Kamdin Parsakia

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of community integration and social participation among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth data from 27 adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from various community centers, support groups, and social service organizations. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews, identifying key themes and subthemes that captured the essence of the participants' experiences and perceptions. The study identified four main themes: experiences of community integration, types of social activities, perceived benefits and challenges, and influencing factors. Participants reported a strong sense of belonging and personal growth through community activities, despite facing barriers such as stigma, accessibility issues, and financial constraints. Support systems, including family, professionals, and peer networks, played a crucial role in facilitating participation. Recreational, cultural, and educational activities, as well as volunteering, provided significant physical, emotional, and social benefits. Technological advancements, inclusive policies, and personal resilience were identified as critical factors influencing community integration. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing accessibility, support systems, and inclusive policies to promote community integration and social participation for adults with intellectual disabilities. Addressing the identified barriers and leveraging facilitators can improve their quality of life and well-being. Future research should employ mixed-methods approaches, include longitudinal studies, and consider the perspectives of family members, caregivers, and professionals to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing community participation.

This study aimed to explore the emotional and cognitive effects of long-term antipsychotic medication use. By understanding these impacts, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive view of the lived experiences of individuals who have been on antipsychotic medications for extended periods, highlighting both the benefits and the potential challenges. A qualitative research design was employed using a phenomenological approach to capture in-depth personal experiences. A purposive sampling method recruited 26 participants who had been on antipsychotic medications for at least five years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns in the participants' experiences. The study achieved theoretical saturation, ensuring that no new themes emerged from the data. The analysis revealed four main themes: emotional impact, cognitive effects, daily functioning, and social interaction. Participants reported significant emotional blunting, including reduced pleasure and emotional responsiveness, alongside cognitive impairments such as memory deficits and diminished attention span. Challenges in daily functioning, such as difficulties in managing routine activities and occupational tasks, were prominent. Social interactions were also affected, with participants experiencing reduced social engagement, dependency on support networks, and stigma related to medication use. These findings are consistent with previous studies, underscoring the profound impact of long-term antipsychotic use on various aspects of life. Long-term use of antipsychotic medications, while essential for managing severe psychiatric conditions, is associated with significant emotional and cognitive side effects that impact patients' quality of life. Healthcare providers should be aware of these effects and engage in regular assessments and open communication with patients to address and mitigate these challenges. Personalized treatment approaches, psychoeducation, and support groups can enhance patients' well-being and treatment adherence.

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills on neurobehavioral functioning in adolescents with autism. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 282 adolescents aged 12-18 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) for neurobehavioral functioning, the Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS), and the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R). Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression were conducted using SPSS version 27 to examine the relationships and predictive power of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills on neurobehavioral functioning. Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores of 78.54 (SD = 10.37) for neurobehavioral functioning, 84.29 (SD = 12.51) for emotional maturity, and 81.75 (SD = 11.68) for problem-solving skills. Pearson correlation showed significant positive correlations between neurobehavioral functioning and emotional maturity (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), and problem-solving skills (r = 0.38, p = 0.005). Regression analysis indicated that emotional maturity (B = 0.32, p = 0.001) and problem-solving skills (B = 0.29, p = 0.005) significantly predicted neurobehavioral functioning, explaining 27% of the variance (R² = 0.27). The study demonstrates that higher levels of emotional maturity and problem-solving skills are associated with better neurobehavioral functioning in adolescents with autism. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating emotional and cognitive skill development in interventions to enhance neurobehavioral outcomes for this population. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to explore these relationships over time and include diverse populations for broader applicability.