Health Psychology and Behavioral Disorders

This study aimed to identify and analyze the cultural factors influencing the tendency toward self-medication in patients with psychiatric disorders in Tehran's sociocultural context. This research employed a qualitative approach using thematic analysis. Twenty-nine psychiatric patients were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo version 12. To enhance the trustworthiness of the findings, member checking, peer debriefing, and prolonged engagement with data were applied. Thematic analysis yielded three major categories: “Cultural Norms and Beliefs,” “Family and Social Structure,” and “Access and Information.” A total of 8 subcategories and over 40 initial concepts were identified. Participants attributed their self-medication behavior to factors such as normalization of drug use, fear of social stigma, family influence, role pressure, lack of knowledge about medications, and negative experiences with the healthcare system. The findings indicate that self-medication among psychiatric patients is shaped by a complex interaction of cultural, social, and informational elements. Designing culturally sensitive interventions, promoting public education, empowering families, and improving the quality of psychiatric services may reduce self-medication behaviors and encourage professional treatment seeking.

The aim of this study was to identify psychological barriers to help-seeking in patients with social anxiety disorder. This qualitative study employed a thematic analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, purposefully selected from psychotherapy centers in Isfahan. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using NVivo 12 software. Data analysis led to the identification of four main themes: “fear of social judgment,” “perceived inadequacy in engaging with therapy,” “cognitive-belief barriers,” and “interpersonal and environmental conditions.” Each theme comprised several subthemes and concepts derived from participants’ lived experiences. Notable barriers included fear of humiliation, mental health stigma, mistrust toward therapists, perfectionism, and lack of social support. The findings indicate that a combination of internal, cognitive, and interpersonal factors contribute to avoidance of help-seeking in individuals with social anxiety disorder. Interventions aimed at public education, stigma reduction, improved access to psychological services, and enhanced social support may facilitate the help-seeking process in this population.

The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing medication adherence in patients with Major Depressive Disorder using a qualitative approach. This qualitative study employed thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who were undergoing pharmacological treatment in psychiatric centers in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding using Nvivo software. The analysis yielded three main categories: individual factors, environmental and social factors, and medication-related characteristics. Subcategories under individual factors included attitudes toward medication, illness perception, internal motivation, and coping skills. Environmental and social factors encompassed family support, economic status, societal attitudes, and experiences with healthcare providers. Medication-related barriers and facilitators included side effects, onset time of medication efficacy, complexity of the medication regimen, and access to medication. The findings of this study suggest that medication adherence in patients with Major Depressive Disorder is shaped by an interplay of individual, social, and treatment-related factors. The results provide a basis for developing psychosocial interventions, enhancing patient education, strengthening family support systems, and improving the quality of pharmacological care.

The aim of this study was to identify and explain emotional self-regulation strategies in women with breast cancer using a qualitative grounded theory approach. This research was conducted using a qualitative method based on grounded theory. Participants included 27 women diagnosed with breast cancer living in Tehran, selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, and managed using Nvivo software. Data analysis revealed four main categories: “Acceptance and Meaning-Making of Illness,” “Cognitive-Emotional Coping,” “Social and Interpersonal Support,” and “Self-Care and Lifestyle Activities.” Each category included diverse subcategories reflecting various emotional regulation strategies used by participants. Women utilized strategies such as acceptance, spiritual meaning-making, cognitive reframing, seeking support, emotional expression through writing, and self-care practices to manage the emotional impact of their cancer experience. Emotional self-regulation strategies in women with breast cancer are shaped by cognitive, social, spiritual, and cultural factors. These strategies play a significant role in reducing psychological distress and improving the patients’ quality of life. The findings can inform the development of culturally grounded psychological interventions for breast cancer patients.

This study aimed to explore and explain the psychosocial dimensions of grief experience in adolescents following the loss of a parent. This research employed a qualitative design using thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 adolescents aged 13–18 residing in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software through open, axial, and selective coding. Analysis revealed three main themes: “emotional experience of grief,” “social consequences of grief,” and “coping strategies among adolescents.” These included 18 subthemes reflecting a range of emotional reactions (such as sadness, anger, fear), social consequences (e.g., social withdrawal, academic decline), and coping strategies (including spirituality, expressive writing, or risk behaviors). The findings indicate that adolescent grief is a multifaceted and complex experience influenced by psychological, social, and cultural factors. Addressing these dimensions and designing culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions is essential to mitigate the secondary harms associated with parental loss.

This study aimed to identify the indicators of psychological well-being in older adults living alone by exploring their lived experiences through a qualitative approach. This research employed a qualitative phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 elderly participants living alone in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and interviews continued until theoretical saturation. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using NVivo software. The analysis involved open, axial, and selective coding, and credibility was ensured through participant review and peer coding. Data analysis yielded four major themes: (1) sense of meaning and purpose, (2) social connection and support, (3) independence and self-efficacy, and (4) inner peace and contentment. Each theme encompassed several subthemes reflecting diverse aspects of psychological well-being, including life storytelling, emotional support, autonomous decision-making, and gratitude. The findings indicate that psychological well-being in older adults living alone is a multidimensional construct shaped by both internal and external factors. Designing psychosocial interventions focused on enhancing social ties, spirituality, and autonomy can significantly improve their quality of life.