Journal of Rehabilitation Counseling

Original Article

Evaluating the role of Rehabilitation Counseling in Promoting Mental Health of Older Adults after Disasters: A Scoping Review

Seyed Hossein Mousavi; zohreh parsania

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, Pages 165-174

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.143898.1012

Abstract

Background and Objective: Disasters can have significant psychological consequences for older adults, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to ... Read More Background and Objective: Disasters can have significant psychological consequences for older adults, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to their specific physical, psychological, and social conditions, older adults are more vulnerable to these effects compared to other age groups. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of counseling and psychosocial interventions, particularly rehabilitation counseling, in reducing psychological symptoms among older adults following disasters.Methods: This study is a scoping review of international research on psychosocial interventions for older adults in post-disaster contexts. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases, including Scopus and Web of Science, as well as targeted searches in Google Scholar, using an initial search strategy covering the years 2000 to 2025. Data were extracted from studies addressing various intervention approaches such as supportive counseling, psychotherapy, social support, and innovative methods like horticultural therapy and culturally adapted traditional interventions.Findings: Findings indicated that most interventions—especially rehabilitation counseling and social support—were effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, several innovative approaches demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing the quality of life of older adults.Conclusion: Counseling and psychosocial interventions play a crucial role in promoting the mental health of older adults after disasters. However, further clinical trials with long-term follow-ups are needed to assess the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of these interventions. Given the heightened vulnerability of older adults, disaster preparedness and response policies should prioritize this population, and the development of standardized rehabilitation counseling protocols for older adults is essential to mitigate the psychological impacts of disasters.

Original Article

Adolescent Students' Perception of Economic Uncertainty and Tendency to Suicidal Thoughts

Mehdi Shafie; Donya Neisi; Mohammad Hassan Asayesh

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, Pages 175-190

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.143912.1009

Abstract

Background and Objective: Economic crises and the accompanying uncertainty are recognized as major contributing factors to psychological distress. This study aimed to qualitatively ... Read More Background and Objective: Economic crises and the accompanying uncertainty are recognized as major contributing factors to psychological distress. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the perceptions of adolescent students in Ahvaz regarding economic uncertainty and its association with suicidal ideation.Method: This qualitative study was conducted in 2024 using a phenomenological approach. The study population included all adolescents living in Ahvaz. A purposive convenience sample of 14 adolescents aged 13–16 years, who had experienced suicidal ideation or suicide attempts and whose families faced unemployment and financial difficulties, was selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method.Findings: Analysis of the interviews revealed eight core themes reflecting adolescents’ multidimensional understanding of economic uncertainty and its psychological consequences: (1) tendency toward self-harming thoughts, (2) suicidal ideation, (3) hopelessness about improving the family’s economic conditions, (4) feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, and decreased self-esteem, (5) perceived economic inadequacy and inability to support the family financially, (6) parental conflicts and tensions arising from financial stress, (7) lack of emotional support from parents during economic hardship, and (8) the influence of school and social culture in reinforcing social rejection and economic marginalization. Overall, the findings indicate that economic uncertainty imposes not only material strain but also significantly contributes to emotional distress and suicidal thoughts among adolescents.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that adolescents’ perceptions of family economic uncertainty are associated with increased self-harming thoughts and suicidal tendencies. These findings underscore the urgent need for preventive interventions at the family, school, and community levels—such as strengthening psychosocial support, enhancing economic literacy, and reducing financial stress within families—to promote mental health and resilience among adolescents.

Original Article

The Effect of a Self-Care-Based Empowerment Program on Resilience of Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Saghar Erfani; Beheshteh Tabarsy; Mohammad Javadinejad

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, Pages 191-199

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.144878.1027

Abstract

Background and Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent diseases among the elderly and is associated with reduced functioning and quality ... Read More

Original Article

The Mediating role of Psychological Resilience in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Behaviors in High School Students

Jamal Soureh; Fatemeh GolamHoseinzadeh; Nabi Abdipour

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, Pages 200-212

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.144949.1029

Abstract

Background and Objective: Child maltreatment is a widespread public health problem with adverse short-term and long-term physical and mental health consequences for children. The aim ... Read More

Original Article

The Effectiveness of Group Physiotherapy Compared to Individual Physiotherapy on Anxiety and General Health in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Fatemeh Khashaman; Soroush Hasnaki Pour; javad kazemi; Mojtaba Abbasi Asl; AliReza Karimpour Vazifeh Khorani; Saeed Valavi

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, Pages 213-224

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.143970.1013

Abstract

Background and Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to physical, motor, and psychological complications, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Anxiety is particularly ... Read More Background and Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to physical, motor, and psychological complications, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Anxiety is particularly common, highlighting the need for rehabilitation that addresses both physical and psychological aspects. Group physiotherapy can foster social interaction and mutual support, potentially reducing anxiety and improving emotional well-being. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group versus individual physiotherapy. The focus was on their impact on anxiety reduction and general health improvement in patients with SCI.Methods: The study population included all patients with spinal cord injury covered by the Kahrizak Charity Nursing Home in Tehran in 2022. Using simple random sampling, 40 eligible participants were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The intervention consisted of 12 physiotherapy sessions conducted over four weeks, with three sessions per week. The experimental group received group physiotherapy, while the control group received individual physiotherapy. To prevent contamination between groups, intervention sessions were scheduled at different times. Data were collected using the Zung Anxiety Questionnaire (Zung, 1971) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ; Goldberg,1972). Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).Results: Comparison of post-intervention mean scores indicated that group physiotherapy led to a significant reduction in anxiety among patients with SCI (P < 0.01), whereas anxiety levels increased in the individual physiotherapy group. Conversely, individual physiotherapy was more effective than group physiotherapy in improving the general health of patients with spinal cord injury.Conclusion: The findings suggest that group physiotherapy is an effective intervention for reducing anxiety in patients with spinal cord injury, while individual physiotherapy plays a more prominent role in enhancing general health. Therefore, it is recommended that rehabilitation programs for individuals with SCI integrate both group and individual physiotherapy approaches to achieve optimal physical and psychological outcomes.

Original Article

Examining the Challenges of Counselors in the Academic Guidance of Students with Physical and Motor Disabilities

Fahimeh Fadakar Davarani; Hossein Kazeminezhad

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2025, Pages 225-241

https://doi.org/10.22034/jrc.2025.144728.1024

Abstract

Background and Objective: Despite its critical importance, the academic guidance of students with physical and motor disabilities has consistently been accompanied by numerous challenges ... Read More Background and Objective: Despite its critical importance, the academic guidance of students with physical and motor disabilities has consistently been accompanied by numerous challenges for counselors. This study seeks to examine these challenges in depth. The primary objective of the study was to identify and clarify the challenges faced by counselors in providing academic guidance to students with physical and motor disabilities.Method: This study is fundamental in purpose and qualitative in nature, employing a content analysis approach. The temporal scope of the research covered the years 1402–1403, and the spatial scope included the cities of Tehran, Karaj, Hashtgerd, Qazvin, Urmia, and Golestan. The study population consisted of counselors with professional experience in the educational guidance of students with physical and motor disabilities. Participants were selected through non-random purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured exploratory interviews and analyzed through qualitative content analysis.Findings: Analysis of the interview data resulted in the extraction of 32 sub-themes, which were organized into 9 main themes. The principal themes included: ineffectiveness of aptitude and ability assessments; limitations in choosing academic majors and career paths; unrealistic parental attitudes; attitudinal and emotional inconsistency among students; insufficient knowledge and skills of counselors; lack of physical facilities and adaptive equipment; inadequate capacity and supportive infrastructure in the major selection process; insufficient institutional cooperation and coordination; and the presence of structural inequality and educational discrimination.Conclusion: The findings indicate that addressing the challenges faced by counselors in the academic guidance of students with physical and motor disabilities requires comprehensive corrective actions at systemic, environmental, and educational levels.

Journal of Rehabilitation Counseling

Articles in Press

Current Issue

Volume 2 (2026)

Volume 1 (2025)

Volume & Issue: Volume 1, Issue 3, November 2025, Pages 165-225

Evaluating the role of Rehabilitation Counseling in Promoting Mental Health of Older Adults after Disasters: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Adolescent Students' Perception of Economic Uncertainty and Tendency to Suicidal Thoughts

Abstract

The Effect of a Self-Care-Based Empowerment Program on Resilience of Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

The Mediating role of Psychological Resilience in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Behaviors in High School Students

Abstract

The Effectiveness of Group Physiotherapy Compared to Individual Physiotherapy on Anxiety and General Health in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Examining the Challenges of Counselors in the Academic Guidance of Students with Physical and Motor Disabilities

Abstract