Selami Varol Ülker

Dr. Selami Varol Ülker


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 May 2024 in International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
SÜSelami Varol Ülker
Selami Varol Ülker
BSBuse Nur Sümer
Buse Nur Sümer
EKEsil Sönmez Kence
Esil Sönmez Kence
GSGökben HIZLI SAYAR
Gökben HIZLI SAYAR

31 August 2023 in Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KEKubra Ecer
Kubra Ecer
MÇMurat Çetin
Murat Çetin
SÜSelami Varol Ülker
Selami Varol Ülker
Research on the psychological effects of climate change is increasing, and studies suggest that climate change anxiety (CCA) can positively contribute to sustainable production and consumption as a constructive concern. Studies conducted in various countries have particularly highlighted higher levels of CCA among young individuals due to concerns about a sustainable future in the face of climate change. This exploratory study aims to examine the relationship between CCA and sustainable consumption (SC) among young individuals in Turkey. Firstly, a conceptual framework is provided for CCA and SC. Based on the assumption that individuals experiencing anxiety or concern due to the visible impacts of climate crisis will engage in climate change mitigation and adopt sustainable consumption behavior (SCB), the study found that participants had a low level of CCA. However, structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed a positive relationship between CCA and SC (β=0.295, p<0.001) among the participants. Considering the urgency of the climate crisis, this study contributes to the literature by providing exploratory insights into the role of CCA as a motivating factor for SC, highlighting the need for further detailed research in this area.

30 December 2023 in Fenerbahçe Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
SÜSelami Varol Ülker
Selami Varol Ülker
GAGulden Akkan
Gulden Akkan
Dünya nüfusu her geçen gün artmaktadır. Bu durum çeşitli dezavantajları da beraberinde getirmektedir. Özellikle ruh sağlığı alanında hastaların hizmete erişimi ve etkin tedaviye ulaşmasının önünde en gelişmiş ülkelerde dahi çeşitli sorunlar yaşanmaktadır. Nüfus artışına paralel olarak, ruh sağlığı bozulmuş ve terapi süreçlerine ihtiyaç duyan insan sayısı da her geçen gün artmaktadır. Bu konuda yetişmiş uzman sayısı, gelişmiş ülkelerde dahi yeterli ihtiyacı karşılayacak miktarda değildir. Söz konusu problem, teknolojik gelişmeler ışında doğan yapay zeka uygulamaları ile kısmen çözülebilecek gibi gözükmektedir. Her ne kadar bir takım kaygıları ve etik tartışmaları barındırsa da YZ alanındaki hızlı ve başarılı gelişmeler bu konudaki destekleyici sistemlerin de etkisi ile önümüzdeki yıllarda daha da yaygınlaşacağına işaret etmektedir. Yapay zeka teknolojilerinin insana dair hata potansiyeli barındıran fizyolojik çıktılardan bağımsız olması ve sıfır hataya yaklaşması, terapi süreçlerinde terapiste çeşitli kolaylık ve avantajlar sağlaması, daha kısa sürede daha fazla insana terapi desteği sunması, düşük maliyet gibi avantajlarla ruh sağlığı alanında yaygınlaşmasının önünü açacak gibi görülmektedir. Son dönemde sıklıkla adı geçen, dijital fenotipleme, sanal terapistler (robo –psikologlar), sanal gerçeklik, akıllı mobil uygulamalar gibi teknolojiler ile ruh sağlığı alanında yapay zeka uygulamalarının kendisine daha büyük bir alan açtığı görülmektedir. Söz konusu çalışmamız, ruh sağlığı alanında geliştirilmiş yapay zeka teknolojilerinin tarihsel sürecini ele alarak, tanı, tedavi ve rehabilitasyon hizmetlerinde başarılı sonuçlar elde edilmiş teknolojilere değinmektedir.

10 February 2025 in American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Metin ÇınaroğluMetin Çınaroğlu
Metin Çınaroğlu
EYEda Yilmazer
Eda Yilmazer
COCemre Odabaşı
Cemre Odabaşı
SÜSelami Varol Ülker
Selami Varol Ülker
GSGökben HIZLI SAYAR
Gökben HIZLI SAYAR
This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among individuals with subclinical levels of distress. A total of 150 participants were screened, and 45 eligible participants were randomized into three groups: CBT (n = 15), EH (n = 15), and a waitlist control group (n = 15). Interventions consisted of 12 weekly sessions, with assessments conducted at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Both CBT and EH significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to the control group, with no significant differences in efficacy between the two interventions. CBT's structured approach demonstrated consistent improvements across both depression and anxiety, while EH showed a slightly faster reduction in anxiety symptoms at mid-intervention, highlighting its potential for addressing somatic and cognitive dimensions of anxiety. This study extends previous findings by focusing on a non-clinical population, emphasizing the potential of these interventions as early strategies for preventing symptom escalation. Unlike prior work primarily targeting diagnosed populations, this research underscores the applicability of CBT and EH in addressing subthreshold distress. Limitations include a small sample size, lack of follow-up assessments, and reliance on self-reported measures. Future research should explore long-term outcomes, larger samples, and the integration of CBT and EH. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting diverse psychotherapeutic modalities for early mental health intervention.

31 October 2024 in Acta Psychologica
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Metin ÇınaroğluMetin Çınaroğlu
Metin Çınaroğlu
EYEda Yilmazer
Eda Yilmazer
SÜSelami Varol Ülker
Selami Varol Ülker
EAEsra Noyan Ahlatcıoğlu
Esra Noyan Ahlatcıoğlu
GSGökben HIZLI SAYAR
Gökben HIZLI SAYAR
Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a disorder marked by an obsessive focus on muscularity, often leading to excessive exercise, rigid dieting, and use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is known to be effective for various body image disorders, its specific effects on individuals with MD have been less studied. This qualitative case series involved seven male participants, aged 35-55, all diagnosed with MD and with a history of anabolic steroid use, undergoing a 12-week manualized CBT intervention. The study aimed to explore how CBT impacts their body image perceptions, exercise behaviors, steroid use, and emotional responses. Data were collected through participant feedback during therapy sessions, with thematic analysis revealing significant shifts in body image perception and reductions in compulsive behaviors and steroid use. Despite these improvements, participants experienced feelings of loss and anxiety as they modified their routines, and some reported relapses under stress, indicating the chronic nature of MD. The findings suggest that CBT effectively reshapes cognitive and behavioral patterns in MD sufferers but also highlight the need for ongoing support to manage the disorder's emotional complexities and prevent relapses. Future research should focus on long-term and individualized therapeutic approaches to better support those with muscle dysmorphia.

22 July 2025 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Metin ÇınaroğluMetin Çınaroğlu
Metin Çınaroğlu
EYEda Yilmazer
Eda Yilmazer
SÜSelami Varol Ülker
Selami Varol Ülker
GSGökben HIZLI SAYAR
Gökben HIZLI SAYAR
Background/Objectives: Muscle dysmorphia (MD), a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder, is prevalent among males who engage in the non-medical use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). These individuals often experience severe psychopathology, including mood instability, compulsivity, and a distorted body image. Despite its clinical severity, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated structured psychological treatments in this subgroup. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol in reducing MD symptoms and associated psychological distress among male steroid users. Results: Participants in the CBT group showed significant reductions in MD symptoms from the baseline to post-treatment (MDDI: p < 0.001, d = 1.12), with gains sustained at follow-up. Large effect sizes were also observed in secondary outcomes including depressive symptoms (PHQ-9: d = 0.98), psychological distress (K10: d = 0.93), disordered eating (EDE-Q: d = 0.74), and exercise addiction (EAI: d = 1.07). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Significant group × time interactions were found for all outcomes (all p < 0.01), indicating CBT’s specific efficacy. Discussion: This study provides the first RCT evidence that CBT significantly reduces both core MD symptoms and steroid-related psychopathology in men engaged in AAS/PED misuse. Improvements extended to mood, body image perception, and compulsive exercise behaviors. These findings support CBT’s transdiagnostic applicability in addressing both the cognitive–behavioral and affective dimensions of MD. Materials and Methods: In this parallel-group, open-label RCT, 59 male gym-goers with DSM-5-TR diagnoses of MD and a history of AAS/PED use were randomized to either a 12-week CBT intervention (n = 30) or a waitlist control group (n = 29). CBT sessions were delivered weekly online and targeted distorted muscularity beliefs, compulsive behaviors, and emotional dysregulation. Primary and secondary outcomes—Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI), PHQ-9, K10, EDE-Q, EAI, and BIG—were assessed at the baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. A repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests were used to analyze time × group interactions. Conclusions: CBT offers an effective, scalable intervention for individuals with muscle dysmorphia complicated by anabolic steroid use. It promotes broad psychological improvement and may serve as a first-line treatment option in high-risk male fitness populations. Future studies should examine long-term outcomes and investigate implementation in diverse clinical and cultural contexts.