Five-factor model trait profiles of narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability in Iranian university students

This study examined the relationship between pathological narcissism, narcissistic grandiosity, narcissistic vulnerability and the five-factor model of personality. Participants consisted of 290 undergraduate students from four universities in three different cities in Iran, recruited by available sampling, Instruments, including, Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) were also completed for the participants. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that narcissistic grandiosity was positively associated with extraversion and openness, while narcissistic vulnerability and overall pathological narcissism were positively associated with neuroticism and negatively related to agreeableness and openness (only for narcissistic vulnerability). The results are consistent with prior research in Western cultures (e.g., United States, Germany) and revealed that neuroticism is a common factor in narcissistic vulnerability and pathological narcissism which suggested pathological narcissism may be a distinct dimension from normal narcissism. Also, there were various contributors of personality traits for narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability which can be considered as a support for the distinction of two phenotypes of pathological narcissism.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Computer-Based, Manual-based, and Combined Cognitive Rehabilitation on Cognitive Functions in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of computer-based, manual-based, and combined cognitive rehabilitation to improve cognitive functions among patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test, and a 2-month follow-up, as well as a control group design. Sixty female patients with RRMS were selected by convenience sampling technique. Then they were randomly assigned into three experimental groups (computer-based, manual-based, and combined cognitive rehabilitation, each group including 12 patients), a placebo group (12 patients), and a control group (12 patients). The interventions were conducted in 21 sessions for the experimental groups for 5 months. The placebo group received physical rehabilitation intervention, and the control group received no intervention. The study participants were assessed by Psychiatric-Neurological Profile, Mini-Mental State Examination, Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale, Stroop Color and Word Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. The obtained data were analyzed by repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance in SPSS.

Results

The effect of group factor was not significant (η²=0.129), but the effect of time (η²=0.884) and interaction effect of time and group (η²=0.295) were statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the effects of all three rehabilitation interventions (P>0.05). In the post-test totally and in Follow-up partially, all comparisons among three experimental groups with control and placebo groups were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Cognitive rehabilitation was effective in improving cognitive functions in patients with RRMS. Thus, these interventions are recommended for application, along with other treatment protocols to treat RRMS in clinical settings.

Role of Temperament, Personality Traits and Onset Age of Smoking in Predicting Opiate Dependence

BACKGROUND

According to drug gateway theory, smoking cigarettes, especially, low onset age of smoking, is one of the risk factors for future use.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to compare nicotine and opiate addicts to identify the differences in personality traits and onset age of smoking in the two groups that cause some individuals to appeal to other substances after starting to use cigarettes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two groups of opiate and nicotine addicts were randomly selected. Revised version of the Cloninger temperament inventory questionnaire, the Fagrastrom nicotine dependence and the Maudsley addiction profile were used. ANOVA and logistic regression were applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

Opiate addicts had higher scores in novelty seeking dimension and lower scores in cooperativeness compared to nicotine addicts. The onset age of smoking cigarette in opiate addicts was lower than nicotine addicts.

CONCLUSIONS

Low onset age of smoking cigarettes, high novelty seeking and low cooperativeness in opiate dependents are among the important personality traits in future use of drugs that can predict the subsequent onset of using opiate drugs.

The Effect of Group Logotherapy on Meaning in Life and Depression Levels of Iranian Students

This paper identifies the effectiveness of group logotherapy in reducing depression and increasing meaning in life levels of university students in Iran. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a pre- post- and follow-up test design. The instruments used were the Purpose in Life (PIL) test and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data were collected from 10 subjects in an experimental group and 10 in a control group. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of group logotherapy, whilst the control group received no intervention. The mean scores for depression levels was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group and significantly higher in regard to meaning in life. Results suggest that group logotherapy has the potential to reduce depression levels and improve the meaning in life of university students.

Social phobia symptoms: prevalence and sociodemographic correlates

BACKGROUND

Social phobia is a highly prevalent disorder in western countries, but is rather rare in eastern societies. Prevalence rates range from 0.5% in eastern studies and up to 16% in western studies. The present study examined the prevalence of social phobia in the Iranian general population and demographic characteristics associated with this anxiety disorder.

METHODS

Participants included 701 subjects from Golestan Province. Measures included the Social Phobia Inventory and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Demographic correlates of social phobia were also examined.

RESULTS

Probable social phobia was present in 10.1% of the total sample (8.6% male and 11.6% female). Sex, social support, residence, education, and job correlated with social phobia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings corroborate those from other studies in western countries, both regarding the high prevalence of SP symptoms and its demographic correlates.