Behavioral Sciences

20 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Embodied, Exploratory Listening in the Concert Hall

by Remy Haswell-Martin, Finn Upham, Simon Høffding and Nanette Nielsen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050710 - 21 May 2025

Live music can afford novel, transformative aesthetic interactions for individual audience members. Nevertheless, concert research tends to focus on shared experience. In this paper we offer an account of exploratory listening that foregrounds embodied–enactive engagement and affective resonance through close analysis of the [...] Read more.

Live music can afford novel, transformative aesthetic interactions for individual audience members. Nevertheless, concert research tends to focus on shared experience. In this paper we offer an account of exploratory listening that foregrounds embodied–enactive engagement and affective resonance through close analysis of the music, physiological measurements, and reflections from interviews. Our analysis centres on data collected from two musician audience members about one specific piece out of a larger interdisciplinary project involving concerts given by the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and The Norwegian Radio Orchestra in March and June of 2024. Through the combination of in-depth phenomenological interviews with musically skilled audience members and measurements of breathing and body motion, we explore aesthetic enactment beyond common patterns of ‘synchronised’ response, focusing on audience members’ experiences of Harald Sæverud’s ‘Kjempeviseslåtten’ (The Ballad of Revolt) (1943). We find forms of absorbed, both imaginative and embodied involvement, of listeners enacting meaningful contact with, and pathways through, the music that in some ways corroborate crowd patterns but also reveal exploratory expertise and idiosyncratic affective orientations. Full article

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

18 pages, 11091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Facial Emotional Expressions in Self-Presentation Predicted Self-Esteem

by Xinlei Zang and Juan Yang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050709 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

There is a close relationship between self-esteem and emotions. However, most studies have relied on self-report measures, which primarily capture retrospective and generalized emotional tendencies, rather than spontaneous, momentary emotional expressions in real-time social interactions. Given that self-esteem also shapes how individuals regulate [...] Read more.

There is a close relationship between self-esteem and emotions. However, most studies have relied on self-report measures, which primarily capture retrospective and generalized emotional tendencies, rather than spontaneous, momentary emotional expressions in real-time social interactions. Given that self-esteem also shapes how individuals regulate and express emotions in social contexts, it is crucial to examine whether and how self-esteem manifests in dynamic emotional expressions during self-presentation. In this study, we recorded the performances of 211 participants during a public self-presentation task using a digital video camera and measured their self-esteem scores with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Facial Action Units (AUs) scores were extracted from each video frame using OpenFace, and four basic emotions—happiness, sadness, disgust, and fear—were quantified based on the basic emotion theory. Time-series analysis was then employed to capture the multidimensional dynamic features of these emotions. Finally, we applied machine learning and explainable AI to identify which dynamic emotional features were closely associated with self-esteem. The results indicate that all four basic emotions are closely associated with self-esteem. Therefore, this study introduces a new perspective on self-esteem assessment, highlighting the potential of nonverbal behavioral indicators as alternatives to traditional self-report measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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17 pages, 1273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fine Motor Skills, Executive Function, and School Readiness in Preschoolers with Externalizing Behavior Problems

by Atefeh Karimi, Bridget Poznanski, Katie C. Hart and Eliza L. Nelson

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050708 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine whether fine motor skills (FMS) and executive function (EF) are unique predictors of school readiness (SR). The sample was 108 preschoolers with externalizing behavior problems (EBP; Mean ± SD = 60.37 ± 3.94 months pre-intervention, [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to examine whether fine motor skills (FMS) and executive function (EF) are unique predictors of school readiness (SR). The sample was 108 preschoolers with externalizing behavior problems (EBP; Mean ± SD = 60.37 ± 3.94 months pre-intervention, 68% male) enrolled in a comprehensive 7-week school readiness summer program open trial. FMS were measured with the Learning Accomplishment Profile Diagnostic Third Edition (LAP-D); EF was measured with the Head–Toes–Knees–Shoulders (HTKS), and SR was measured with the Bracken School Readiness Assessment Third Edition (BSRA-3). All assessments were given pre- and post-intervention. All models controlled for participant age and socio-economic status (SES). Examining data pre-intervention, FMS but not EF uniquely predicted SR, explaining 46% of the variance. At post-intervention, both FMS and EF predicted SR, explaining 33% of the variance. These findings underscore the importance of screening both FMS and EF in preschoolers with EBP as they prepare to transition to kindergarten, as these domains both contribute to characterizing SR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing Cognitive and Executive Functions Across Lifespan)

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15 pages, 534 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of Polypharmacy-Related Psychological Distress Scale (PPDS): A Preliminary Study

by Cheng Cheng, Xiao Chen, Junqiao Wang and Martin Christensen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050707 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

Polypharmacy is an increasing concern in healthcare due to its potential to cause adverse drug reactions and medication non-adherence. The evidence has identified a connection between psychological distress and polypharmacy, yet there is a lack of validated instruments to measure this specific type [...] Read more.

Polypharmacy is an increasing concern in healthcare due to its potential to cause adverse drug reactions and medication non-adherence. The evidence has identified a connection between psychological distress and polypharmacy, yet there is a lack of validated instruments to measure this specific type of distress. This study aims to develop and validate the Polypharmacy-related Psychological Distress Scale. This study followed a rigorous scale development procedure, encompassing item creation, scale development, and scale evaluation. A multi-method design incorporated a literature review, the Delphi method with eight experts, and a cross-sectional survey with 97 participants. A comprehensive range of psychometric tests, including content validity, face validity, concurrent validity, internal consistency, and construct validity, were utilized to assess the goodness of the instrument—the finalized scale comprised four items. Content validity results were deemed satisfactory based on CVI for item (I-CVI) and CVI for scale (S-CVI). Face validity was established through the incorporation of participant feedback. A significant correlation was found between the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 and the Polypharmacy-related Psychological Distress Scale, with a correlation coefficient of 0.444 (p < 0.001). The scale demonstrated acceptable reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.790 and a McDonald’s omega of 0.937. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional structure. To summarize, the Polypharmacy-related Psychological Distress Scale showed satisfactory reliability and validity in this preliminary study. It holds promise for use by healthcare professionals to assess psychological distress in the target population, pending further validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Providing Emotional Support for People with Chronic Diseases)

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28 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Durability of Students’ Learning Strategies Use and Beliefs Following a Classroom Intervention

by Ezgi M. Yüksel, C. Shawn Green and Haley A. Vlach

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050706 - 21 May 2025

Abstract

When students choose their own learning strategies, they often rely on ineffective methods, such as rereading and cramming, which have limited long-term benefits. To improve learning outcomes, previous interventions have utilized explicit instruction about effective strategies and direct experience with those strategies, though [...] Read more.

When students choose their own learning strategies, they often rely on ineffective methods, such as rereading and cramming, which have limited long-term benefits. To improve learning outcomes, previous interventions have utilized explicit instruction about effective strategies and direct experience with those strategies, though with mixed success. Yüksel et al. demonstrated that combining both approaches could foster initial improvements in students’ understanding and use of effective learning strategies. In Study 1, we examined the long-term effects of this combined intervention by contacting participants six months later to assess the stability of outcomes. In Study 2, we extended the scope by surveying all students who had enrolled in the intervention section over the past five years. Participants were asked about their use and perceived effectiveness of various strategies. In both studies, quantitative measures were complemented with open-ended questions to gain deeper insights into study behaviors and obstacles to adopting effective strategies. While students retained an understanding of the effectiveness of various strategies and reported using ineffective strategies less frequently, the adoption of more effective strategies did not show a significant increase. However, compared to the business-as-usual group, the intervention group did not experience a decline in their use of effective strategies. These results suggest that while explicit instruction and experience can enhance knowledge, long-term behavior change remains difficult. Reported obstacles—such as time constraints, limited resources, procrastination, and prioritizing short-term gains—align with metacognitive theories of desirable difficulties and help explain why students still favor less effortful strategies, despite knowing more effective ones that require greater effort and delayed rewards. Full article

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

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17 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring How AI Literacy and Self-Regulated Learning Relate to Student Writing Performance and Well-Being in Generative AI-Supported Higher Education

by Jiajia Shi, Weitong Liu and Ke Hu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050705 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) into higher education is transforming students’ learning processes, academic performance, and psychological well-being. Despite the increasing adoption of GAI tools, the mechanisms through which students’ AI literacy and self-regulated learning (SRL) relate to their academic and [...] Read more.

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) into higher education is transforming students’ learning processes, academic performance, and psychological well-being. Despite the increasing adoption of GAI tools, the mechanisms through which students’ AI literacy and self-regulated learning (SRL) relate to their academic and emotional experiences remain underexplored. This study investigates how AI literacy and SRL are associated with writing performance and digital well-being among university students in GAI-supported higher learning contexts. A survey was administered to 257 students from universities in China, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. Results show that both AI literacy and SRL significantly and positively predict students’ writing performance, with SRL having a stronger effect. Moreover, AI literacy shows a positive association with GAI-driven well-being, with writing performance serving as a partial mediator in this relationship. These findings suggest that fostering both technological competencies and effective learning strategies may support students’ academic outcomes while supporting their psychological well-being in AI-enriched educational environments. By integrating AI literacy and SRL into a unified model, this study contributes to the growing body of research on GAI-driven well-being in higher education and offers practical implications for cultivating balanced and sustainable learning experiences in the age of GAI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being in Educational Contexts: Social–Psychological Perspectives and Innovations)

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24 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Get Well Enough to Make the Right Decision for Themselves”—Experiences and Perspectives of Clinicians Working with People with Serious Mental Illness and Their Substitute Decision Makers

by Samuel Law, Vicky Stergiopoulos, Juveria Zaheer and Arash Nakhost

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050704 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

In the current clinical psychiatric practice in most of the world, treatment decisions are based on a person’s capacity to make these decisions. When a person lacks the capacity to understand and appreciate treatment decisions, in many jurisdictions a third-party substitute decision maker [...] Read more.

In the current clinical psychiatric practice in most of the world, treatment decisions are based on a person’s capacity to make these decisions. When a person lacks the capacity to understand and appreciate treatment decisions, in many jurisdictions a third-party substitute decision maker (SDM) is appointed on his or her behalf in order to promote safety and optimal clinical outcome. In Ontario, Canada, for example, family members (typically) or public guardians are appointed as SDMs, and they form an integral part of the medical–legal system in psychiatric care. Clinicians working with both patients and their SDMs in these circumstances encounter unique challenges and deliver care in specialized ways, though little research has focused on their experiences and reflections. Based on focus group data, this qualitative study uses a descriptive and interpretative phenomenological approach through thematic analysis to examine these aspects from clinicians working in both inpatient and outpatient settings of an urban teaching hospital’s psychiatric services in Toronto, Canada. Seven key themes emerged: Clinicians (1) appreciate hardships and challenges in lives of SDMs and patients—including the challenging emotions and experiences on both sides, and the risks and relational changes from being an SDM; (2) have an understanding of the patient’s situation and respect for patient autonomy and wishes—they are promoter of autonomy and mindful of patients’ prior wishes amidst patients’ fluctuating capacity, facilitating communication, keeping patients informed and promoting transitioning from SDM to self-determination; (3) have a special working relationship with family SDMs—including supporting SDMs, avoiding harm from delayed or denied treatment, and educating and collaborating with SDMs while maintaining professional boundaries; (4) at times find it difficult working with SDMs—stemming from working with over-involved or uninterested family SDMs, coping with perceived poor SDM decisions, and they sometimes ponder if SDMs are necessary; (5) delineate differences between family and Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) SDMs—they see PGT as closely aligned with medical decision makers, while family SDMs are more intimately involved and more likely to disagree with a physician’s recommendation; (6) recognize the importance of the SDM role in various contexts—through seeing social values in having SDMs, and acknowledging that having SDMS help them to feel better about their actions as they work to protect the patients; and (7) express ideas on how to improve the current system—at public, societal, and family SDM levels. We conclude that clinicians have unique mediating roles, with privilege and responsibility in understanding the different roles and challenges patients and SDMs face, and have opportunities to improve patient and SDM experiences, clinical outcomes, carry out education, and advocate for ethically just decisions. These clinical roles also come with frustration, discomfort, moral distress and at times vicarious trauma. Clinicians’ unique understanding of this complex and nuanced intersection of patient care provides insight into the core issues of autonomy, duty to care and protect, advocacy, and emotional dynamics involved in this sector as a larger philosophical and social movement to abolish SDMs, as advocated by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), is taking place. We briefly discuss the role of supported decision making as an alternative as. Full article

45 pages, 4576 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Reconfiguring Pain Interpretation Within a Social Model of Health Using a Simplified Version of Wilber’s All Quadrant All Levels Framework: An Integral Vision

by Mark I. Johnson

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050703 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of biomedical and psychological treatments, the global burden of chronic intractable (long-term) pain remains high—a treatment-prevalence paradox. The biopsychosocial model, introduced in the 1970s, is central to strategies for managing pain, but has been criticised for being decontextualised and fragmented, [...] Read more.

Despite the proliferation of biomedical and psychological treatments, the global burden of chronic intractable (long-term) pain remains high—a treatment-prevalence paradox. The biopsychosocial model, introduced in the 1970s, is central to strategies for managing pain, but has been criticised for being decontextualised and fragmented, compromising the effectiveness of healthcare pain support services and patient care. The aim of this study was to apply a simplified version of Ken Wilber’s All Quadrant All Levels (AQAL) framework to pain in a healthcare context to advance a biopsychosocial understanding. Utilising domain knowledge, the author mapped features of pain and coping to intrasubjective, intraobjective, intersubjective, and interobjective quadrants (perspectives), as well as levels of psychological development. Narratives were crafted to synthesize the findings of mapping with literature from diverse disciplines within the contexts of salutogenesis and a social model of health. The findings showed that AQAL-mapping enhanced contextual biopsychosocial coherence and exposed the conceptual error of reifying pain. Its utility lay in highlighting upstream influences of the painogenic environment, supporting the reconfiguration of pain within a social model of health, as exemplified by the UK’s Rethinking Pain Service. In conclusion, a simple version of the AQAL framework served as a heuristic device to develop an integral vision of pain, opening opportunities for health promotion solutions within a salutogenic context. Full article

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26 pages, 877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proactive Breakthrough or Passive Exhaustion? A Dual-Path Integrated Model Driven by Perceived Overqualification

by Chuanhao Fan and Bingbing Shang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050702 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 103

Abstract

With the advancement of global economic restructuring and China’s economic transformation, structural employment contradictions have intensified amid increasingly competitive labor markets. The frequent occurrences of “degree devaluation” and talent “downskilling” have made perceived overqualification increasingly prevalent in organizations. This study, based on the [...] Read more.

With the advancement of global economic restructuring and China’s economic transformation, structural employment contradictions have intensified amid increasingly competitive labor markets. The frequent occurrences of “degree devaluation” and talent “downskilling” have made perceived overqualification increasingly prevalent in organizations. This study, based on the Cognitive–Affective Personality System theory, investigates the differential mechanisms through which perceived overqualification drives approach and avoidance job crafting via cognitive and affective pathways. Data from a two-wave survey of 556 Chinese employees produced several key findings: (1) Perceived overqualification significantly enhances approach job crafting while suppressing avoidance job crafting by elevating role breadth self-efficacy (cognitive pathway), demonstrating a proactive breakthrough effect. (2) Perceived overqualification inhibits approach job crafting and exacerbates avoidance job crafting through triggering emotional exhaustion (affective pathway), revealing a passive exhaustion trap. (3) Perceived overqualification exerts a positive and significant overall indirect effect on approach job crafting through the combined mechanisms of cognitive gains from role breadth self-efficacy and affective costs from emotional exhaustion, whereas the overall indirect effect on avoidance job crafting is non-significant. (4) Idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) function as a dynamic boundary mechanism that amplifies the positive impact of role breadth self-efficacy and mitigates the negative effects of emotional exhaustion, while moderating the mediating roles of both pathways. This research develops a dual-path integrated model of perceived overqualification and job crafting by classifying job crafting categories, incorporating cognitive–affective pathways, and introducing i-deals as a contextual element. These findings respond to scholarly demands for elucidating the intricate connections between perceived overqualification and job crafting through integrative perspectives; in addition, they offer theoretical and practical insights for organizations to leverage the potential of overqualified individuals appropriately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)

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20 pages, 532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Policy Reform to Public Reckoning: Exploring Shifts in the Reporting of Sexual-Violence-Against-Women Victimizations in the United States Between 1992 and 2021

by Jessica C. Fleming, Ashley K. Fansher and Ryan Randa

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050701 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 81

Abstract

The current literature indicates that sexual violence against women (VAW) is chronically under-reported to law enforcement due to factors such as fear of retaliation, societal stigma, and practical obstacles. Using National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) incident-level data, this study examines changes in the [...] Read more.

The current literature indicates that sexual violence against women (VAW) is chronically under-reported to law enforcement due to factors such as fear of retaliation, societal stigma, and practical obstacles. Using National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) incident-level data, this study examines changes in the reporting patterns of sexual VAW from 1992 to 2021. This period of focus is notable for significant and, at times, unprecedented societal shifts and legislative reforms. Our results suggest that there are three distinct time periods for sexual VAW reporting in the United States, each marked by various social and political movements. These results provide researchers and law enforcement practitioners alike with insights into the instability of shifts in the reporting of sexual VAW to the police, supporting changes in how reporting behaviors should be viewed over varying time periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives on Violence and Sexual Harassment)

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22 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalizing Social Media Marketing Strategies for Enhanced Customer Experience

by Hasan Beyari and Tareq Hashem

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050700 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 93

Abstract

This paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in personalizing social media marketing strategies and its impact on customer experience, with a focus on consumers within the MENA region. Using data collected from an online questionnaire completed by 893 individuals, the study [...] Read more.

This paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in personalizing social media marketing strategies and its impact on customer experience, with a focus on consumers within the MENA region. Using data collected from an online questionnaire completed by 893 individuals, the study confirms that AI significantly enhances social media marketing by offering personalized content, optimizing influencer selection, and enabling real-time consumer interaction. These capabilities not only increase customer awareness but also improve user experience and purchase intentions. Key AI tools such as influencer marketing, content optimization, and customization are effective in capturing consumer attention, although further research is necessary to deepen understanding. By examining AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets and support targeted marketing efforts, the study contributes to both academic and practical discourse, offering insights that businesses can use to refine their AI-driven social media strategies. Ultimately, the research aims to guide marketers through the complexities of AI deployment, ensuring its benefits are fully realized for consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Technology on Human Behavior)

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16 pages, 1875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Acoustically Screened Five-Element Music Combined with Traditional Chinese Mind–Body Exercises on Emotion Regulation, Working Memory, and Functional Brain Connectivity in Older Adults: A Randomized Repeated-Measures Study

by Junya Zhao, Haojie Li and Xiaoyan Wang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050699 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 97

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of acoustically screened Five-Element Music combined with traditional Chinese mind–body exercises (Taijiquan and Baduanjin) on emotion regulation, working memory, and functional brain connectivity in older adults. A randomized repeated-measures design was employed, recruiting 42 healthy older [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of acoustically screened Five-Element Music combined with traditional Chinese mind–body exercises (Taijiquan and Baduanjin) on emotion regulation, working memory, and functional brain connectivity in older adults. A randomized repeated-measures design was employed, recruiting 42 healthy older adults aged 60–70 years. Participants were assigned to five groups: Five-Element Music alone (FE), Taijiquan (TJ), Baduanjin (BDJ), Five-Element Music combined with Taijiquan (FE+TJ), and Five-Element Music combined with Baduanjin (FE+BDJ). Emotion regulation, working memory, and functional brain connectivity were assessed using an emotion regulation choice task, the N-back task, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), respectively. Five-Element Music was selected using computational acoustic methods to identify music with therapeutic effects. Significant differences were observed in the acceptance rate of emotion regulation for high-intensity unpleasant pictures across different conditions (p = 0.001). Compared to baseline, the acceptance rate was significantly higher in the FE and FE+TJ conditions (p = 0.027, p = 0.021). Moreover, the acceptance rate in the FE+TJ condition was significantly higher than in the FE condition alone (p = 0.007). Significant differences were found in the average accuracy of the 2-back task across conditions (p = 0.001), with the FE+TJ condition showing significantly higher accuracy than baseline (p = 0.005). The average reaction time in the 2-back task also differed significantly across conditions (p = 0.001), with the FE condition demonstrating a significantly lower reaction time compared to baseline and the FE+BDJ condition (p = 0.003, p = 0.001). Significant differences in functional connectivity (FC) were observed between conditions. Specifically, the FC between CH45 and CH9 and between CH29 and CH6 was significantly higher in the FE+TJ condition than in other conditions (p < 0.02). The combination of Five-Element Music and Taijiquan significantly improved emotion regulation, working memory, and prefrontal–parietal connectivity in older adults. These findings underscore the synergistic benefits of integrating auditory stimulation with mind–body exercise, offering a promising intervention for cognitive and emotional health in aging populations. Future research should investigate long-term effects and broader applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Mental Health: The Diverse Evidence and New Avenues)

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15 pages, 644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From External to Internal: The Mediating Role of Educational Aspiration and Depression on the Association Between Caregiver Expectation and Academic Performance Among Chinese Rural Students

by Jia Zhuang and Yuying Tong

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050698 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 89

Abstract

Although empirical studies have consistently suggested that educational expectations from caregivers would shape students’ internal factors of learning (e.g., educational aspirations, mental status, and motivation), how such processes further link with students’ academic ability received relatively little scholarly attention. Using the longitudinal China [...] Read more.

Although empirical studies have consistently suggested that educational expectations from caregivers would shape students’ internal factors of learning (e.g., educational aspirations, mental status, and motivation), how such processes further link with students’ academic ability received relatively little scholarly attention. Using the longitudinal China Family Panel Studies survey data, this paper applies structural equation modelling to examine the interrelationship between caregiver educational expectation, educational aspiration, depression, and academic performance of Chinese rural students (N = 584). The results show a negative correlation between caregiver educational expectation and rural students’ depression. Further, we find that when family wealth, fathers’ education level, students’ age, gender, and school type (public/private) are controlled for, caregiver educational expectation positively correlates with rural students’ educational aspiration and negatively associates with their depression, which is further positively and negatively associated with their academic performance, respectively. Our findings indicate that caregiver educational expectations might play a salient role in intervention programs enhancing rural students’ academic performance through promoting their educational aspirations and alleviating their depression. The results of this study offer fresh insight into how rural educators, families, and practitioners might address the issue of Chinese rural students’ low academic outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of the Interaction of Parenting Practices and Environment on Children’s Outcomes)

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25 pages, 1932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Elderly Individuals’ Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Companion Robots: The Influence of Individual Characteristics

by Jing Liu, Xingang Wang and Jiaqi Zhang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050697 - 18 May 2025

Viewed by 151

Abstract

The emergence of AI companion robots is transforming the landscape of elderly care, offering numerous conveniences to senior citizens when their children are not around. This trend is particularly pertinent in ageing societies such as China. Against this backdrop, the present study aims [...] Read more.

The emergence of AI companion robots is transforming the landscape of elderly care, offering numerous conveniences to senior citizens when their children are not around. This trend is particularly pertinent in ageing societies such as China. Against this backdrop, the present study aims to explore the acceptance of AI companion robots among the elderly from a user-centric perspective. By leveraging insights from existing studies in the literature, we identified three individual characteristic variables—technology optimism, innovativeness, and familiarity—to extend the Artificial Intelligence Device Use Acceptance (AIDUA) model. Subsequently, we developed a conceptual model which was empirically tested through structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis. Our dataset comprised responses from 452 elderly individuals in China. The results revealed that technology optimism and innovativeness were positively associated with performance expectancy and effort expectancy, whereas familiarity inversely predicted perceived risk. Furthermore, emotion was found to be positively influenced by performance expectancy and effort expectancy but negatively impacted by perceived risk. This research extends the AIDUA model within the context of AI companion robots by integrating individual characteristic variables. These findings offer valuable insights for the design and development of companion robots and enrich the domain of Human–Robot Interaction (HRI). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embracing Aging in Place: Fostering Healthy Cognitive Aging in the Community)

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19 pages, 716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Employee–Artificial Intelligence (AI) Collaboration on Counterproductive Work Behaviors (CWBs): Leader Emotional Support as a Moderator

by Qingqi Meng, Tung-Ju Wu, Wenyan Duan and Shijia Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050696 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 338

Abstract

The accelerated advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned it as a novel colleague. However, as employees collaborate with AI colleagues in daily work, their communication and interaction with human colleagues may decrease. This may result in feelings of loneliness and a potential [...] Read more.

The accelerated advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned it as a novel colleague. However, as employees collaborate with AI colleagues in daily work, their communication and interaction with human colleagues may decrease. This may result in feelings of loneliness and a potential reduction in emotional resources, potentially leading to counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Drawing from the conservation of resources (COR) theory, we hypothesize that employee–AI collaboration may amplify employees’ CWB due to loneliness and emotional fatigue. The potential mitigating effects of leader emotional support on these outcomes are also considered. To test these hypotheses, a 2 × 2 vignette experiment (N = 167) was conducted. The results demonstrate that employee–AI collaboration exerts a substantial positive influence on loneliness. Loneliness further increases employees’ emotional fatigue, which in turn increases CWB. Leader emotional support—the care and motivation demonstrated by leaders has been identified as a key factor in reducing loneliness. This research contributes to the extant literature on employee–AI collaboration and CWB, and expands the application scope of COR. Practical implications arise for managers, who are encouraged to consider the impact of employee–AI collaboration on interpersonal interaction and to address employees’ emotional needs in a timely manner. Full article

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

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19 pages, 1759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Disinformation Toward Women Politicians Reflect Gender Stereotypes? Exploring the Role of Leaders’ Political Orientations

by Carmela Sportelli and Francesca D’Errico

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050695 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 323

Abstract

The recent literature highlights the importance of implementing ad hoc media literacy initiatives to counter sexist stereotypical representations in social media, particularly within the political field. To this end, the present study focuses on false and misleading contents (information disorders) about female politicians, [...] Read more.

The recent literature highlights the importance of implementing ad hoc media literacy initiatives to counter sexist stereotypical representations in social media, particularly within the political field. To this end, the present study focuses on false and misleading contents (information disorders) about female politicians, since they can reflect gender stereotypes, portraying women as unfit for political roles. Thus, our exploratory study aims to analyze the stereotype content of information disorders targeting Italian female politicians, following classic models of stereotype content. Furthermore, it seeks to explore the role played by the type of information disorder and the political orientation of the targeted leaders. A database of 120 information disorders have been collected, codified, and analyzed. The results highlight that information disorders predominantly target the dimension of communion. Focusing on the types of information disorders, fabricated and misleading content appears to be associated with the professional and private life domains, primarily conveying communion-based stereotypical representations of politicians. Satirical and parodic contents, on the other hand, were associated with the esthetic domain, conveying agency-based stereotypical representations, with a particular focus on politicians’ physical competence. Regarding political orientation, a “Stereotyping from my eyes” effect was observed: communion-based stereotypical content prevails in information disorders targeting conservative leaders, while progressive leaders are stereotyped concerning the agency dimension. This effect may reveal a difference between conservative and progressive audiences in their adherence to traditional gender roles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The “Constructive” Side of Media: Promoting Prosocial Behavior, Well-Being, and Health)

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21 pages, 1291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Crisscrossing Competency Framework for Family–Preschool Partnerships: Perspectives from Chinese Kindergarten Teachers

by Pan Jiang, Xuhong Song, Qin Wang, Xiaomeng Wang, Fangbin Chen and Dongbo Tu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050694 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 235

Abstract

The promotion of enhanced well-being among children and collaboration among families, schools, and communities is paramount and is a pressing concern in the global education sector. This necessitates that preschool teachers possess the necessary competencies for effective family-preschool partnerships (FPPs). This study explored [...] Read more.

The promotion of enhanced well-being among children and collaboration among families, schools, and communities is paramount and is a pressing concern in the global education sector. This necessitates that preschool teachers possess the necessary competencies for effective family-preschool partnerships (FPPs). This study explored the competencies necessary for Chinese kindergarten teachers to engage in FPP using behavioral event interviews with 30 participants. Thematic analysis identified key competency traits, and independent samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction compared collaboration competencies between outstanding and typical teachers, as well as across different career stages. Consequently, a comprehensive crisscrossing competency framework consisting of four quadrants was developed. This framework distinguishes between high-performance and general traits, as well as between stable and variable traits that may evolve across career stages. High-performance traits such as communication, expression, and relationship management should be prioritized in the training and recruitment of early childhood educators involved in FPP. In contrast, intrinsic qualities that foster successful FPP, such as child orientation, should be cultivated early and sustained throughout a teacher’s career. From a developmental perspective, this framework provides a crucial foundation for evaluating and training kindergarten teachers in the competencies essential for fostering effective FPP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

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20 pages, 1746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Meme-ing” Across Cultures: Understanding How Non-EU International Students in the UK Use Internet Memes for Cultural Adaptation and Identity

by Yurou Zhang, Shichao Zhao and Kamarin Merritt

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050693 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 290

Abstract

Non-EU international students encounter considerable challenges in social integration, cultural adaptation, and emotional well-being within UK higher education. Despite this, the role of internet memes as a form of participatory digital media in mediating these experiences has not been extensively studied. This paper [...] Read more.

Non-EU international students encounter considerable challenges in social integration, cultural adaptation, and emotional well-being within UK higher education. Despite this, the role of internet memes as a form of participatory digital media in mediating these experiences has not been extensively studied. This paper examines how non-EU students at a British university utilise memes to manage cross-cultural identity and daily stressors. Employing an Experience-Centred Design (ECD) approach, our qualitative research involved 20 participants through digital cultural probes, semi-structured interviews, and co-design workshop. We discovered that memes serve a dual role: they provide emotional bridges that foster a sense of belonging through shared humour, yet they also risk exclusion due to cultural opacity. We introduce the concept of “negotiated humour”, which requires cross-cultural explanation and reduces comedic spontaneity but enhances intercultural understanding. Furthermore, we identify a continuum of meme usage that reflects different phases of acculturation, ranging from expressing frustrations to creating hybrid cultural expressions. This study contributes to cross-cultural adaptation theory by highlighting memes as boundary objects in identity negotiation. We suggest design implications for culturally sensitive platforms, such as contextual footnotes, and institutional interventions like meme-based orientation activities to exploit humour’s potential for fostering inclusive dialogue. Our research highlights how transient digital humour can provide deep insights into identity, community, and the complex dynamics of cross-cultural adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Psychological Determinants of Acculturation)

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19 pages, 1853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Whether Making Second-Language Vocabulary Learning Difficult Enhances Retention and Transfer

by Alice F. Healy, Vivian I. Schneider and James A. Kole

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050692 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 164

Abstract

Four previous and two new experiments from our laboratory are reported, in which college students learned associations between French and English words in a learning phase and then took an immediate retention test. One week later, a delayed test was followed by relearning. [...] Read more.

Four previous and two new experiments from our laboratory are reported, in which college students learned associations between French and English words in a learning phase and then took an immediate retention test. One week later, a delayed test was followed by relearning. Four difficulty manipulations were used during learning: blocking versus mixing semantic categories, translation direction, prelearning, and set size. The first new experiment examined the effect of set size on retention, and the second new experiment examined blocking and mixing semantic categories, as well as translation direction, on learning new vocabulary (transfer). Generally, across the six experiments, difficult conditions provided a disadvantage during learning and immediate testing, but made no difference or provided an advantage during relearning and delayed testing. These results suggest that making the initial learning more difficult does not always lead to superior retention. Full article

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

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28 pages, 822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Perception of Labor Control and Employee Overtime Behavior in China: The Mediating Role of Job Autonomy and the Moderating Role of Occupational Value

by Wei Dong, Yijie Wang and Tingting Zhao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050691 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 131

Abstract

While the transformation of and improvements in productivity are taking place under the guidance of new technologies, overtime work—which is still prevalent in the workplace—is simultaneously introducing substantial physical and mental burdens to workers. Based on baseline data from the China Labor Dynamics [...] Read more.

While the transformation of and improvements in productivity are taking place under the guidance of new technologies, overtime work—which is still prevalent in the workplace—is simultaneously introducing substantial physical and mental burdens to workers. Based on baseline data from the China Labor Dynamics Survey (CLDS), we analyze employees’ willingness to work overtime and their overtime cognition and intensity using labor process theory. It is observed that skill control directly increases the probability of employees’ objective overtime work, mandatory overtime work, and unconscious overtime work; furthermore, de-skilling prolongs working hours while hiding the prevalence and blurring the boundaries of overtime work. De-skilling also results in reduced employee job autonomy and further extends overtime hours, increasing the probability of mandatory overtime. Bureaucratic control reinforces the relationship between de-skilling and voluntary overtime, unconscious overtime, and overtime intensity by fostering employees’ career development orientation. It is necessary to accurately grasp the characteristics of new technologies in the changing labor environment of the new era, strive to create an equal and open labor market, and respect and protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers. Full article

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33 pages, 531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Teacher Adaptability and Student Development in Online Teaching Environments: A Survey of Teachers of Chinese Mathematics Competitions for Gifted Students

by Tianqi Lin, Peijie Jiang and Bin Xiong

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 690; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050690 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 107

Abstract

Despite advancements in information and technology, the benefits of online education for mathematically gifted students remain underexplored. In response, this study investigated the impacts of teacher competencies on students’ sustainable development in online mathematics competition education, examining the mediating role of teaching practice [...] Read more.

Despite advancements in information and technology, the benefits of online education for mathematically gifted students remain underexplored. In response, this study investigated the impacts of teacher competencies on students’ sustainable development in online mathematics competition education, examining the mediating role of teaching practice and the moderating role of teacher adaptability. Based on survey data from 289 Chinese mathematics competition teachers, the current research yielded the following findings: (1) Online teaching efficacy exerted a stronger positive influence on sustainable development compared with competition teaching professionalism, establishing the crucial role of technological competence in online education. (2) Teaching engagement and teaching practice significantly mediated the relationship between teacher competencies and sustainable development, with teaching engagement demonstrating stronger effects. (3) Teacher adaptability emerged as a significant moderator, empowering teaching practices and their effectiveness in promoting students’ sustainable development. These findings construct an integrated theoretical framework for understanding the translation of teacher competencies into student outcomes in online mathematics competition education, providing evidence-based guidance for enhancing teaching effectiveness in mathematics gifted education. Full article

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25 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Quality of Life in Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Psychological Factors

by Corina Gagiu, Vlad Dionisie, Mihnea Costin Manea, Anca Covaliu, Ana Diana Vlad, Ancuta Elena Tupu and Mirela Manea

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050684 - 17 May 2025

Viewed by 312

Abstract

Caregiving for a patient with schizophrenia (PwS) imposes a high burden on caregivers and often affects their quality of life. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the sociodemographic and psychological factors of caregivers, as well as patient-related sociodemographic and [...] Read more.

Caregiving for a patient with schizophrenia (PwS) imposes a high burden on caregivers and often affects their quality of life. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the sociodemographic and psychological factors of caregivers, as well as patient-related sociodemographic and clinical factors, that may influence caregivers’ QoL. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in three major databases—PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science—to identify original studies examining informal caregivers of PwS and assessing the relationship between caregivers’ QoL and various sociodemographic, psychological, or clinical factors. Methodological quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. In total, 31 studies were included in the review and discussed at length. Lower QoL was associated with unemployment, older age, female gender, financial difficulties, being unmarried, and lower education. Additionally, increased schizophrenia symptom severity, higher caregiver burden, and elevated levels of depression and anxiety may negatively influence caregivers’ QoL. Given these findings, future research should focus on developing tailored interventions to improve caregivers’ QoL. Addressing these modifiable risk factors through targeted support programs and policies could significantly enhance caregivers’ QoL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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14 pages, 1196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Factors Influencing Children’s Helping Behavior: The Roles of Cognition and Empathy Concern

by Mingyue Liang, Hongfang Mo and Jipeng Duan

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050689 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 110

Abstract

Helping behavior plays an important role in children’s social interaction and personality development. This study used a situational test method to investigate the effects of cognition and empathy concern on helping behavior in children aged 6–12. The results revealed that empathy concern had [...] Read more.

Helping behavior plays an important role in children’s social interaction and personality development. This study used a situational test method to investigate the effects of cognition and empathy concern on helping behavior in children aged 6–12. The results revealed that empathy concern had a significant effect on children’s helping behavior compared to cognition. By inducing varying levels of empathy concern through prosocial songs, the subjects exhibited significant differences in helping behavior, with children in the high empathy concern group demonstrating significantly higher levels of helping behavior. Therefore, as for the education on children’s helping behavior, teachers should pay special attention to the factor of empathy concern, and the educational strategy of activating empathy concern can improve the effectiveness of children’s helping behavior education. Full article

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11 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessReview

On the Prospective Application of Behavioral Momentum Theory and Resurgence as Choice in the Treatment of Problem Behavior: A Brief Review

by Michael P. Kranak, John Michael Falligant, Chloe Jones, Meredith Stephens and Megan Wessel

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050688 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 62

Abstract

Behavioral Momentum Theory (BMT) and Resurgence as Choice (RaC) are two theoretical and quantitative models of behavior that, when applied prospectively, might improve behavioral treatments and increase the likelihood of long-term success. Despite the plausible benefit of using BMT and RaC to guide [...] Read more.

Behavioral Momentum Theory (BMT) and Resurgence as Choice (RaC) are two theoretical and quantitative models of behavior that, when applied prospectively, might improve behavioral treatments and increase the likelihood of long-term success. Despite the plausible benefit of using BMT and RaC to guide clinical decision-making, it is unclear how frequently these models are prospectively used in practice. We briefly review contemporary research on BMT and RaC as related to the treatment of problem behavior. We discuss potential barriers and solutions to their prospective application, as well as areas for future research. 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, 409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Intolerance of Uncertainty Influence Social Anxiety Through Rumination? A Mediation Model in Emerging Adults

by Kıvanç Uzun, Süleyman Ünlü and Gökmen Arslan

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050687 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 60

Abstract

In order to support the psychological well-being of individuals in emerging adulthood, it is important to understand the cognitive mechanisms that may contribute to social anxiety. In particular, intolerance of uncertainty is considered an important factor associated with anxiety levels among emerging adults. [...] Read more.

In order to support the psychological well-being of individuals in emerging adulthood, it is important to understand the cognitive mechanisms that may contribute to social anxiety. In particular, intolerance of uncertainty is considered an important factor associated with anxiety levels among emerging adults. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study investigated whether intolerance of uncertainty is associated with social anxiety through ruminative thoughts. The study group consisted of 405 individuals living in Türkiye and in emerging adulthood, 70.60% (n = 286) of whom were female and 29.40% (n = 119) of whom were male. The ages of the participants selected by convenience sampling method ranged between 18 and 25 years, with a mean age of 21.73 years (SD = 1.87). In this study, data were collected using a demographic information form and three different self-report scales. The findings revealed that intolerance of uncertainty was significantly associated with higher levels of social anxiety (β = 0.22, p < 0.001). Moreover, rumination emerged as a significant cognitive mediator in this relationship (β = 0.23, p < 0.001). The indirect effect was statistically significant, indicating that individuals who experience high intolerance of uncertainty may be more prone to social anxiety when they also engage in ruminative thinking. Together, intolerance of uncertainty and rumination explained 26% of the variance in social anxiety (R² = 0.26). These results emphasize the importance of targeting both intolerance of uncertainty and rumination in interventions aimed at reducing social anxiety among emerging adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finding Healthy Coping Mechanisms in Autobiographical Memory)

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18 pages, 537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Positive and Threatening Awe on Pro-Environmental Behavior: The Mediating Role of Connection to Nature

by Jia Liu, Yongquan Huo, Jing Wang, Yangyu Du and Xiangyu Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050686 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 60

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the effect of positive awe and explore the effect of threatening awe on promoting pro-environmental behavior, as well as examine the role of connection to nature in this relationship. An online experiment (Experiment 1) and a laboratory experiment [...] Read more.

This study aimed to verify the effect of positive awe and explore the effect of threatening awe on promoting pro-environmental behavior, as well as examine the role of connection to nature in this relationship. An online experiment (Experiment 1) and a laboratory experiment (Experiment 2) were conducted in two different samples to replicate the results. The results of Experiment 1 demonstrated that both positive and threatening awe promoted participants’ willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism, and the connection to nature played mediating roles in these processes. The results of Experiment 2 demonstrated that positive awe improved participants’ intention to conduct a series of pro-environmental behaviors, and the connection to nature played a mediating role, while threatening awe did not have this effect. These findings suggest that positive awe can encourage people to conduct more pro-environmental behaviors, while threatening awe can encourage pro-environmental behaviors in the form of financial support, and the feeling of connection to nature is one of the psychological mechanisms in these processes. The results of the present research not only enrich the literature related to both awe and pro-environmental behavior, but also provide managerial implications for policy makers and ecotourism operators. Full article

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23 pages, 3708 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effects of Imagery Practice on Athletes’ Performance: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis with Systematic Review

by Yiran Liu, Shiao Zhao, Xuda Zhang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Taihe Liang and Ziheng Ning

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050685 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 106

Abstract

Imagery, a classic technique in psychological training, is gaining momentum in competitive sports. Despite the increasing use of imagery, its effectiveness remains debated. Robust, data-driven conclusions are still lacking. This study seeks to investigate the effects of imagery practice on enhancing athletic performance [...] Read more.

Imagery, a classic technique in psychological training, is gaining momentum in competitive sports. Despite the increasing use of imagery, its effectiveness remains debated. Robust, data-driven conclusions are still lacking. This study seeks to investigate the effects of imagery practice on enhancing athletic performance and determine the ideal dosage of such practice through a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis. A comprehensive search across seven databases, including SportDiscus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, MEDLINE, MEDLINE Complete, and CINAHL, yielded 23,027 studies. These were initially reviewed for title and abstract using ASReview, followed by full-text screening with Covidence. A total of 86 studies with 3593 athletes (2104 males and 1110 females) were included in this meta-analysis. Our findings indicate that imagery practice enhances athletic performance, encompassing agility, muscle strength, tennis and soccer performance, and is applicable to both tennis and soccer athletes. The efficacy of integrating imagery practice with one or two additional psychological skills trainings (PSTs) surpasses that of imagery practice in isolation. Moderation analysis revealed that engaging in imagery practice for approximately ten minutes, three times weekly over a span of one hundred days, produces the strongest performance gains. This review offers recommendations for athletes regarding the implementation of imagery practice in routine training or prior to competitions, thereby providing empirical evidence to optimize psychological training programs in competitive settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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17 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Personality Traits and Empathy in Relation to Attitudes About Communication Between Medical Students and Patients

by Lorena Mihaela Grebenisan, Andreea Sima-Comaniciu, Emese Erika Lukacs, Aurel Nireștean, Gabriela Elena Strete, Horia Marchean, Bianca Larisa Abalasei, Andrei Cotruș, Alex-Claudiu Boacă, Ileana Marinescu and Adriana Mihai

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050683 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 102

Abstract

The medical profession requires continuous knowledge acquisition, effective communication skills, an appropriate level of empathy, and a personality profile that can support high-quality patient care. (1) The purpose of this study was to research whether there are associations or correlations between personality dimensions, [...] Read more.

The medical profession requires continuous knowledge acquisition, effective communication skills, an appropriate level of empathy, and a personality profile that can support high-quality patient care. (1) The purpose of this study was to research whether there are associations or correlations between personality dimensions, empathy, and the attitudes of medical students regarding the learning of communication skills. (2) We conducted a pilot study with 267 first- and sixth-year medical students from the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences, and Technology of Targu Mures as the subjects. The students were evaluated using the DECAS personality inventory, the Romanian communication skills ability scale, and Toronto empathy scale. (3) Our results showed that regarding the level of empathy (p = 0.09) and positive attitudes related to communication skills (p = 0.52), there were no statistically significant differences between first- and sixth-year medical students. On the other hand, in the case of negative attitudes, it was observed that there was a statistical significance (p = 0.0003). It was also observed that there was a positive association between agreeableness and empathy (OR = 6.12, p < 0.0001) and a negative association between emotional stability and empathy (OR = 0.45, p = 0.01). Correlations were also found between positive attitudes related to communication skills with patients and the personality dimensions of conscientiousness (r = 0.21, p = 0.0004) and agreeableness (r = 0.15, p = 0.01), as well as between negative attitudes related to communication skills with patients and the agreeableness dimension (r = −0.23, p = 0.0001) and emotional stability dimension (r = −0.13, p = 0.02). Furthermore, the two proposed models confirmed the influence that personality and empathy have on attitudes towards learning communication skills. (4) The findings of this study show that both the personality structure and the empathy of a student are linked to their attitudes about communication. Full article

13 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reading and Writing Development in Inclusive Settings: Teachers’ Perception of the Use of Digital Technology

by Lénia Carvalhais, Paula Vagos, Lídia Ferreira Cerejeira and Teresa Limpo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050682 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 58

Abstract

Reading and writing are foundational skills throughout school grades that could be improved using digital technology, especially in inclusive contexts. The present study aimed to understand primary teachers’ use of technology and their self-efficacy perception in the use of digital technology in inclusive [...] Read more.

Reading and writing are foundational skills throughout school grades that could be improved using digital technology, especially in inclusive contexts. The present study aimed to understand primary teachers’ use of technology and their self-efficacy perception in the use of digital technology in inclusive settings, considering their application of universal, selective, or additional measures. In total, 290 Portuguese primary school teachers (1st to 4th grades) aged 25 to 66 years old (M = 49.32, SD = 8.59), mostly female, filled in an online survey, comprising a sociodemographic sheet and four questionnaires related to digital technologies. The results show that most teachers apply measures within the inclusive education framework (n = 277). The sociodemographic and educational profiles of teachers who use or do not use those technologies were similar, as were teachers’ self-efficacy scores about using digital technologies, perception about the utility of those technologies, and use of them, overall and for reading and writing specifically. The more teachers consider themselves efficacious in using digital technologies and the more they hold a positive perception of those technologies, the more they report their use. These findings reinforce the influence of teachers’ internal factors, such as self-efficacy, on the use of digital technologies, independent of students’ specific difficulties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic: Typical and Atypical Cognitive Development—2nd Edition)

24 pages, 868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations in the Relationship Between Peer Context and Academic Engagement: A Social Cognitive Theory Perspective

by Getachew Tassew Woreta, Girum Tareke Zewude and Krisztián Józsa

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050681 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 104

Abstract

Student engagement in learning has well-recognized positive effects on both academic and non-academic aspects of development. However, there has been limited research on the factors that shape it. This study examined the influence of peers’ academic norms, educational aspirations, and effort socialization on [...] Read more.

Student engagement in learning has well-recognized positive effects on both academic and non-academic aspects of development. However, there has been limited research on the factors that shape it. This study examined the influence of peers’ academic norms, educational aspirations, and effort socialization on students’ academic engagement, placing self-efficacy and outcome expectations as mediators. Grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive theory, data were collected cross-sectionally from 596 high school students (male = 315) in Ethiopia. The results of the path analysis demonstrated a good model-data fit. Peers’ academic norms, educational aspirations, and effort socialization positively predicted academic engagement. Bootstrap analysis with 5000 samples revealed that academic self-efficacy (β = 0.022, BC 95% CI = [0.008, 0.041], p < 0.01) and outcome expectations (β = 0.053, BC 95% CI = [0.028, 0.086], p < 0.001) partially mediated the relationship between peer educational aspirations and students’ academic engagement. The partial mediated effects of peers’ academic norms on academic engagement via self-efficacy (β = 0.030, BC 95% CI = [0.014, 0.054], p < 0.001) and outcome expectations (β = 0.037, BC 95% CI = [0.014, 0.062], p < 0.01) were also significant. Additionally, peer effort socialization showed significant positive indirect effects on academic engagement, mediated by academic self-efficacy (β = 0.024, BC 95% CI = [0.009, 0.044], p < 0.01) and outcome expectations (β = 0.078, BC 95% CI = [0.050, 0.112], p < 0.001). Overall, the mediation analysis revealed that outcome expectations and self-efficacy partially mediated the link between academic engagement and the peer context, highlighting the importance of these mediators in enhancing student engagement. Full article

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Behav. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 5 (May 2025) – 150 articles

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