Investigating the Effect of Work Interruptions on Well-Being with the Mediating Role of Rumination in Medical Industry Treatment Staff
Pages 1-19
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2030174.1009
Mohssen Akhavan Mahdavi, Reyhaneh Rahimzadeh
Abstract Introduction: As a result of the widespread penetration of new technologies, especially the Internet and mobile phones, into the lives of employees, work interruptions have become a major challenge in organizations. Email, text messages, and phone calls, etc., are some of the most common sources of work interruptions that distract employees from their usual work tasks. Based on evidence, work interruptions have many negative consequences for organizations. Although work interruptions occur in all organizations, they are more critical in the medical industry. Given the prevalence of work interruptions among employees of organizations in Iran, the present study attempts to investigate the effect of work interruptions on well-being with the mediating role of rumination among medical industry employees.
Method: The is an applied research based on its purpose and a survey based on its data collection method. The statistical population of this study included all the medical staff of Shahid Chamran Hospital, Tehran (Shahid Fakhrizadeh Dental Specialized Center), totaling 305 people, of whom 260 were selected using a simple random sampling method. To measure well-being, rumination, and work interruptions, the following instruments were used respectively: Carol Ryff's Well-being Questionnaire (1989), Nolen-Hoeksema and Morrow's Rumination Questionnaire (1991), and Yu and Li's Work Interruptions Questionnaire (2007). These questionnaires have been validated in previous research and have been used in the Iranian context. A structural equation modeling approach in Amos software was used to analyze the data.
Findings: The results of the study show that the work interruptions variable has a significant effect on well-being with a coefficient of 0.51, but does not have a significant effect on rumination with a coefficient of -0.04. The rumination variable had a significant effect on well-being with an effect coefficient of -0.19. Furthermore, rumination does not mediate the relationship between work interruption and the well-being of the medical staff of Shahid Chamran Hospital, Tehran (Shahid Fakhrizadeh Dental Specialized Center). The square of the multiple correlation coefficient shows that the work interruption and rumination variables explain 31% of the variance in the dependent variable of well-being.
Conclusion: Based on the research findings, the conclusion of this study is that work interruption promote well-being by activating positive emotions, given the nature of the medical staff's job. Medical staff are accustomed to numerous and frequent interruptions in their work environment; therefore, these do not cause excessive stress or rumination. This factor explains the lack of a mediating role of rumination in the relationship between work interruptions and the well-being of medical staff.
Interpretive Structural Modeling Analysis of Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Public Participation in the Stock Market
Pages 20-46
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2024574.1007
Seyed Samad Beheshty, Ali Akbar Farzin far, Marzieh Barkhordari Naghani
Abstract Introduction: Achieving a high level of development is a desirable and essential goal for Iran. This important objective is not possible except through capital accumulation and the existence of a strong capital market. The stock exchange, as the most important segment of the capital market, alongside the money market, is a sub-branch of Iran's financial market and symbolizes the productive sector of the country's economy, which essentially aims to mobilize monetary resources for productive activities. Although this market has grown significantly over the past decade in terms of volume and value of transactions and the number of active companies, an examination of the data and information related to this market shows that it is not in its true position and, compared to the markets of other countries, does not play a significant role in the economic development of the country. Therefore, this research seeks to answer the question: What factors affect public participation in the stock market?
Method: This research was written using a qualitative methodology and the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique. The study field (or target population) for this research consists of experts who are knowledgeable about Iran's social and and economic issues and are themselves active participants in the stock market. The sampling method was purposive (or purposeful) and employed the snowball technique. The sample population of this research comprised 21 experts. The data collection instruments included note-taking/documentation from relevant documents and literature, as well as interviews with the research sample.
Findings: The findings of this research indicate that macro and structural factors determine public participation in the stock market. According to the ISM model cultural capital, social capital, economic factors, macro-political factors, values, and social conformity were placed in the independent region (meaning they have high influence and low dependence). The component of reference groups was observed in the autonomous region. Dependent Region: Components of personality traits and trust are observed in the dependent region (meaning they have low influence and high dependence). Boundary/Other: Three components—economic culture, media, and attitude—are located at the border between the connected and independent regions. The variable of awareness is placed on the border between the connected and dependent regions.
Conclusion: The result is that by implementing more precise policymaking, changing current economic policies, activating the stock market based on the factors identified in this research, and ensuring non-interference by the government in this market, it is possible to elevate the status of the stock market within Iran's financial sector and move toward sustained economic development.
The Necessity of Sociological Confrontation with Industry and Technology in Iran: Suggestions for the Future
Pages 47-65
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2026.2077675.1043
Abolfazl Morshedi
Abstract Introduction: Although technology and industry are considered the foundation of modern society and have played a key role in building Iranian modernity, Iranian sociologists have not paid much attention to them and have given them little consideration. As a result, the sociological issues of technology and industry, which have had a significant impact on developments in Iranian society, have become a marginal issue in Iranian sociology. The continuation of this situation will cause significant challenges in understanding developments in Iranian society and explaining them from a sociological perspective. On this basis, the present study seeks to examine the reasons for the marginalization of this field and the necessity for sociologists to enter more seriously into the discussions of industry and technology, while also listing the importance of sociology's attention to technology and industry in Iran and reviewing some sociological studies in this area.
Method: This analytical-theoretical research was conducted using the documentary method, given the nature of the subject. In documentary research, the researcher collects his data about actors, events, and social phenomena from sources and documents, and while categorizing and analyzing them and utilizing theoretical insights, presents his analysis.
Findings: According to the results, the main reasons for the neglect of the sociology of industry and technology in Iran can be traced to the following: 1) The lack of lived experience of sociologists in the field of technology and industry and the lack of effective and meaningful connection between the humanities and social sciences and technical-engineering disciplines. 2) Placing the category of industry and technology under the general category of the capitalist system in sociological analyses. 3) Reducing industrial and technological development to technical and infrastructural dimensions and leaving the study of these dimensions to economists, and reducing the sociology of industry to the sociology of "work and occupation" or the sociology of "organization". 4) The dominance of the paradigm of "pathology" and "social effects" in Iranian sociology.
Conclusion: Given the pervasive importance of technology and industry in Iranian society and its tremendous effects on changes and developments in society, it is necessary for sociologists to pay attention to industry and technology at three levels, micro, medium, and macro, some of the most important of which can be stated as follows: 1) At the micro level, "human resource productivity" within industrial units. 2) At the intermediate level, the "network of relationships" between industrial units, such as the study of "industrial zones", "industrial clusters", "industrial associations" and "technological ecosystems" and how economic and industrial components are intertwined with the cultural, social and historical components of each region. 3) At the macro level, the social responsibility of industry.
Sociological Analysis of the Relationship between Socio-Economic Status and Environmental Behavior of Shiraz Metropolis Residents
Pages 66-84
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2068456.1037
Asghar Mirfardi, Dorna Salamatian
Abstract Introduction: Today, metropolises face numerous challenges in physical, environmental, social, and cultural dimensions. Rapid urbanization and population growth have brought detrimental consequences for these cities. Shiraz, one of the largest metropolises in Iran, has recently been confronted with various environmental problems to which humans have remarkably contributed. These problems are mainly rooted in the materialistic, domineering, and expansionist behavior of contemporary humans. Since a substantial part of citizens’ beliefs and behaviors is related to their social status, socioeconomic status seems to be a crucial factor influencing environmental behavior. This study aims to investigate the environmental behavior and its relationship with their socioeconomic status.
Method: This research has been administered using the survey technique. The population included residents of Shiraz aged 18 years and older that 400 people were chosen as the sample by means of a stratified proportional sampling method. Environmental behavior was measured using the scale developed by Mirfardi et al. (2017), and socioeconomic status was assessed employing the scale developed by Radman (2017). The validity of the research instruments was assessed through face validity and the reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha, that its values for the environmental behavior was 0.85, and for the socioeconomic status 0.72.
Findings: The results showed that the mean socio-economic status was 13.3, and the mean environmental behavior was 37.3. Socioeconomic status and age showed positive and significant relationships with environmental behavior among Shiraz residents. A significant difference existed between men’s and women’s environmental behavior scores, with women being more responsible than men. Significant differences were also found in environmental behavior based on respondent’s educational level, parental education, and marital status. Individuals with doctoral degrees, those whose parents held doctoral degrees, and married individuals demonstrated more responsible environmental behavior than other groups. Regression analysis showed that the independent variables are able to explain 0.14 of the variance in the dependent variable.
Conclusion: Examining the role of socioeconomic status in environmental behavior requires attention to intra-status differences and types of environmental behavior. In this study, middle and upper classes reported more responsible environmental behavior. Given that socio-economic deprivation impacts on prioritize and behavior of individuals toward the environment, performing policies for poverty reduction and providing effective environmental education to change attitudes and the environmental behaviors seem necessary. Furthermore, utilizing both formal and informal education can play a significant role in strengthening attitudes and promoting responsible environmental behavior, in particular among youth and adolescents.
Investigating Factors Influencing Waste Reduction Using the Theory of Planned Behavior
Pages 85-102
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2057373.1028
Rasta Sadeghnia, Ehsan Kohansal Khoob
Abstract Introduction: In Iran, rapid urbanization, economic development, and changing consumption patterns have resulted in increased waste generation. Current estimates indicate that average solid waste generation is approximately 0.63 kg per capita per day, highlighting the urgent need for effective waste management strategies to address this growing problem. The first stage of the integrated waste management hierarchy is source reduction, which, based on available studies, has received less attention compared to practices such as reuse and recycling. Accordingly, the current study aims to investigate the factors influencing waste reduction using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Method: This research was conducted within a quantitative methodology framework, employing a survey approach. The study population consisted of all individuals aged 15 years and above in Abadan City, from which 395 participants were selected using multi-stage random sampling. The instruments used for measuring the variables were a researcher-developed questionnaire and a standardized instrument. To assess the validity of the waste reduction questionnaire, face and content validity were used, while reliability was evaluated using the test-retest method. The agreement coefficient between the initial test and retest was 0.91, indicating acceptable reliability for the questionnaire. Additionally, the construct validity of the environmental attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control questionnaires was examined through confirmatory factor analysis, and their reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.
Findings: The results revealed no significant relationship between environmental attitudes and waste reduction. However, both dimensions of subjective norms (descriptive and injunctive norms) demonstrated positive and significant relationships with waste reduction. The correlation coefficient between descriptive norms and waste reduction was higher than the correlation coefficient between injunctive norms and waste reduction. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between perceived behavioral control and waste reduction. A positive and significant relationship was found between internal control and waste reduction, whereas a negative and significant relationship was found between external control and waste reduction. The average waste reduction differed significantly between single and married individuals and across different educational groups. The results from multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the study variables can account for 20% of the variance in waste reduction, with injunctive subjective norms and external perceived behavioral control exerting the greatest influence.
Conclusion: The findings of this research underscores the importance of subjective norms and perceived behavioral control in explaining waste reduction behavior. The special emphasis on the pronounces role of descriptive norms and the negative impact of external control offer valuable insights for designing effective interventions in waste management.
Coping Strategies for the Development Challenges of Knowledge-Based Companies and Technology Units in Khuzestan Province
Pages 103-120
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2072819.1038
Mehran Bondori, Alihossein Hosseinzadeh, Karim Rezadoost
Abstract Introduction: Knowledge and innovation are regarded as the most fundamental drivers of progress in industrial and economic domains. Knowledge-based companies have been established to realize this objective by operationalizing theoretical and academic learning within industry. Over recent decades, the emergence of knowledge-based companies as a core pillar of the knowledge-based economy has gained prominence in enhancing production, creating added value, and improving social welfare. Nevertheless, these companies face numerous challenges along their development trajectory, challenges that are particularly pronounced in Khuzestan Province. Accordingly, this study aims to examine strategies for overcoming the development challenges of knowledge-based companies in Khuzestan Province.
Method: This study adopted a qualitative approach using the grounded theory. The participants consisted of 44 provincial elites, including university faculty members involved in knowledge-based activities and managers of knowledge-based companies and technology units. The theoretical sampling was employed, and data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews.
Findings: Data analysis resulted in strategies at two distinct levels. At the level of knowledge-based companies, “developing specialized plans aligned with the country’s economic conditions”, “defining diverse revenue plans”, “utilizing non-loan-based financing mechanisms”, “producing demand-driven products”, “diversifying the product portfolio and developing by-products”, “producing products with a people-oriented sales focus”, “establishing workshop-based working environments”, and “forming knowledge cooperatives”. At the institutional level pertaining to organizations responsible for knowledge-based companies and technology units, “establishing a classification system for knowledge-based companies”, “utilizing underutilized government facilities at the county level”, “implementing economic ranking systems for companies”, and “creating opportunities to facilitate investor entry into companies”.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that strategy implementation should be executed by the companies on one hand, and by organizations supporting knowledge-based companies, such as science and technology parks and university incubators on the other hand. These measures not only reduce the risk of failure for KBC and technology units but also enhance their flexibility and resilience. Overall, this study emphasizes that the development of knowledge-based companies is not achievable solely through reliance on technological ideas; rather, it requires the design of comprehensive managerial, financial, and institutional strategies, along with constructive interaction between companies and supporting institutions.
Examining the Relationship Between Duration of Smartphone Use and Smartphone Addiction with the Mediating Role of Loneliness
Pages 121-140
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2074619.1039
Safa Mujbil Ali al-Jabbour, Mohammad Reza Firouzi, Sahar Jahanbakhsh Ganjeh
Abstract Introduction: Smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life, particularly among adolescent students. Equipped with advanced computational capabilities, these devices facilitate access to entertainment, social networks, emails, educational resources, and peer communication. Despite the undeniable benefits in enhancing connectivity and information access, concerns have been raised about excessive use and the potential for behavioral addiction. These concerns underscore the critical need for informed and effective management strategies. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between duration of smartphone use and smartphone addiction, considering the mediating role of perceived loneliness.
Method: This study employed a descriptive correlational design. The population comprised all high school students in Shiraz during the 2024-2025 academic year who owned smartphones. A sample of 282 participants was selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling, in line with Klein’s recommendations. Data collection instruments included the Smartphone Addiction Scale, the Adult Emotional and Social Loneliness Scale, and a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing internet usage duration. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
Findings: The results indicated that 11% of the variance in smartphone addiction was accounted for by duration of use and loneliness. The fitted structural model demonstrated that duration of internet use exerted a significant positive direct effect on smartphone addiction (β = 0.17) and on loneliness (β = 0.29). Loneliness, in turn, had a significant direct effect on smartphone addiction (β = 0.23). Furthermore, the indirect effect of duration of internet use on smartphone addiction through loneliness was statistically significant (β = 0.07).
Conclusion: Adolescents who experience social withdrawal and heightened feelings of loneliness tend to increasingly rely on virtual environments and smartphones as a coping mechanism to escape negative emotions and adverse situations. This behavioral tendency may elevate their risk of developing smartphone addiction. These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors and regulating smartphone usage time to effectively prevent addiction within this demographic. Moreover, interventions focusing on enhancing coping strategies and strengthening social support networks could play a pivotal role in mitigating loneliness and, consequently, reducing susceptibility to smartphone addiction.
Relationship Between Socioeconomic Development Indicators and Corruption in Iran During 2003-2024: A Time Series Analysis
Pages 141-167
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2075940.1040
Maryam Mokhtari, Siroos Ahmadi, Majid Jabbar
Abstract Introduction: Corruption is a challenging problem all over the world, especially in developing countries. In the modern industrial world, the production of more wealth, has increased incentives for corruption, expanding the areas where it occurs. In Iran, corruption has also spread and become an important social problem in recent decades due to the acceleration of the process of modernization of society. Although, in Iran, many efforts have been made to fight corruption and numerous laws have been passed, this phenomenon has become more prevalent, especially in recent years. Without a doubt, the continuation of this situation will have detrimental consequences. The present study has attempted to examine corruption in Iran based on economic and social development indicators in a long-term period.
Method: This study is a quantitative and longitudinal research that was conducted using a time series method. In this study, the relationship between economic indicators including unemployment and inflation, as well as social indicators such as political/civil freedoms and the internet penetration, with corruption in the period 2003 to 2024 was analyzed. The required data were collected from Transparency International, the World Bank, and Freedom House. To examine the short-term and long-term relationship between the variables, an autoregressive distributional lag (ARDL) model in Microfit software was employed.
Findings: According to the research findings, the corruption has been on the rise during the period 2003 to 2024 indicating that corruption is still an acute social problem in Iran. In addition, the research findings show that in the long term, there is a significant relationship between the economic indicators of unemployment and inflation and the social indicator of political/civil freedom with corruption, during which the level of corruption has increased with the increase in unemployment and inflation. Nevertheless, in the same period, the level of corruption has decreased with the increase in the internet penetration coefficient and political/civil freedoms.
Conclusion: Corruption as an important social problem has many harmful consequences on the one hand and is affected by a wide range of factors on the other hand. This study, focusing on the macro level and a long period, has clearly demonstrated that corruption has a close and complex connection with some indicators of economic and social development. Corruption has increased with rising inflation and unemployment, and has decreased with increasing internet penetration and political/civil freedoms. This research concludes that corruption in Iran is a complex and multi-layered phenomenon.
Sociological Analysis of the Relationship Between Importance of Life Facilities and Attitudes Toward Emigration in Shiraz
Pages 168-184
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2026.2081832.1049
Korosh Easaei Khosh
Abstract Introduction: Many people often leave their place of residence temporarily or permanently for various reasons, a phenomenon is known as migration. Migration can occur within internal borders or outside territorial borders, which is referred to as international migration. It is estimated that the population of international migrants has reached astonishingly over 270 million people. Iran has also experienced significant foreign migration, especially in the last few decades with a significant number of specialized and skilled individuals leaving the country for other nations each year. The continuation of this trend will face the country with many and unpredictable challenges in the coming years. This research aims to examines the relationship between the importance of life facilities and the attitude toward emigration among residents of Shiraz from a sociological perspective.
Method: This research is a quantitative study in which was carried out using the survey technique. The population consisted of people aged 18-49 living in Shiraz, with 400 individuals were selected as the sample by means of a multi-stage random sampling method. The research instruments used to measure attitude towards emigration and the importance of life facilities were two researcher-made questionnaires. These tools were validated employing the construct validity and on the other hand their reliabilities were assessed by means of the Cronbach’s alpha coefficients.
Findings: Based on the results, the attitude toward emigration is high among the respondents. In addition, there is a positive and significant relationship between the importance of life facilities and attitude toward emigration. Moreover, the results indicate that, among the demographic variables, age significantly impact on attitude toward emigration but there is no significant relationship between sex, occupation status and education of the respondents with the dependent variable of attitude toward emigration.
Conclusion: Given the detrimental consequences of foreign migration on the country of origin, the growing trend of foreign migration among Iranian citizens is a major cause for concern. This trend is driven from a wide range of factors, but according to the results of this study, the importance of access to life facilities plays an important role in this regard. Based on the findings and results, this research concludes that by providing living facilities for the country's specialized and skilled human resources, their tendency to foreign migration can be reduced. In other word, it means that one of the serious social and economic problems of the country will be alleviated.
Sociological Analysis of Determinants of High Blood Cholesterol in the Contemporary Industrialized World
Pages 185-201
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2026.2081378.1048
Ebrahim Irannejad
Abstract Introduction: High blood cholesterol is a rapidly growing social and health problem all over the world. It is estimated that it affects 39% of the global adult population. Although, genetic and biological factors play an important role in the development of high blood cholesterol, the main factor is the conditions of modern industrial society and the lifestyle changes it brings, such as inactivity. Given that the prevalence rate of high blood cholesterol in Iran is near the global average, and this disease is closely tied to social factors, this research aims to examine the impact of economic capital, social capital, and cultural capital on high blood cholesterol from a sociological point of view.
Method: This quantitative study was conducted using a survey method. Based on the mechanism of doing the research, the selected individuals were asked, through an invitation, to refer to a contracted laboratory in Tabriz city for a blood test, with the researcher covering the cost. Within a month of receiving invitations, 385 people who visited the laboratory for the medical test, were given research questionnaires including social capital, cultural capital, and economic capital and were asked to answer the questions. The collected data were analyzed by means of the logistic regression test in SPSS software.
Findings: On the basis of the descriptive findings of the study, 304 respondents had normal blood cholesterol levels, and 81 had abnormal blood cholesterol levels. This meas that the prevalence rate of this harmful disease among Tabriz citizens is 21% or one out of five. The analytical findings of the research indicate that there is a significant relationship between social capital, cultural capital, and economic capital with membership in the normal blood cholesterol group. In other words, as social, cultural, and economic capitals increase, the likelihood of membership in the normal blood cholesterol group goes up. The findings show that the economic, social, and cultural capital variables are able to explain 0.43 of the changes in the dependent variable of being involved in high blood cholestrol.
Conclusion: High blood cholesterol is becoming increasingly prevalent as a significant social and health problem in Iran. Given its harmful consequences on one hand and its close connection with social determinants on the other, the findings of this study are of great importance. The conclusion of the present study is that high blood cholesterol can be reduced modifying social capital, cultural capital, and economic capital.
Silent Divorce, the Background of Marriage Breakup in the Contemporary Industrial World: A Qualitative Analysis
Pages 202-223
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2026.2078677.1046
Hossein Sedaghat
Abstract Introduction: Divorce, legal process for ending a marriage, is rapidly on the rise globally. Although it is affected by a wide range of factors, some characteristics of the modern industrial world, such as individualism, women's participation in the workforce, the expansion of women's education, and the development of new technologies such as the Internet and social networks, have exacerbated it. Marriages often do not end suddenly and usually arise after a silent divorce. Silent divorce is the basis for divorce, and identifying it can help alleviate the social problem of divorce. Considering the rapid growth of divorce in Iran on the one hand and its harmful consequences on couples, children, families, and society on the other, the present study seeks to study silent divorce as the starting point of the collapse of marriage and family.
Method: This research was conducted using a qualitative methodology by employing the thematic analysis method. The participants in the study were 18 married men and women involved in silent divorce in Kerman city who had referred to counseling centers. Purposive sampling was employed to select the samples and an attempt was made to ensure maximum diversity. A semi-structured interview technique was utilized to collect data, and the interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.
Findings: The results showed that 71 initial codes were obtained in the form of 19 sub-themes (inability and skill in making love, emotional interactions of couples, changing beliefs about married life, conflicts and unproductive interactions, religious beliefs, addiction to drugs and alcohol, sexual problems, desire for freedom and independence, marital infidelity, rebuilding a new life, emotional and behavioral incompatibility, inappropriate pattern of choosing a spouse, interference and disregard for the boundaries of married life, lack of skill and maturity in choosing a spouse, inability to solve problems and conflicts in life, lack of investment in the spouse, lack of investment in children, lack of marital relationship literacy, financial and economic concerns).
Conclusion: Divorce rates in the contemporary industrial world are increasing at an alarming rate, with detrimental consequences. A basic solution in this regard is to identify "silent divorce" as a primary cause. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that a range of factors contribute to the emergence of silent divorce. The study concludes that most of the causes of silent divorce are avoidable, and through the implementation of effective interventions, it is possible to work towards reducing divorce.
Sociological Analysis of Women's Sense of Security and Its Effective Factors in Shiraz Metropolis
Pages 224-238
https://doi.org/10.22034/jis.2025.2060570.1034
Alireza Farrokhi
Abstract Introduction: Prior to Industrial Revolution, women only held traditional roles, but the emergence of modern industrial society facilitated women’s widely widespread entry into various social spheres, and resulted in remarkable changes in their roles. Although women have achieved considerable successes across various fields, they have also consistently faced numerous challenges. Security is one of these challenges, particularly in metropolitan areas worldwide, which has evolved into an acute social issue. This situation is equally evident in Iran, a country that has undergone significant changes in the status of women in recent decades. In light of this context, the aim of this research is to investigate the sense of security among women and its relationship with self-esteem and social trust in the metropolis of Shiraz.
Method: This quantitative study utilized a survey approach to gather data. The population consisted of women aged 15-45 years residing in Shiraz, with a total of 384 participants selected through multi-stage random sampling procedures. The research instrument used to assess the sense of security was the Security and Pleasure Questionnaire (SPQ) developed by Gilbert et al. (2009). Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (1965), and social trust was assessed using the Mirfardi and Qarnaei Social Trust Questionnaire (2016). To ensure the reliability of the questionnaires, the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was employed yielding values of .79, .83, and .81 for self-esteem, sense of security, and social trust, respectively.
Findings: The descriptive findings revealed that the average level of sense of security among women fell below the moderate level, suggesting that sense of security remains a challenging problem in metropolitan contexts. Furthermore, the analytical findings demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between self-esteem and social trust with women's sense of security. The results indicated that self-esteem and social trust accounted for 0.28 of the total variance in women’s sense of security. The results also revealed that the demographic variables of marital status and educational level do not significantly affect the sense of security.
Conclusion: Women constitute half of the population in every society and play a crucial role in the development process of modern industrial societies. However, the lack of a sense of security can hinder their progress, making it imperative to address this social problem. This research concludes that by improving women’s psychological self-esteem and social trust capacities, the sense of security in metropolises can be enhanced, potentially alleviating a significant challenge faced by women in the country.
