Behavioral Sciences

19 pages, 747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Students’ Perceptions of Educators’ Communication Accommodative Behaviors in Classrooms in China

by Dan Ji, Howard Giles and Wei Hu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040560 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 140

In China, educators are encouraged by administrators to assume instructional and language strategies to align with their students’ needs so as to enhance classroom communicative effectiveness, with students’ perceptions of teachers’ behavior being a salient factor in this process. This study, based on [...] Read more.

In China, educators are encouraged by administrators to assume instructional and language strategies to align with their students’ needs so as to enhance classroom communicative effectiveness, with students’ perceptions of teachers’ behavior being a salient factor in this process. This study, based on communication accommodation theory, examines how students’ perceptions of teachers’ behaviors influence reports of positive classroom outcomes. Using structural equation modeling, we analyzed responses from a sample of 422 university students in Shanghai. The results showed that the students’ perceptions of teachers’ communication accommodation behaviors, such as verbal and nonverbal tactics, teaching content, and emotional support behaviors, significantly and positively impacted students’ learning effectiveness, teacher credibility, and communication satisfaction. Furthermore, teacher credibility partially mediated the relationship between perceptions of accommodation and learner effectiveness. The findings offer practical insights for educators by suggesting that strategic adaptions of communication accommodations behaviors can promote students’ learning outcomes. Full article

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25 pages, 4393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioral Analysis of Postgraduate Education Satisfaction: Unveiling Key Influencing Factors with Bayesian Networks and Feature Importance

by Sheng Li, Ting Wang, Hanqing Yin, Shuai Ding and Zhiqiang Cai

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040559 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 149

Abstract

Accurately evaluating postgraduate education satisfaction is crucial for improving higher education quality and optimizing management practices. Traditional methods often fail to capture the complex behavioral interactions among influencing factors. In this study, an innovative satisfaction indicator system framework is proposed that integrates a [...] Read more.

Accurately evaluating postgraduate education satisfaction is crucial for improving higher education quality and optimizing management practices. Traditional methods often fail to capture the complex behavioral interactions among influencing factors. In this study, an innovative satisfaction indicator system framework is proposed that integrates a two-stage feature optimization method and the Tree Augmented Naive Bayes (TAN) model. The framework is designed to assess key satisfaction drivers across seven dimensions: course quality, research projects, mentor guidance, mentor’s role, faculty management, academic enhancement, and quality development. Using data from 8903 valid responses, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to validate the framework’s reliability. The two-stage feature optimization method, including statistical pre-screening and XGBoost-based recursive feature selection, refined 49 features to 29 core indicators. The TAN model was used to construct a causal network, revealing the dynamic relationships between factors shaping satisfaction. The model outperformed four common machine learning algorithms, achieving an AUC value of 91.01%. The Birnbaum importance metric was employed to quantify the contribution of each feature, revealing the critical roles of academic resilience, academic aspirations, dedication and service spirit, creative ability, academic standards, and independent academic research ability. This study offers management recommendations, including enhancing academic support, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning. Its findings provide data-driven insights for optimizing key indicators and improving postgraduate education satisfaction, contributing to behavioral sciences by linking satisfaction to outcomes and practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behaviors in Educational Settings—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Choice: Affective Representations of Economic and Moral Decisions

by Jongwan Kim and Chaery Park

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040558 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 169

Abstract

Decision-making in economic and moral contexts involves complex affective processes that shape judgments of fairness, responsibility, and conflict resolution. While previous studies have primarily examined behavioral choices in economic games and moral dilemmas, less is known about the underlying affective structure of these [...] Read more.

Decision-making in economic and moral contexts involves complex affective processes that shape judgments of fairness, responsibility, and conflict resolution. While previous studies have primarily examined behavioral choices in economic games and moral dilemmas, less is known about the underlying affective structure of these decisions. This study investigated how individuals emotionally represent economic (ultimatum game) and moral (trolley dilemma) decision-making scenarios using multidimensional scaling (MDS) and classification. Participants rated their emotional responses, including positive (pleased, calm, happy, peaceful) and negative (irritated, angry, gloomy, sad, fearful, anxious) affective states, to 16 scenarios varying by game type, the presence or absence of conflict, and intensity. MDS revealed two primary affective dimensions of distinguishing conflict from no-conflict and economic from moral scenarios. No-conflict–economic scenarios were strongly associated with positive affective responses, while the no-conflict–moral scenarios elicited heightened fear and anxiety rather than positive emotions. Increasing unfairness in the ultimatum game affected affective representation, while variations in the number of lives at stake in the trolley dilemma did not. Cross-participant classification analyses demonstrated that game type and conflict conditions could be reliably predicted from affective ratings, indicating systematic and shared emotional representations across participants. These findings suggest that economic and moral decisions evoke distinct affective structures, with fairness modulating conflict perception in economic contexts, while moral decisions remain affectively stable despite changes in intensity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral Economics)

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21 pages, 823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Achievement Motivation and Performance in Wargames: Creativity as a Mediator

by Weiwei Xu, Sihui Ge, Dang Ding and Xiaopeng Ren

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040557 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 225

Abstract

Computer-based wargames provide an experimental platform for studying cognitive antecedents and behavioral outcomes in dynamic scenarios. Our study examines how achievement motivation influence wargame players’ performance through the mechanism of creativity. In Study 1, we simplified the achievement motivation scale and revised the [...] Read more.

Computer-based wargames provide an experimental platform for studying cognitive antecedents and behavioral outcomes in dynamic scenarios. Our study examines how achievement motivation influence wargame players’ performance through the mechanism of creativity. In Study 1, we simplified the achievement motivation scale and revised the creativity scale for wargame contexts in China. After collecting data from students and wargame players (N1 = 300, N2 = 347), we validate their reliability and validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Study 2 (N3 = 171) applied these validated scales to analyze the mechanism of creativity between achievement motivation and wargame performance. The results in Study 1 demonstrated that the refined two scales exhibited strong reliability and structural validity. The findings of Study 2 revealed that two types of motivation had different influences on wargame performance. The motivation of hope of success indirectly enhanced wargame performance through increased creativity. In contrast, the motivation of fear of failure reduced creativity and then negatively influenced overall results. Our study advances understanding of achievement motivation in dynamic gaming environments, suggesting that enhancing motivation of hope of success, decreasing motivation of fear of failure, and improving creativity may optimize performance to be more effective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Interdisciplinary Look at the Psychology and Neuroscience of Creativity)

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19 pages, 1059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Violence Against Administrators: The Roles of Student, School, and Community Strengths and Cultural Pluralism

by Susan D. McMahon, Andrew H. Perry, Taylor Swenski, Kailyn Bare, Jared Hunt, Andrew Martinez, Linda A. Reddy, Eric M. Anderman, Ron Avi Astor, Dorothy L. Espelage, Frank C. Worrell and Christopher M. Dudek

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040556 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 326

Abstract

Scientific and public attention regarding educator-directed violence has increased over the past 15 years; however, research on violence against administrators is limited. Although school administrators are responsible for school performance and safety, they can be particularly vulnerable to violence from students, teachers, and [...] Read more.

Scientific and public attention regarding educator-directed violence has increased over the past 15 years; however, research on violence against administrators is limited. Although school administrators are responsible for school performance and safety, they can be particularly vulnerable to violence from students, teachers, and parents. This study includes 497 pre-K–12th grade school administrators in the United States. A path analysis was conducted to examine the associations between administrator perceptions of student-, school-, and community-level strengths and administrator experiences of verbal/threatening and physical violence. Cultural pluralism, which incorporates student and staff support of cultural differences and honors different voices and cultures in curricula and discussion, was investigated as a moderator of these associations. Results indicate that (a) student strengths are associated with less student verbal/threatening violence against administrators; (b) school strengths are associated with less student and colleague verbal/threatening violence against administrators; and (c) community strengths are associated with less physical violence from students and less verbal/threatening violence from parents against administrators. Cultural pluralism practices significantly moderated the relationship between student strengths and physical violence from colleagues. Findings highlight school practices and policies across the school ecology that are associated with less administrator-directed violence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Violence in the School Community: Students, Parents, Teachers, and Staff Members)

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21 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cracking the Code of Cyberbullying Effects: The Spectator Sports Solution for Emotion Management and Well-Being Among Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents

by Ilrang Lee, Yonghwan Chang, Taewoong Yoo and Emily Plunkett

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040555 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 121

Abstract

This study explores the relationships among cyberbullying, emotion management, and well-being, with a focus on economically disadvantaged students. Employing a reflective factor model, we disentangle emotion management into four dimensions and explore how cyberbullying impacts these facets, influencing academic success and well-being. We [...] Read more.

This study explores the relationships among cyberbullying, emotion management, and well-being, with a focus on economically disadvantaged students. Employing a reflective factor model, we disentangle emotion management into four dimensions and explore how cyberbullying impacts these facets, influencing academic success and well-being. We also investigate the moderating role of sport spectatorship. Using survey data collected from 846 economically disadvantaged students in grades 7 to 12, within a racially diverse Texas school district (USA), we employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine relationships among the measured variables. The students were in grades 7 to 12, categorizing participants into spectatorship-adherent and non-spectatorship groups based on their sports-watching habits. Our findings emphasize the importance of addressing cyberbullying’s impact on emotion management and underline the potential for sport spectatorship to mitigate these effects. Our findings reveal that cyberbullying victimization significantly impairs adolescents’ emotion management (β = −0.33, p < 0.01), contributing to increased school absences (β = 0.41, p < 0.001) and offenses (β = 0.19, p = 0.02). Notably, sports spectatorship appears to buffer these negative outcomes for economically disadvantaged youth, enhancing overall well-being (β = 0.29, p < 0.01). This study ventures into the unexplored territory of sport viewership as a cost-effective intervention strategy, offering valuable implications in supporting adolescent well-being. Full article

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19 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Noticeable Behavioral Differences Observed in Turkish Students Following Online Education

by Davut Hotaman

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040554 - 19 Apr 2025

Viewed by 137

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, which posed a global threat, led many countries, including Turkey, to implement changes in their educational practices. In response to the “stay at home” directive aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, face-to-face education was suspended, and online education [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which posed a global threat, led many countries, including Turkey, to implement changes in their educational practices. In response to the “stay at home” directive aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, face-to-face education was suspended, and online education was adopted. As a result, children were unable to attend school for nearly two years. This sudden shift posed significant challenges for children, who were in the process of socialization and learning, as adapting to this new educational norm was not in alignment with their natural developmental needs. This study examines how staying at home affected the behaviors of children who were supposed to attend school, interact with their teachers and peers, socialize, and engage in learning. The research follows a qualitative phenomenological design, with the study group selected through criterion sampling. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis, leading to the identification of themes, categories, and codes. Particular attention was paid to participant and data saturation during the analysis process. The findings indicate that noticeable behavioral patterns were categorized under discipline, cognitive skills, social skills, motor skills, emotional skills, digital addiction, and personality traits across different educational levels. It is suggested that the type and frequency of these prominent behaviors observed in students may be associated with the shift to online education following the suspension of face-to-face learning due to COVID-19. Factors such as reduced peer interaction, diminished social engagement, and a lack of communication and interaction are considered to have played a role in these behavioral changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

17 pages, 2120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Examination of Schizotypy, Creativity, and Wellbeing in Young Populations

by Harrison E. Chapman, Sarah L. Asquith and Anna Abraham

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040553 - 19 Apr 2025

Viewed by 154

Abstract

A wide array of scholarship has revealed the somewhat paradoxical relationship between creativity and mental health. On the one hand, substantial evidence demonstrates that certain forms of mental illness are associated with enhanced creativity. On the other hand, considerable evidence also confirms that [...] Read more.

A wide array of scholarship has revealed the somewhat paradoxical relationship between creativity and mental health. On the one hand, substantial evidence demonstrates that certain forms of mental illness are associated with enhanced creativity. On the other hand, considerable evidence also confirms that engagement in creative pursuits improves wellbeing. In this paper, we examined the associations between creative potential, the pursuit of creative hobbies, wellbeing, and schizotypy in young people aged 16–22 years. Frequentist and Bayesian approaches revealed that a higher degree of disorganized schizotypal traits was associated with greater ideational fluency and more engagement in creative hobbies, and that a higher degree of interpersonal schizotypal traits was associated with lower wellbeing. The potential drivers of this dynamic association are discussed in this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Interdisciplinary Look at the Psychology and Neuroscience of Creativity)

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21 pages, 825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Technostress Generated by Artificial Intelligence on the Quality of Life: The Mediating Role of Positive and Negative Affect

by Daniela-Elena Lițan

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040552 - 19 Apr 2025

Viewed by 259

Abstract

In the era of Artificial Intelligence, the magic of achieving results at the “speed of light” for tasks that until recently required a lot of work and effort shocks, arouses enthusiasm and generates fears at the same time. Therefore, starting from this reality [...] Read more.

In the era of Artificial Intelligence, the magic of achieving results at the “speed of light” for tasks that until recently required a lot of work and effort shocks, arouses enthusiasm and generates fears at the same time. Therefore, starting from this reality of our days, we proposed within the current research to study the relationship between the factors of technostress (techno-overload, techno-invasion, techno-complexity, techno-insecurity, techno-uncertainty) perceived as a result of the implementation of AI at the societal level and the quality of life, filtering the relationship through the “lens” of the positive and negative affect mediators. The mediation analyses, conducted on a sample of 217 adult Romanian citizens (18–62 years old), suggested that although AI-related technostress does not directly influence quality of life, it has a significant indirect impact through affective traits—general tendencies to frequently experience positive or negative emotions. This indicates that technostress contributes to variations in quality of life by influencing emotional experiences, which mediate the relationship. These findings emphasize not only the absence of a direct effect, but also the importance of the indirect pathway in understanding how individuals are affected by AI-related stress. We believe that the results of the current study can be equally useful in raising awareness of the psychological mechanisms responsible for the quality of life and in understanding the importance of implementing official programs, both technically, regarding the development of skills to understand and work with AI, and psychological support programs, considering the management of emotions, with reference to this technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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14 pages, 2994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Saturation on Anger in a Low-Saturation Range: A Comparison of Background Colors in 12 Tones

by Akinori Shimodaira and Noriyuki Kida

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040551 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 169

Abstract

This study used an online survey to investigate the effects of brightness in low-saturation color ranges on anger processing. Specifically, it explored how background hues—red, yellow-green, and blue-green—affect perceptions of illustrations of an angry red face. The experiment involved 36 color combinations classified [...] Read more.

This study used an online survey to investigate the effects of brightness in low-saturation color ranges on anger processing. Specifically, it explored how background hues—red, yellow-green, and blue-green—affect perceptions of illustrations of an angry red face. The experiment involved 36 color combinations classified into three hue groups and three saturation levels (high, medium, and low) based on the Practical Color Co-ordinate System. The results indicate that the influence of hue disappears in the low-saturation range. Across all the saturation levels, lower brightness intensified the perception of anger, with the anger elicited by darker colors similar in strength to that elicited from vivid red. These findings offer new insights into the role of color in emotional processing, particularly in relation to anger. Full article

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20 pages, 3237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

To Intervene or Not to Intervene: An Experimental Methodology Measuring Actual Bystander Behaviour

by Danielle Labhardt, Nadine McKillop, Emma Holdsworth, Sarah Brown, Douglas Howat and Christian Jones

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040550 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 172

Abstract

Bystander intervention and sexual assault research typically rely on self-reported intent to intervene. However, predicted behaviour can be considerably different from actual behaviour. Hypothetical scenarios are often utilised to remove extenuating circumstances, limiting insight into actual behaviour where those circumstances impact intervention. This [...] Read more.

Bystander intervention and sexual assault research typically rely on self-reported intent to intervene. However, predicted behaviour can be considerably different from actual behaviour. Hypothetical scenarios are often utilised to remove extenuating circumstances, limiting insight into actual behaviour where those circumstances impact intervention. This paper discusses the development and evaluation of an innovative methodology to measure actual bystander behaviour when witnessing signs of an impending sexual assault. With careful attention paid to ethical considerations and participant safety, 13 participants were directly deceived about the true aim of the research. Utilising observational data and a funnelling debrief, the findings demonstrated varied reactions to sexual assault cues, from not noticing and therefore not intervening, to noticing and (in)directly intervening. Participants’ responses indicated they remained unaware of the deception until it was formally revealed, suggesting the methodology effectively realised the study’s aims. The funnelling debrief mitigated the adverse effects of the deception, with some participants reporting more confidence and motivation to intervene in the future. Further development of this methodology could create more interactive bystander intervention programmes that teach people to identify signs of a sexual assault, develop skills to safely intervene, and raise awareness about sexual violence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Developments in Attitudes and Interactions with Victims of Crime)

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21 pages, 1574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healthy Pills: A Physical Activity and Meditation Program to Enhance Mental Health and Well-Being in Spanish University Students

by Laura García-Pérez, Rosario Padial-Ruz, Mar Cepero-González and José Luis Ubago-Jiménez

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040549 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 281

Abstract

(1) Background: University students’ mental health (MH) is in crisis due to academic stress, lack of physical activity (PA), and low self-esteem. This study evaluated a 12-week PA and meditation intervention to enhance psychological well-being in Spanish university students. (2) Methods: A quasi-experimental [...] Read more.

(1) Background: University students’ mental health (MH) is in crisis due to academic stress, lack of physical activity (PA), and low self-esteem. This study evaluated a 12-week PA and meditation intervention to enhance psychological well-being in Spanish university students. (2) Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used, with a non-randomized control group and pretest-posttest assessments. The study lasted 14 weeks (12 weeks of intervention and two for evaluations). Initially, 149 students were recruited, but the final sample included 136 (82 intervention, 54 control) due to attrition. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, respecting university-established groups. The intervention consisted of six PA sessions (aerobic, cardiovascular, and strength exercises) and six meditation sessions (yoga and mindfulness). Validated questionnaires assessed resilience, psychological distress, self-esteem, mood, personality traits, sedentary behavior, PA levels, and sleep duration. (3) Results: Significant improvements were found in resilience (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.01), and sleep duration (p < 0.05), with greater mood benefits in men. No major changes were observed in other variables. (4) Conclusions: PA- and meditation-based interventions can improve students’ MH, particularly in key psychological aspects. Further research should explore long-term effects and refine strategies by distinguishing between preventive and therapeutic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Psychological and Cognitive Development—Second Edition)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Personality Traits and Teaching Commitment Among Pre-Service Teachers: Teaching Motivation as a Mediator

by Jie Liu, Qingxi Yang, Jin Yang, Shu Wang and Hongbiao Yin

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040548 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 168

Abstract

With the HEXACO model of personality, this study examined the relationship between HEXACO traits (i.e., honesty–humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience) and teaching commitment among 2031 Chinese pre-service teachers. The results show that all HEXACO traits positively predicted teaching commitment, [...] Read more.

With the HEXACO model of personality, this study examined the relationship between HEXACO traits (i.e., honesty–humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience) and teaching commitment among 2031 Chinese pre-service teachers. The results show that all HEXACO traits positively predicted teaching commitment, with extraversion and agreeableness being the most pronounced predictors. Also, this study investigated whether teaching motivation, including intrinsic motivation, altruistic motivation, and extrinsic motivation, could explain the relationship between HEXACO traits and teaching commitment. The results supported the mediational role of teaching motivation, with intrinsic motivation showing the strongest mediational effect. For extraversion and openness to experience, a full mediation model was supported, while for the other four HEXACO traits, a partial mediation model was validated. The theoretical and practical implications of this study for teacher education are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

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19 pages, 749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why We Disclose on Social Media? Towards a Dual-Pathway Model

by Qiyu Bai, Qi Dan, Yumin Choi and Siyang Luo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040547 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 123

Abstract

Grounded in social penetration theory and social capital theory, this study aims to investigate how social media self-disclosure influences bridging and bonding online social capital, and how these in turn affect users’ loneliness and online interpersonal trust. A moderated mediation model was proposed [...] Read more.

Grounded in social penetration theory and social capital theory, this study aims to investigate how social media self-disclosure influences bridging and bonding online social capital, and how these in turn affect users’ loneliness and online interpersonal trust. A moderated mediation model was proposed and tested using cross-sectional survey data collected from 1519 Chinese netizens. Regression analyses revealed that self-disclosure on social media positively predicted both types of online social capital. Bridging social capital mediated the relationship between self-disclosure and reduced loneliness, while bonding social capital mediated the link between self-disclosure and enhanced online interpersonal trust. Moreover, agreeableness moderated the effect of self-disclosure on bonding social capital. These findings enrich the theoretical understanding of online self-disclosure and reveal the underlying motivations for users to disclose personal information on social media, even in the context of the privacy paradox. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Media as Interpersonal and Masspersonal)

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23 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Meaning in Music Framed: The Four ‘Eff’ Processes (Fit, Affiliation, Facilitation, and Fluency)

by Emery Schubert and Anthony Chmiel

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040546 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 309

Abstract

Music can evoke powerful, positive, and meaningful experiences, but how does its potential to evoke such experiences come about? Listening to the music itself is critical, but referents (the thoughts, ideas, events, and affects associated with the music) are also relevant. We found [...] Read more.

Music can evoke powerful, positive, and meaningful experiences, but how does its potential to evoke such experiences come about? Listening to the music itself is critical, but referents (the thoughts, ideas, events, and affects associated with the music) are also relevant. We found a lack of understanding in the literature regarding the processes through which music evokes meaning through referents. To address this lacuna, we built on modern conceptions of framing theory. The following four framing processes were proposed, with each acting on different time scales (shortest [S] to longest [L]), and with an increasingly top-down [T] influence: (1) fluency [S]—the ease with which the accompanying information (about the music) can be mentally processed, with easy-to-process material leading to ‘increased preference/positive evaluation of the music’ [IPPE]; (2) facilitation—the content of the messaging directly influences IPPE, for example, when referring to the beauty of the music or the talent of the composer; (3) affiliation—when social influences imbue the music with meaning; and (4) fit [L, T]—when the other processes lead to long-term personal and cultural IPPE through norms and habits. Together, these processes can be applied to provide a comprehensive account of how musical meaning and preferences are developed. Three case studies show how these processes can be applied to the extant literature: why negatively framed music only has a relatively small (negative) impact on IPPE; why adding crowd sounds to recorded music only has a small effect; and how ‘labels’ such as Beethoven and Mozart become established and then impose top-down influence on music’s meaning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Music Listening as Exploratory Behavior)

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14 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Educational Settings Influence College Students’ Reading Behavior? An Empirical Study of China’s Top Universities

by Chen Jiang, Yingxue Yang, Xilin Yuan and Liling Sun

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040545 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 237

Abstract

The rapid rise of digital media and the accelerated pace of modern life have triggered a “reading crisis” among college students in China, which is characterized by declining deep reading abilities and increasing reliance on fragmented digital content. Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing [...] Read more.

The rapid rise of digital media and the accelerated pace of modern life have triggered a “reading crisis” among college students in China, which is characterized by declining deep reading abilities and increasing reliance on fragmented digital content. Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing student reading behavior is crucial for improving educational outcomes and fostering lifelong learning skills. This study examines these factors in China’s top universities using an ecological systems theory framework, which considers how individual attributes (micro), university environment (mezzo), and broader social contexts (macro) interact to shape reading behavior. This study analyzed a logistic regression model based on 1667 samples from 19 top universities in China, followed by cross-analysis using contingency tables. The findings highlight the significant impact of both individual and environmental factors on reading engagement and reveal the mediating role of university policies and resources in fostering students’ reading proficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behaviors in Educational Settings—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do the Different Humor Styles of Streamers Affect Consumer Repurchase Intentions?

by Guangming Li and Yuan Xia

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040544 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 294

Abstract

With the rapid development of e-commerce live streaming, streamers play a crucial role in consumers’ shopping experience and decision-making. In this context, humor has gradually attracted widespread attention in the field of marketing as a communication strategy to enhance interaction between streamers and [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of e-commerce live streaming, streamers play a crucial role in consumers’ shopping experience and decision-making. In this context, humor has gradually attracted widespread attention in the field of marketing as a communication strategy to enhance interaction between streamers and consumers. According to social exchange theory, this study specifically explores the differing impacts of e-commerce streamers’ humor styles on relationship quality, as well as the positive effect of relationship quality on consumers’ repurchase intention. Data were collected via an online survey with 519 valid responses, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS. The results reveal that affiliative humor significantly enhances consumers’ trust (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), which positively affects satisfaction and commitment, ultimately increasing repurchase intention. In contrast, aggressive humor undermines trust (β = −0.63, p < 0.001), leading to lower repurchase intention. This study provides theoretical support for e-commerce streamers to enhance consumers’ repurchase intentions by increasing the use of affiliative humor and reducing the use of aggressive humor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)

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13 pages, 747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships Between Cumulative Family Risk, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: A Person-Centered Analysis

by Xiaoxian Liu, Hengyuan Fan, Ruijuan Xiong, Lei An, Yiming Wang, Ruojuan Du and Xiaosheng Ding

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040543 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 271

Abstract

The present study used a person-centered approach to examine the latent patterns of cumulative family risk and emotion regulation difficulties in adolescents and their relationships with non-suicidal self-injury. A sample of 1046 primary and secondary school students was analyzed using latent class analysis [...] Read more.

The present study used a person-centered approach to examine the latent patterns of cumulative family risk and emotion regulation difficulties in adolescents and their relationships with non-suicidal self-injury. A sample of 1046 primary and secondary school students was analyzed using latent class analysis and latent profile analysis to identify subgroups of cumulative family risk and emotion regulation difficulties, respectively. The results were as follows: (1) Two latent classes of cumulative family risk were identified: a high-risk group (30.78%) and a low-risk group (69.22%). Adolescents in the high-risk group had significantly higher self-injury scores. (2) Three latent profiles of emotion regulation difficulties were identified: a low-difficulty group (56.02%), a medium-difficulty group (32.60%), and a high-difficulty group (11.38%). Adolescents in the high-difficulty group had the highest self-injury scores. (3) The logistic regression showed that adolescents in the high-risk group were more likely to belong to the high-difficulty group, followed by the medium- and low-difficulty groups. In summary, adolescents with high levels of cumulative family risk are also more likely to exhibit high levels of emotion regulation difficulties and self-injurious behavior. Full article

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18 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Listen or Read? The Impact of Proficiency and Visual Complexity on Learners’ Reliance on Captions

by Yan Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040542 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 255

Abstract

This study investigates how Chinese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners of low- and high-proficiency levels allocate attention between captions and audio while watching videos, and how visual complexity (single- vs. multi-speaker content) influences caption reliance. The study employed a novel paused [...] Read more.

This study investigates how Chinese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners of low- and high-proficiency levels allocate attention between captions and audio while watching videos, and how visual complexity (single- vs. multi-speaker content) influences caption reliance. The study employed a novel paused transcription method to assess real-time processing. A total of 64 participants (31 low-proficiency [A1–A2] and 33 high-proficiency [C1–C2] learners) viewed single- and multi-speaker videos with English captions. Misleading captions were inserted to objectively measure reliance on captions versus audio. Results revealed significant proficiency effects: Low-proficiency learners prioritized captions (reading scores > listening, Z = −4.55, p < 0.001, r = 0.82), while high-proficiency learners focused on audio (listening > reading, Z = −5.12, p < 0.001, r = 0.89). Multi-speaker videos amplified caption reliance for low-proficiency learners (r = 0.75) and moderately increased reliance for high-proficiency learners (r = 0.52). These findings demonstrate that low-proficiency learners rely overwhelmingly on captions during video viewing, while high-proficiency learners integrate multimodal inputs. Notably, increased visual complexity amplifies caption reliance across proficiency levels. Implications are twofold: Pedagogically, educators could design tiered caption removal protocols as skills improve while incorporating adjustable caption opacity tools. Technologically, future research could focus on developing dynamic captioning systems leveraging eye-tracking and AI to adapt to real-time proficiency, optimizing learning experiences. Additionally, video complexity should be calibrated to learners’ proficiency levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Educational Applications of Cognitive Psychology)

23 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Physical Exercise on College Students’ Physical Self-Efficacy: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience

by Wentao Qiu, Xishuai Wang, Hongcheng Cui, Wenxue Ma, Haibin Xiao, Guofeng Qu, Rong Gao, Fangbing Zhou, Yuyang Nie and Cong Liu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040541 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 438

Abstract

The mental health of college students has become a key focus in higher education, and physical activity may play a crucial role in promoting positive psychology among college students. This study explores the relationship between physical activity and physical self-efficacy among college students [...] Read more.

The mental health of college students has become a key focus in higher education, and physical activity may play a crucial role in promoting positive psychology among college students. This study explores the relationship between physical activity and physical self-efficacy among college students and analyzes the mediating effect of psychological resilience to provide theoretical support for health intervention strategies. This study included a sample of 369 college students aged 18–25 from the Zhuhai Campus of Beijing Normal University. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Physical Self-Efficacy Scale for College Students (PSES-CS) were administered to 369 students (138 males and 231 females) through a questionnaire survey. The data were processed using SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 26.0 software. Significant positive correlations were found between physical activity, psychological resilience, and physical self-efficacy. Regression analysis revealed that physical activity had a significant effect on psychological resilience and physical self-efficacy and explained 8.3% and 14.9% of the variance, respectively. Psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between physical activity and physical self-efficacy, accounting for 30.05% of the total effect. Moreover, gender moderated the relationship between physical activity and physical self-efficacy. Physical activity can enhance the physical self-efficacy of college students, with psychological resilience playing a partial mediating role and gender acting as a moderating factor. Emphasizing the cultivation of psychological resilience in educational and personal growth processes is highly important for improving individuals’ physical self-efficacy and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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21 pages, 1986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complementing but Not Replacing: Comparing the Impacts of GPT-4 and Native-Speaker Interaction on Chinese L2 Writing Outcomes

by Zhaoyang Shan, Zhangyuan Song, Xu Jiang, Wen Chen and Luyao Chen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040540 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 323

Abstract

This study explored the efficacy of large language models (LLMs), namely GPT-4, in supporting second language (L2) writing in comparison with interaction with a human language partner in the pre-writing phase. A within-subject behavioral experiment was conducted with 23 Chinese L2 learners who [...] Read more.

This study explored the efficacy of large language models (LLMs), namely GPT-4, in supporting second language (L2) writing in comparison with interaction with a human language partner in the pre-writing phase. A within-subject behavioral experiment was conducted with 23 Chinese L2 learners who were exposed to three conditions: “without interaction”, “interaction with GPT-4”, and “interaction with a language partner”. They then completed an L2 writing task. It was found that interaction with the language partner yielded significantly improved results compared with both interaction with GPT-4 and the case without interaction in terms of overall writing scores, organization, and language. Additionally, both types of interaction enhanced the participants’ topic familiarity and writing confidence and reduced the task’s perceived difficulty compared with the case without interaction. Interestingly, in the “interaction with GPT-4” condition, topic familiarity was positively correlated with better writing outcomes, whereas in the “interaction with a language partner” condition, perceived difficulty was positively correlated with content scores; however, content scores were negatively associated with writing confidence. This study suggests that LLMs should be used to complement and not replace human language partners in the L2 pre-writing phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Student Learning in Postsecondary Education)

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16 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Divorce and Parental Loss Shape Children’s Moral Growth and Emotional Resilience

by Fahri Sezer

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040539 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 409

Abstract

(1) Background: This study investigates the relationship between the moral maturity levels of individuals who have experienced parental divorce or loss and their adjustment to the divorce process, considering various factors. (2) Methods: A total of 319 participants, aged between 10 and 18, [...] Read more.

(1) Background: This study investigates the relationship between the moral maturity levels of individuals who have experienced parental divorce or loss and their adjustment to the divorce process, considering various factors. (2) Methods: A total of 319 participants, aged between 10 and 18, who had either divorced parents or had experienced parental loss, were included in the study. Data were collected using the Adaptation to Divorce Inventory for Children and the Moral Maturity Scale. (3) Results: The results revealed that individuals who had experienced parental loss exhibited higher-than-average moral maturity levels. (4) Conclusions: A moderate, positive correlation was found between moral maturity and divorce adjustment, specifically in the areas of conflict resolution and depression–anxiety subscales. Additionally, substance use was associated with lower levels of moral maturity, while gender and educational level were significant predictors of moral maturity. These findings suggest that professional support, guidance programs, and family communication strategies are essential to promote the psychological adjustment of children affected by parental divorce or loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

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22 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Proactive Personality on Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy: The Role of AI Acceptance and Innovation Skills

by Kunji Li, Jeffery D. Houghton, Siyu Chen, Xuan Li, Danyang Li and Wenchi Zou

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040538 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 385

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between proactive personality and career-related decision-making self-efficacy, with generative artificial intelligence acceptance serving as a mediating factor. Additionally, the study examined the moderating effect of innovation competencies on this mediation pathway, utilizing a moderated mediation framework. [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between proactive personality and career-related decision-making self-efficacy, with generative artificial intelligence acceptance serving as a mediating factor. Additionally, the study examined the moderating effect of innovation competencies on this mediation pathway, utilizing a moderated mediation framework. The study included 501 university students from Guangdong Province, China, who completed validated measures of proactive personality, career-related decision-making self-efficacy, generative artificial intelligence acceptance, and innovation competencies. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (Version 26) and the PROCESS macro to evaluate mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation effects. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis was performed using Amos (Version 28.0) to assess the validity of the measurement models. The results indicate that proactive personality exerts an indirect effect on career-related decision-making self-efficacy via generative artificial intelligence acceptance. The strength of this indirect effect was moderated by innovation competencies, indicating that the relationship is stronger at higher levels of innovation competencies. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between proactive personality and career-related decision-making self-efficacy, particularly within the context of technological adaptability. Full article

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10 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Initial Examination of Couple Therapy for PTSD Outcomes Among Black/African American Adults: Findings from an Uncontrolled Trial with Military Dyads

by Steffany J. Fredman, Alyssa A. Gamaldo, August I. C. Jenkins, Yunying Le, Jacqueline A. Mogle, Candice M. Monson, Charlene E. Gamaldo, Roland J. Thorpe, Jr., Brittany N. Hall-Clark, Tabatha H. Blount, Brooke A. Fina, Orfeu M. Buxton, Christopher G. Engeland, Galena K. Rhoades, Scott M. Stanley, Alexandra Macdonald, Katherine A. Dondanville, Daniel J. Taylor, Kristi E. Pruiksma, Brett T. Litz, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Terence M. Keane and Alan L. Peterson Show full author list Hide full author list

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040537 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 406

Abstract

Black/African American individuals experience high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is frequently chronic and undertreated in this population. Intimate relationships are a salient resource for Black/African American adults’ psychological well-being. To help advance health equity, this study serves as an initial, [...] Read more.

Black/African American individuals experience high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is frequently chronic and undertreated in this population. Intimate relationships are a salient resource for Black/African American adults’ psychological well-being. To help advance health equity, this study serves as an initial, proof-of-concept investigation of patient outcomes among Black/African American adults who received a disorder-specific couple therapy for PTSD. Participants were a subsample of seven Black/African American adults (mean age = 40.56 years, SD = 10.18; 85.7% male) who participated in an uncontrolled trial of an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD with 24 military dyads. Treatment was delivered over 2 days in a weekend retreat format. Assessments were administered at baseline, 1 month post-retreat, and 3 months post-retreat. There were large and significant decreases in patients’ PTSD symptoms based on clinicians’ and patients’ ratings (ds −1.37 and −1.36, respectively) by the 3-month follow-up relative to baseline. There were also large and significant decreases in patients’ depressive, anxiety, and anger symptoms (ds −1.39 to −1.93) and a large, marginally significant decrease in patients’ insomnia (d = −0.85; p = 0.083). Patients reported a medium, non-significant increase in relationship satisfaction (d = 0.68; p = 0.146) and a large, marginally significant increase in joint dyadic coping (d = 0.90; p = 0.069). Findings offer preliminary evidence that treating PTSD within a couple context is a relevant strategy to reduce PTSD and comorbid symptoms among partnered Black/African American adults and a promising approach to enhance relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations for Addressing Posttraumatic Stress and Co-occurring Conditions)

13 pages, 668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Perceived Autonomy Support on Physical Activity Among High School Students: The Mediating Roles of Basic Psychological Needs

by Zhou Wanwan and Ahmad Zamri Khairani

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040536 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 302

Abstract

Parental and peer support has been documented as an important factor in physical activities among high school students. Likewise, coach support has an important impact on physical activity among high school students. Meanwhile, many studies show that basic psychological needs have an essential [...] Read more.

Parental and peer support has been documented as an important factor in physical activities among high school students. Likewise, coach support has an important impact on physical activity among high school students. Meanwhile, many studies show that basic psychological needs have an essential effect on perceived autonomy and physical activity. As such, this study, using self-determination theory, aimed to explore the mediating role of basic psychological needs on physical activity among high school students in China. The Sport Climate Questionnaire, Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale—Physical Activity, and the three-item Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 were employed to gauge responses from 736 high school students (15–18 years old). A structural equation model was employed to test the mediating effect. The researchers found a significant positive effect of perceived coach support on basic psychological need satisfaction. Basic psychological need satisfaction was also found to be a significant predictor of physical activity. Surprisingly, the results showed that perceived coach support negatively influences physical activity. As such, an indirect mediating effect is established. Basic psychological needs had an indirect mediating effect and could reduce the negative effect of coach support on physical activity engagement. Full article

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22 pages, 538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healing Through Support: Beneficial and Detrimental Practices in Parental Grief—A Qualitative Study

by Lucía Pelacho-Ríos, Samuel Mayoral, María José Jorques-Infante and Gloria Bernabe-Valero

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040535 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 310

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the experiences of 24 parents who have experienced the death of a child, focusing on identifying practices that either facilitated or hindered their grieving process. In-depth interviews revealed key supportive practices, including emotional empathy, clear communication, and the presence [...] Read more.

This qualitative study explores the experiences of 24 parents who have experienced the death of a child, focusing on identifying practices that either facilitated or hindered their grieving process. In-depth interviews revealed key supportive practices, including emotional empathy, clear communication, and the presence of healthcare professionals during critical moments. Parents highlighted the significance of support groups, such as “Renacer”, in providing emotional connection, hope, and the opportunity for personal transformation. However, negative experiences emerged related to impersonal communication, lack of empathy, and delays in bureaucratic processes, which aggravated the pain and hindered emotional adjustment over time. The findings underscore the importance of personalized, empathetic care and the need for more efficient systems in supporting grieving parents. These insights can guide professionals in improving grief care, emphasizing respect for the emotional needs of parents and the creation of safe, supportive environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Clinical Interventions on Grief)

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26 pages, 6508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Autonomy in Generative AI Services: The Role of Task Difficulty and AI Design Elements in Enhancing Trust, Satisfaction, and Usage Intention

by Jihyung Han and Daekyun Ko

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040534 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 393

Abstract

As generative AI services become increasingly integrated into consumer decision making, concerns have grown regarding their influence on consumer autonomy—the extent to which individuals retain independent control over AI-assisted decisions. Although these services offer efficiency and convenience, they can simultaneously constrain consumer decision [...] Read more.

As generative AI services become increasingly integrated into consumer decision making, concerns have grown regarding their influence on consumer autonomy—the extent to which individuals retain independent control over AI-assisted decisions. Although these services offer efficiency and convenience, they can simultaneously constrain consumer decision making, potentially impacting trust, satisfaction, and usage intention. This study investigates the role of perceived consumer autonomy in shaping consumer responses, specifically examining how task difficulty (Study 1) and AI service design elements—explainability, feedback, and shared responsibility (Study 2)—influence autonomy perceptions and subsequent consumer outcomes. Using two scenario-based experiments involving a total of 708 participants, the results reveal that perceived autonomy significantly enhances consumer trust, particularly in contexts involving high task difficulty. Among the tested AI design interventions, shared responsibility emerged as most effective in enhancing perceived autonomy, trust, satisfaction, and long-term engagement, whereas explainability and feedback alone showed limited impact. These findings underscore the importance of designing AI services that actively support consumer agency through user-involved decision-making frameworks rather than relying solely on passive informational transparency. Theoretical implications for consumer autonomy in AI interactions are discussed, along with practical recommendations for designing consumer-centered AI services. Full article

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20 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parenting Stress and Its Influencing Factors Among Chinese Parents in Parent–Grandparent Co-Parenting Families: A Latent Profile Analysis

by Tongyao Wang and Hongyan Cheng

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040533 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Guided by family systems theory and the parenting process model, this study aimed to identify distinct profiles of parenting stress and examine their associations with parental characteristics, social–contextual factors, and child factors. A sample of 303 parents of preschool children (52.5% boys, mean [...] Read more.

Guided by family systems theory and the parenting process model, this study aimed to identify distinct profiles of parenting stress and examine their associations with parental characteristics, social–contextual factors, and child factors. A sample of 303 parents of preschool children (52.5% boys, mean child age = 61.17 months) from six urban kindergartens in southern and northern China participated in this study. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified four distinct parenting stress profiles: the low parenting stress profile (12.9%), middle parenting stress profile (39.3%), high parenting stress profile (40.6%), and very high parenting stress profile (7.2%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that these profiles were significantly associated with parenting self-efficacy, the parent–grandparent co-parenting relationship, the co-parenting structure, family income, and the child’s gender. These findings advance our understanding of the heterogeneity of parenting stress within Chinese parent–grandparent co-parenting families and offer theoretical and practical implications for future research and the development of targeted family support interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress and Children’s, Adolescents' and Young Adults’ Ways to Cope with It)

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14 pages, 1665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Point Values on Scoring Rubrics Influence Self-Regulated Learning for STEM Material

by Morgan D. Shumaker, Michelle L. Rivers and Sarah K. Tauber

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040532 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 217

Abstract

We examined whether point value information on a scoring rubric influences learners’ study time and concept selection when learning educationally relevant STEM information. Participants (N = 92) engaged in the self-regulated study of five concepts in mineral formation—geological processes, inorganic substances, compounds, [...] Read more.

We examined whether point value information on a scoring rubric influences learners’ study time and concept selection when learning educationally relevant STEM information. Participants (N = 92) engaged in the self-regulated study of five concepts in mineral formation—geological processes, inorganic substances, compounds, elements, and crystalline solids—while having access to a scoring rubric that contained varying point values (concepts were worth 12, 8, or 4 points), uniform point values (all concepts were worth 8 points), or no point values for each concept. Participants chose how long to study and how many times to study each of the concepts. Concepts were selected for study more times when they were high-value than low-value on a grading rubric, an effect that was stronger for some concepts relative to others. Concepts were also studied slightly longer when they were high-value compared to low-value on a rubric. Our findings are consistent with value-directed remembering and agenda-based regulation and suggest that learners can use scoring rubrics to guide their decisions during learning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Educational Applications of Cognitive Psychology)

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13 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Contribution of Negative Expectancies to Emotional Resilience

by James Tough, Ben Grafton, Colin MacLeod and Bram Van Bockstaele

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040531 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 210

Abstract

Anxiety reactivity, i.e., the degree to which state anxiety becomes elevated, has been used as a measure of emotional resilience in anticipation of potentially stressful events and has been found to correlate with elevations in event-related negative expectancy bias. The present study aimed [...] Read more.

Anxiety reactivity, i.e., the degree to which state anxiety becomes elevated, has been used as a measure of emotional resilience in anticipation of potentially stressful events and has been found to correlate with elevations in event-related negative expectancy bias. The present study aimed to replicate this finding and investigate whether negative expectancy bias is also associated with low emotional resilience in the wake of the event, measured as anxiety perseveration, i.e., the degree to which state anxiety remains elevated after the event. A sample of undergraduate students was informed they would watch a film montage and presented with the choice to access negative or benign information relevant to the film montage. They were asked to rate their negative expectancy bias and state anxiety both before and after accessing this information, which permitted a measure of anxiety reactivity and negative expectancy bias elevation. Participants then watched the film montage and rated their experience and state anxiety again, which allowed for a measure of anxiety perseveration. The results revealed that negative expectancy bias predicted anxiety reactivity and predicted anxiety perseveration indirectly through its impact on the perceived negativity of the event. Although further investigation is required, these findings suggest interventions targeting negative expectancy bias may improve emotional resilience both in anticipation of and in the wake of stressful events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Cognitive Processes Underpinning Resilience in Individuals Exposed to Adversity)

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Behav. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 4 (April 2025) – 162 articles

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