Psychology of Motivation, Behavior, and Health

This study aimed to explain individuals’ experiences of motivational barriers to regular and quality sleep, identifying psychological, behavioral, and interpersonal dimensions of these barriers. A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 19 adults in Tehran who experienced difficulties with sleep regularity and quality. Analysis was carried out with NVivo software based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method until theoretical saturation was achieved. The analysis revealed three main themes: internal psychological conflicts, maladaptive lifestyle, and interpersonal and environmental factors. Subthemes included negative self-talk, anxiety, excessive technology use, environmental disturbances, and lack of social support, all of which weakened participants’ motivation for regular sleep. Findings indicate that motivational barriers to sleep are multidimensional. Effective interventions should not only provide information but also enhance intrinsic motivation, address emotional conflicts, and promote positive sleep-related cultural attitudes.

This study aimed to identify and explain the motivational dimensions of individuals with phobia facing exposure therapy using a qualitative approach. A qualitative study with thematic analysis was conducted. Participants included 24 individuals with phobia from Tehran who had experienced exposure therapy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis revealed three main themes: intrinsic motivations for treatment (e.g., regaining control of life, relieving psychological distress), external and social motivations (e.g., family pressure, modeling others), and factors strengthening motivation during therapy (e.g., positive therapeutic relationship, observing small progress). Findings indicated that patients’ motivation is multidimensional and dynamic, influenced by individual, social, and therapeutic factors. The results suggest that understanding and enhancing motivational dimensions can improve the effectiveness of exposure therapy. Therapists should attend to patients’ individual characteristics and cultural context and use person-centered approaches to support motivation.

This study aimed to identify and explore the psychological mechanisms influencing the sustainability of healthy eating behaviors among elderly individuals in Tehran. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 elderly participants in Tehran until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed thematically using Nvivo software. Findings were categorized into three main themes: internal motivations and drivers (e.g., sense of responsibility toward family, enjoyment of vitality, health literacy), psychological barriers (e.g., long-standing habits, depression, cultural pressures), and psychological strategies for sustainability (e.g., self-monitoring, mindfulness, seeking social support). Results highlighted the complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, and social factors affecting elderly dietary behavior. The study emphasizes that fostering sustainable healthy eating behaviors among the elderly requires attention to psychological and social dimensions, and that medical advice alone is insufficient.

This study aimed to identify internal barriers to adopting and maintaining sustainable behavioral changes in patients with cardiovascular disease. This qualitative study employed thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 cardiac patients in Tehran, selected via purposive sampling. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, and trustworthiness was ensured through Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria. The analysis revealed three major themes: limiting beliefs and attitudes, emotional and psychological barriers, and identity and self-perception issues. A total of 18 subthemes emerged, including feelings of helplessness, belief in the futility of change, chronic anxiety, guilt, and non-acceptance of the patient identity. These internal factors significantly contributed to patients’ resistance toward lifestyle changes. The findings suggest that sustainable behavioral change in cardiac patients is influenced not only by medical knowledge but also by deep-rooted psychological, emotional, and identity-related barriers. Psychosocial interventions targeting belief modification, emotional support, and identity reconstruction may enhance patients’ adherence to healthy behaviors.

This study aimed to explore and analyze the psychological strategies employed by mothers to maintain psychological calmness during challenging parenting experiences. This qualitative study utilized thematic analysis. Fifteen mothers from Tehran who had experience with challenging parenting situations (e.g., children with behavioral, emotional, or cognitive difficulties) participated in the study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method with the assistance of NVivo software. Theoretical saturation guided the sampling process. Thematic analysis revealed three main categories of strategies used by mothers to maintain calmness: (1) Internal strategies (acceptance, mindfulness, positive self-talk, meaning-making, emotional regulation); (2) Social support and interaction (emotional support, spousal empathy, peer parenting groups, professional counseling); and (3) Lifestyle restructuring (self-care, time management, home environment regulation, setting behavioral boundaries with children). The findings highlight that psychological calmness in the face of parenting challenges is a multidimensional and dynamic process requiring emotional, social, and structural support. These insights offer a basis for developing psychological interventions tailored to the real-life experiences of mothers.

This study aimed to explore women’s narratives of their lived experiences in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in high-stress environments. Using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 women residing in Tehran who were experiencing stressful life circumstances. Participants were selected purposively, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. Findings revealed three main themes: (1) Environmental and psychological challenges such as occupational stress, family tensions, financial anxiety, and emotional exhaustion; (2) Strategies for maintaining health including physical self-care, emotional regulation, spirituality, and social support; and (3) Motivational and sustaining resources such as the role of children, goal setting, and internal motivation. Women employed a mix of individual and social strategies to maintain health-promoting behaviors. The study highlights that maintaining a healthy lifestyle for women in high-stress contexts is a multidimensional process shaped by individual, social, and cultural factors. Effective health interventions should address women’s contextual challenges and resources with a supportive and grounded approach.

This study aimed to identify the psychological factors influencing the continuation of regular exercise among adults with busy schedules. Using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method, data were collected from 21 adult participants living in Tehran who consistently maintained regular exercise despite heavy occupational or family responsibilities. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Three main themes emerged: “intrinsic and value-based motivation,” “psychological strategies for time and stress management,” and “social and environmental support.” Subthemes such as personal meaning and purpose, a sense of progress, goal-oriented planning, mindfulness, family support, and use of digital tools played significant roles in exercise continuity. The continuation of regular exercise among busy adults is shaped by a dynamic interaction of intrinsic motivation, psychological self-regulation strategies, and supportive social environments. These insights can inform the development of practical interventions to promote exercise adherence in high-demand populations.

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients with chronic illnesses in sustaining treatment adherence under conditions of hopelessness and to identify key factors influencing their therapeutic persistence. This qualitative study adopted a phenomenological approach. Eighteen chronic patients residing in Tehran were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis revealed three main categories: (1) Lived experiences of hopelessness, including perceived therapeutic inefficacy, lack of social support, financial burdens, fear of the future, and distrust in the healthcare system; (2) Hidden motivators for treatment adherence, such as meaning-making, emotional support from close individuals, hope for change, family responsibility, and religious faith; and (3) Coping strategies like active illness acceptance, emotional regulation, lifestyle modification, and engagement in support groups. Patient narratives demonstrated the complex and dynamic nature of maintaining treatment amidst psychological adversity. The experiences of chronic patients in adhering to treatment despite hopelessness are shaped by intertwined psychological, social, and cultural factors. Recognizing these dimensions is essential for developing human-centered, integrative interventions aimed at enhancing resilience and treatment adherence.