Parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children often have a negative attitude towards themselves. They are often negatively affected by these challenges and the failure of their children. Thus, their interaction with their children is negatively influenced. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effect of family-centered nature therapy on the interaction of parents with their children. Methods: The present research was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design and a control group. Statistical population included all ASD children aged 3-7 years in Tehran City, Iran. A sample of 14 children with ASD were selected through convenience sampling method. The subjects were non-randomly assigned into either the experimental or control groups. The necessary data were collected through Parent-Child Relationship Scale (PCRS) and the program of nature therapy developed on the basis of the current theoretical frameworks and research findings. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The obtained results suggested that the Mean±SD score of experimental group on PCRS after the treatment was 100.14±11.82. While the Mean±SD score of the control group was 84.14±3.93. Moreover, the results of the statistical tests revealed that the difference between the experimental and control groups was statistically significant, indicating that the family-centered nature therapy was effective in improving the parents' interactions with their ASD children. In addition, the ANCOVA results indicated that the estimated F (13.32) was statistically significant at P=0.001, indicating that the treatment had a positive effect on the dependent variable. Discussion: Family-centered nature therapy was effective in improving the parents' relationship with their children. The ASD children had fewer conflicts with their parents, enjoyed a positive relationship with their parents, and showed lower dependence on their parents after receiving the treatment. Therefore, this therapy can be a complementary method along with other standard treatments received by ASD children. It is an effective, simple and readily accessible option to improve the interaction of parents with their ASD children.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the serious issues which has affected mental health in the world. One of the age groups whose learning processes are highly influenced by the pandemic are adolescents, especially those with low academic performance. Although there have always been problems in the learning process at schools prior to the pandemic, online learning systems have added more challenges to the educational system which results in poor academic performance in this group. Increased stress is among the negative consequence which in turn can affect well-being. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) affects well-being and perceived stress in adolescents with low academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: It was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design and follow-up with a control group. The subjects were 30 adolescents with low academic who were chosen based on by convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. The research tools were the well-being, perceived stress questionnaires, and CBT. The experimental group received CBT intervention for 10 sessions, each for 120 minutes online, and the control group did not receive any intervention. The data were analyzed by the repeated measures analysis method. Results: Based on the obtained results, there was a significant effect of CBT on well-being and perceived stress in the experimental group. The finding indicated that CBT led to increasing wellbeing and reducing perceived stress in adolescents with low academic performance (P ≤ 0.05). This effect impact was persisted following 3 months in the experimental group as well. Conclusions: Considering the effectiveness of mentioned therapy methods on adolescents with low academic performance, it is necessary to apply such a way to improve the well-being of adolescents and relieve their stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which consequently leads to academic and mental improvement. Moreover, CBT is a feasible and acceptable intervention in adolescents with low academic performance.

Objectives The present study aimed to examine the meaning in life and well-being of young, middleaged, and older adults. Methods & Materials In this research, a total of 215 participants including 84 young (aged 17-25 years), 59 middle-aged (aged 26-46 years), and 72 older adults (aged 65-80 years) were selected from Tehran city via purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study consisted of the meaning of life questionnaire and Ryffs Scales of Psychological Well-being. Results The results of Mancova analyses showed significant differences between the three age groups. The older people had the most ability in the meaning in life, self-acceptance, positive relation with others, personal growth and purpose in life. Conclusion Research findings indicate that age affects the meaning in life and well-being. So, elderly can be known as a self-awareness, development and relaxation.

Self-esteem and lack of social phobia are considered amongst the components of mental health. These features are more likely to be created during the early years of life like any other mental aspect. Hence, the present research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy in selfesteem and social anxiety of student. The statistical population included all the students in Tehran, from whom a sample of 24 was drawn through multi-stage cluster sampling. They were randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups. The data gathering tools included Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and Connor Social Phobia Inventory. The experimental group underwent the group play therapy while the control group received no treatment. The findings indicated that group play therapy was effective in the increase of self-esteem and decrease of social phobia among the students. Therefore, it is recommended that children's counseling and therapy centers as well as school officials employ the necessary interventions to enhance health, improve self-esteem, and decrease social phobia with regard to the necessary constructs for the improvement of children's and adolescents' mental health.Keywords: Anxiety, Cognitive-Behavioral, Play Therapy, SelfEsteem Journal of Research & HealthSocial Development & Health Promotion Research Center Vol. 8, No. 3, May & Jun 2018 Pages: 278-285 DOI: 10.29252/jrh.8.3.278 Original Article

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