Behavioral Sciences

24 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Causal Model for Surveys of Exploratory Listening and Music Appreciation

by Henk Jacobs, Marc Leman and Edith Van Dyck

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050676 - 14 May 2025

This paper integrates concepts from neurobiology, marketing and musicology to propose a causal model of music appreciation and exploratory listening, using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and structural equation models (SEMs). The key concepts are music appreciation (measured on a scale from 1 to [...] Read more.

This paper integrates concepts from neurobiology, marketing and musicology to propose a causal model of music appreciation and exploratory listening, using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and structural equation models (SEMs). The key concepts are music appreciation (measured on a scale from 1 to 10), evaluations, experiences and the qualities of musical features, which the listeners explore and describe from a first-person perspective. The qualities are understood in terms of a satisfaction or dissatisfaction rating of operational features. The development of the causal model is based on a reiterative methodology involving surveys. Applying the causal model to a large survey of 800 listeners reveals that listeners adopt a slightly different causal pathway for their appreciation of liked versus disliked music. When listeners dislike music, the source of their dissatisfaction is more consistently attributed to the perceived or missed musical qualities rather than to their personal experiences. The iterative methodology and causal modeling offer a foundation for further investigation and refinement in various listening contexts. Full article

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

21 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of False Self-Presentation and Social Comparison in Excessive Social Media Use

by Nor Fariza Mohd Nor, Nayab Iqbal and Azianura Hani Shaari

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050675 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Excessive social media use has become a growing concern due to its potential to affect self-perception, particularly through lowered self-esteem and a heightened fear of negative evaluation. With the increasing tendency for individuals to curate idealised online personas, understanding the psychological factors that [...] Read more.

Excessive social media use has become a growing concern due to its potential to affect self-perception, particularly through lowered self-esteem and a heightened fear of negative evaluation. With the increasing tendency for individuals to curate idealised online personas, understanding the psychological factors that drive this behaviour is critical. This study applies Self-Discrepancy Theory, Social Comparison Theory, and Gender Schema Theory to explain how self-perception, constant comparisons, and internalised gender norms drive online behaviours. A survey of 400 active social media users in Pakistan was conducted, and the data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). This study revealed that false self-presentation significantly heightened the fear of negative evaluation, which mediated its influence on excessive social media use. Social comparison, contrary to expectations, boosted self-esteem while also fuelling excessive use, as individuals sought validation online. Gender also appeared to play a moderating role, with women experiencing a stronger link between social comparison and self-esteem. However, gender did not moderate the relationship between false self-presentation and the fear of negative evaluation, suggesting similar psychological effects across genders. This study highlights that the fear of negative evaluation and social comparison-driven self-esteem are key psychological mechanisms behind excessive social media use, while gender plays a role in shaping the impact of social comparison but not false self-presentation. This study provides empirical evidence that excessive social media use is shaped by psychological factors, such as fear of negative evaluation and validation-seeking, driven by social comparison. Interventions aimed at reducing the emotional distress associated with excessive social media use should prioritise digital literacy programs that help users identify how false self-presentation and social comparison shape their fear of negative evaluation and validation-seeking behaviours, especially in appearance-driven online environments. Full article

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27 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Gaze to Interaction: Links Between Visual Attention, Facial Expression Identification, and Behavior of Children Diagnosed with ASD or Typically Developing Children with an Assistance Dog

by Manon Toutain, Salomé Paris, Solyane Lefranc, Laurence Henry and Marine Grandgeorge

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050674 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Understanding how children engage with others is crucial for improving social interactions, especially when one of the partners is an animal. We investigated relationships between interaction strategies, visual attention, and facial expression identification of children interacting with an assistance dog, and evaluated the [...] Read more.

Understanding how children engage with others is crucial for improving social interactions, especially when one of the partners is an animal. We investigated relationships between interaction strategies, visual attention, and facial expression identification of children interacting with an assistance dog, and evaluated the effects of a neurodevelopmental disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)) on these elements. Thus 20 children (7 with ASD, 13 with typical development or TD) participated in three experimental tasks: (1) face-to-face encounters with the assistance dog while wearing eye-tracking glasses to analyze visual exploration patterns; (2) free interactions with the assistance dog, assessed using ethological methods and (3) a computerized task evaluating human and canine facial expression identification. The results revealed that (1) visual exploration patterns varied depending on task instructions: ASD children paid less attention to faces and more to the environment than TD children; (2) both groups displayed similar behavioral patterns during free interactions with the assistance dog; (3) facial expression identification data did not differ between groups; and (4) within-group associations emerged between visual attention, spontaneous interaction behaviors, and facial expression identification abilities. These findings highlighted the complex interplay between visual attention, facial expression identification, and social behavior of children, emphasizing the importance of context in shaping interaction strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal-Assisted Interventions for Neurodivergent Individuals: Advancing Research, Practice, and Well-Being)

21 pages, 9749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Information Richness of Interfaces on Consumers’ Purchase Intention: The Sequential Mediating Effects of Cognitive Load, Mental Imagery, and Flow Experience

by Jiayue Guo, Yuemeng Zhao, Wenqian Zhang, Ke Lu, Xiaochen Feng and Tiansheng Xia

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050673 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

E-commerce live streaming attracts consumers by displaying product information and anchor introductions. However, the complexity and variety of interface information pose challenges in design, and research on live-streaming interface design remains limited. This study examines how patch design affects the customer experience in [...] Read more.

E-commerce live streaming attracts consumers by displaying product information and anchor introductions. However, the complexity and variety of interface information pose challenges in design, and research on live-streaming interface design remains limited. This study examines how patch design affects the customer experience in live-streaming rooms, considering different product types and virtual backgrounds. Based on the flow theory and the Stimulus–Organism–Response model, we conducted experiments simulating live-streaming scenarios and collected behavioral and eye-tracking data. Our results confirmed that cognitive load negatively mediates, while mental imagery and flow experience positively mediate, the relationship between patch design and consumer behavior. Additionally, the interaction between product type and virtual background proximity was revealed, with product type moderating the effect of cognitive load on purchase behavior. This study contributes to understanding the impact of live-streaming interface design on consumer experience and purchase behavior, providing design guidelines for online retailers and managerial insights for retail platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Emotional Antecedents and Consequences of Buying and Consuming: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Consumers’ Emotions—Second Edition)

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18 pages, 2187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender-Specific Transmission of Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Families: A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis Based on the China Family Panel Studies

by Xuanyu Zhang, Nan Fang, Rui Wang, Lixin Zhu, Dengdeng Zhang, Huina Teng and Boyu Qiu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050672 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Depression is prevalent and may be transmitted within the family. However, whether and how gender influences the interaction of depressive symptoms between parents and adolescents remains largely unclear. The current study used a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis to examine the gender-specific transmission [...] Read more.

Depression is prevalent and may be transmitted within the family. However, whether and how gender influences the interaction of depressive symptoms between parents and adolescents remains largely unclear. The current study used a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis to examine the gender-specific transmission of depressive symptoms in representative Chinese families from the China Family Panel Studies. The participants included 1469 adolescents (48.3% girls) and their parents, with depressive symptoms assessed by the epidemiological studies depression scale in 2020 (T1; M_age = 13.80) and 2022 (T2; M_age = 15.62), respectively. The gender-specific CLPNs (i.e., boy–father, boy–mother, girl–father, and girl–mother CLPNs) showed that the “loneliness” at T1 repeatedly exhibited higher impacts on the other symptoms at T2 across networks. Furthermore, the symptoms of girls at T1 were more likely to influence their parents at T2, while the symptoms of boys at T2, especially the “sleep restlessness”, were susceptible to parental influence at T1. These findings provide deeper insights into the development of mental health policies, and future studies are needed to explore the mediating mechanisms of such transmission. Full article

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14 pages, 1110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Avoidant and Approach-Oriented Coping Strategies, Meaning Making, and Mental Health Among Adults Bereaved by Suicide and Fatal Overdose: A Prospective Path Analysis

by Jamison S. Bottomley and Robert A. Neimeyer

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050671 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Adults bereaved by the suicide or overdose death of someone close to them are vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes, but little is known about how these individuals utilize avoidance- and approach-based coping strategies, how these strategies relate to outcomes, and what accounts [...] Read more.

Adults bereaved by the suicide or overdose death of someone close to them are vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes, but little is known about how these individuals utilize avoidance- and approach-based coping strategies, how these strategies relate to outcomes, and what accounts for these associations. Informed by contemporary theories of bereavement, we utilize prospective data from suicide- and overdose-bereaved adults (N = 212) who completed two waves of online data collection approximately two years following the death (T1 and T2; six months apart) to examine the mediating role of meaning making in the relationship between coping strategies and grief-related mental health outcomes, such as prolonged grief (PG), posttraumatic stress (PTS), and depression. Path analysis with mediation was used to investigate the relations between coping strategies at T1, meaning making at T2, and mental health outcomes at T2. The results indicated direct effects of avoidant coping at T1 in predicting higher PG and PTS symptoms at T2, while approach-based coping at T1 indirectly predicted an improvement in all three T2 outcomes due to increased meaning making. These results suggest that avoidance-based strategies directly and indirectly contribute to poorer outcomes and impaired meaning making processes, while approach-based strategies lead to increased meaning making and adaptation to loss among suicide and overdose loss survivors. The clinical implications and future directions for research are discussed. Full article

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26 pages, 1774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Implementation of a Novel Approach to Scaling the Meeting Centre Intervention for People Living with Dementia and Their Unpaid Carers, Using an Adapted Version of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) Checklist

by Nathan Stephens, Shirley Evans, Christopher Russell and Dawn Brooker

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050670 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Complex interventions are often poorly described, making it difficult to understand their development, implementation, and evaluation (i.e., context), which can aid in replicating and translating evidence into practice and policy. Therefore, we examined the development and implementation of an approach to scaling-out (increasing [...] Read more.

Complex interventions are often poorly described, making it difficult to understand their development, implementation, and evaluation (i.e., context), which can aid in replicating and translating evidence into practice and policy. Therefore, we examined the development and implementation of an approach to scaling-out (increasing the numbers of) a psychosocial intervention for people affected by dementia across a rural county in England during 2019–2024. We used an adapted version of the TIDieR checklist to consider key items essential for replicating complex interventions at scale. We triangulated document analysis with interview data, and key programme stakeholders ratified the results of this study. We identified three programme components and sub-components, including how planned components were delivered, by whom, and under what conditions. Implementation outcomes related to the inner (e.g., top-down structure) and outer contexts (e.g., market failures) led to modifications that increased programme complexity. This study highlights the importance of programme leaders who can convene and drive systems and culture change to address implementation challenges, as well as the need for scaling science during programme development, for example, to determine optimal scale. Further research should include testing implementation outcomes to understand if the intervention is a scalable solution to the gap in post-diagnostic support in the UK. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)

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17 pages, 527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mindful Eating and Its Relationship with Obesity, Eating Habits, and Emotional Distress in Mexican College Students

by Irina Lazarevich, María Esther Irigoyen-Camacho, Claudia Cecilia Radilla-Vázquez, Rey Gutiérrez-Tolentino, Maria Consuelo Velazquez-Alva and Marco Antonio Zepeda-Zepeda

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050669 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Mindful eating (ME) has gained recognition in multidisciplinary weight management intervention and prevention programs for dysfunctional eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of mindful eating with body mass index, fat percentage, unhealthy food consumption, and emotional distress in Mexican college [...] Read more.

Mindful eating (ME) has gained recognition in multidisciplinary weight management intervention and prevention programs for dysfunctional eating behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of mindful eating with body mass index, fat percentage, unhealthy food consumption, and emotional distress in Mexican college students. A cross-sectional study was performed. Anthropometry and body composition were evaluated. A self-reported Mindful Eating Questionnaire developed for the Mexican population, Food Frequency Questionnaire (frequency and serving size), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were applied. Two separate analyses were conducted: the first used the whole Mexican Mindful Eating Questionnaire with 11 questions (ME-11), and the second excluded the emotional eating items (ME-8). A total of 224 students were included in the analysis. Lower levels of mindful eating were associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (p < 0.001), using ME-11 or ME-8. Significant associations were identified between lower levels of mindful eating (ME-11) and consumption of fried foods (p = 0.005), sweets and desserts (p = 0.003), and fast food (p = 0.003). Similar associations were observed using the ME-8 score. In both versions of the questionnaire, depression, anxiety, and stress scores were significantly associated with lower levels of mindful eating. Mindful eating was associated with BMI, body fat, eating habits, and emotional distress. Mindful eating could be used in multidisciplinary educational and intervention programs to promote a healthy lifestyle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of the Mindfulness-Based and Compassion-Based Therapies on Well-Being: The New Findings of the Neuroscience, the Practices, and the Education)

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19 pages, 2921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interpolated Retrieval of Relevant Material, Not Irrelevant Material, Enhances New Learning of a Video Lecture In-Person and Online

by Zohara Assadipour, Dahwi Ahn and Jason C. K. Chan

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050668 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Interpolated retrieval enhances the learning of new information—a finding known as the forward testing effect. The context change account suggests that learning benefits are due to a shift in internal context, which can be triggered through the retrieval of either content-relevant or content-irrelevant [...] Read more.

Interpolated retrieval enhances the learning of new information—a finding known as the forward testing effect. The context change account suggests that learning benefits are due to a shift in internal context, which can be triggered through the retrieval of either content-relevant or content-irrelevant information. In two experiments, we examined whether interpolated episodic, autobiographical, and semantic retrieval would enhance new learning of a video lecture, compared to interpolated review. Participants watched a STEM topic lecture divided into three ~5 min segments and completed their assigned interpolated activity after the first two segments. Across both a laboratory (Experiment 1, N = 249) and online setting (Experiment 2, N = 246), only episodic retrieval enhanced the learning of new material; autobiographical and semantic retrieval (content-irrelevant) did not improve new learning. Critically, we introduced a measure of context change to determine whether the level of engagement in these interpolated activities predicted recall. Engagement correlated with criterial test performance when controlling for effort (seriousness). Our results support a multi-factor explanation for the forward testing effect, providing evidence for both the context change and strategy change accounts, although we emphasize that support for context change should be interpreted with caution. Full article

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

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14 pages, 2955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Game to Concert: Exploratory Listening in ‘Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons’ Concert Tour

by Natalie P. Miller and Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050667 - 13 May 2025

Abstract

Exploratory listening encompasses the various ways, contexts, and levels of attention with which listeners engage with their sonic environment. This paper presents findings from qualitative research conducted with audience members during the Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons concert tour. During these events, attendees [...] Read more.

Exploratory listening encompasses the various ways, contexts, and levels of attention with which listeners engage with their sonic environment. This paper presents findings from qualitative research conducted with audience members during the Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons concert tour. During these events, attendees encountered music from the widely successful indie video game, reorchestrated in a new context. Just as the game encourages exploration through open-ended gameplay, the concerts prompt listeners to explore how the rearranged music refers to and diverges from its use in the game. Findings suggest that attendees deployed their attention to divergent aspects of the music. While some attendees focused on specific musical aspects like recognizable melodies and instrumentation, others focused on the broader audiovisual and community aspects of the performance. Results also indicate that highly immersed listeners experience diverse thoughts, including those not directly about the immediate musical content. Positioning music-evoked imaginings as a way listeners become immersed in musical experiences, we report on how exploratory listening shapes the dynamics of attention, immersion, and enjoyment within musical and audiovisual contexts. Full article

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

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22 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

When Cultural Resources Amplify Psychological Strain: Off-Work Music Listening, Homophily, and the Homesickness–Burnout Link Among Migrant Workers

by Chenyuan Gu, Zhuang Ma, Xiaoying Li, Jianjun Zhang and Qihai Huang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050666 - 13 May 2025

Abstract

Hundreds of millions of migrants experience frequent homesickness that affects their psychological wellbeing. This study integrates the job-demands–resources model and temporal comparison theory to examine how music listening and similar activities involving coworker homophily and roommate homophily influence the relationship between homesickness and [...] Read more.

Hundreds of millions of migrants experience frequent homesickness that affects their psychological wellbeing. This study integrates the job-demands–resources model and temporal comparison theory to examine how music listening and similar activities involving coworker homophily and roommate homophily influence the relationship between homesickness and burnout. Our analysis of survey data from 2493 migrant workers reveals that off-work music listening strengthens the positive relationship between homesickness and burnout. Furthermore, coworker homophily and roommate homophily enhance the strength of the interaction between off-work music listening and homesickness as a predictor of burnout. Our findings demonstrate how seemingly supportive job resources can transform into psychological demands and thus have important theoretical and managerial implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work Motivation, Engagement, and Psychological Health)

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21 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Emotional Reinforcement Mechanism of and Phased Intervention Strategies for Social Media Addiction

by Jingsong Wang and Shen Wang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050665 - 13 May 2025

Abstract

Social media addiction has become a global public health challenge, and understanding its mechanism’s complexity requires the integration of the transitional characteristics of addiction development stages and breaking through the traditional single-reinforcement-path explanatory framework. This study is based on the dual pathway of [...] Read more.

Social media addiction has become a global public health challenge, and understanding its mechanism’s complexity requires the integration of the transitional characteristics of addiction development stages and breaking through the traditional single-reinforcement-path explanatory framework. This study is based on the dual pathway of positive and negative emotional reinforcement, integrating multidisciplinary evidence from neuroscience, psychology, and computational behavioral science to propose an independent and dynamic interaction mechanism of positive reinforcement (driven by social rewards) and negative reinforcement (driven by emotional avoidance) in social media addiction. Through a review, it was found that early addiction is mediated by the midbrain limbic dopamine system due to immediate pleasurable experiences (such as liking), while late addiction is maintained by negative emotional cycles due to the dysfunction of the prefrontal limbic circuit. The transition from early addiction to late addiction is characterized by independence and interactivity. Based on this, a phased intervention strategy is proposed, which uses reward competition strategies (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and alternative rewards) to weaken dopamine sensitization in the positive reinforcement stage, enhances self-control by blocking emotional escape (such as through mindfulness training and algorithm innovation) in the negative reinforcement stage, and uses cross-pathway joint intervention in the interaction stage. This study provides a theoretical integration framework for interdisciplinary research on social media addiction from a dynamic perspective for the first time. It is recommended that emotional reinforcement variables are included in addiction diagnosis, opening up new paths for precise intervention in different stages of social media addiction development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Deep Links: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptomatology, and Addictions)

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20 pages, 1378 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Pre-Treatment Assessments to Identify Treatment Components for an Adolescent with Subtype-3 Self-Injurious Behavior

by Kyle W. Dawson, Amanda M. Morris, Tara A. Fahmie, Kortlyn Tawney and Carter Welch

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050664 - 13 May 2025

Abstract

This case study explores the use of multiple pre-treatment assessments (functional analysis, reinforcer assessment, alternative self-restraint assessment, modified augmented competing stimulus assessment) to inform a comprehensive treatment package for an adolescent male exhibiting Subtype-3 automatically maintained self-injurious behavior (SIB). These assessments guided the [...] Read more.

This case study explores the use of multiple pre-treatment assessments (functional analysis, reinforcer assessment, alternative self-restraint assessment, modified augmented competing stimulus assessment) to inform a comprehensive treatment package for an adolescent male exhibiting Subtype-3 automatically maintained self-injurious behavior (SIB). These assessments guided the development of a treatment package involving continuous access to competing stimuli and alternative self-restraint responses, differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors, and blocking hand-to-head hits across three contexts. The study also details many points of collaboration between the experimenters and the family and other specialists. Results showed decreases in SIB that were accompanied by a reduction in mechanical restraints and access to alternative activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenging Behavior of Individuals with Autism and/or Other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities)

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16 pages, 1131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Entrepreneurial Intention Among Engineering Students: The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurship Education in Japan

by Karin Kurata, Kota Kodama, Itsuki Kageyama, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi and Yeongjoo Lim

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050663 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 39

Abstract

With the growing interest in entrepreneurship, increased attention has been paid to entrepreneurship education. In recent years, attention has been paid to entrepreneurship education in engineering majors. This study examines the impact of attitude, subjective norms, and self-efficacy toward entrepreneurial intention and the [...] Read more.

With the growing interest in entrepreneurship, increased attention has been paid to entrepreneurship education. In recent years, attention has been paid to entrepreneurship education in engineering majors. This study examines the impact of attitude, subjective norms, and self-efficacy toward entrepreneurial intention and the moderating role of entrepreneurship education among students at the National Institute of Technology, Tsuruoka College, Japan. This study was grounded in the theory of planned behavior and social cognitive theory, suggesting a new approach to examining entrepreneurship education in engineering students. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 275 Japanese students (150 second-year students and 125 fourth-year students). Employing structural equation modeling, the findings indicated that attitude and self-efficacy significantly influence entrepreneurship intentions, with notable differences between the second- and fourth-year students. Results have suggested focusing both on project-based learning and theory-based learning to nurture knowledge, skill, and mindset to comprehensively develop entrepreneurial intention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paving the Path to Well-Being Through Human Behavior Analysis with Data Science)

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23 pages, 1729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Whether Interleaving or Blocking Is More Effective for Long-Term Learning Depends on One’s Learning Strategy

by Jeri L. Little and Jexy A. Nepangue

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050662 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 40

Abstract

Grouping information into categories enables us to learn, integrate, and apply new information. Presenting items from different categories sequentially (i.e., interleaving) is often more effective than presenting items from a single category sequentially (i.e., blocking), particularly when evaluating learning using memory-based tests. However, [...] Read more.

Grouping information into categories enables us to learn, integrate, and apply new information. Presenting items from different categories sequentially (i.e., interleaving) is often more effective than presenting items from a single category sequentially (i.e., blocking), particularly when evaluating learning using memory-based tests. However, blocking can be more effective than interleaving for rule-based learning. Research has investigated optimal sequence (interleaving vs. blocking) for category learning when participants can either memorize or find rules, finding an interaction between learning strategy and sequence; that is, when memorizing, interleaving is more effective than blocking for classifying based on similarity, but when trying to find a rule, blocking is more effective than interleaving for classifying based on the rule. The goal of the present experiments was to replicate and extend this finding by examining transfer immediately after learning and then at a delay of about 48 h. The present results replicate the interaction between sequence and strategy, and show that the pattern persists over a delay. The results also suggest that some rule-based learning may be more resistant than memory-based learning to forgetting. These findings have educational implications for structuring learning as a function of strategy or learning goals. Full article

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

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19 pages, 1237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The “What” of Athletes’ Goal Pursuit and Its Relationships to Goal-Related Processes and Well- and Ill-Being

by Natalia Martínez-González, Francisco L. Atienza, Joan L. Duda and Isabel Balaguer

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050661 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 63

Abstract

Goal Contents Theory (GCT) postulates that the goals people pursue not only direct their perceptions of and behaviors relevant to goal pursuit, but also hold implications for their well- and ill-being. Extending past sport work grounded in this theory, this study explored athletes’ [...] Read more.

Goal Contents Theory (GCT) postulates that the goals people pursue not only direct their perceptions of and behaviors relevant to goal pursuit, but also hold implications for their well- and ill-being. Extending past sport work grounded in this theory, this study explored athletes’ self-generated goals and examined whether these goals were differentially aligned with goal-related processes and well- and ill-being. A total of 414 university team athletes (206 women and 208 men) completed a questionnaire at the beginning of the sport season. The results showed that intrinsic goals, assessed in an open-ended format, were more heterogeneous in terms of content, and more common among athletes than extrinsic goals. In addition, women reported more intrinsic goals and fewer extrinsic goals than men. MANCOVA revealed that athletes who pursued extrinsic goals reported significantly lower self-efficacy and greater perceptions of goal difficulty than athletes with intrinsic goals. No differences in goal motives and well- and ill-being indicators emerged. Finally, two models were tested that illustrate how goal content is related to self-efficacy for goal attainment, goal motives, and well- and ill-being. Overall, the findings were largely congruent with GCT and indicate that the quality of athletes’ goal-related processes and their well- and ill-being vary as a function of whether they are pursuing intrinsic or extrinsic goals. Full article

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17 pages, 1074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of the Values Internalization Scale

by Lanting Wu, Youguo Chen and Xiting Huang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050660 - 12 May 2025

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Abstract

Clarifying the stages of the values internalization process enables a more effective selection of interventions to promote targeted internalization. However, no specialized instrument currently exists to measure this process. Grounded in the four-stage model of values internalization, this study aimed to develop and [...] Read more.

Clarifying the stages of the values internalization process enables a more effective selection of interventions to promote targeted internalization. However, no specialized instrument currently exists to measure this process. Grounded in the four-stage model of values internalization, this study aimed to develop and validate a Values Internalization Scale (VIS) for adults. Data from Sample 1 (N = 474) were subjected to item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, yielding a scale with a four-factor structure. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis and reliability and validity tests were conducted using Sample 2 (N = 470). The results indicated that the four-factor model demonstrated a good model fit and that the scale exhibited satisfactory internal consistency reliability, criterion-related validity, and test–retest reliability. The final 25-item VIS comprises four dimensions: ignoring-resistance, understanding, attempt to practice, and integration stages. The 25-item VIS developed in this study performed exceptionally well regarding reliability and validity and can be utilized in subsequent research on the internalization of values. Full article

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18 pages, 877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Social to Financial: Understanding Trust in Extended Payment Services on Social Networking Platforms

by Qian Zhang and Heejin Kim

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050659 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 67

Abstract

Considering the rapid increase in mobile payment usage, numerous big tech companies have added mobile payment to the primary services that their platforms offer. However, extant research predominantly treats this added service as a standalone offering and investigates user adoption and behavior for [...] Read more.

Considering the rapid increase in mobile payment usage, numerous big tech companies have added mobile payment to the primary services that their platforms offer. However, extant research predominantly treats this added service as a standalone offering and investigates user adoption and behavior for this service independent of the primary services. Recognizing this gap in the literature, this study considers the added service as part of an extended ecosystem and examines different motivations for using the primary service. Therefore, this study examines how different motivations for using social networking services (SNSs) shape trust in the extended payment service and ultimately influence behavioral intentions. Drawing on the schema congruity theory, we conceptualize trust as a multidimensional construct—distinguished between cognitive and emotional trust—and explore the impact of trust in the primary service on the use of an added service. Specifically, we analyze survey data of 478 users of South Korea’s leading SNS. The results reveal that both hedonic and utilitarian motivations positively influence emotional and cognitive trust, which, in turn, drive behavioral intention. However, hedonic (utilitarian) motivation exerts a stronger effect on emotional (cognitive) trust. Overall, the findings enhance the knowledge regarding trust formation in extended service ecosystems and offer insights for tech firms integrating financial services into their platforms. Full article

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20 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spanking and Children’s Approaches to Learning: Estimates from a Longitudinal Matched-Sample Design

by Jeehye Kang and Christina M. Rodriguez

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050658 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 146

Abstract

One form of corporal punishment commonly used in the United States is spanking. Spanking is a well-known risk factor for adverse child development, although its influence on children’s approaches to learning (ATL) has been largely overlooked. Existing research is particularly limited in inadequately [...] Read more.

One form of corporal punishment commonly used in the United States is spanking. Spanking is a well-known risk factor for adverse child development, although its influence on children’s approaches to learning (ATL) has been largely overlooked. Existing research is particularly limited in inadequately considering multiple confounds and selection biases in children’s exposure to spanking. This study examined the links between spanking and children’s ATL, using a matched-group design to strengthen causal estimates among children aged 5 to 7.5 (N = ~12,800) from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011. Entropy-balanced matching mitigated selection and confounding biases, controlling for a wide array of covariates. The sensitivity of spanking’s effects on ATL was also tested by limiting the sample to low-frequency spanking (once in the past week) to address concerns that primarily higher-frequency spanking predicts ATL. Findings indicated that spanking at age 5.5 was associated with less positive ATL at ages 6.5 and 7.5. These results remained significant when limited to low-frequency spanking. This study’s findings suggest that spanking may hinder children’s development of positive approaches to learning, which holds significant implications for lifelong well-being. This study contributes to the growing literature on the potential negative effects of physical punishment on child development across multiple domains. Full article

14 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Risks and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms in Ethnic Regions of China: Analyses Using Cumulative Risk Model, Logistic Regression, and Association Rule Mining

by Ting Zhou, Chen Wang, Jennifer Hu, Shan Zhang, Lin Fu, Zheng Huang and Huiying Qi

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050657 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 96

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between multiple risk exposures in family and school settings and the depressive symptoms of Chinese students in early adolescence living in the ethnic regions of Yunnan and Hebei, China, via different multiple risk analytic approaches. [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between multiple risk exposures in family and school settings and the depressive symptoms of Chinese students in early adolescence living in the ethnic regions of Yunnan and Hebei, China, via different multiple risk analytic approaches. A total of 2940 students (47.3% females) in grades 4 to 9 (Mage = 12.08, SD = 2.04) from ethnic minority counties in Yunnan and Hebei participated in the survey. The participants completed the questionnaires and reported family risk, school risk, depressive symptoms, and demographic information. The cumulative risk model and the individual multiple risk models with logistic regression/association rule mining were used to examine the effects of cumulative risk, the relative contributions of individual risks, and combinations of multiple risks. We found that (1) when a cumulative risk model was used, the associations between family cumulative risk and school cumulative risk on depressive symptoms were significant, but the cross-domain interaction effect was not significant. (2) The results of logistic regression indicated that high levels of family conflict, low levels of family cohesion, low levels of teacher support, and low levels of peer support were significantly correlated with a high risk for depression. (3) The results of association rule mining revealed meaningful associations between multiple risk factor combinations and depressive symptoms. In conclusion, the use of association rule mining enhanced the analyses and understanding of the effects of multiple risk exposures. Interpersonal stressors in family and school settings need to be addressed in depression prevention and intervention programs for adolescents. Full article

18 pages, 348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Violence Under Control: Self-Control and Psychopathy in Women Convicted of Violent Crimes

by Emma De Thouars Da Silva, Sofia Knittel, Afonso Borja Santos, Bárbara Pereira and Andreia de Castro Rodrigues

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050656 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 156

Abstract

Despite the increase in the study of women and crimes committed by them, investigations continue to be scarce. Self-control and psychopathy have been widely studied in incarcerated populations, though more frequently in males than females. This study examines these psychological variables related to [...] Read more.

Despite the increase in the study of women and crimes committed by them, investigations continue to be scarce. Self-control and psychopathy have been widely studied in incarcerated populations, though more frequently in males than females. This study examines these psychological variables related to substance use history and violent crime in a sample of 94 incarcerated women in Portugal. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Self-Control Scale, and Levenson’s Self-Report Psychopathy Scale—VP. We found average self-control levels, with lower scores among participants with substance use. Significant differences in self-control emerged between women who committed homicide and those who did not. Psychopathy scores were above average, with significant differences in Factor 2 (impulsivity) between those who committed homicide and those who did not. Self-control and psychopathy were negatively associated, and psychopathy predicted self-control. These findings, which are not entirely consistent with the literature, challenge common assumptions about self-control, psychopathy, and crime, particularly in incarcerated women, and suggest that different mechanisms may drive violent and non-violent crimes in women. These results reinforce the need to consider gender-specific pathways to crime, highlighting the urgency of continuing to investigate the manifestation, in women, of widely studied variables in male samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes of Adverse and Traumatic Experiences Among Justice-Involved Individuals: Future Directions for Treatment)

12 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Change in Self-Esteem Trajectories Among Adolescents and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

by Eun-Young Park

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050655 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 170

Abstract

Self-esteem significantly influences and shapes an individual’s social behavior and indicates his or her psychological and mental health. In this study, the following two premises are examined: (1) whether the self-esteem of adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities undergoes changes over time and [...] Read more.

Self-esteem significantly influences and shapes an individual’s social behavior and indicates his or her psychological and mental health. In this study, the following two premises are examined: (1) whether the self-esteem of adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities undergoes changes over time and (2) the demographic variables that influence this change. For this study, a longitudinal analysis spanning 2 years was conducted using response data from 398 participants—as sourced from the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled—which comprised gender, age, education, and severity of disability as input variables. A potential growth model analysis confirmed the appropriateness of the second measurement change model (significant increase in self-esteem between the first and second measurements, no changes between second and third measurements) that presented the main premises of his study. The findings indicated that the level of self-esteem and its rate of change varied significantly among adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities, and the variations were primarily associated with gender and severity of disabilities. Full article

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18 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Nature Connectedness Improve Mental Health in College Students? A Study of Chain Mediating Effects

by Chong Ma, Mei Zhao and Yuqing Zhang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050654 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 191

Abstract

How does nature connectedness influence college students’ mental health? To further understand the dynamics at play, this present study delves into the chain mediating roles of resilience and meaning in life, from the perspective of the natural environment’s impact on mental health. In [...] Read more.

How does nature connectedness influence college students’ mental health? To further understand the dynamics at play, this present study delves into the chain mediating roles of resilience and meaning in life, from the perspective of the natural environment’s impact on mental health. In April 2024, researchers utilized quantitative research methods to analyze questionnaire data from 703 college students in China, assessing multiple dimensions such as nature connectedness, resilience, meaning in life, and mental health. The results show the following: (1) All pairs of variables showed significant correlations. (2) Resilience is partly mediated by nature connectedness and mental health. (3) Meaning in life is found to have a partial mediating effect, further elucidating this relationship. (4) A chain mediating role is played by resilience and meaning in life in the connection between nature connectedness and mental health. This study expands the research scope of health psychology, has interdisciplinary research significance, and furnishes theoretical support and important guidance, which are essential in improving college students’ mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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14 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlates of Gambling Behaviour Among Adolescents: The Role of Psychological Factors, School Behaviours, and Normative Perceptions

by Mariaelisa Renna, Emina Mehanović, Giulia Giraudi, Alberto Sciutto, Erica Viola, Marco Martorana, Serena Vadrucci, Maria Ginechesi, Claudia Vullo, Adalgisa Ceccano, Chiara Andrà, Pietro Casella, Fabrizio Faggiano, Federica Vigna-Taglianti and the GAPUnplugged Coordination Group

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050653 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 154

Abstract

Background: Gambling risk behaviour is an emerging problem among adolescents. This study investigated the role of psychological factors, school behaviours, and normative perceptions as correlates of gambling among 12–14-year-old students in Italy. Methods: The study included 1822 students from 29 secondary schools in [...] Read more.

Background: Gambling risk behaviour is an emerging problem among adolescents. This study investigated the role of psychological factors, school behaviours, and normative perceptions as correlates of gambling among 12–14-year-old students in Italy. Methods: The study included 1822 students from 29 secondary schools in two Italian Regions (Piedmont and Lazio) who participated in the baseline survey of the experimental controlled trial “GAPUnplugged”. Results: The prevalence of gambling in the last 30 days was 36.4%. The mean age was 13.1 years. Multilevel mixed-effect regression models identified high positive attitudes, high performance beliefs, low risk perceptions toward gambling, friends’ gambling, friends’ approval of gambling, and gambling with friends as independent correlates of adolescent gambling behaviour. Conclusions: It appears essential to design and implement preventive strategies addressing these factors among early adolescents in order to reduce gambling behaviours and their consequences in later ages. Full article

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16 pages, 676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inheritance and Development of Self-Love: A Measurement Based on Chinese Adults

by Liming Xue and Xiting Huang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050652 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 167

Abstract

Self-love is a fundamental psychological construct cultivated throughout human history. In Confucian culture, it is considered the ultimate Ren, while in ancient Greek thought, it serves as the center from which love radiates. Previous qualitative research identified five dimensions of self-love, but these [...] Read more.

Self-love is a fundamental psychological construct cultivated throughout human history. In Confucian culture, it is considered the ultimate Ren, while in ancient Greek thought, it serves as the center from which love radiates. Previous qualitative research identified five dimensions of self-love, but these lacked quantitative validation. This study developed the Chinese Adult Self-Love Scale (SLS) based on prior qualitative findings, constructing an initial item bank of 90 statements. The first study assessed the item relevance and clarity, resulting in a preliminary 68-item scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of 456 participants refined it to a 22-item scale with five indicators. The second study, with 929 participants, examined its reliability and validity. Cronbach’s α exceeded 0.75, and the test–retest reliability after six weeks was 0.66. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the scale’s validity (CFI = 0.91, TFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.048). This study highlights self-love’s inheritance and development among Chinese adults, as well as its cross-cultural commonalities. It provides a valid, reliable tool for measuring self-love and offers a theoretical foundation for future cross-cultural research. While limitations exist, the findings suggest promising directions for further exploration. Full article

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22 pages, 1407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Reflective Thinking Scale for International Students in China Through Factor Analysis

by Jiangtao Fu and Ali Usman Hali

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050651 - 11 May 2025

Viewed by 170

Abstract

Reflective thinking is crucial for academic success, personal development, and cultural adaptation. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of the Reflective Thinking Scale (RTS) for international students in Chinese universities. Data were collected from 482 international students in Northwestern China. Exploratory [...] Read more.

Reflective thinking is crucial for academic success, personal development, and cultural adaptation. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of the Reflective Thinking Scale (RTS) for international students in Chinese universities. Data were collected from 482 international students in Northwestern China. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Reliability, and Correlation Analysis were employed to validate the RTS. The qualitative phase used semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. The results revealed a four-factor structure for the RTS: habitual action, understanding, reflection, and critical reflection. The scale showed strong reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.77) with significant positive correlations between reflective thinking and academic performance. The qualitative phase drew on 26 interviews and 22 reflective journals, analyzed thematically. Six themes emerged, highlighting reflection’s role in academic regulation, language acquisition, cultural adaptation, emotional processing, and personal identity development. The findings confirm the cross-cultural validity of the RTS and underscore the importance of scaffolded reflective practices in international education. This study also extends theoretical links between reflective thinking, transformative learning, cognitive flexibility, and self-regulated learning. Implications are offered for educators, curriculum designers, and researchers seeking to enhance reflective learning environments for diverse student populations. Full article

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15 pages, 801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience and Social–Emotional Expertise as Predictors of Problematic Internet Use Among University Students

by Gözde Önal and Turan Emre Özdemir

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050650 - 10 May 2025

Viewed by 180

Abstract

Problematic internet use has become an increasing concern among university students, as it may negatively affect academic performance, emotional well-being, and social functioning. Understanding the psychological and emotional factors that influence internet use is crucial to developing effective preventive strategies. This study aimed [...] Read more.

Problematic internet use has become an increasing concern among university students, as it may negatively affect academic performance, emotional well-being, and social functioning. Understanding the psychological and emotional factors that influence internet use is crucial to developing effective preventive strategies. This study aimed to examine the relationship between resilience and social–emotional competence and problematic internet use among university students. This study was conducted with the participation of 191 students. The students’ problematic internet use levels were assessed using the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2, their resilience levels were assessed using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and their social–emotional competence levels were assessed using the Social–Emotional Competence Scale. Regression analysis was performed using the elastic net regression model and partial least squares (PLC) model. The general resilience level (p = 0.0015) and its sub-dimensions of tenacity (p = 0.0014), tolerance to negative affect (p = 0.0114), and spirituality (p = 0.0278) were found to be significant predictors of problematic internet use. The general social emotional competence level (p = 0.0115) and adaptability (p = 0.0278) were found to significantly predict problematic internet use. The predictive factors for the social interaction domain of problematic internet use were tenacity (p = 0.04), adaptability (p = 0.02), and expressivity (p = 0.03), while for negative results, they were tolerance to negative events (p = 0.05), spirituality (p = 0.04), and adaptability (p = 0.05). The factors affecting emotional regulation were tenacity (p = 0.03), spirituality (p = 0.03), adaptability (p = 0.03), and expressivity (p = 0.03). Only the spirituality (p = 0.05) and expressivity (p = 0.04) levels predicted insufficient self-regulation. The effects of the resilience and social–emotional competence levels on problematic internet use should not be ignored. In the plans and interventions to be developed, it is of great importance to take measures to improve the level of resilience and social–emotional competence skills. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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26 pages, 1925 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interventions to Reduce Burnout Among University Lecturers: A Systematic Literature Review

by Beibei Cao, Norlizah Che Hassan and Muhd Khaizer Omar

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050649 - 10 May 2025

Viewed by 208

Abstract

The teaching profession is widely recognized as highly challenging due to its intense workload, emotional demands, and ongoing stressors. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aims to identify and evaluate various interventions that have been implemented to address lecturer burnout over the past five [...] Read more.

The teaching profession is widely recognized as highly challenging due to its intense workload, emotional demands, and ongoing stressors. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aims to identify and evaluate various interventions that have been implemented to address lecturer burnout over the past five years. A thorough review of 21 studies published between 2020 and 2024 was conducted across five major databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ERIC, and APA PsycINFO. Relevant search terms were used to explore the effectiveness of different interventions aimed at reducing lecturer burnout. Articles were extracted, reviewed, collated, and thematically analyzed to synthesize the findings. Seven distinct interventions were identified as effective in reducing burnout. The most commonly studied intervention was social support, followed by training programs. Other interventions demonstrating positive results include supportive work environments, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and psychological capital. Additionally, interventions that balanced work and life conditions, facilitated teaching transitions, helped lecturers reevaluate major work demands, and encouraged the utilization of character strengths were also found to yield beneficial outcomes. The implementation of targeted, school-based interventions is crucial for reducing burnout and enhancing the overall well-being of university lecturers. Policymakers, administrators, and educational leaders should prioritize the implementation of school-based awareness and intervention programs. Full article

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17 pages, 814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Will Employee–AI Collaboration Enhance Employees’ Proactive Behavior? A Study Based on the Conservation of Resources Theory

by Chenxi Sun, Xinan Zhao, Baorong Guo and Ningning Chen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050648 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 231

Abstract

This study explores how employee–AI collaboration can promote employees’ proactive behavior by reducing their workload, and examines the mediating role of workload and the moderating effect of AI literacy. Based on a survey of employees across multiple industries, the study finds that employee–AI [...] Read more.

This study explores how employee–AI collaboration can promote employees’ proactive behavior by reducing their workload, and examines the mediating role of workload and the moderating effect of AI literacy. Based on a survey of employees across multiple industries, the study finds that employee–AI collaboration significantly reduces employees’ workload, which in turn encourages more proactive behavior. In this process, workload serves as a central mediating mechanism, as it helps alleviate task pressure and frees up cognitive resources, enabling employees to take on additional responsibilities and put forward innovative suggestions. Furthermore, with increasing levels of employee–AI collaboration, employees with higher AI literacy tend to experience greater workload relief, while those with lower literacy demonstrate a stronger and more consistent proactive behavioral response. These findings offer theoretical insight into employee–AI interaction and practical implications for enhancing initiative and innovation through effective AI integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Employee Behavior on Digital-AI Transformation)

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15 pages, 1357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prefrontal Oxygenation in a Subjective Decision on a Situational Danger Assessment Task: Personality Traits and Decision-Making Styles Involvement

by Ferran Balada, Neus Aymamí, Óscar García, Luis F. García and Anton Aluja

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050647 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 176

Abstract

This study investigated prefrontal cortex activity during the viewing and evaluation of pictures depicting scenarios with varying levels of danger, with a focus on the modulatory effects of personality traits and decision-making styles. The study sample included 120 male participants (44.4 ± 12.9 [...] Read more.

This study investigated prefrontal cortex activity during the viewing and evaluation of pictures depicting scenarios with varying levels of danger, with a focus on the modulatory effects of personality traits and decision-making styles. The study sample included 120 male participants (44.4 ± 12.9 years) and 87 female participants (38.9 ± 10.5 years). Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure prefrontal oxygenation during the period of looking at pictures and the subsequent period of judging how dangerous they looked. Psychometric assessments included the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKA-PQ) and the Melbourne Decision-Making Questionnaire (MDMQ). The results revealed significant time-by-region (F = 2.9, p = 0.013) and danger level by region interactions (F = 2.8, p = 0.021) during the viewing period. During the evaluation period, a significant time-by-region interaction was observed (F = 8.7, p < 0.001). High sensation seekers exhibited reduced oxygenation levels in specific right prefrontal regions, reflecting a differential neural response to varying danger levels. Similarly, individuals with higher Aggressiveness and Extraversion displayed distinct oxygenation patterns during the evaluation phase, suggesting that personality traits influence prefrontal activity. However, no significant effects of decision-making styles were detected in either phase. These findings emphasise the pivotal role of the prefrontal cortex in assessing scene safety and highlight how neural responses are modulated by personality traits, rather than by decision-making styles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biological Psychiatry)

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Behav. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 5 (May 2025) – 116 articles

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