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.

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.

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.

Objective: This study was administrated with the goal of examining the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on cognitive functions of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Method: In a single-blind experimental research, 90 adult patients with lupus were randomly divided into the three ACT (n = 30), general health education (GHE) (n = 30) and waitlist (n = 30) groups. Both treatment groups received individual treatment with a specific protocol for four weeks. Before and after treatment, all participants were assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT).

Results: Both ACT and GHE groups had a significantly better post-intervention cognitive performance compared to the waitlist group in terms of WCST and SCWT scores (P < 0.05). Cohen’s d for the effects of ACT on WCST total errors and completed categories were 0.86 and 0.80, respectively. Cohen’s d for the effect of ACT on SCWT was 0.70. Furthermore, Cohen’s d for the effects of GHE on WCST total errors and completed categories were 0.65 and 0.58, respectively. Also, Cohen’s d for the effect of GHE on SCWT was 0.55. The ACT and GHE interventions differed significantly only in total errors on WCST, with the ACT group demonstrating significantly better cognitive functioning at post-intervention (P = 0.04).

Conclusion: The ACT approach has a large effect on the cognitive performance of lupus patients, while the GHE has a moderate effect on these functions. Therefore, these intervention methods, especially ACT, could be considered alongside usual treatment methods as suitable options to improve the daily affairs of people with lupus.

Objective: The Developmental Indicators for Assessment of Learning–Fourth Edition (DIAL-4) is a widely used screening tool grounded in developmental theory, designed to identify potential delays across motor, language, conceptual, self-help, and socio-emotional domains prior to school entry. While the DIAL-4 has been standardized in several countries, its norms may not fully capture the cultural, linguistic, and environmental characteristics that shape developmental trajectories of Iranian children. To address this gap, the present study aimed to establish culturally appropriate norms for the DIAL-4 in Iran, providing a valid and reliable framework for early identification and intervention.

Method: This cross-sectional study standardized the Developmental Indicators for Assessment of Learning–Fourth Edition (DIAL-4) for Iranian children aged 2 years 6 months to 5 years 11 months. Districts in both cities were first selected using cluster sampling, considering socioeconomic and cultural diversity. Within these districts, kindergartens were randomly chosen. The final sample comprised 678 children. Trained examiners administered the Persian version of DIAL-4 individually. Raw scores on motor, concepts, and language subscales were converted into standardized developmental scores (M ₌ 100, SD ₌ 15), following established psychometric guidelines to generate culturally appropriate norms.

Results: The findings indicated that the motor, concepts, and language subscales differed significantly across age groups (p < 0.05). Based on standardized scoring criteria, values below 70 were classified as indicative of severe deficits or developmental delays, scores between 70 and 84 reflected mild delays, scores from 85 to 115 were considered within the normative range, scores between 115 and 129 indicated above-average performance, and scores of 130 or higher represented an advanced level of functioning. When comparing the standardized developmental scores of Iranian children with those of American children, the results demonstrated that Iranian children consistently obtained lower scores across all three subscales.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the suitability of the DIAL-4 for Iranian children and showed significant differences in motor, concepts, and language skills across age groups. Iranian children scored lower than American children on all subscales, highlighting the need for culturally specific norms to ensure accurate developmental assessment.

Objective: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder associated with substantial social stigma that impedes patients' access to quality care and social support. In Indonesia, where cultural and religious beliefs strongly influence mental health perceptions, stakeholders’ attitudes critically shape responses to this condition. This study explored how various stakeholder groups perceive schizophrenia in Indonesia.

Method: A phenomenological qualitative design was employed with 29 participants (families, healthcare workers, and policymakers) selected through purposive sampling in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews (60-90 minutes), audio-recorded and supplemented by direct observations. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis with triangulation and member checking to ensure data validity.

Results: Five main themes emerged: (1) healthcare workers demonstrated clinical understanding, while families showed experiential knowledge; (2) stakeholders recognized multifactorial causation combining genetic and environmental factors; (3) realistic expectations focused on symptom management rather than cure; (4) persistent cultural stigma, rooted in supernatural beliefs, hindered help-seeking; (5) and collaborative family-healthcare worker partnerships were essential for patient stability.

Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into Indonesian stakeholders’ perspectives on schizophrenia, revealing culturally-specific stigma patterns rooted in supernatural beliefs—a factor understudied in Southeast Asian contexts. Findings inform development of targeted anti-stigma interventions and integrated care models that leverage family-healthcare worker collaboration to improve patient outcomes in Indonesia's mental health system.

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.

Objective: Autism is a genetic disorder involving various genes. This study aims to investigate the role of genetic factors in Iranian patients with autism to help in more accurate diagnosis of this disease by identifying genes involved in Iranian patients.

Method: This study was conducted as a systematic review on patients with autism in Iran, including design and search strategy, systematic collection and review of articles, and quality assessment of studies for data extraction. The search strategy included databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant keywords, and autism diagnosis was based on DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria.

Results: In this study, genes RORA, MTRR, MTR, Reelin, VDR, VMAT1, ACE I/D, MOCOS, HOTAIR, ANRIL, RIT2, MMP-9, GRM7, FOXP3, and GRIN2B showed significant relationships with the occurrence of autism.

Conclusion: Given the dispersion and lack of coherence in studies on autism genetics in Iran, the definitive impact of each polymorphism in the Iranian population cannot be conclusively determined, and further studies are needed.

Objective: This study systematically integrates and reviews the results of Iranian studies on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for emotional disorders.

Method: To ensure a comprehensive review, relevant Iranian studies from 2001 to 2024 were identified from databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SID, Noormags, and MagIran using keywords including CBT, emotional disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and stress.

Results: Based on the inclusion criteria, 93 effect sizes from 65 Iran-based studies were selected for analysis. The random-effects model revealed a significant overall effect size of CBT on emotional disorders, with g = 1.07, p < 0.001, and a 95% confidence interval ranging from 0.95 to 1.20. The primary analysis indicated that CBT effectively improved various emotional disorders, including anxiety (g = 1.04), depression (g = 1.09), OCD (g = 1.19), PTSD (g = 0.39), and stress (g = 1.27). Subgroup analysis showed no significant gender differences in the effectiveness of CBT, whereas meta-regression revealed a significant association between the effect size of CBT and the age of Iranian participants.

Conclusion: The CBT intervention method has been an effective treatment for emotional disorders and has significantly improved anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD in Iranian populations; however, its effect on stress was not statistically significant in this study.

Objective: Postpartum depression (PPD) has a significant impact on the mother, child and family. Pharmacologic therapy in breastfeeding mothers often causes side effects, so non-pharmacologic alternatives are needed. This study aims to systematically review and synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for PPD through a network meta-analysis.

Method: This network meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from RCTs evaluating non-pharmacological interventions for PPD. We reviewed 13 articles from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Network Meta-Analysis was performed using RStudio with a random effects model, while Rob 2.0, RoB-ME, and CINeMA were used to assess the risk of bias.

Results: The analysis showed that Therapy-Assisted Internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TA-iCBT) had the highest benefit with a Mean Difference (MD) of 6.90 [95% CI 5.35 to 8.45], p = 0.005, as well as the highest effectiveness (P-score 0.891) and very low heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Qualitatively, other alternative therapies are also safe for the mother, but need to be tailored to the patient's needs.

Conclusion: In conclusion, TA-iCBT is the most effective non-pharmacological therapy for PPD and can be the main choice in the psychiatric treatment of PPD patients.

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication impairments, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The etiology of ASD is complex, involving genetic and environmental factors. The HECT (Homologous to the E6-AP Carboxyl Terminus) family protein E6-associated protein (E6-AP), encoded by the UBE3A gene, is an ubiquitin ligase implicated in neurological disorders, including Angelman syndrome (AS) and potentially ASD. Dysregulation of E6-AP, influenced by environmental factors such as human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein, may contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

Method: This review synthesizes current literature to explore the potential link between HPV E6 protein and E6-AP dysfunction in the context of ASD. We analyzed 32 peer-reviewed studies, including 12 original research articles, 10 reviews, and 10 meta-analyses, retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on E6-AP’s roles in ubiquitin-mediated signaling pathways, its dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders, and the impact of HPV E6 on E6-AP function.

Results: E6-AP is critical in regulating signaling pathways associated with tumorigenesis and neurodevelopment. Dysregulation of E6-AP, potentially induced by HPV E6, has been implicated in AS and, to a lesser extent, ASD. As visually demonstrated in Figure 1, these complex relationships between HPV, neurodevelopmental disorders, and E6 protein underscore the need for cross-disciplinary research. Current findings indicate that HPV E6 may disrupt E6-AP’s ubiquitin ligase activity, potentially contributing to neurodevelopmental impairments observed in ASD.

Conclusion: The potential link between HPV E6 and E6-AP dysfunction underscores a novel avenue for understanding environmental contributors to ASD. Given the complexity of ASD, further research is essential to elucidate E6-AP’s role and to develop targeted therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the need for studies investigating HPV-related mechanisms in ASD to advance effective interventions and support systems.

Objective: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, with high risk of progression. Early detection is essential, and so the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has become a widely used screening tool. Despite its popularity, concerns remain about its psychometric limitations and cultural applicability.

This review aims to critically analyze the MoCA, focusing on the validity and limitations of its subtests, and to propose directions for refinement and clinical adaptation.

Method: We conducted a structured narrative review (2005–2024) using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Search terms included “Montreal Cognitive Assessment”, “MoCA”, “validity”, “psychometrics”, and “cultural adaptation”. Studies evaluating psychometric performance, cultural adaptations, and clinical applications of the MoCA were included. Case reports and studies lacking psychometric evaluation were excluded. An item-by-item critical appraisal was performed.

Results: The MoCA shows superior sensitivity for MCI detection compared to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), with strengths in brevity, multidomain coverage, and accessibility. However, limitations include: superficial executive function (EF) assessment, cultural and educational bias, lack of recognition/cueing in memory testing, simplistic binary scoring, and risk of floor/ceiling effects. These may affect diagnostic accuracy across populations.

Conclusion: The MoCA remains a valuable tool but should not be used in isolation. Clinicians must consider the cultural/educational context when interpreting results. Refinements such as weighted scoring, cued recall, and culturally adapted items, alongside digital versions, could improve accuracy and fairness. Further empirical validation of these modifications is needed.

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