Behavioral Sciences

28 pages, 1079 KB

Open AccessArticle

Static vs. Immersive: A Neuromarketing Exploratory Study of Augmented Reality on Packaging Labels

by Sebastiano Accardi, Carmelo Campo, Marco Bilucaglia, Margherita Zito, Margherita Caccamo and Vincenzo Russo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091241 (registering DOI) - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology adopted by brands to innovate packaging and improve communication with consumers. Companies integrate AR features into their packaging, choosing between different approaches. However, it is still unclear how different AR typologies can influence consumers’ perceptions during the [...] Read more.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology adopted by brands to innovate packaging and improve communication with consumers. Companies integrate AR features into their packaging, choosing between different approaches. However, it is still unclear how different AR typologies can influence consumers’ perceptions during the interaction. For this purpose, this exploratory study aims to analyze the differences between two types of AR—static vs. immersive—applied to packaging, evaluating their impact and effectiveness on consumers. A within-subjects design, on a sample of 20 participants, was employed using neuroscientific techniques (electroencephalography, heart rate, and skin conductance) to explore the cognitive and emotional engagement based on the AR interaction, as well as self-report measures (Augmented Reality Immersion, Perceived Informativeness and Authenticity). Neurophysiological findings indicated that the immersive AR application elicited a greater emotional and partially cognitive engagement, as well as a higher perceived immersion, according to self-reports. The study’s findings offer a deeper understanding of how consumers’ perceptions can change in response to different types of AR content. Although AR is not yet widely accessible as a marketing tool for brands, its growing technological feasibility makes it relevant to know its potential effects on consumers. Thus, this study will offer useful insights for companies to direct their investments toward AR applications in marketing campaigns. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 688 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prospective Associations Among Loneliness and Health for Servicemembers: Perceived Helplessness and Negative Coping Appraisal as Explanatory Mechanisms

by Sarah N. Arpin, Cynthia D. Mohr, Todd E. Bodner, Leslie B. Hammer and James D. Lee

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091240 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Links between loneliness and health are robust, though evidence for associations with alcohol use is mixed. Previous research has supported perceived stress as a predictor of alcohol use and as a pathway through which loneliness impacts health over time. Yet findings are primarily [...] Read more.

Links between loneliness and health are robust, though evidence for associations with alcohol use is mixed. Previous research has supported perceived stress as a predictor of alcohol use and as a pathway through which loneliness impacts health over time. Yet findings are primarily limited to civilian samples, and less is known about how loneliness relates to stress and health among service members. The current study explores prospective associations among loneliness, stress, and health (i.e., sleep, alcohol misuse, and psychological distress) within a sample of mostly male service members. We examine two dimensions of perceived stress, perceived helplessness and negative coping appraisal, as explanatory mechanisms. Controlling for baseline stress and health, loneliness predicted perceived helplessness and negative coping appraisal (4-month follow-up); in turn, perceived helplessness and negative coping appraisal predicted insomnia and sleep dissatisfaction; and negative coping appraisal predicted alcohol misuse (indirect effects). Findings support transactional models of stress and the stressor-vulnerability model of alcohol use, revealing that coping appraisals play an important explanatory role for stress-related consequences of loneliness. Further, we provide new insight into mechanisms linking loneliness to alcohol use and sleep, differentiating dimensions of stress and highlighting potential intervention targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress and Drinking)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 800 KB

Open AccessArticle

General Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of Physical Activity’s Impact on Well-Being Among Norwegian Adolescents: A Gender and Age Perspective

by Karianne Fossli and Catherine A. N. Lorentzen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091239 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of physical activity on adolescent well-being remain poorly understood. One potential pathway involves increased general self-efficacy. A deeper understanding of underlying processes, and of direct and indirect impacts across adolescent sub-groups, can improve intervention strategies. This [...] Read more.

Background: The mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of physical activity on adolescent well-being remain poorly understood. One potential pathway involves increased general self-efficacy. A deeper understanding of underlying processes, and of direct and indirect impacts across adolescent sub-groups, can improve intervention strategies. This study investigates whether physical activity predicts subjective well-being in adolescents, the mediating role of general self-efficacy, and the moderating effect of gender and age on these relationships. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study utilised data from a population-based sample of 18,146 Norwegian adolescents aged 14–19. Simple and moderated mediation models were tested with Hayes’ PROCESS in SPSS, with life satisfaction as the dependent variable, physical activity as the independent variable, general self-efficacy as the mediator, and gender and age as moderators. Analyses were controlled for socio-demographic variables and social support. Results: The findings indicated a small, positive effect of physical activity on well-being, consistent across genders but increasing with age, though not significant for those under 14.5 years. Approximately half of the total effect of physical activity on well-being was mediated through general self-efficacy. This indirect effect was greater for girls and younger adolescents compared to their counterparts, due to greater positive impacts of general self-efficacy on well-being within these two sub-groups. Conclusions: By identifying general self-efficacy as a mediator of physical activity’s impact on adolescent well-being, along with distinct direct and indirect effects within sub-groups, this study enhances the theoretical framework and knowledge base for more effective physical activity initiatives targeting the well-being of this demographic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Physical Activity on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Children)

10 pages, 283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intolerance of Uncertainty and Emotion Regulation in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Role of Reappraisal and Suppression

by Letao Sun, Haochen Zou, Wei Li, Hui Li, Jiaoyan Pang, Huiru Cui and Chunbo Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091238 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

To explore the correlation of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and emotion regulation (ER) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a total of 108 GAD patients and 115 healthy participants were recruited. The intolerance of uncertainty scale (IUS) was used to evaluate the [...] Read more.

To explore the correlation of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and emotion regulation (ER) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a total of 108 GAD patients and 115 healthy participants were recruited. The intolerance of uncertainty scale (IUS) was used to evaluate the level of IU. The emotion regulation questionnaire (ERQ) was used to evaluate participants’ preference for emotion regulation strategies. The Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) were used to assess the degree of anxiety symptoms. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed on participants’ scores. The scores of the IUS subscales, ERQ subscales, and HAMA in the GAD group were different from those in healthy controls (HC group) (p ≤ 0.001). IUS subscales were correlated with ERQ subscales, and inhibitory IU was significantly correlated with expression suppression strategies (p < 0.01). The level of IU is correlated with the selection of emotion regulation strategies in patients with GAD. Moderating effect analysis shows that emotion regulation strategies partially moderate the relationship between IU level and anxiety symptoms. This study underscores the critical role of intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation in shaping anxiety severity in GAD, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions that address both cognitive and emotional dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

11 pages, 572 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Adaptation and Validity of the Resistance to Peer Influence Scale Among Young Chinese Drivers and Its Links with Peer Pressure and Risky Driving Behaviours

by Wenchengxu Li, Jiahong Liu, Yuxi Wang and Long Sun

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091237 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Risky driving behaviour is closely related to traffic accidents, and the tendency to engage in such behaviour is related to a driver’s ability to resist peer pressure. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between risky driving behaviour and the ability to resist peer [...] Read more.

Risky driving behaviour is closely related to traffic accidents, and the tendency to engage in such behaviour is related to a driver’s ability to resist peer pressure. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between risky driving behaviour and the ability to resist peer pressure among young drivers in China remains unexplored. This study aimed to translate and adapt the Resistance to Peer Influence (RPI) Scale to Chinese drivers and examine whether RPI can moderate the influence of peer pressure on risky driving behaviours. A total of 269 drivers were recruited for this research. These drivers completed the Safe Driving Climate among Friends (SDCaF) Scale, the Peer Pressure on Risky Driving Scale (PPRDS), the RPI Scale and a scale that measured risky driving behaviours. The Chinese version of the RPI scale consists of 10 items and has acceptable reliability. The significant correlations observed among the RPI scale, the SDCaF, the PPRDS and risky driving behaviour indicate that the convergent and discriminant validity of the RPI scale is satisfactory. RPI, friend pressure and shared commitment explained 16.5% of the variance in risky driving behaviour, whereas RPI and risk-encouraging direct peer pressure explained 15.8% of this variance. RPI moderated the relationship between shared commitment and risky driving behaviour. Lower levels of shared commitment combined with low RPI were linked to higher levels of risky driving. RPI also moderated the relationship between risk-encouraging direct peer pressure and risky driving behaviour. Higher levels of risk-encouraging peer pressure were associated with more risky driving regardless of the level of RPI. RPI has acceptable internal consistency and validity and has the potential to serve as a valid tool for assessing and training young drivers in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 510 KB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and School Bullying in Adolescents: A Cross-Lagged Panel Model

by Kanglin Wang and Fen Qiu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091236 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: School bullying represents a critical global public health issue among adolescents. Although existing evidence suggests physical activity (PA) may reduce bullying risk, longitudinal data on bidirectional associations and gender-specific variations remain limited. This study employed a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) to investigate [...] Read more.

Background: School bullying represents a critical global public health issue among adolescents. Although existing evidence suggests physical activity (PA) may reduce bullying risk, longitudinal data on bidirectional associations and gender-specific variations remain limited. This study employed a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) to investigate the temporal dynamics between PA and school bullying (SB) and examine gender-moderating effects. Methods: A cohort of 577 middle school students (294 boys, 283 girls; mean age = 14.31 ± 2.1 years) from seven schools across Wuhan, Shijiazhuang, and Chengdu completed three-wave longitudinal assessments over 9 months (September 2024–March 2025). Validated instruments included the School Bullying Scale (SBS) and Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS). The CLPM analysis evaluated bidirectional predictive pathways, with gender-stratified multi-group comparisons. Results: Significant bidirectional negative associations emerged: (1) PA at T1/T2 predicted reduced SB at T2/T3 (β = −0.14 to −0.26, p < 0.001). (2) SB at T1/T2 predicted decreased PA at T2/T3 (β = −0.27 to −0.38, p < 0.001). (3) Gender significantly moderated these relationships, with PA conferring stronger protective effects against subsequent SB in males (β = −0.35 vs. −0.21 for PA→SB paths). Conversely, SB triggered earlier and more pronounced PA reductions in males (β = −0.42 vs. −0.29 for SB→PA paths). Conclusions: PA and SB demonstrate stable bidirectional negative associations in adolescents, with significant gender divergence. Males exhibit greater resilience to bullying through PA engagement but heightened vulnerability to PA reduction post-victimization. These findings underscore PA-based interventions as promising bullying mitigation strategies, necessitating gender-tailored implementation approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Physical Activity on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Children)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 504 KB

Open AccessReview

Associations Between Overparenting and Offspring’s Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis of Multiple Moderators

by Na Hu, Kewan Chen, Longying Ye, Hongjin Liu, Dan Cai, Huafeng Zhang and Yanli Zhao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091235 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Despite overparenting being considered a critical factor associated with offspring’s mental health, the existing research on this topic has yielded inconsistent results. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between overparenting and various mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, [...] Read more.

Despite overparenting being considered a critical factor associated with offspring’s mental health, the existing research on this topic has yielded inconsistent results. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between overparenting and various mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, and subjective well-being, through an analysis of effect size. Furthermore, potential moderators, including developmental stage (indexed by age), gender, information informants, study design, and cultural factors, were also examined. A total of 44 studies (N = 21,607) were identified in the meta-analysis, with 34 studies examining anxiety, 32 studies examining depression, 13 studies examining life satisfaction, and three studies examining subjective well-being. The results revealed a positive yet small association between overparenting and mental health indicators (r_anxiety = 0.16, r_depression = 0.20, r_{life satisfaction} = 0.09, ps < 0.001), except for subjective well-being (r_{subjective well-being} = 0.09, p > 0.001). Moderator analyses showed that the high heterogeneity across studies was explained by culture, parents’ gender, and developmental stage. These findings emphasize that overparenting is linked to mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. This study also suggests that heterogeneity should be considered for future clinical interventions and parenting-based educational programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk and Protective Factors in Social Interactions: Behavioral and Neural Evidence)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 1103 KB

Open AccessArticle

Developmental Language Disorder and Risk of Dyslexia—Can They Be Told Apart?

by Aliki Chalikia, Asimina M. Ralli and Faye Antoniou

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091234 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Dyslexia frequently co-occur. Many studies suggest that children with Dyslexia may also struggle with oral language skills, while those with DLD may also face challenges in word decoding. Both groups of children typically exhibit deficits in phonological processing [...] Read more.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Dyslexia frequently co-occur. Many studies suggest that children with Dyslexia may also struggle with oral language skills, while those with DLD may also face challenges in word decoding. Both groups of children typically exhibit deficits in phonological processing [phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming (RAN), verbal short-term memory (VSTM)] and verbal working memory (VWM). Despite the increasing number of comparative studies, few have systematically examined these overlaps in children at the early stages of literacy acquisition, and few studies have systematically assessed all oral language subsystems. This study investigates: (a) differences and similarities among children with DLD, children at Risk of Dyslexia (RfD), and typically developing children (TD) in phonological processing (phonological awareness—implicit and explicit—VSTM, RAN), VWM, oral language, and word decoding; (b) patterns of performance across groups; and (c) correlations between phonological processing and VWM skills with oral language and word decoding. The participants were 45 first graders (Mage = 6.8), equally divided into three groups (DLD, RfD, and TD children). Both special groups (DLD, RfD) performed significantly worse than the TD group across nearly all measurements. DLD children showed pronounced oral language and VSTM deficits, while RfD children primarily struggled with decoding and explicit phonological awareness. Group-specific correlations emerged. The findings are discussed in light of the theoretical models of the relationship between DLD and Dyslexia taking into account the specific developmental stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Learning Disabilities in Reading and Writing: Current Issues in Assessment and Intervention)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 400 KB

Open AccessArticle

Correlates of Loneliness in Parkinson Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

by John M. de Figueiredo, Robert Kohn, Amar S. Patel, Elijah Parsons, Elan D. Louis and Brian B. Koo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091233 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Parkinson disease (PD) patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of loneliness. The objective of this longitudinal study was to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected loneliness in PD patients by identifying the correlates of loneliness during the pandemic in the US and [...] Read more.

Parkinson disease (PD) patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of loneliness. The objective of this longitudinal study was to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected loneliness in PD patients by identifying the correlates of loneliness during the pandemic in the US and to establish a rationale for providing emotional support and restoring morale. Consecutive PD outpatients were recruited during June 2016–May 2017. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables were obtained. During October–December 2020, participants were mailed a questionnaire about some of the variables studied at baseline and new variables specifically related to the pandemic. Univariable, bivariate, and forward linear regression analyses were used to identify the correlates of loneliness. Sex, demoralization, and baseline PD health-related quality of life were significantly associated with loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic, with women reporting more loneliness than men. To examine loneliness specifically associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness prior to the pandemic was controlled, with only sex and demoralization remaining statistically significant. Interventions aimed at restoring morale and providing emotional support should be included as an essential component of any treatment plan designed to alleviate loneliness during public health emergencies that require social isolation, such as a pandemic. Full article

18 pages, 577 KB

Open AccessArticle

Who Continues to a Doctoral Degree? Employment Choices and Influencing Factors Among Engineering Master’s Students

by Lina Wei, Xuejiao Wu and Min Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091232 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Career choices of master’s students, particularly regarding the pursuit of doctoral degrees, have received limited scholarly attention. This study examines the employment pathways and influencing factors of engineering master’s students. Drawing on human capital theory, career preference theory, and the two-way selection model, [...] Read more.

Career choices of master’s students, particularly regarding the pursuit of doctoral degrees, have received limited scholarly attention. This study examines the employment pathways and influencing factors of engineering master’s students. Drawing on human capital theory, career preference theory, and the two-way selection model, we analyse nationwide survey data from 21,973 engineering master’s students collected in 2021. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, we examine their post-graduation choices, including pursuing a doctorate, joining universities or scientific research institutions, working in government agencies, or entering the workforce. The findings suggest that gender, family background, and human capital have a significant impact on students’ career destinations. Male students are more likely to choose academic sectors, while those from high-income families tend to opt for non-academic sectors. Higher parental educational attainment increases the likelihood of pursuing doctoral studies, and students with more academic publications are also more likely to pursue a doctorate. These results highlight divergence in employment intentions between academic and non-academic sectors and reveal their underlying logic. The study offers insights for reforming talent cultivation models in universities, enhancing graduate employability, and informing the development of educational policy. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1259 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural Distance and Social Needs: The Dynamic Adjustment Mechanisms of Social Support Among Newly Arrived Students in Hong Kong

by Shiyi Zhang, Qi Wu and Xuhua Chen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091231 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Based on questionnaire data and in-depth interviews with newly arrived students (NAS) from mainland China, this study investigates the construction of their social networks and the mechanisms through which they access social support in the context of migration. Drawing on Berry’s acculturation theory, [...] Read more.

Based on questionnaire data and in-depth interviews with newly arrived students (NAS) from mainland China, this study investigates the construction of their social networks and the mechanisms through which they access social support in the context of migration. Drawing on Berry’s acculturation theory, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, and Bourdieu’s concept of social capital, this study provides a theoretically grounded analysis of how NAS balance cultural distance and social needs. The findings reveal that NAS do not form social connections uniformly; rather, they strategically allocate social resources according to the degree of homophily and the strength of social ties. Specifically, weak ties with mainland peers—characterized by high cultural homophily—primarily offer emotional support; strong ties with local Hong Kong peers—marked by low homophily but high interaction frequency—mainly serve instrumental needs such as academic assistance and daily companionship; while strong ties with Hong Kong peers of mainland background combine both emotional and instrumental support, functioning as a core relational bridge in the NAS’s adaptation process. These three types of relationships form a complementary structure within NAS’s social networks. Reliability and validity tests further confirmed that four items (social satisfaction, peer attitude, sense of belonging, integration/adaptation) provide a coherent measure of social integration. The study suggests that NAS’s social practices are not merely about “integration” or “alienation,” but rather represent a dynamic strategy of balancing relational costs, cultural distance, and practical needs in the operation of social capital and characterised by dynamic negotiation and contextual adjustment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Satisfaction and Mental Health in Migrant Children)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1121 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcending Measurement: What Matters When Making-with-Music for Equitable Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Systems

by Marisa de Andrade, Pamela Burnard, Deborah McArthur, Aaron Hawthorne and Leah Soweid

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091230 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Research has long supported the use of and engagement with music as a catalyst for health and wellbeing. However, there is a lack of research exploring how the structures, rituals and ‘minor gestures’ that go alongside music-making, making-with the materiality of music and [...] Read more.

Research has long supported the use of and engagement with music as a catalyst for health and wellbeing. However, there is a lack of research exploring how the structures, rituals and ‘minor gestures’ that go alongside music-making, making-with the materiality of music and engagement, can positively impact health. Using assemblages of interconnected community music projects in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, as collective ethnographic entry points, we examine how collective routines and communal activities—through the interplay of material-discursive practices that play out in structural elements, memories, and shared experiences—contribute to the creation of meaningful social exchanges, stability, sense of belonging and becoming. We argue that the benefits of music ‘interventions’ are not solely outcomes from isolated activities, but from the accumulative habits and rituals they affect, offering a new perspective on health as a dynamic process. This reframing invites a transcending of measurement in relation to the impact of music on individual and social wellbeing. Through this, we challenge traditional, conventional wellbeing scales and measures and call for a broader understanding of music’s potential in addressing health inequalities, concluding with implications for scalable community music models that contribute to expanding possibilities for research–practice–policy partnerships in health and social care systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Music on Individual and Social Well-Being)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 707 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stigma and Emotion Regulation in Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Exploratory Study with Victims, Offenders and Experts

by Christian Moro, Michela Scaccia, Teresa Camellini, Livia Lugeri, Emanuele Marrocu and Gian Piero Turchi

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091229 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

In the field of gender-based violence research, the social constructionist strand focuses on how stereotypes and discourses impact the psychological, socio-economical and sanitary levels of actors involved. Narratives of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) often revolve around feelings such as shame, guilt [...] Read more.

In the field of gender-based violence research, the social constructionist strand focuses on how stereotypes and discourses impact the psychological, socio-economical and sanitary levels of actors involved. Narratives of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) often revolve around feelings such as shame, guilt and fear; these are related to emotion regulation. Considering this, narratives on how the roles of victims, but also offenders, are shaped are pivotal for clinical interventions. Considering gender-based violence as a product of human discursive interaction, this exploratory work investigates the terms used to describe these two roles and the ways in which those terms are conveyed. Ad hoc open-ended questionnaires were administered to 35 respondents from an Italian anti-violence centre, including IPV victims and offenders and healthcare experts. Their answers were analysed through MADIT (Methodology for the Analysis of Computerised Text Data), while the software IRaMuTeQ (version 0.7 alpha 2) was used for content analysis. Starting from the research question of “how do victims, offenders and experts groups narrate the roles of victim and offender”, the research hypothesis states that all three groups will adopt modalities that define the two roles into fixed and typical emotional categories. As anticipated, the results show that victims, offenders and experts depict both roles as immutable, categorising and judging the victims with words related with fear and self-guilt, while offenders are described with words related to anger and pathology. Lastly, we propose a framework for clinical intervention focused on fostering change towards a broader narrative to reduce the psychological impact of IPV events for victims, as well as modifying offenders’ violent behaviours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence: A Focus on Emotion Regulation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 285 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Perceived Internalized Sexual Stigma Measure (PrISSM): A New Sexual Stigma Measure for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

by Miguel A. Padilla, Lacey M. Schlappi and Evelyn S. Chiang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091228 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Society has long held negative beliefs and attitudes, in the form of sexual stigma, towards sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). Sexual stigma can be adopted and internalized by LGB individuals as their own beliefs and attitudes. In LGB individuals, internalized [...] Read more.

Society has long held negative beliefs and attitudes, in the form of sexual stigma, towards sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). Sexual stigma can be adopted and internalized by LGB individuals as their own beliefs and attitudes. In LGB individuals, internalized sexual stigma can result in psychological distress such as low self-esteem, depression, shame, and feelings of rejection. However, an instrument to assess internalized sexual stigma specifically developed for LGB individuals is lacking. The present study focuses on the development of a new instrument, the Perceived Internalized Sexual Stigma Measure (PrISSM), that is inclusive of LGB individuals who are 18 years and older. Exploratory and Bayesian confirmatory factor analyses indicate that internalized sexual stigma, as measured by the PrISSM, consists of two factors: internal conflict and disclosure conflict. The two-factor structure is also invariant to LGB individuals. As such, items of the PrISSM do not need to be separately reworded for lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals. In addition, the PrISSM is a brief instrument composed of 4 items per factor (8 items total). Convergent and discriminant validity evidence is also provided. Full article

24 pages, 1548 KB

Open AccessArticle

Teachers’ Readiness to Implement Robotics in Education: Validation and Measurement Invariance of TRi-Robotics Scale via Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Network Psychometrics

by Theano Papagiannopoulou, Julie Vaiopoulou and Dimitrios Stamovlasis

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091227 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

The incorporation of educational robotics (ER) into classroom learning has emerged as a significant goal in contemporary education, with instructors assuming a pivotal role. Recent research has shown the influence of teachers’ perceptions of ER and their self-efficacy on the learning process, while [...] Read more.

The incorporation of educational robotics (ER) into classroom learning has emerged as a significant goal in contemporary education, with instructors assuming a pivotal role. Recent research has shown the influence of teachers’ perceptions of ER and their self-efficacy on the learning process, while the primary goal in these inquiries is to the development of appropriate scales that guarantee correct measurements. Serving this goal, the present study presents the TRi-Robotics scale and its psychometric properties, which assesses teachers’ readiness to integrate ER into their classrooms. TRi-Robotics is a novel multidimensional tool that integrates self-efficacy, commitment, and affective conditions, validated through both CFA and network psychometrics. The proposed 14-item scale is three-dimensional and includes self-efficacy (SE), commitment (C), and affective conditions (AC). The validation procedure included the customary Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, applied to a sample of 817 in-service teachers. Reliability analysis showed satisfactory internal consistency, while measurement invariance for gender was sustained. Furthermore, network psychometrics was applied via Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA), which supported the proposed structure and its dimensionality and measurement invariance. The TRi-Robotics scale proved a valid instrument with satisfactory psychometric properties, and it is a significant asset to implement in educational and psychological research for testing further research hypotheses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring New Frontiers in Psychometrics: Advancing Measurement of Skills and Behaviors)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 867 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Triumph of Substance: Decoding the “Functional Infotainment” Model for Sex Education on Douyin

by You Shi and Hao Gao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091226 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Objective: In the digital age, short-video platforms are key channels for adolescents’ sex education, yet content strategies and their effects remain unclear. This study analyzes Douyin using an integrated source–content–effect framework, identifies infotainment strategies by creator type, and examines their impact on interaction [...] Read more.

Objective: In the digital age, short-video platforms are key channels for adolescents’ sex education, yet content strategies and their effects remain unclear. This study analyzes Douyin using an integrated source–content–effect framework, identifies infotainment strategies by creator type, and examines their impact on interaction and topic engagement. Methods: Quantitative content analysis of 465 sex-education videos. Content was coded on informational and entertainment value. Four information–entertainment combinations were tested. Engagement outcomes (likes, comments, favorites, shares) were modeled with negative binomial regression; the likelihood that comments were sex-education–related was modeled with logistic regression. Creator type (medical professionals vs. individual creators) entered as a covariate. Results: A functional-infotainment pattern emerged. High information–high entertainment performed best across all interaction metrics. Low information–high entertainment (pure entertainment) performed worst, significantly suppressing deeper engagement and topical discussion. Medical professionals emphasized medicalized, low-risk knowledge; individual creators covered more diverse topics yet likewise avoided sensitive issues. Conclusions: Under algorithmic incentives and cultural norms, Douyin’s sex-education content is not entertainment-first. Dissemination is driven by information-rich content delivered through a functional-infotainment model. Findings refine infotainment theory and offer data-driven guidance: prioritize informational value while pairing it with engaging forms (creators), support high-information content and proactive governance (platforms), and inform education policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health Behaviors in the New Media Era)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1060 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interconnecting District and Community Partners to Improve School-Level Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health

by Kathryn B. Pohlman, Kayla Jones, Juan R. Lira, Jennifer Norton and Kelly Perales

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091225 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

School districts face growing demands to address the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral health needs of all students, including meeting state mandates such as bullying prevention, suicide prevention, trauma response, and behavioral threat assessment. These needs have intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, often [...] Read more.

School districts face growing demands to address the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral health needs of all students, including meeting state mandates such as bullying prevention, suicide prevention, trauma response, and behavioral threat assessment. These needs have intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, often resulting in fragmented and inefficient planning. The Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) offers a structure for uniting district and community efforts into a single, integrated system of support. While research has expanded on the effectiveness of the ISF and resources have defined installation steps, the process is often arduous and challenging to notice progress and maintain momentum in action planning. This study examines the use of the ISF District–Community Leadership Team (DCLT) Installation Progress Monitoring Tool as a means to provide district and community leaders with concrete data to monitor progress and inform evaluation and action plans. Findings highlight the tool’s potential to strengthen installation processes, promote data-informed decision-making, and improve alignment of resources to impact student and school outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue School-Based Mental Health Systems: Psychological Care for Children and Youth)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Workplace Resocialization After Parental Leave as a Site of Work/Life Paradox in Three Boundary-Setting Contexts

by Emily A. Godager and Sarah E. Riforgiate

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091224 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study attends to employees’ boundary-setting enactments during workplace resocialization following parental leave in the United States. We qualitatively analyzed the work/life boundary-setting enactments of 16 employees who returned to the workplace following parental leave using the dialectical lens of control (organizational assimilation) [...] Read more.

This study attends to employees’ boundary-setting enactments during workplace resocialization following parental leave in the United States. We qualitatively analyzed the work/life boundary-setting enactments of 16 employees who returned to the workplace following parental leave using the dialectical lens of control (organizational assimilation) and resistance (individualization). Findings illustrate how employees managed tensions that generated an overarching work/life paradox during organizational resocialization across identity, time, and topic boundary-setting stressors. Employees’ tensioned enactments illustrated a control/resistance dialectic whereby paradoxical responses (vacillating, integrating, and/or balancing) were used to align with professional norms or privilege a working parent identity. This study contributes to paradox research and the model of organizational socialization to deepen our theoretical understanding of how resocialization is a communication process where managing work/life paradoxical responses to identity, time, and topic stressors can attenuate dialectical organizational tensions. Furthermore, we offer practical recommendations for organizations, supervisors, and individuals to productively understand and approach tensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Workplace Communication: An Emerging Field of Study)

18 pages, 1723 KB

Open AccessArticle

University Students’ Good Practices as Moderators Between Active Coping and Stress Responses

by Cristina Ruiz-Camacho, Margarita Gozalo and Elena Felipe-Castaño

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091223 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Within the framework of the European Higher Education Area, university students’ good practices are considered key indicators of educational quality. In light of the high levels of academic stress reported in this population, the present study aims to examine whether four specific practices—feedback-seeking, [...] Read more.

Within the framework of the European Higher Education Area, university students’ good practices are considered key indicators of educational quality. In light of the high levels of academic stress reported in this population, the present study aims to examine whether four specific practices—feedback-seeking, cooperative work, time management, and active learning—moderate the relationship between active coping and stress responses. A cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 1014 university students (M = 20.56; SD = 3.50). Participants completed the Academic Stress Coping Scale (A-CEA), the Academic Stress Response Scale (R-CEA), and the Inventory of Good Practices in University Students (IBPEU). Moderation analyses were conducted using linear regressions with interaction terms, and conditional effects (simple slopes) were estimated at low and high levels of the moderator. Significant moderation effects emerged. Feedback-seeking, cooperative work, and time management strengthened the inverse association between active coping and academic stress, with stronger reductions when these practices were reported at high levels. In contrast, active learning showed a threshold pattern: active coping reduced stress only when this practice was actively implemented, suggesting that its effective implementation may be necessary for coping to be effective. Promoting good practices may enhance the benefits of active coping. Their integration into early psychoeducational programs could bolster students’ personal resources and reduce psychological distress in demanding academic settings. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 721 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Phenotyping of Sensation Seeking: A Machine Learning Approach Using Gait Analysis

by Ang Li and Keyu Yang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091222 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Sensation seeking represents a significant risk factor for various mental health disorders and maladaptive behaviors, highlighting the need for objective assessment methods that circumvent the limitations of traditional self-report measures. This study introduces an innovative digital phenotyping approach that combines computational gait analysis [...] Read more.

Sensation seeking represents a significant risk factor for various mental health disorders and maladaptive behaviors, highlighting the need for objective assessment methods that circumvent the limitations of traditional self-report measures. This study introduces an innovative digital phenotyping approach that combines computational gait analysis with machine learning (ML) to quantify sensation-seeking traits and examines its validity. Natural gait sequences (using a Sony camera at 25 FPS) and self-report measures (Brief Sensation-Seeking Scale for Chinese, BSSS-C) were collected from 233 healthy adults. Computer vision processing through OpenPose extracted 25 skeletal keypoints, which were subsequently transformed into a hip-centered coordinate system and denoised using Gaussian filtering. From these kinematic data, 300 temporospatial gait features capturing various aspects of movement dynamics were derived. Using a supervised ML approach with feature selection, three ML models (SMO Regression, Multilayer Perceptron, and Bagging) were developed and compared through 10-fold cross-validation. The SMO Regression model demonstrated superior performance (r = 0.60, MAE = 3.50, RMSE = 4.59, R² = 0.26), outperforming the other approaches. These results establish proof-of-concept for gait-based digital phenotyping of sensation seeking, offering a scalable, objective assessment paradigm with potential applications in clinical screening and behavioral research. The methodological framework presented here advances the field of behavioral biometrics by demonstrating how computer vision and ML can transform basic movement patterns into meaningful psychological indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 375 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climbing the Dark Ladder: How Status and Inclusion Aspirations, Perceived Attainment, and Behaviors Relate to the Dark Triad

by Nikhila Mahadevan and Christian H. Jordan

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091221 - 8 Sep 2025

Abstract

Individual differences in the Dark Triad may partially reflect differences in interpersonal motivational patterns such as a strong desire for status. These studies examine how desires for status and inclusion, perceived attainment of status and inclusion, and status-seeking and inclusion-seeking behavior relate to [...] Read more.

Individual differences in the Dark Triad may partially reflect differences in interpersonal motivational patterns such as a strong desire for status. These studies examine how desires for status and inclusion, perceived attainment of status and inclusion, and status-seeking and inclusion-seeking behavior relate to the Dark Triad (grandiose narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy). Two studies (N = 591) find that individuals high in Dark Triad traits generally desire status, feel they have attained high status, and report behaving in status-seeking ways (once desires for inclusion, perceived attainment of inclusion, and inclusion-seeking behavior are controlled, respectively). They generally do not desire inclusion, do not feel they have attained inclusion, and do not report behaving in inclusion-seeking ways (once desires for status, perceived attainment of status, and status-seeking behavior are controlled, respectively). These associations are largely observed for the dimensions of the Dark Triad involving agentic extraversion and antagonism, but not for those involving impulsivity. This research delineates the motivational, social, and behavioral profile of the Dark Triad and its dimensions with implications for understanding the “core” of the Dark Triad. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual Differences in Narcissism: From Personality to Psychopathology)

20 pages, 596 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of Multifaceted Silence in Social Psychology

by Dat Bao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091220 - 8 Sep 2025

Abstract

This article, conforming to the 2020 PRISMA checklist, presents a systematic review of silence within the realm of social psychology, utilizing research-driven insights. Silence can be interpreted through both interpersonal and intrapersonal lenses; that is, it can originate from external social interactions or [...] Read more.

This article, conforming to the 2020 PRISMA checklist, presents a systematic review of silence within the realm of social psychology, utilizing research-driven insights. Silence can be interpreted through both interpersonal and intrapersonal lenses; that is, it can originate from external social interactions or be a personal choice. While external silence reflects responses to societal stimuli, internal silence focuses on individual decisions. The piece contends that silence possesses sociological dimensions—when an individual communicates through silence (such as expressing resistance or alienation), they not only convey personal sentiments but may also represent broader collective concerns. Drawing upon the concept of sociological imagination, it posits that what may seem like an individual issue can mirror shared societal struggles, thus highlighting how personal experiences resonate with community dynamics. By examining diverse perspectives of silence, the article elucidates its complexity and significance within social environments. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 262 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Academic, Cognitive and Health-Related Variables with Academic Stress in Health Sciences University Students

by Aniel Jessica Leticia Brambila-Tapia, Edgar Ulises Velarde-Partida, Laura Arely Carrillo-Delgadillo, Fabiola Macías-Espinoza and Saúl Ramírez-De los Santos

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091219 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 33

Abstract

Academic stress arises from students facing academic demands and is linked to various academic and psychological factors. However, research has yet to explore its potential correlations with somatization, overall health issues, studying strategies, academic procrastination, academic performance, and intelligence scores. The objective of [...] Read more.

Academic stress arises from students facing academic demands and is linked to various academic and psychological factors. However, research has yet to explore its potential correlations with somatization, overall health issues, studying strategies, academic procrastination, academic performance, and intelligence scores. The objective of this study was to determine the potential correlations between such variables with academic stress in a sample of health sciences university students. University students of different bachelor’s programs were invited to participate; they fulfilled an electronic questionnaire with personal and psychological variables, including academic stress, and performed an intelligence test, which measures verbal and non-verbal intelligence. Finally, their academic achievement was measured with the grade point average (GPA). A total of 437 students were included, of which 296 (67.7%) were women, with a mean age of 20.36 ± 2.61 years old. Academic stress was higher in women than in men and showed moderate positive correlations with anxiety, depression, and somatization and a low positive correlation with the sum of diseases. It also showed a low negative correlation with sleep quality. In addition, academic stress correlated negatively with self-motivation, emotion perception, and emotion management as well as with active coping, positive relations with others, and the studying strategies (self-regulation, effort regulation, critical thinking, and time and study environment). We also observed a low positive correlation between academic stress and academic procrastination, which was higher in women than in men. No correlations were found with GPA or intelligence scores. In conclusion, academic stress was positively correlated with somatization, depression, anxiety, the sum of diseases, and academic procrastination; it was negatively correlated with emotional intelligence (mainly self-motivation), active coping, and specific studying strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Well-Being and Coping Strategies in Educational Psychology)

19 pages, 402 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Impact of Organizational Identification on Innovative Work Behavior in the Korean Public Sector: The Moderating Role of Charismatic Leadership

by Kuk-Kyoung Moon and Jaeyoung Lim

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091218 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 123

Abstract

Public sector organizations increasingly face demands for innovation. However, the hierarchical and rule-bound nature of bureaucracy can hinder employees’ ability to engage in creative and change-oriented behavior. This study investigates how organizational identification—a psychological sense of oneness with the organization—is associated with innovative [...] Read more.

Public sector organizations increasingly face demands for innovation. However, the hierarchical and rule-bound nature of bureaucracy can hinder employees’ ability to engage in creative and change-oriented behavior. This study investigates how organizational identification—a psychological sense of oneness with the organization—is associated with innovative work behavior among South Korean public officials and how this relationship is moderated by charismatic leadership. Grounded in social identity theory and leadership literature, we argue that employees with strong organizational identification are more likely to exhibit innovative work behavior, particularly when supported by leaders who articulate an inspiring vision and embody core public values. Using data from the 2024 Comparative Survey on Perceptions of Public and Private Sector Employees (N = 1012), hierarchical regression analyses reveal that both organizational identification and charismatic leadership significantly promote innovative work behavior. Furthermore, charismatic leadership enhances the positive effect of identification on innovative work behavior. These findings contribute to behavioral public administration research by clarifying how employee identity and leadership style interact to foster innovation, even within rigid procedural environments. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2471 KB

Open AccessArticle

Latent Profile Analysis of Depression and Its Influencing Factors Among Frail Older Adults in China

by Lingling Ye, Penghao Fan, Siyuan Zhang and Chao Rong

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091217 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 155

Abstract

The present investigation set out to examine potential categories regarding depressive symptoms in frail senior individuals in China and to identify the contributing variables associated with each category, with the goal of informing more targeted mental health interventions. Data were drawn from the [...] Read more.

The present investigation set out to examine potential categories regarding depressive symptoms in frail senior individuals in China and to identify the contributing variables associated with each category, with the goal of informing more targeted mental health interventions. Data were drawn from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, commonly called CHARLS, which comprised an overall cohort of 1083 qualifying respondents. A latent profile analysis (LPA) revealed the following four distinct depression profiles: a Low Depression–High Loneliness Group (38.4%), a Moderately Low Depression–High Suicidal Ideation Group (7.5%), a Moderately High Depression–High Negative Emotion Group (33.4%), and a High Depression–High Suicidal Ideation Group (20.7%). Ordered multi-categorical logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses revealed that age, gender, body pain, pension insurance, sleep duration, and frailty index were significant predictors of depression classification. These findings suggest that depressive symptoms among frail older individuals in China are markedly heterogeneous, highlighting the need to develop differentiated intervention strategies for distinct depression risk groups to promote their mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1944 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Adverse Childhood Experiences from Family Environment Factors: A Machine Learning Approach

by Nii Adjetey Tawiah, Emmanuel A. Appiah and Felisha White

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091216 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 267

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with profound long-term health and developmental consequences. However, current identification strategies are largely reactive, often missing opportunities for early intervention. Therefore, the potential of machine learning to proactively identify children at risk of ACE exposure needs to [...] Read more.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with profound long-term health and developmental consequences. However, current identification strategies are largely reactive, often missing opportunities for early intervention. Therefore, the potential of machine learning to proactively identify children at risk of ACE exposure needs to be explored. Using nationally representative data from 63,239 children in the 2018–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) after listwise deletion, we trained and validated multiple machine learning models to predict ACE exposure categorized as none, one, or two or more ACEs. Model performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, F1 scores, and area under the curve (AUC) metrics with 5-fold cross-validation. The Random Forest model achieved the highest predictive accuracy (82%) and demonstrated strong performance across ACE categories. Key predictive features included child sex (female), food insufficiency, school absenteeism, quality of parent–child communication, and experiences of bullying. The model yielded high performance in identifying children with no ACEs (F1 = 0.89) and moderate performance for those with multiple ACEs (F1 = 0.64). However, performance for the single ACE category was notably lower (F1 = 0.55), indicating challenges in predicting this intermediate group. These findings suggest that family environment factors can be leveraged to predict ACE exposure with clinically meaningful accuracy, offering a foundation for proactive screening protocols. However, implementation must carefully address systematic selection bias, clinical utility limitations, and ethical considerations regarding predictive modeling of vulnerable children. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 587 KB

Open AccessReview

Suicidal Behaviors Among Medical Students: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

by Felix Agyapong-Opoku, Nadine Agyapong-Opoku, Belinda Agyapong and Andrew Greenshaw

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091215 - 7 Sep 2025

Viewed by 200

Abstract

Background: Suicidal ideation and attempts are major public health concerns among young adults, particularly those in demanding academic settings. Medical students exhibit disproportionately high rates compared to peers in the general population and other fields of study, highlighting the urgent need to understand [...] Read more.

Background: Suicidal ideation and attempts are major public health concerns among young adults, particularly those in demanding academic settings. Medical students exhibit disproportionately high rates compared to peers in the general population and other fields of study, highlighting the urgent need to understand and address mental health challenges in medical education. Objective: This scoping review summarizes evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among medical students worldwide. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, six databases were searched for peer-reviewed reviews published in the last ten years. Studies focused exclusively on medical students and reporting prevalence or risk factors of suicidal ideation or attempts were included. Data were charted on prevalence, risk factors, study characteristics, and recommendations. Results: Twelve reviews comprising 378,081 medical students were included. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation ranged from 2.9% to 53.6% among the systematic reviews, with pooled estimates from meta-analyses ranging from 11% and 25%. Attempted suicide pooled prevalences ranged from 1.64% to 8%. Depression was frequently reported as the most significant risk factor for both suicidal ideation and attempts. Other significant risk factors for suicidal ideation included anxiety, burnout, female gender, financial strain, and academic stress. Suicidal ideation was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic and among clinical-phase students. Gender differences in suicide attempts were inconsistent. Medical students’ rates of suicidal behavior exceeded those of other university students. Conclusion: Suicidal behavior remains a critical mental health issue for medical students globally. Despite known risk factors, targeted interventions are limited. Future research should emphasize longitudinal studies, post-pandemic effects, regional gaps, and intervention development. Implications are discussed. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 732 KB

Open AccessArticle

Am I (Not) Perfect? Fear of Failure Mediates the Link Between Vulnerable Narcissism and Perfectionism

by Sabrina Schneider, Sabrina Kornberger, Angela Aja Aßmuth and Andreas Mokros

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091214 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 956

Abstract

(1) Background: Perfectionism, generally conceptualized as a striving for flawlessness, can lead to maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Both grandiose narcissism (GN) and vulnerable narcissism (VN) represent relevant personality dispositions for perfectionism. There is reason to assume that GN and VN predispose to [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Perfectionism, generally conceptualized as a striving for flawlessness, can lead to maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Both grandiose narcissism (GN) and vulnerable narcissism (VN) represent relevant personality dispositions for perfectionism. There is reason to assume that GN and VN predispose to different forms of perfectionist cognition and behavior. It remains unclear, however, whether GN and VN are indeed distinctly associated with different aspects of perfectionism and—if so—why. (2) Methods: We explored relationships between GN, VN, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism in a convenience sample of 210 adults (59% female) and further examined whether these relationships were mediated by distinct aspects of fear of failure, which has been identified as a critical driver for perfectionism. Moreover, we assessed implicit failure avoidance by means of response latencies obtained in a lexical approach-avoidance task. (3) Results: Our results indicate that perfectionist styles discriminate GN from VN whereby GN predict other-oriented and VN predict socially prescribed perfectionism. The latter relationship was largely mediated by social aspects of fear of failure (e.g., the fear of important others losing interest). In contrast, fear of failure did not explain the link between GN and other-oriented perfectionism. Furthermore, only VN was exclusively related to faster implicit failure avoidance. (4) Conclusions: This pattern of results suggests distinct mechanisms for GN and VN in the context of perfectionism. Our study provides support for the theoretical separation of GN and VN as relatively distinct phenotypes of narcissism and adds to clinical research linking GN and VN with different types of psychopathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Individual Differences in Narcissism: From Personality to Psychopathology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1228 KB

Open AccessArticle

Neural Pattern of Chanting-Driven Intuitive Inquiry Meditation in Expert Chan Practitioners

by Kin Cheung George Lee, Hin Hung Sik, Hang Kin Leung, Bonnie Wai Yan Wu, Rui Sun and Junling Gao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091213 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 293

Abstract

Background: Intuitive inquiry meditation (Can-Hua-Tou) is a unique mental practice which differs from relaxation-based practices by continuously demanding intuitive inquiry. It emphasizes the doubt-driven self-interrogation, also referred to as Chan/Zen meditation. Nonetheless, its electrophysiological signature remains poorly characterized. Methods: We recorded 128-channel EEG [...] Read more.

Background: Intuitive inquiry meditation (Can-Hua-Tou) is a unique mental practice which differs from relaxation-based practices by continuously demanding intuitive inquiry. It emphasizes the doubt-driven self-interrogation, also referred to as Chan/Zen meditation. Nonetheless, its electrophysiological signature remains poorly characterized. Methods: We recorded 128-channel EEG from 20 male Buddhist monks (5–28 years Can-Hua-Tou experience) and 18 male novice lay practitioners (<0.5 year) during three counter-balanced eyes-closed blocks: Zen inquiry meditation (ZEN), a phonological control task silently murmuring “A-B-C-D” (ABCD), and passive resting state (REST). Power spectral density was computed for alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz) and gamma (30–45 Hz) bands and mapped across the scalp. Mixed-design ANOVAs and electrode-wise tests were corrected with false discovery rate (p < 0.05). Results: Alpha power increased globally with eyes closed, but condition- or group-specific effects did not survive FDR correction, indicating comparable relaxation in both cohorts. In contrast, monks displayed a robust beta augmentation, showing significantly higher beta over parietal-occipital leads than novices across all conditions. The most pronounced difference lay in the gamma band: monks exhibited trait-like fronto-parietal gamma elevations in all three conditions, with additional, though sub-threshold, increases during ZEN. Novices showed negligible beta or gamma modulation across tasks. No significant group × condition interaction emerged after correction, yet only experts expressed concurrent beta/gamma amplification during meditative inquiry. Conclusions: Long-term Can-Hua-Tou practice is associated with frequency-specific neural adaptations—stable high-frequency synchrony and state-dependent beta enhancement—consistent with Buddhist constructs of citta-ekāgratā (one-pointed concentration) and vigilance during self-inquiry. Unlike mindfulness styles that accentuate alpha/theta, Chan inquiry manifests an oscillatory profile dominated by beta–gamma dynamics, underscoring that different contemplative strategies sculpt distinct neurophysiological phenotypes. These findings advance contemplative neuroscience by linking intensive cognitive meditation to enduring high-frequency cortical synchrony. Future research integrating cross-frequency coupling analyses, source localization, and behavioral correlates of insight will further fully delineate the mechanisms underpinning this advanced contemplative expertise. 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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 771 KB

Open AccessArticle

Do Family Obligations Contribute to Academic Values? The Mediating Role of Academic Efficacy

by Ciara S. Glover, Mayra Y. Bámaca and Kazumi Homma

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091212 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 168

Abstract

Existing frameworks of task values have called for greater attention to contextual factors that inform decision-making. A critique of this research is a lack of attention to the cultural and situational milieu embedded in motivational theories. Investigating the development of academic values through [...] Read more.

Existing frameworks of task values have called for greater attention to contextual factors that inform decision-making. A critique of this research is a lack of attention to the cultural and situational milieu embedded in motivational theories. Investigating the development of academic values through obligations to the family and self-perceptions of academic ability adds to our understanding of the broader factors that drive student motivation in STEM. This paper explored the roles of family-related obligations associated with the motivational utility values of college STEM majors and the mediating role of academic efficacy. College students at two large ethnically diverse public research institutions shared their experiences in an initial survey as part of a larger longitudinal study on student adversity, motivation, and persistence in STEM (N = 1571, Mage = 20.41). The results revealed that academic efficacy weakens the roles of caregiving obligations on the perceived utility of their STEM major. The role of financial obligations to the family on students’ utility values operated indirectly through self-efficacy. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Behav. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 9 (September 2025) – 99 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI