Background and Aim: Mental simulation, as a cognitive strategy, plays an important role in shaping mental processes, regulating behavior, and facilitating goal attainment. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the cognitive and behavioral outcomes associated with process and outcome mental simulation among students, based on available studies conducted in Iran from 2005 to 2026, using a systematic review approach.

Method: In this systematic review, relevant research studies were identified and collected through searches of several Iranian databases, including Noormags and Google Scholar, using keywords such as process mental simulation, outcome mental simulation, and mental imagery. Following data extraction from the selected studies, their content was qualitatively examined, and content analysis was employed to analyze the findings.

Results: Following the stages of searching, screening, and evaluating the studies, 17 studies comprising 21 variables were ultimately included in the analysis. The findings indicated that the largest proportion of reported outcomes was related to the cognitive domain. Moreover, the outcomes associated with mental simulation were classified into three main categories: cognitive, behavioral, and integrated (cognitive–behavioral) outcomes.

Conclusion: By providing an integrated picture of the outcomes associated with mental simulation, the findings of this study may contribute to expanding the existing knowledge in this field and provide a coherent framework for guiding future research and designing more rigorous and targeted studies.