[Comparative of Mental status in individualistic/collectivistic students in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad]

Background and Objective: Regarding to the "person– environment fit", although, having a personality which matches the values of the overarching culture should increase subjective wellbeing, a mismatch will decrease it. This study compared the mental status in individualistic and collectivistic students in Iranian culture.

Materials and Methods: Used method in this study was descriptive and comparative. Among all undergraduate students at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 91 - 92 school year, the number of 150 students were selectedbased onquota sampling and according to school and were evaluated with using Auckland Individualism and Collectivism Scale [AICS] and SCL_ 90 Questionnaire.

Findings: Results of multivariate analysis of variance showed that the two groups in terms of their overall performance in SCL_ 90 Questionnaire have significant difference. Also, results of Tests of Between-Subjects Effects showed that between two groups, there is a significant difference in Interpersonal sensitivity, Hostility and Paranoid ideation; such thatindividualistic students hadhigher scoresonthethree subscales.

Conclusion: The results in this study confirmed the"person– environment fit".The Iranian culture that is recognized as one of collectivist cultures, Individualist studentshad more psychological problems; Whereas, collectivist Studentshad a better mental state.

Relationship between occupational stress and work ability among midwives in Mashhad, Iran

Occupational stress is one of the key factors in reducing staff productivity in organizations with physical and psychological impacts on employees. Nursing and midwifery are among the most stressful professions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between occupational stress and work ability of midwives in Mashhad, Iran in 2011. This cross-sectional study was carried on 123 midwives employed in the public hospitals and health centres in Mashhad, Iran using two-stage sampling method. Demographic and work-related data were obtained through a self-structured questionnaire. Occupational stress and work ability were measured using Occupational Stress Assessment Questionnaire [OSAQ] and Work Ability Index Questionnaire [WAIQ]. The statistical analysis was performed using student's t-test, One Way ANOVA, correlation coefficient, and linear regression model through SPSS statistical software [version 11.5]. The results showed that the mean score of occupational stress and work ability was 149 +/- 0.01 and 38.81 +/- 0.05, respectively. There was a negative correlation between job-related stress and work ability. Midwives with higher occupational stress experienced poorer work ability [P=0.021, r=-0.061]. Sever work stress is associated with reduced work ability. So it is recommended to eliminate or decrease occupational stress and increase work ability among Iranian midwives using preventive measures, although identification of sources of occupational stress seems necessary in order to adopt appropriate stress management strategies

[Relationship between job stress with menstrual bleeding pattern among midwives]

Job stress can interfere with endocrine function and result in dysfunctional menstrual bleeding patterns. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between job stress with menstrual bleeding pattern among midwives. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 150 midwives working in hospitals and health centers of Mashhad using two-stage sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, Karazek Job Content, a daily diary for menstrual periods to record duration and interval of periods, and the Higham Chart for recording the bleeding amount. The diary was completed for three menstrual periods. Collected data were analyzed using independent t-student, one way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-squared test, correlation test and linear regression in the SPSS-14. The findings showed that 21.3% of the midwives reported mild job stress, 19.3% had moderate stress and 59.3% reported severe job stress. Mean of the duration of the periods was 7.06 days, the mean interval of the periods was 27.9 days and the mean amount of bleeding was 79.72 cc. There was a significant relationship between job stress and the duration and interval of periods [P<0.001]. There was not any significant relationship between job stress with the amount of bleeding. Our study showed that job stress was related to menstrual bleeding patterns among midwives. It is necessary introduce strategies to decrease job stress and provide professional support for midwives

[Implicit cognitive processes and attention bias toward addictive behaviors: introduction, development and application of addiction stroop test]

Drug abuse as a universal problem has persuaded numerous theories and researches. Many study methods and tests have been developed to measure explicit and implicit aspects of addictive behaviors. The current article has been planned to review theories and researches which had tried to clarify the uncontrollable nature of addictive behaviors. Moreover, various viewpoints of development of automatic cognitive processes and their classification and evaluation methods have been discussed. The addiction stroop test has been extensively used to measure the implicit cognitions, particularly attention bias toward addictive stimuli. After explaining various aspects of classic stroop test, paper and computerized versions and the way of making them have been discussed, emphasized on computer technology utilization. Based on theoretical perspectives, existing literature and resources, some technical points which are required to be regarded, have been represented. The growing evidence supports the importance of implicit and automatic cognitive processes in make decisions to use substances. Consequently, assessment techniques for automatic cognitions processes such as attention bias toward addiction related stimuli. Focus on subtle features of the addiction stroop test will enhance its validity and reliability as a measure of addiction attention bias