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Showing 41 results for Being


Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract

Well-being includes phenomena such as mental health, life satisfaction, positive attitude and feeling happiness. The present study deals with the relationship between language and well-being and claims that well-being factors are expressed in the words of the language. For example, the happiness factor in a language is reflected by certain words such as happy, happiness and satisfied. The theoretical framework of the present study is ecolinguistics. The method is corpus based. The data is extracted from the research of Secretariat of Emotional Intelligence of Tehran Education in 2017. In this study, the well-being status of 1095 high school students, the first and second period, girls and boys, public and private of District One of Tehran have been evaluated. The students' responses to the question about well-being criteria are the base of the present study. The corpus consists of 1161 words with a frequency of 35,455. The content words associated with the five Well-being factors of engagement (occupation and entertainment), perseverance, optimism, connectedness and happiness were extracted in the framework of the semantic map of Jiaqi Wu et al. (2017), by using top-down method. They were analyzed using Excel and SPSS soft-wares. Some examples of the words that represent the well-being factor of happiness are: “relaxation, facilities, happy, healthy, fun, health, happiness, excellent, pleasant, relaxed, happy, satisfied, faith, satisfaction, enjoyed, happiness, joy, and fun”. The research findings show 6845 words of the corpus (about35.7%) are related to well-being, and there is a significant relationship between well-being factors and produced words



Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract

The present mixed-methods study aimed to provide the preliminary profile of Iranian EFL teachers’ Psychological Distress, Foreign Language Teaching Enjoyment, and wellbeing. In this vein, 243 Iranian EFL teachers aged between 20 to 51 were recruited from four provinces and were asked to reflect and respond the questionnaires. The results of the Pearson Correlation signaled a significant negative relatedness of Psychological Distress with the other two variables which were significantly and positively associated. Building upon the quantitative results, we further explored the coping strategies with which the teachers would alter and allay the negativity of Psychological Distress in their daily life and teaching experience. The qualitative results of the interview obtained from 40 teachers showed that they use self-related, and others-related strategies to cope with their distressful feelings. The findings of the present study would be useful for teachers and teacher educators by giving them an eagle eye towards teachers’ negative feelings and the ways by which they can handle unpleasant feelings and move toward wellbeing.
 

Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract

The intricate connection between teacher support, academic burnout, grit, and psychological wellbeing is a compelling area of research that has recently garnered second language (L2) education researchers' attention. This study aims to investigate such complex relationships with undergraduate English-major students in Iran. To this end, a sample of 318 undergraduate English-major students from various universities in Iran was selected through convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 for descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, while LISREL software was employed for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the measurement models. The findings revealed that teacher support showed a positive and significant correlation with students' L2 grit and L2 psychological wellbeing while demonstrating a negative and significant correlation with students' L2 academic burnout. Furthermore, the simple linear regression analysis indicated that teacher support significantly predicted a 13% increase in students' grit and psychological wellbeing and a 0.03% in academic burnout. This suggests that measures to reduce the academic burnout of students in higher education should be prioritized in second language education through positive teacher support and positive psychology. The study provides valuable insights and recommendations for English language teachers, students, and policymakers and outlines future research directions.


Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract


The positive role of reflective teaching and well-being as means of fostering teaching quality has mainly remained at the level of speculation and there is little empirical evidence to illustrate their impact on enhancing professional development. To fill this existing gap, this study examines the contribution of reflection and psychological well-being as predictors of professional development. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, 350 English language teachers were selected randomly and participated in a survey. Following that, six teachers through purposeful sampling participated in a focus group interview to investigate the relationship among the aforementioned variables. The correlational analysis confirmed the positive relationship among these three constructs and a structural equation modeling indicated that both reflection and well-being significantly predicted professional development; however, well-being was a stronger predictor compared to reflection. The qualitative analysis of data revealed four main themes contributing to professional development among teachers. The pedagogical implications are also elaborated and discussed.

Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract

Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development (T-CPD) is of utmost importance for language teachers. T-CPD is the stimulation for updating teachers’ subject knowledge and  their teaching skills. Therefore, the predictive power of Psychological Well-being, L2 Teacher Grit, Grit-s, and Perceived Organizational Support (POS) on T-CPD was investigated through the mediating role of Work Motivation. Those who have participated in this study were 189 L2 teachers, who were from Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. They took part in an online questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using Path Analysis. Before running path analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was run to estimate Cronbach’s Alpha. Based on the CFA, two items (one from L2 Teacher Grit and one from POS) that did not have good loadings were removed from the scales. Then, the authers used path analysis to check the causal relationship among the variables in the proposed model. The fitness indices showed good fitness. Moreover, the more domain-specific L2 Teacher Grit performed better than the Gris-s scale. These insights can inform strategies for enhancing T-CPD and improving the overall quality of education. In addition, the results put light on the design of teacher training programs and organizational policies that aim to improve teacher quality and student outcomes.
 



Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract

Teaching is a profession which is intermingled with emotional relationships. Teachers’ relationships with their classes have been shown to positively influence their performance. However, despite the novelty of the concept of teacher-class relationship (TCR) in the field of applied linguistics, examining the relationship between language teachers with the whole class has not received due attention. To shed more light on this novel concept and its antecedents, the present study aimed to investigate the role of psychological well-being, foreign language teaching enjoyment and work engagement in the TCR of language teachers. A sample of 428 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers participated in the study by completing four online questionnaires, namely the Teacher-Class Relationship Scale, the Psychological Well-being at Work (PWBW) Scale, the Foreign Language Teaching Scale (FLTES), and the Engaged Teacher Scale (ETS). The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that EFL teachers’ psychological well-being, foreign language teaching enjoyment and work engagement were strong predictors of their TCR. In addition, it was revealed that work engagement was the strongest predictor. The findings were discussed regarding the significance of developing EFL teachers’ TCR. This study suggests that EFL teachers with high level of well-being who enjoy their profession and have dedication to their job are more likely to build strong relationships with their classes. Finally, suggestions for future research were provided. 

 

Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract

Despite extensive research on factors influencing Critical Pedagogy (CP) from a positive psychology perspective, the interplay between Emotion Regulation (ER), Psychological Well-Being (PWB), and Cultural Identity (CI) remains underexplored among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. This study investigates the mediating role of CI in a novel model linking ER to PWB, with CP as the dependent variable. It addresses how these variables contribute to advocating for social justice in Eastern educational contexts. Using the quantitative design and Path Analysis (PA), 243 Iranian EFL teachers completed four electronic questionnaires: the CP scale (Roohani & Haghparast, 2020), the CI scale (Taheri, 2013), the PWB scale (Dagenais-Desmarais & Savoi, 2012), and the ER Sscale (Gross & John, 2003). Data analysis via AMOS 26 software revealed strong fit indices indicating robust model fit. Findings indicated that CI partially mediated the relationship between PWB and CP. Both direct (ER to CP) and indirect (PWB to CI to CP) effects were significant, contributing to a significant total effect of ER on CP. It is implied that integrating CI into teacher development programs can promote CP globally by enhancing educators' emotional resilience and commitment to social justice initiatives. This approach supports policymakers seeking inclusive learning environments that advocate for equity in diverse settings.
 


Volume 0, Issue 0 (2-2024)
Abstract

This study applies Martin Seligman’s PERMA model of well-being to Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood, offering a positive psychology perspective on the novel. According to Seligman, well-being comprises five dimensions: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Using a qualitative literary analysis, the research examines Toru Watanabe’s journey of love, grief, and self-discovery by identifying and interpreting textual elements aligned with the PERMA model, demonstrating how these elements interplay in his pursuit of well-being. By analyzing Toru's relationships and emotional experiences, the study examines the transformative role of positive emotions and meaningful engagement in navigating life’s adversities. The dynamic nature of accomplishment is also highlighted, showcasing Toru’s resilience and his ability to find fulfillment in the face of challenges. The findings reveal the nuanced integration of positive psychology principles within Murakami's narrative, emphasizing the interplay of emotional connection, purpose, and personal growth as pathways to flourishing. The study concludes that Norwegian Wood not only encapsulates the complexity of human flourishing but also underscores the resources and pathways available for cultivating a meaningful and resilient life. These insights contribute to the broader understanding of literature’s potential to illuminate the principles of positive psychology and human well-being.

Volume 2, Issue 1 (7-2021)
Abstract

In light of the rapid global urbanization, providing a better quality of life in cities is becoming an increasingly
critical issue for urban planning. However, the links between the built environment and subjective well-being are
not sufficiently understood. This paper reviews the evidence on the range of pathways linking the built environment to subjective well-being. Seven potential pathways are identified and reviewed: ( travel,  leisure,
 work,  social relationships, residential well-being,  emotional responses, and  health. Based on
this knowledge, the paper presents an overview of strategies for improving subjective well-being through urban
planning. Among others, proposed strategies are to: enhance conditions for active travel; improve public
transport while restricting cars; provide easy access to facilities and services; develop or steer technology and
emerging mobility options to improve inclusiveness and quality of life for different groups; integrate various
forms of urban nature as much as possible; provide accessible, inclusive public spaces and communal spaces;
maintain upkeep and order in urban space, vegetation, and transport systems; implement noise reduction strategies; develop aesthetically pleasing buildings and public spaces based on residents’ needs and preferences; and
reduce socio-spatial inequalities while providing support for housing and transport for vulnerable groups.
 

Volume 2, Issue 3 (11-2022)
Abstract

The monotheistic tradition, especially in Abrahamic religions, emphasizes the belief in an omnipotent, omniscient, purely benevolent, just and wise God. Such a view is threatened by various forms of evil-beliefs, and if logical and convincing answers cannot be given to it, it is a serious threat to the tradition of monotheism. In this article, it is shown that due to the presence of the infinite God's activity on one side of the equation of the problem of evil, the most logical solution is to use the total of possible answers in a combined and unified way, because the combination of the existing ways brings closer to the answer and is more convincing in this context. Therefore, while paying attention to the differences between the metaphysical, natural and moral evils from each other, combining answers such as the relativity of evil, evil as a necessity of human free will, seeing evil as a punishment for human sins, evil as the cause of human spiritual excellence, and seeing the world of the hereafter and the importance of the eternal perspective are needed as the final manifestation of the evil philosophy.
 

Volume 3, Issue 1 (7-2022)
Abstract

Statement Problem: To achieve sustainable development of urban areas, one of the key aspects is the possibility of monitoring the quality of life in all its dimensions, namely social, economic and environmental dimensions, which requires the implementation of tools that can identify the main dimensions of human satisfaction.             
Aim:
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the well-being and quality of life of people in the city of Tabriz based on the basic components with reference to the theory of "age" capabilities.
Methods: Descriptive analysis was performed using a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study was the population of Tabriz, whose sample size was 382 based on the Cochran's formula. For data analysis, structural equations were used by exploratory method and second-order factor analysis using Amos and Spss software.                                                                              
   Results: The results showed that the main determinants of mental well-being in the field of personal perceptions, economic conditions, security, environmental quality and educational opportunities. Welfare conditions in regions 7, 9 and 6 are very low, while in contrast, 2, 1 and 5 showed the highest levels of welfare among the regions of Tabriz. By focusing on area 7, it can be seen. This area shows the lowest values ​​for the three main dimensions of the four main dimensions of welfare, which seems to be significant.     
Conclusion: As a result, in order for the city residents to reach the desired level of welfare and quality of life, double attention should be paid.       


Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2015)
Abstract

Aim: Mental health is especially important in some occupations with harsh work conditions requiring strong personal and mental capacities. Healthcare related are jobs among such occupations. Therefore, psychological and subjective well-being is especially important in staff working in the healthcare sector. The aim of the present study is to assess whether gratitude training affects psychological and subjective well-being in hospital staffs.
Methods: This semi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test was performed in 2014 in 5 hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The total of 70 staff was randomly divided into two groups by convenience sampling method, using random block allocation. Afterwards, the participants in the experiment group had 10 group sessions of 90 minutes of gratitude training, while the control group did not receive any interventions. All participants completed Ryff‟s Scale of Psychological Well Being, Subjective Happiness Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Gratitude Questionnaire. The data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance (Covariance) and SPSS software (version 18).
Findings: According to research results, there was no significant difference between the mean scores of psychological well-being, domains of psychological well-being, subjective well-being, and gratitude between the two groups at baseline. Gratitude training significantly affected all domains of psychological well-being (except for autonomy) and subjective well-being.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that gratitude training would be effective in enhancing psychological well-being and subjective well-being. These findings were discussed in the context of developing effective gratitude training for enhancing the psychological and subjective well-being.

Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract

Theologians believe that the creatures exist based on the activity of the oneness god. But before that, we can ask “Why are creatures possible?”. Brian Leftow has criticized the traditional responses that maintain possible objects are possible due to knowledge of god. God knows the apple, so the apple is possible. It is not a satisfactory response for Leftow, because the essence of God does not need this possibility. Whether the apple is possible or not, God is the God. Also, it seems that the possibility of any creature is necessary. Leftow maintains that this necessity is not written in the essence of God but instead depends on God’s thinking and voluntary creation in his mind. God is the author not just of created reality, but of its vocabulary. This paper explains Leftow’s theory and then criticizes its idea depending on the perfect being theology that Leftow has accepted. 
 

Volume 4, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract

Paying little attention to the identity of Iranian architecture is one of the problems of contemporary architecture of Iran which has caused the absence of a precise definition of Identifying criteria in contemporary architecture of Iran; so that diversity of selected views is one of the main features of this architecture. Perhaps it can be said that many Iranian architects design without codified principles and even without theoretical knowledge and precise understanding of mental concepts in different styles. However, the lack of attention to values of Iranian traditional architecture is followed by eclecticism crisis in contemporary architecture. The questions raised in this context is whether a new definition of architecture can be given by examining the thoughts and opinions of Iranian philosophers like Mulla Sadra gave a new definition of architecture and whether according to their theories outlined principles Can be codified for contemporary architecture? The general approach in this research which intends to paraphrase the ideas of Mulla Sadra in contemporary architecture is Interpretative - historical and descriptive. The research data are derived mainly through observation and documentary studies. The results indicate that by using Mulla Sadra's definitions of being (al-wujud) and essence (mahiyyat) we can have a new defined view at architecture. As Sadra considers all phenomena in two dimensions, architecture also has both being and essence aspects. The essence of architecture responds to material needs and its being is a truth which architecture maintains and brings it to presence. Indeed, the Physics of architecture is the essence of architecture (mahiyyat) and the valuable concepts underlying the architectural Physics are the being of architecture (al-wujud). Considering Mulla Sadra's primary of being (asalat al-wujud) we can conclude that there is also primary of being in architecture. Of course this does not mean that the architect who cares about the being of architecture pays no attention to the essence of architecture. It means that the architect who cares about the being of architecture tries to discover and understand the being of traditional architecture and to present it in a new body which is appropriate for today's architecture. Therefore by regarding the Principles of Mulla Sadra's thought and practice used to achieve the roots of his philosophy, principles can be formulated for architectural design. The principles are formed in order to achieve the lofty goal of traditional Iranian architecture and they attend guide and direct the audience attention toward the pure being (God). Using concepts as inspiration and metaphor and manifestation of the light can be useful to achieve this goal. These concepts are the essential to make the basis clear for contemporary architecture and shows that we can achieve our goals for contemporary architecture of Iran in the same way that Mulla Sadra was able to resurrect the underlying concepts of traditional philosophy. From the perspective of al- wujud ontology, the first target of architecture is to show the truth of being essences; to show the being within the essences without them there is no sense of architecture. If we consider the context of architecture as an activity consisting of a combination of emotion and symbolic meanings, according to Mulla Sadra's method, architecture must accommodate itself to life as a significant whole. In this case the main task for architects will be to shape living spaces and to create necessary content for human presence (al-hozur) and to provide features for human identification. So there is no doubt that one of the main goals for architecture is to create the perfect place and to promote the human presence (al-hozur). Architecture is the genuine sense of human presence (al-hozur), and it may be understood by the human presence (al-hozur). Creation of art is a kind of creation that its nature is extracted from god. According to Mulla Sadra's principles, man unites with his artwork and then the truth would emerge. Architecture is a part of the whole art that tends to reveal the being (al-wojud). From the perspective of being and essence (al-mahiyyat) architecture itself is consisted from two sides; one side is being and the other is essence. And the perception of its essence is possible because of its being: but the being of architecture obtains its existence from the creator and so architecture is always in compliance with its creator's rank of being (mrateb al-wojud). In this theory the origin of architecture is the being of architecture (al-wojud) and the essence of architecture (al-mahiyyat) is manifested through its being. If the architect is higher in the rank of being his designs will also be higher and more spiritual. Therefore as mentioned, there is no doubt that one of the main goals for architecture is to create the perfect place and to promote the human presence (al-hozur). To improve the rank of human being by the effect of space is among the most sublime objectives of architecture. According to al-wojud Philosophy and Mulla Sadra, when an architect designs the different parts and details of a building it is necessary to emphasize the overall structure of notion and so the overall structure of space and of the geometry which is known as the architecture generator. The two mentioned elements are such abstractions in architecture and to emphasize them is to help us accept the concepts and principles of the being (al-wojud) for the prospective architecture considering the variables that influence it. This structure is basically a coded architecture. Since al-hikmat al-mota'alie is based on alhikmat al-eshragh and in alhikmat al-eshragh god or al-wajeb al-wojud is equal to the absolute light, therefore the light manifested in architecture, is an allegory of al-wajeb al-wojud or god. The sublime architecture upgrades man to the level of meaning and wisdom and leads him toward the perception of al-wajeb al-wojud. Architecture answers to this character of perception by metaphor. According to Sadra's point of view Subscription between the human spirit and architecture is required so that the presence of pure meaning in human perception is based on the human presence (al-hozur) itself.

Volume 4, Issue 3 (8-2016)
Abstract

Aim: Spiritual well-being is one of the most important aspects of health that provides the integration and coordination of all aspects. However, due to the increasing number of the elderly, it is important to pay more attention to their health. This study was conducted to determine the spiritual well-being of the elderly residents of Zahedan in 2016.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 117 elderly people residing in Zahedan. They were selected through population-based cluster random sampling to participate in the study. In order to measure spiritual well-being and evaluate its relationship with demographic variables we made use of Paloutzian and Ellison’s spiritual well-being questionnaire. Moreover, we used descriptive statistics for determining frequency, mean, and standard deviation, as well as t- test, and ANOVA in order to analyze the data.
Findings: The results showed that spiritual health of the majority of the participants was from moderate to high level, and the mean score of their spiritual well-being was (88.98±7.35). The results indicated that the participants’ spiritual health is not related to any of the demographic variables.
Conclusion: The protection coming from religious or spiritual resources and having a relationship with a higher power can be useful for improving the quality of life and health promotion. Since the elderly people are considered as a vulnerable group in the society, the need for educational planning and counseling services in this field is crucial.

Volume 4, Issue 3 (10-2024)
Abstract

Relying on the psychological theories of Ibn Sina and Mulla Sadra, this argument examines the movement of the human soul in two stages: “when the soul is connected to the natural body” and “after its separation from the natural body”. By demonstrating the possibility of movement in the immaterial soul, it is also possible to prove and explain the movement of other non-material beings. When the soul is connected to the natural body, the unified human soul can move and change independently of the power and matter within the body. This independence suggests that other non-material beings can also undergo movement without reliance on matter. However, after the soul is separated from the material body, Ibn Sina considers the possibility of the soul’s evolutionary movement but lacks sufficient grounds to prove it. In contrast, Mulla Sadra explicitly denies the evolution of the soul in the intermediate state but provides psychological foundations that support the possibility of the soul's evolution. These same principles can also demonstrate and explain the movement of other immaterial beings.
 

Volume 5, Issue 3 (5-2025)
Abstract

This research examines one of the fundamental issues of human ontology: understanding the cultural acts that shape the structure of life. This is achieved by analyzing Jaspers' views, particularly the concept of the "Axial Age" of culture, utilizing a conceptual analysis method of the interpretive type. Jaspers believes that philosophy is an individual endeavor to attain truth, offering humans the opportunity to both "become human" and live according to the principle of "being on the way." This philosophical approach is considered an essential tool for humanity's construction and reconstruction of cultural reality, and a means for interpreting, understanding, and perceiving the world around them. Jaspers' views on the nature of humanity and the process of "being on the way" are of particular importance. A human being focused on self-discovery and self-development authentically participates in reality, and through their continuous self-creation, they imbue their surroundings with a cultural identity and enhance its value.
 

Volume 5, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract

Comparing thinkers' opinions makes us reach the same comprehension of their insights. In this research, opinions of Mawlawī, eastern mystic and poet (1207-73) and Soren Kierkegaard (1813-55), the father of existentialism, about different levels of becoming better people comparatively have been compared.
Mawlawī and Soren Kierkegaard are two thinkers in the history of human being who due to their similar views towards the universe, have had common prominent ways of thinking. This unanimity especially about human and levels of becoming a better person, needs to be reflected upon. They, as religious thinkers in two different parts of the world and at different times, believe that one is responsible for his fate.
They both believe that there are different steps in reaching perfection.
Mawlawī mentions that in order to become a perfect human being, which is the best level of humanities, one must pass two levels: an imperfect human being and a mujāhid.
Kierkegaard puts forward his opinion in three stages: aesthetical, ethical, and religious. The stages have a lot in common which are explained in the article.

Volume 7, Issue 4 (4-2019)
Abstract

Aims: Test anxiety is a significant and scary distressing feeling that appears before, during, or even after the exam. The current study aimed to predict test anxiety in high school female students based on their spiritual well-being and mindfulness.
Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study, the statistical population included all 4th grade of girl high school students in Tehran (140,000 students). The sample concluded 312 female students of 4th grade high schools in Tehran selected by multistage cluster sampling. The test anxiety scale developed (2004), Langer's Mindfulness scale (2004), and Well-Being scale (Paloutzian and Ellison; 1982) were completed by participants. Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation test, Enter multiple and stepwise regression.
Findings: Pearson correlation showed a significant and negative relationship between test anxiety and spiritual well-being variables (r=-0.28; p=0.05) and also the negative relationship with mindfulness (r=-0.44; p=0.05). Regarding the results, students' test anxiety was predictable based on their spiritual well-being and mindfulness and both variables can predict 9% of the variances of changes in the test anxiety (R2=0.09).
Conclusion: According to the results, the higher level of spiritual well-being and mindfulness, the lower level of test anxiety will be observed in students. So, it is expected that by focusing on specific techniques of mindfulness and performing activities that have a positive impact on students' spiritual well-being can reduce the level of student anxiety and, consequently, improve their academic performance.
 


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