Behavioral Sciences

30 pages, 496 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Psychometric Validation of the Career Identity Questionnaire for Vocational School Students

by Branimir Vukčević, Teodora Safiye, Elvis Mahmutović, Emir Biševac, Nemanja Nenezić, Andreja Kovačević, Aleksandar Stevanović, Zerina Salihagić, Aldina Ajdinović, Velida Zimonjić, Aleksandar Jeremić, Ernad Kahrović, Zana Dolićanin and Draško Dubljanin

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050834 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 903

Abstract

This study presents the development and psychometric validation of a Career Identity Questionnaire for vocational school students aged 15–19 years. Career identity was conceptualized as comprising career exploration and career commitment, based on theories of identity development and career guidance. Two studies were [...] Read more.

This study presents the development and psychometric validation of a Career Identity Questionnaire for vocational school students aged 15–19 years. Career identity was conceptualized as comprising career exploration and career commitment, based on theories of identity development and career guidance. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1 (N = 188), principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the final structure of the questionnaire. From an initial pool of 20 items, 14 items were retained: 8 items for career exploration and 6 items for career commitment. The two scales were positively correlated (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.78 and 0.88, respectively. In Study 2 (N = 293), convergent and structural validity were examined using correlation analysis, canonical correlation, ANOVA, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The CFA supported a three-factor structure consisting of exploration within the educational profile, exploration outside the educational profile, and career commitment. Career exploration correlated with school satisfaction (r = 0.31), subjective well-being (r = 0.26), and school success (r = 0.14), while career commitment showed stronger associations with the same variables (r = 0.56, 0.27, and 0.15, all p < 0.01). Canonical correlation analysis indicated significant relationships between career identity dimensions and mental health, with the strongest weights observed for career commitment (r_s = −0.96) and career exploration (r_s = −0.60), explaining 14% of the variance in mental health, while mental health explained 23% of the variance in career identity. Students with below-average values of commitment and exploration reported lower school success, satisfaction, and well-being. The findings provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, supporting its use in both research and practice in educational settings. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 867 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Mental Health Barriers Among At-Risk Adolescents: An Integrative Analysis of Self-Reports and School Nurses’ Perspectives

by Minjeong Kim and Seolhyang Baek

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050833 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 582

Abstract

In modern society, adolescents experiencing mental health problems are increasing. This study aims to identify barriers to mental health care at the individual, family, school, and staff levels among at-risk adolescents, employing a mixed-methods approach. Given the ethical and practical constraints of engaging [...] Read more.

In modern society, adolescents experiencing mental health problems are increasing. This study aims to identify barriers to mental health care at the individual, family, school, and staff levels among at-risk adolescents, employing a mixed-methods approach. Given the ethical and practical constraints of engaging at-risk adolescents directly, the study quantitatively analyzed responses to the AMPQ-III-I survey from 47 runaway adolescents, while conducting interviews with eight school nurses serving as proxy informants. The at-risk adolescents were found to be in a state of mental health crisis characterized by somatization, self-harm, excessive digital media use, and peer imitation. Within the family environment, they experienced communication gaps with adults, concerns about mental health stigma, and the risk of disengagement from home and school. Despite experiencing physical and emotional difficulties that hindered their ability to focus on academic work, schools tended to deprioritize mental health, and these adolescents reported notably low utilization of professional counseling. School nurses, although well-positioned to identify at-risk adolescents, expressed barriers such as excessive workload and a lack of communication among teachers. These findings suggest that, to support the growing and intensifying population of at-risk adolescents, an urgent shift in awareness and the alleviation of barriers within the family–school–staff ecosystem is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Increasing Equitable Access to Efficacious Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 808 KB

Open AccessArticle

Decoding the Generational Digital Divide: Profiles and Predictors of Grandparents’ Attitudes Toward Young Children’s Technology Use

by Wenwei Luo, Huihua He, Ilene R. Berson, Michael J. Berson and Zhiying Wang

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050832 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 581

Abstract

In today’s digital age, child-rearing presents unique challenges that extend across generations, impacting both parenting and grandparenting. This study investigated patterns of grandparents’ attitudes toward their grandchildren’s technology use and identified key predictors of these patterns. Utilizing latent profile analysis (LPA) with a [...] Read more.

In today’s digital age, child-rearing presents unique challenges that extend across generations, impacting both parenting and grandparenting. This study investigated patterns of grandparents’ attitudes toward their grandchildren’s technology use and identified key predictors of these patterns. Utilizing latent profile analysis (LPA) with a sample of 712 grandparents from Shanghai, China, the research identified four distinct attitudinal profiles: positively supportive, cautiously observant, low-involvement reserved, highly concerned and restrictive. Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that the age of the grandparent, sibling status, and the frequency of communication between grandparents and parents were significant predictors of profile membership. The findings indicate that grandparents’ attitudes toward their grandchildren’s technology use reflect a combination of acceptance and concern. This study underscores the need for further research and educational supports to help grandparents develop perspectives informed by an evidence base, thereby strengthening guidance strategies for young children’s digital engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 669 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Preventing Sexual Violence Against Adolescent Girls: Psychometric Validation of the EDR-ESIA Screening Instrument for Early Detection of Exploitation Risk

by Beatriz Benavente, Paola Bully and Lluís Ballester

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050831 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 481

Abstract

Sexual violence against women frequently originates during adolescence, when structural inequalities and gendered power dynamics heighten vulnerability, making early identification of risk factors essential to prevent trajectories leading to sexual exploitation. This study presents the psychometric validation of the EDR-ESIA, a screening instrument [...] Read more.

Sexual violence against women frequently originates during adolescence, when structural inequalities and gendered power dynamics heighten vulnerability, making early identification of risk factors essential to prevent trajectories leading to sexual exploitation. This study presents the psychometric validation of the EDR-ESIA, a screening instrument designed to detect vulnerability to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in healthcare, education, and social care settings, with particular relevance for prevention strategies targeting adolescent girls. The sample comprised 199 adolescents aged 11–17 years (M = 15.23; SD = 1.59) residing in Spain (58.8% female, 40.2% male, 1.0% unspecified), assessed by trained professionals using case records and reports. The 88-item instrument underwent expert review and pilot testing prior to validation, and its internal structure was examined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that all subdimensions and higher-order constructs showed an adequate fit to the theoretical model, supporting the instrument’s validity. Female adolescents scored significantly higher than males on CSE target indicators, reflecting a medium-to-large gender difference in vulnerability levels. Overall, the EDR-ESIA constitutes an evidence-based instrument for the timely recognition of CSE vulnerability, supporting prevention, education, and intervention efforts aimed at reducing sexual violence against women from early developmental stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexual Violence Against Women Across Contexts: Prevention, Education, and Intervention)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3915 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Painting-Based Art Interventions on Mental Health Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Xu Song and Jihoon Jang

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050830 - 21 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1294

Abstract

Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are rising globally, and while conventional therapies like medications and psychotherapy remain common, they face limitations, including side effects and accessibility. This highlights the need for effective non-pharmacological interventions. Painting-based art interventions are a promising [...] Read more.

Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are rising globally, and while conventional therapies like medications and psychotherapy remain common, they face limitations, including side effects and accessibility. This highlights the need for effective non-pharmacological interventions. Painting-based art interventions are a promising non-pharmacological approach for improving scale-assessed mental health outcomes, but quantitative evidence across age groups and outcome types remains limited. This meta-analysis synthesizes data from 45 randomized controlled trials to assess the impact of painting-based art interventions on mental health. The study explores potential moderating factors such as intervention duration, type of art, gender, and age group. A rigorous quality assessment of included studies was performed using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. The pooled effect size for painting-based interventions on mental health was significant, indicating a large positive impact. Subgroup analyses revealed that interventions of various durations, art forms, and gender compositions produced similar effects. Notably, older adults benefited the most from these interventions. Painting-based art interventions were associated with improved scale-assessed mental health outcomes. These findings should be interpreted as evidence for one visual art-making approach within broader art therapy practice, rather than as defining art therapy solely by painting-based methods. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 638 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Moderated Mediation Model of Mentoring and Coaching and Quiet Quitting Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Work Engagement and the Moderating Role of Job Insecurity

by Samuel Siwela and Cebile Tebele

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050829 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 914

Abstract

Quiet quitting is reported to be on the increase in the post-COVID pandemic workplace, especially among early-career Generation Z (Gen Z) employees. This trend poses serious challenges and could negatively affect organisational productivity, performance, and profitability. The purpose of this study is to [...] Read more.

Quiet quitting is reported to be on the increase in the post-COVID pandemic workplace, especially among early-career Generation Z (Gen Z) employees. This trend poses serious challenges and could negatively affect organisational productivity, performance, and profitability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of mentoring and coaching on quiet quitting among graduate interns. This study also seeks to assess whether work engagement mediates this relationship and job insecurity moderates the mediated relationship between mentoring and coaching and quiet quitting via work engagement. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants. Data were collected from 264 graduate interns employed in fixed-term internship programmes in South African organisations. The data was analysed using the SPSS PROCESS macro and SPSS Amos 30 graphics. The results showed that mentoring and coaching was significantly and negatively related to quiet quitting behaviours among graduate interns, and this negative relationship was partially mediated by work engagement. Furthermore, job insecurity moderated the mediated effect of mentoring and coaching on quiet quitting behaviours via work engagement. This study advances our understanding of how organisations can mitigate quiet quitting among graduate interns by integrating the social exchange theory and Job Demands–Resources model (JD-R). The practical implication for organisations is to capacitate line managers with technical, professional, and interpersonal skills to mentor and coach early-career Gen Z employees. Line manager mentoring and coaching will increase early-career Gen Z employees’ work engagement and subdue quiet quitting, which is reported to be on the rise among this generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Outlooks on Relationships in the Workplace)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 224 KB

Open AccessReview

Addressing Test Anxiety in High-Achieving Schools: A Research-Based Approach

by Benjamin J. Lovett, Sybille Bruun-Moss and Cathy Urinyi

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050828 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 777

Abstract

Schools with very high academic achievement levels are often beset with high levels of pressure and anxiety around academics and testing in particular. In recent years, research has investigated the mechanisms that make attending high-achieving schools a risk factor for anxiety and related [...] Read more.

Schools with very high academic achievement levels are often beset with high levels of pressure and anxiety around academics and testing in particular. In recent years, research has investigated the mechanisms that make attending high-achieving schools a risk factor for anxiety and related problems. The resulting understanding can inform appropriate strategies for addressing test anxiety. In the present paper, we review relevant research on the features of high-achieving schools that promote anxiety, and present well-established empirical facts about the nature of test anxiety, including its relationships with avoidance behaviors and with test performance. We then discuss how test anxiety manifests at high-achieving schools and present a model of how to apply evidence-based intervention strategies to address test anxiety in high-achieving settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic Anxieties and Coping Strategies)

35 pages, 1167 KB

Open AccessArticle

What Fosters Leaders’ Health Role Modeling? Communication and Remote Work as Boundary Conditions

by Lene S. Fröhlich, Annika Krick, Jörg Felfe, Sarah Kirschnereit and Anna Ernsting

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050827 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 852

Abstract

Based on Social Learning Theory, the Health-oriented Leadership Model posits leaders as SelfCare role models. While this modeling influence is established for general SelfCare, its applicability to sensitive behaviors—such as disclosing mental health problems—remains unclear. Additionally, the role of interactional and contextual factors [...] Read more.

Based on Social Learning Theory, the Health-oriented Leadership Model posits leaders as SelfCare role models. While this modeling influence is established for general SelfCare, its applicability to sensitive behaviors—such as disclosing mental health problems—remains unclear. Additionally, the role of interactional and contextual factors is insufficiently understood. The present paper investigates whether leaders’ role modeling extends to disclosure and whether communication aspects and Working from Home (WfH) intensity moderate these effects. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted among employees working partly from home. Employees rated their own and leaders’ SelfCare; Study 2 (pharmaceutical company; N = 198) additionally assessed disclosure. Both studies included communication frequency and WfH intensity; Study 1 (public service; N = 227) measured informal communication, and Study 2 assessed communication barriers. Results confirmed that leaders’ SelfCare and disclosure were related to employees’ corresponding behaviors. Communication frequency and WfH intensity showed no moderating effects. Informal communication was associated with a stronger leader SelfCare role model effect, whereas communication barriers were associated with weaker role model effects. Findings suggest an association between leaders’ and employees’ health behavior, consistent with role modeling processes. Based on these preliminary findings, organizations may raise leaders’ awareness of their impact, while leaders should hold informal check-ins and promote barrier-free communication. Future longitudinal and experimental research should validate these findings. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 267 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Examination of Multicultural Parents’ Understanding of Supporting Their Children’s Creativity

by Esra Kantar Muslu and Eda Yazgin

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050826 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 615

Abstract

This study explores how multicultural parents support their children’s creativity and examines the influence of cultural factors on this process. The study employed a qualitative cultural analysis/ethnography approach to examine in depth the multicultural parents’ perspectives on supporting their children’s creativity and how [...] Read more.

This study explores how multicultural parents support their children’s creativity and examines the influence of cultural factors on this process. The study employed a qualitative cultural analysis/ethnography approach to examine in depth the multicultural parents’ perspectives on supporting their children’s creativity and how they evaluate and encourage creativity within their cultural context. The study group consisted of multicultural parents with children aged 36–72 months living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Data were collected using the three tools. The first was a researcher-developed form to provide participants’ demographic information. The second was a researcher-developed semi-structured Interview Form. Finally, the researchers conducted home visits, and collected relevant visual and written materials related to the activities, shared by parents to enhance data diversity. Content analysis was used to examine the collected visual and written records. The findings indicated that multicultural parents supported their children’s creativity through various cultural activities both at home and in external social environments. They encouraged their children to assume various roles to promote active engagement in cultural activities. Children were not only spectators but were also active participants. Furthermore, the interaction of diverse cultures contributed to the formation of new ideas and perspectives in children’s minds. Full article

32 pages, 679 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Hidden Drivers of New Employees’ Adaptive Performance in the Context of AI: The Role and Mechanisms of Workplace Fear of Missing Out

by Bingyao Li, Yongyue Zhu, Yuwei Zhang and Lifu Jin

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050825 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 696

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into workplace ecosystems is intensifying adaptation pressure for new employees. This study examines how Workplace Fear of Missing Out (WFMO) influences adaptive performance in this context. Methods: Drawing on Conservation of Resources Theory and the Emotion [...] Read more.

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into workplace ecosystems is intensifying adaptation pressure for new employees. This study examines how Workplace Fear of Missing Out (WFMO) influences adaptive performance in this context. Methods: Drawing on Conservation of Resources Theory and the Emotion Regulation Process Model, a dual-path mediating model was tested using survey data from 442 new employees. Hierarchical regression, the Bootstrap method, and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were employed. Results: WFMO is positively associated with adaptive performance. Role stress and cognitive reappraisal function as independent mediators in this relationship. Leader empathy positively moderates both direct relationships and indirect mediating pathways. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis reveals two distinct configurational paths to high adaptive performance. Conclusion: Workplace Fear of Missing Out can be transformed into adaptive behavior through resource mobilization and cognitive reappraisal mechanisms, with leader empathy serving as a critical contextual amplifier. These findings challenge the traditional view of workplace anxiety as uniformly detrimental and provide actionable insights for organizational management in technology-driven environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Employee–AI Collaboration on Work Behavior—Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 523 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Digital Human Resource Management Foster a Sense of Relaxation Among Generation Z Employees?

by Hongyuan Zhang, Xin Hou and Shuming Zhao

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050824 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 681

Abstract

In the contemporary digital economy, digital human resource management is reshaping organizational practices and enhancing both operational efficiency and the employee experience. As Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2009) becomes the core demographic in the workforce, their pronounced emphasis on work–life [...] Read more.

In the contemporary digital economy, digital human resource management is reshaping organizational practices and enhancing both operational efficiency and the employee experience. As Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2009) becomes the core demographic in the workforce, their pronounced emphasis on work–life balance introduces novel managerial challenges. Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study develops and tests a moderated mediation model examining how digital human resource management (HRM) influences sense of relaxation among Generation Z employees. Analyzing survey data from 364 Generation Z employees, we first develop and validate a measurement scale for employee relaxation, identifying four distinct dimensions: work disengagement, work adaptation, emotional regulation, and physical load. The findings reveal that digital HRM significantly enhances employee relaxation, with work autonomy serving as a partial mediator in this relationship. Furthermore, digital self-efficacy positively moderates both the direct effect of digital HRM on work autonomy and the indirect effect on employee relaxation through work autonomy. These findings offer theoretical insights into how digital HRM links to employee well-being and provide practical guidance for organizations managing a Generation Z workforce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Employee–AI Collaboration on Work Behavior—Second Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 330 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Style Shaped by Framing: Implications for Rational vs. Intuitive Thinking

by Marcus Selart

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050823 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 667

Abstract

This article investigates how cognitive style shaped by framing influences rational and intuitive thinking. We extend existing research on cognitive styles, specifically the construct of holistic dependence/independence on framing, and examine its relationship with reasoning performance, self-rated intuition, and analytical intelligence. We conduct [...] Read more.

This article investigates how cognitive style shaped by framing influences rational and intuitive thinking. We extend existing research on cognitive styles, specifically the construct of holistic dependence/independence on framing, and examine its relationship with reasoning performance, self-rated intuition, and analytical intelligence. We conduct tests with university students and find that individuals with high holistic independence on framing perform better on rationality tests and are better predictors of rational thinking than traditional measures of intelligence. Additionally, holistic independence on framing was found to be marginally related to lower self-rated reliance on intuition. These findings suggest that holistic dependence/independence on framing may provide additional insight into reasoning styles beyond traditional intelligence measures, highlighting its potential relevance for understanding individual differences in decision-making processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bounded Rationality: Bridging Cognition and Emotion in Decision Making)

19 pages, 1993 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence in Medical Assessment: Reliability and Performance of Multimodal Large Language Models in a High-Stakes Licensing Examination

by Ibrahim Güler, Gerrit Grieb, Armin Kraus, Philipp Moog, Uzay Cambaz, Ezgi Yavasca and Henrik Stelling

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050822 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 694

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into assessment contexts, yet evidence on the reliability and measurement properties of large language models (LLMs) in high-stakes evaluation settings remains limited. This study examines the performance and reproducibility of contemporary multimodal LLMs in a structured medical [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into assessment contexts, yet evidence on the reliability and measurement properties of large language models (LLMs) in high-stakes evaluation settings remains limited. This study examines the performance and reproducibility of contemporary multimodal LLMs in a structured medical assessment environment. A cross-sectional dual-setup design was applied using a complete national medical licensing examination (240 multiple-choice items, including image-based questions). Setup 1 evaluated ten models in a single run to characterize overall performance. Setup 2 assessed six models across five independent runs each to quantify measurement stability. Accuracy with 95% confidence intervals, inter-run agreement using Cohen’s kappa, and paired comparisons using McNemar’s test were analyzed. Accuracy ranged from 72.08% to 92.92%. All models demonstrated near-perfect inter-run agreement (mean κ ≥ 0.96) with minimal variability. After correction, only a small number of pairwise comparisons remained significant, indicating convergence among leading systems. In an exploratory submodule, performance on the small set of image-based items was comparable to or slightly higher than performance on text-only items. These findings demonstrate that multimodal LLMs achieve high accuracy and high inter-run reproducibility on a large-scale assessment, supporting their use as objects of AI-based assessment research while leaving questions of cognitive equivalence with human examinees beyond the scope of accuracy-based evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Assessment: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1002 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Group Competence on Individual Willingness to Join

by Xiangwei Kong, Bin Zuo, Yatian Lei and Fangfang Wen

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050821 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 441

Abstract

In everyday life, individuals frequently encounter situations in which they may join new groups; however, previous research has primarily focused on issues that arise after group formation, leaving insufficient attention to the processes preceding spontaneous group affiliation. This study investigates how different levels [...] Read more.

In everyday life, individuals frequently encounter situations in which they may join new groups; however, previous research has primarily focused on issues that arise after group formation, leaving insufficient attention to the processes preceding spontaneous group affiliation. This study investigates how different levels of group competence influence individuals’ willingness to join, using Optimal Distinctiveness Theory as its theoretical framework. Through two experiments, it systematically examines participants’ willingness to join groups of varying competence levels and how this willingness is moderated by participants’ own competence. The results indicate that high-competence groups demonstrate stronger member attractiveness and effectively promote individuals’ willingness to join. Crucially, the group’s attraction to individuals is moderated by individuals’ own competence. When group competence is lower than one’s own competence level, willingness to join increases as group competence rises toward one’s own level. Strikingly, when group competence exceeds one’s own, willingness to join remains uniformly high and stable, rather than decreasing as Optimal Distinctiveness Theory would predict. These findings suggest that individuals engage in a psychological trade-off based on competence alignment when autonomously choosing whether to join social or professional groups. We interpret this pattern as evidence for a “downward aversion, upward assimilation” heuristic in group affiliation decisions. The present research also has implications for understanding how groups can strategically manage their reputation to attract prospective members, as well as how individuals make group-joining decisions at different stages of career development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Cognition and Cooperative Behavior)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 187 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Animal-Assisted Interventions for Neurodivergent Individuals: Advancing Research, Practice, and Well-Being

by Niko Kargas, Ana Maria Barcelos and Stamatina Tsiora

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050820 - 19 May 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 541

Abstract

Within contemporary clinical, educational, and psychosocial research, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) occupy a distinctive and empirically contested position [...] Full article

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

23 pages, 1300 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Negative Meta-Stereotype on the Doctor–Patient Relationship: The Role of Imagined Intergroup Contact

by Yanli Zhu, Mengzhu Jiang, Fan Feng and Jingru Sun

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050819 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 440

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between negative meta-stereotypes, intergroup anxiety, doctor–patient trust, and doctor–patient relationships and investigate the intervention impact of imagined intergroup contact through two experiments. Study 1 examined whether intergroup anxiety and doctor–patient trust sequentially mediate the effect of [...] Read more.

This study aims to explore the relationship between negative meta-stereotypes, intergroup anxiety, doctor–patient trust, and doctor–patient relationships and investigate the intervention impact of imagined intergroup contact through two experiments. Study 1 examined whether intergroup anxiety and doctor–patient trust sequentially mediate the effect of negative meta-stereotypes on the doctor–patient relationship. Two hundred participants were randomly assigned to a negative meta-stereotype activation or control group, and completed measures of intergroup anxiety, doctor–patient trust, and doctor–patient relationship quality. Study 2 built on these findings by testing imagined intergroup contact as a potential intervention. Following negative meta-stereotype activation, 184 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: no imagination, imagined landscape, imagined contact with a professionalism-focused physician, or imagined contact with a care-focused physician. Study 1 revealed that negative meta-stereotype activation significantly increased intergroup anxiety, decreased doctor–patient trust, and impaired the doctor–patient relationship. Importantly, intergroup anxiety and doctor–patient trust played a chain mediating role in this relationship. Study 2 demonstrated that only imagined contact with a caring physician (but not a purely professional one) significantly reduced intergroup anxiety, enhanced doctor–patient trust, and improved the doctor–patient relationship. These findings provide evidence consistent with a serial emotional-cognitive pathway from intergroup anxiety to doctor–patient trust through which negative meta-stereotypes may impair the doctor–patient relationship, and by pinpointing emotional care as the core component that makes imagined intergroup contact effective in this context. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 248 KB

Open AccessArticle

Help-Seeking Behavior of Adults with Adverse Childhood Experiences in Rural China

by Weizhi Chen, Yiran Zhang and Jinyu Chen

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050818 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 535

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which encompass a broad range of adverse events during childhood, are prevalent in rural China. However, help-seeking among adults with ACEs remains limited and underexplored. This study aims to examine the barriers to help-seeking behaviors among adults with ACEs [...] Read more.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which encompass a broad range of adverse events during childhood, are prevalent in rural China. However, help-seeking among adults with ACEs remains limited and underexplored. This study aims to examine the barriers to help-seeking behaviors among adults with ACEs in rural China. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 adults affected by ACEs in rural mainland China between October 2024 and December 2024. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in Mandarin, and transcripts were analyzed using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, focusing on behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and perceived behavioral control. The findings reveal barriers to help-seeking among individuals with ACEs in rural China, categorized into three key dimensions: (1) Behavioral Beliefs: Beliefs that corporal punishment is the responsibility as well as love of parents, and misconceptions attributing ACEs to personal faults significantly hindered help-seeking. (2) Normative Beliefs: Respect for parental authority in China culture context hinder help-seeking for adults with ACEs. Moreover, gender differences were evident, with men avoiding help-seeking due to perceived shame, while women were more likely to confide in friends and family. Finally, stigmatization of mental health services further inhibited help-seeking behaviors. (3) Perceived Behavioral Control: The lack of formal and informal support systems in rural areas exacerbated the issue, highlighting significant gaps in resource accessibility and cultural acceptance of mental health support. Addressing these barriers through public education, destigmatization of mental health services, and improved resource allocation could facilitate help-seeking behaviors and improve outcomes for individuals affected by ACEs. Full article

14 pages, 284 KB

Open AccessArticle

An AI-Generated Integrated Exercise Addiction Screening Scale (EASS-10): A Methodological Demonstration

by Attila Szabo

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050817 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 501

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in scientific research, including psychiatry. Exercise addiction (EA) research relies on self-report instruments, most of which lack a functional impairment criterion and cannot account for obsessive passion, potentially contributing to inflated prevalence estimates and limited clinical specificity. [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in scientific research, including psychiatry. Exercise addiction (EA) research relies on self-report instruments, most of which lack a functional impairment criterion and cannot account for obsessive passion, potentially contributing to inflated prevalence estimates and limited clinical specificity. This study examined whether Claude AI (Sonnet 4.6) could assist in synthesizing a brief, theoretically grounded screening tool for EA by integrating validated constructs from the Passion Scale (PS), the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), and the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). Using structured prompting and instrument upload, Claude AI created a 10-item scale by systematically mapping source-scale content onto established EA frameworks, including the components model and DSM-5 criteria. The instrument included nine Likert-type items and one binary gate for functional impairment to enhance clinical specificity. Although no empirical validation data were collected, a Monte Carlo simulation (N = 500) was used solely to verify that the prespecified unidimensional simulation model produced internally coherent response patterns. Because the simulated data were generated from and analyzed under the same unidimensional model, these results constitute a computational plausibility check rather than empirical structural validation. AI-assisted theoretical synthesis may offer a novel methodological approach to instrument development, though this remains a working hypothesis requiring empirical corroboration. The proposed Exercise Addiction Screening Scale (EASS-10) is presented as a proof-of-concept tool that now requires empirical validation in clinical and exercise populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Assessment: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Time Spent on TikTok, Overall User Satisfaction, and Parallel Psychological Costs

by Qian Zhang, Jingjing Yang and Dongyoup Kim

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050816 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 927

Abstract

With the rapid growth of short-video platforms, it has become increasingly important to understand the psychological processes that sustain prolonged engagement and contribute to individual evaluative responses. This study examines the dual pattern of associations involving perceived time spent on TikTok by investigating [...] Read more.

With the rapid growth of short-video platforms, it has become increasingly important to understand the psychological processes that sustain prolonged engagement and contribute to individual evaluative responses. This study examines the dual pattern of associations involving perceived time spent on TikTok by investigating whether it is positively associated with overall user satisfaction while also being linked to psychological cost-related responses, including privacy concerns, health consciousness, social interaction anxiety, and social media fatigue. Data were collected through an online survey administered via Prolific and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The findings show that perceived time spent on TikTok is significantly associated with health consciousness and social interaction anxiety. Perceived time spent on TikTok is also directly and positively associated with overall user satisfaction. Moreover, privacy concerns and social media fatigue are negatively associated with overall user satisfaction. The fsQCA results further reveal six configurations associated with high user satisfaction. These configurations illustrate the principle of equifinality and indicate that no single condition reached the conventional threshold for necessity. Overall, the findings suggest that high user satisfaction can coexist with different combinations of psychological cost-related responses, thereby offering a more nuanced account of how users experience short-video platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Behavior and Psychological Processes in Social Media and Smartphone Use)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 518 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ethical Decision-Making in Chilean University Students: Behavioral and Electroencephalographic Evidence from Professional Ethical Dilemmas

by Jorge Vergara-Morales, Brian Matamala, Bastián Retamal and Carlos Gantiva

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050815 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 428

Abstract

Ethical decision-making in professional contexts requires integrating behavioral performance and neural processes, as it involves both deliberative and intuitive mechanisms. However, empirical evidence integrating these levels of analysis in professional ethics remains limited. To address this gap, this study examines the association between [...] Read more.

Ethical decision-making in professional contexts requires integrating behavioral performance and neural processes, as it involves both deliberative and intuitive mechanisms. However, empirical evidence integrating these levels of analysis in professional ethics remains limited. To address this gap, this study examines the association between behavioral responses and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during ethical–professional decision-making in a sample of Chilean university students. Thirty-two participants completed a computerized task involving personal and impersonal ethical–professional dilemmas related to psychological practice, making binary decisions while reaction times were recorded. EEG data were acquired using an 8-channel OpenBCI Cyton system. Mean EEG amplitude (0–800 ms post-stimulus) was computed for frontal (Fp1, Fp2, F7, F8) and parietal (Cz, Pz, P3, P4) regions of interest. Behavioral outcomes showed that impersonal dilemmas elicited significantly longer reaction times than personal dilemmas, consistent with greater deliberative demands. Trial-level mixed-effects models revealed a systematic frontal–parietal dissociation, where longer decision durations were associated with increased frontal EEG activity and concurrent parietal suppression. These findings support a systematic behavioral–neural association during ethical–professional decision-making, characterized by a frontal–parietal dissociation that reflects the dynamic competition between deliberative and integrative processes. Prolonged responses to impersonal dilemmas indicate greater deliberative demand, requiring extended integration of abstract professional norms. The observed neural pattern extends dual-process accounts of moral cognition and has implications for the design of ethics education programs that cultivate both deliberative and context-sensitive reasoning skills. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotion–Cognition Interactions in Decision-Making)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

46 pages, 2855 KB

Open AccessArticle

SPECTRA: A Conceptual Framework to Bridge Praxis and Remap Relational Violence in India Using a Complex Trauma Lens

by Maitrayee Sen, Snigdhaa Rajvanshi, Stuti Khandelwal and Simantini Ghosh

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050814 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 598

Abstract

Domestic Violence affects 1 in 3 women worldwide. Empirical evidence from India suggests that women and girls experience a continuum of violence and discrimination from prenatal stages till death in families that largely continue to operate within a dominantly patriarchal framework. However, the [...] Read more.

Domestic Violence affects 1 in 3 women worldwide. Empirical evidence from India suggests that women and girls experience a continuum of violence and discrimination from prenatal stages till death in families that largely continue to operate within a dominantly patriarchal framework. However, the literature on domestic violence in India suffers from problems pertaining to reductive and episodic framing, focusing on short-term prevalence, and frames the impact on survivors largely in terms of clinical constructs such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. This work argues for a broader, thematic framing of domestic and familial violence and contends that the psychological sequelae of this kind of chronic and systemic discrimination and violence cannot be captured using rigid clinical constructs that dominate psychological literature. We propose a conceptual framework, i.e., SPECTRA (Socially and Psychologically Embedded Continuous Trauma in Relational Architecture), which is partially aligned with the propositions of complex trauma. However, we also critique the origin of complex trauma within hegemonic psychiatry and highlight the need for creating a culturally adapted expansion—to shift the emphasis from an individually rooted, diagnostic framework to a culturally contextualized continuous trauma framework. We utilize seven illustrative case studies to define the tenets of the SPECTRA model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Domestic Violence on Young Victims and Witnesses: Resilience and Recovery)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

39 pages, 8250 KB

Open AccessArticle

Discerning Quantity: Numerosity in Two Embodied Machine Learning Agents

by Niall Donnelly and Edward Keedwell

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050813 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 320

Abstract

As artificial intelligence systems continue to overcome evermore challenging tasks, researchers have suggested that the time is ripe to begin evaluating these systems along more psychologically inspired lines. This study seeks to build upon these recommendations by evaluating two machine learning models, A-Learning [...] Read more.

As artificial intelligence systems continue to overcome evermore challenging tasks, researchers have suggested that the time is ripe to begin evaluating these systems along more psychologically inspired lines. This study seeks to build upon these recommendations by evaluating two machine learning models, A-Learning and Proximal Policy Optimisation, for the cognitive capability known as numerosity. In our experiment, these two models were embodied in a three-dimensional virtual environment, known as Animal-AI, and tested in a psychologically inspired numerosity experiment. In contrast to previous research, A-Learning failed to reliably express numerosity capabilities, as did Proximal Policy Optimisation. Both models displayed a tendency to overfit to the first policy that provided rewarding feedback. These results suggest that predicting the cognitive capabilities of machine learning models once embodied is non-trivial, and confounding factors such as environmental properties and perceptual processes complicate the expression of numerosity capabilities. Building on these findings, it is suggested that future researchers pay greater attention to the influence of environmental factors and perceptual mechanisms on the machine learning models they are developing, especially if such models are to be embodied in a virtual- or real-world environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Human-Centred AI)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioral and Psychosocial Correlates of Gender Differences in Adolescent Mental Health: A Regional Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Italy

by Christian J. Wiedermann, Verena Barbieri, Giuliano Piccoliori and Doris Hager von Strobele Prainsack

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050812 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 559

Abstract

Background: Gender differences in adolescent mental health are well documented; however, the extent to which modifiable behavioral and psychosocial factors account for the excess of mental health problems in females remains insufficiently quantified. Methods: Data from the 2025 Corona and Psyche South Tyrol [...] Read more.

Background: Gender differences in adolescent mental health are well documented; however, the extent to which modifiable behavioral and psychosocial factors account for the excess of mental health problems in females remains insufficiently quantified. Methods: Data from the 2025 Corona and Psyche South Tyrol (COP-S) survey comprised a base sample of 2428 adolescents aged 11–19 years (51.4% males) with valid self-reported data. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted on 1448–1603 adolescents (depending on the outcome) who provided complete responses to the relevant predictor and outcome measures. Gender differences in depressive symptom scores (PHQ-2), generalized anxiety symptom scores (SCARED-GAD), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (SDQ) were examined using Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the associations between mental health outcomes and the ten predictors. Gender effects were quantified by comparing standardized regression coefficients from unadjusted and adjusted models. Results: Female adolescents reported higher generalized anxiety symptoms (median 6 vs. 4; rank-biserial r = 0.24), depressive symptoms (r = 0.13), and emotional/behavioral (r = 0.08) scores than male adolescents. School stress, problematic Internet use, and sleep-onset difficulties were the factors most strongly associated with all three outcomes (all p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, gender remained significantly associated with generalized anxiety symptoms (β = 0.18) and depressive scores (β = 0.09) but no longer reached significance for emotional/behavioral scores (β = 0.04, p = 0.078). The attenuation of the gender effect ranged from 25.3% for generalized anxiety symptoms to 37.1% for depressive symptoms and 58.5% for emotional/behavioral difficulties. Conclusions: Gender differences in adolescent mental health were substantially attenuated after adjustment for modifiable behavioral and psychosocial factors, with the gender difference in emotional/behavioral scores no longer statistically significant after adjustment. Persistent gender disparities in generalized anxiety symptoms suggest that mechanisms beyond the measured behavioral correlates may contribute to this gender difference and warrant further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in Adolescent)

18 pages, 418 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship of Susceptibility to Emotional Contagion with Automatic Emotion Processing and Emotional Competences

by Merle Welten, Anette Kersting and Thomas Suslow

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050811 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Individuals differ in their susceptibility to emotional contagion, i.e., the automatic tendency to mirror and synchronize another person’s expressions and movements, resulting in shared emotional experiences. The objective of this research was to investigate how susceptibility to emotional contagion connects to automatic facial [...] Read more.

Individuals differ in their susceptibility to emotional contagion, i.e., the automatic tendency to mirror and synchronize another person’s expressions and movements, resulting in shared emotional experiences. The objective of this research was to investigate how susceptibility to emotional contagion connects to automatic facial emotion processing and emotional competences. An affective priming task using happy, angry, neutral, and blank faces was administered to a sample of 104 women with a mean age of 24.72 years (SD = 3.63). They completed self-report measures assessing susceptibility to positive and negative emotional contagion, alexithymia, trait emotional intelligence, affectivity, and depression. Although prime valence-congruent evaluative shifts were found in our sample, there were no correlations of susceptibility to positive and negative emotional contagion with affective priming effects. Susceptibility to positive emotion contagion was negatively correlated with alexithymia and positively with emotional intelligence. However, susceptibility to positive emotion contagion predicted only emotional intelligence (but not alexithymia), when controlling for relevant affect variables. Our findings indicate that emotional contagion susceptibility could be less strongly linked to automatic emotion perception than previously suggested. Moreover, the trait-like tendency to resonate with other people’s positive emotions seems to be linked to enhanced capacities in perceiving, interpreting, and regulating emotions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 482 KB

Open AccessArticle

Personalized Music Listening and Autobiographical Narration in Nursing Home Residents: Linguistic and Qualitative Findings from a Pilot Study

by Chiara Rossi, Fabio Frisone, Francesca De Salve, Sophia Zanoletti, Paolo Caneva, Matteo Brazzelli, Lorenzo Antichi, Chiara Pupillo, Giuseppe Riva, Osmano Oasi and Barbara Colombo

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050810 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 457

Abstract

Autobiographical memory plays a central role in identity continuity, narrative functioning, and psychological well-being in later life. In nursing home residents, however, reduced environmental stimulation, cognitive vulnerability, and limited opportunities for self-expression may compromise autobiographical engagement. Music, as an emotionally salient and personally [...] Read more.

Autobiographical memory plays a central role in identity continuity, narrative functioning, and psychological well-being in later life. In nursing home residents, however, reduced environmental stimulation, cognitive vulnerability, and limited opportunities for self-expression may compromise autobiographical engagement. Music, as an emotionally salient and personally meaningful cue, may facilitate memory retrieval through affective and self-referential mechanisms. This exploratory pilot study examined whether personalized music listening influences the productivity and linguistic features of autobiographical narration in nursing home residents. Eleven older adults completed one baseline autobiographical recall session without music and three weekly music-assisted sessions focused on different life periods. Narratives were transcribed and analyzed using LIWC-22. Within-subject differences were tested with Wilcoxon signed-rank analyses. In addition, an exploratory qualitative paper-and-pencil analysis was conducted to identify recurrent narrative and experiential patterns in the music-assisted accounts. Music-assisted recall was associated with higher total word count compared with baseline, although this difference should be interpreted cautiously given the asymmetry between the single-session baseline and the three-session post-intervention format. No significant changes emerged in positive or negative emotion words. Qualitative observations of the music-assisted narratives highlighted recurrent features including vivid autobiographical scenes, references to meaningful social identities and former life roles, and emotionally salient communication. These preliminary findings suggest that personalized music may support autobiographical recall by increasing verbal output during narration and by facilitating meaningful self-expression and relational communication in later life. Larger controlled studies are needed to clarify its role in supporting autobiographical narrative processes in nursing home older adults. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 757 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging the Gap Between Language and Literacy: Evidence from Interventions in Young Greek-Speaking Children with Developmental Language Disorder

by Angeliki Mouzaki, Vasiliki Desylla, Asimina M. Ralli and Maria Vlassopoulos

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050809 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 568

Abstract

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in language acquisition, affecting both comprehension and production, and typically emerging in early childhood through deficits in morphosyntax, vocabulary and phonology. Although distinct from Specific Learning Disabilities, particularly in reading, the [...] Read more.

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in language acquisition, affecting both comprehension and production, and typically emerging in early childhood through deficits in morphosyntax, vocabulary and phonology. Although distinct from Specific Learning Disabilities, particularly in reading, the two conditions often co-occur, sharing underlying mechanisms and leading to overlapping challenges such as impaired phonological processing, limited vocabulary, weak narrative skills, and reading comprehension difficulties. This study examined the effects of two intervention programs—semantic versus phonological—on oral language skills in 107 Greek children with DLD aged 4;1–5;10. Participants were randomly assigned to a phonological (n = 35), a semantic (n = 35), or a control group (n = 37). Interventions were delivered individually twice weekly over 16 weeks (32 sessions). Language performance was assessed at baseline, immediately post intervention, and at a four-month follow-up using standardized measures. Repeated-measures ANOVAs evaluated within- and between-group differences. Results indicated differential but complementary effects of the two interventions: phonological training enhanced greatly phonological awareness (d = 0.80) and was associated with short-term gains in vocabulary, whereas the semantic intervention produced sustained improvements in vocabulary (d = 0.45). While the semantic group performed slightly better than the control group, no statistically significant difference was found between the two intervention groups, suggesting broadly comparable but domain-specific benefits. These findings highlight the value of systematic interventions and indicate that combining semantic and phonological approaches may optimize language and literacy development, providing evidence-based guidance for early intervention in preschool children with DLD. 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

22 pages, 701 KB

Open AccessReview

Characterising the Influence of Parasocial Experience on the Media Figures’ Audiences: A Scoping Review

by Luyang Li, Shiyu Wang and Kim Hua Tan

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050808 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 1363

Abstract

Parasocial experience describes the psychological, emotional, and behavioural bonds that audiences form with media figures—celebrities, fictional characters, and other on-screen personalities. It encompasses three related constructs: parasocial interaction, parasocial relationship, and parasocial attachment. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this [...] Read more.

Parasocial experience describes the psychological, emotional, and behavioural bonds that audiences form with media figures—celebrities, fictional characters, and other on-screen personalities. It encompasses three related constructs: parasocial interaction, parasocial relationship, and parasocial attachment. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review synthesises 59 empirical studies published between 2019 and 2024. Results show that PSRs were the most studied dimension (n = 42), followed by PSI (n = 20). PSA, in contrast, appeared in just one study. Key characteristics across these studies include perceived familiarity, imagined intimacy, behavioural engagement, intuitive personality traits, and compensatory motivations. The review highlights PSA as a particularly underexplored yet affectively intense form of engagement. Its limited empirical attention reveals a critical theoretical gap and calls for further investigation into attachment-related audience behaviours. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 936 KB

Open AccessArticle

The General Mechanism of Status: The Impact of Perceptual and Knowledge-Based Social Status on Selective Attention

by Yunfei Gao, Sicen Zhou, Jingjing Zhao and Yonghui Wang

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050807 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 467

Abstract

Social status, a fundamental dimension of human social life, shapes access to resources and opportunities and influences how individuals perceive and interact with others. Perceivers can infer others’ social status from both perceptual cues (e.g., clothing) and knowledge-based cues (e.g., biographical information), yet [...] Read more.

Social status, a fundamental dimension of human social life, shapes access to resources and opportunities and influences how individuals perceive and interact with others. Perceivers can infer others’ social status from both perceptual cues (e.g., clothing) and knowledge-based cues (e.g., biographical information), yet it remains unclear whether and how these distinct types of status cues influence early-stage attentional selection. To address this question, the present study employed a modified two-rectangle paradigm to examine the effects of social status on space- and object-based attention. Social status was manipulated via perceptual cues (Experiment 1: upper-body clothing) and knowledge-based cues (Experiment 2: fictive biographies), and three stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs: 100, 300, and 500 ms) were included to capture the temporal dynamics. The results showed that both perceptual and knowledge-based status selectively modulated object-based attention at the 300 ms SOA, with comparable effect magnitudes, whereas space-based attention remained unaffected. These findings suggest that social status operates as a higher-order modulatory factor that selectively influences object-based attentional selection within a temporally constrained window. Moreover, the comparable effects of perceptual and knowledge-based cues support the notion that different types of status cues are integrated into a general representational format that guides attentional priority. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 560 KB

Open AccessArticle

General and Specific Facets of Anxiety: Psychometric Analysis and Impact on Cognitive Performance

by Evgeniia Alenina, Kristina Terenteva and Vladimir Kosonogov

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050806 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 459

Abstract

Anxiety is a multidimensional construct that influences cognitive performance in complex ways, yet its factor structure and domain-specific effects remain unclear. This study examined (1) the psychometric structure of general and specific anxiety measures, (2) their associations with cognitive performance across different domains, [...] Read more.

Anxiety is a multidimensional construct that influences cognitive performance in complex ways, yet its factor structure and domain-specific effects remain unclear. This study examined (1) the psychometric structure of general and specific anxiety measures, (2) their associations with cognitive performance across different domains, and (3) the predictive power of machine learning models in classifying cognitive performance based on specific anxiety in different domains. A two-stage design was employed: Stage 1 (N = 500) assessed self-reported anxiety (trait, state, generalized, social, spatial, and math anxiety) via questionnaires, while Stage 2 (N = 104) involved a set of experiments measuring cognitive performance (accuracy and reaction time) across numerical, social, spatial, and control tasks. Factor analyses revealed a correlated yet distinct structure. The model treating anxiety measures as independent factors showed the best fit among tested alternatives; however, all CFA models exhibited suboptimal absolute fit indices (TLI/CFI < 0.73). Regression analyses also demonstrated domain-specific effects: after controlling for state and generalized anxiety, trait anxiety showed small but statistically significant positive associations with performance on the social task (OR = 1.03) and spatial task (OR = 1.07). Machine learning models (Random Forest, Decision Trees, SVM) demonstrated limited predictive accuracy, with ensemble methods outperforming linear models. Prediction of reaction time in cognitive tasks, based on anxiety measures, was less powerful, suggesting that non-anxiety factors play a larger role in cognitive performance. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between general and domain-specific anxieties in cognitive research and demonstrate the potential of a machine learning approach in modeling anxiety–performance relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 302 KB

Open AccessReview

Humming and Homeostasis: Insights from Infants, Mothers, Mantras and Caregiving

by Maya Gratier and Maria Eduarda Carvalho

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050805 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 667

Abstract

Humming is a ubiquitous yet understudied form of human vocalisation that may play a role in regulating internal bodily states during early development. Unlike speech or singing with lyrics, humming consists of continuous, semantically unstructured vocal sounds produced with a closed mouth. It [...] Read more.

Humming is a ubiquitous yet understudied form of human vocalisation that may play a role in regulating internal bodily states during early development. Unlike speech or singing with lyrics, humming consists of continuous, semantically unstructured vocal sounds produced with a closed mouth. It generates sustained sonic, vibratory and respiratory patterns that engage interoceptive and autonomic processes. This paper explores the hypothesis that humming critically contributes to homeostatic regulation in caregiver–infant interaction. Drawing on research in developmental psychology, perinatal care and vocal practice, we propose that humming provides a simple mechanism through which caregivers may scaffold the infant’s developing interoceptive awareness, paving the way to subsequent social cognition abilities. Through slow rhythmic breathing, chest and cranial vibration, and temporally structured vocal phrasing, humming may influence cardio-respiratory rhythms and support autonomic balance while also organising moments of social engagement. Evidence is gathered from studies of maternal humming during kangaroo care with preterm infants, showing that these vocalisations can stabilise physiological parameters and invite infant vocal participation. We argue that humming may function as an embodied, interoceptive form of co-regulation for both infants and caregivers, linking physiological homeostasis with early communicative exchange. Full article

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

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Behav. Sci., Volume 16, Issue 5 (May 2026) – 212 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI