisfaction among Adolescents in Tehran

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0330

Objective: Body image dissatisfaction is a prevalent concern among adolescents, with potential implications for mental and physical health. Understanding its correlates in diverse cultural contexts, such as Iran, is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This study aimed to investigate the demographic {Body Max Index (BMI), gender, etc.} socioeconomic status and family structure associated with body image dissatisfaction in a sample of adolescent students in Tehran, Iran.

Method: This cross-sectional study included 1,430 students (grades 7, 8 and 9) from randomly selected schools in Tehran. Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using a validated international questionnaire measuring demographics, body perceptions, eating patterns, and family structures. Self-reported weight height values were used to calculate BMI. Misperceived body status was defined as discordance between self-perceived image and actual BMI category. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate regression (SPSS v26).

Results: A total of 1, 430 participants completed the questionnaires and the mean age of participants was (14.13 ± 1.2), and 54.8% were females and 785 males (54.9%). The findings revealed that 59.1% of adolescents misperceived their body status. Female gender (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.18–1.90, P = 0.001), lower family SES (socioeconomic status) (OR = 4.27, 95% CI: 1.87–9.74, P < 0.001), higher BMI (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.12, P < 0.001), and non-biological family structures (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.26–2.3, P = 0.05) were significantly associated with body dissatisfaction. Students living with stepparents or relatives reported lower body satisfaction compared to those living with biological parents. These findings underscore the importance of gender, socioeconomic status, family structure, and BMI as key factors influencing body image dissatisfaction among adolescents.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of gender, socioeconomic status and family structure in body dissatisfaction among adolescents. Importantly, these findings reflect the heightened challenges facing youth in the post-COVID-19 era, during which lifestyle changes, increased social media exposure, and altered social interactions have intensified body image concerns. Further research is needed to explore this correlation in more detail and to develop culturally appropriate interventions to promote positive body image.