Behavioral Sciences

31 pages, 734 KB

Open AccessArticle

Social Transformation in Environmental Awareness: The Role of Hospital Employees in the Transformation Process—Results of a Survey in Germany

by Berit Schoppen, Katja Falta and Thomas Ostermann

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040622 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 502

Abstract

Against the backdrop of increasing challenges posed by ongoing climate change, pollution and its associated implications and environmental and climate protection measures have become the focus of politics and society in recent years. But adaptation and mitigation require changes in behavior among the [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of increasing challenges posed by ongoing climate change, pollution and its associated implications and environmental and climate protection measures have become the focus of politics and society in recent years. But adaptation and mitigation require changes in behavior among the population. This means that a process of social transformation must take place. Based on the thesis that people working in healthcare facilities can make a relevant contribution to the social transformation of environmental awareness, this study examines the general and workplace-related environmental awareness of hospital employees. Risk awareness, measure effectiveness, transformation costs and the subjective social norm factors were included, which eventually influence this awareness. Therefore, a mixed study design consisting of an original study and a systematic replication study was used. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (path analysis) to identify key predictors of environmental awareness and behavior. The results show that hospital employees generally have a high level of environmental awareness compared to the general population in Germany. This is also evident in their awareness of workplace-related measures. However, influencing factors such as transformation costs in particular mean that measures, even if they are considered effective, are only implemented to a limited extent by hospital employees. With regard to the question of whether hospital employees can play a key role in the social transformation process, this study does not provide sufficient evidence to answer this question. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Environmental Decision-Making, and Social Dilemmas from a Psychological Perspective)

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21 pages, 2199 KB

Open AccessArticle

Disaster Emotion: When Media Messages Emphasize Self-Interested Responses

by Soyoung Kim, Christopher Stream and Suyeon Lee

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040621 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 527

Abstract

Media coverage of disasters frequently frames self-interested behavior in contrast to collective responsibility and coordinated response. This study aims to explore how such behavior is emotionally constructed in disaster-related media, using a carefully selected corpus of 12 text-centered news articles focusing on selfish [...] Read more.

Media coverage of disasters frequently frames self-interested behavior in contrast to collective responsibility and coordinated response. This study aims to explore how such behavior is emotionally constructed in disaster-related media, using a carefully selected corpus of 12 text-centered news articles focusing on selfish behavior. The analysis combines transformer-based sentence-level emotion classification using the tweetnlp RoBERTa model, which predicts 11 emotion categories, with Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling across single-sentence and three-sentence windows in a small purposively selected corpus. Emotion–topic relationships are quantified by weighting emotion probabilities by topic distributions and visualized using bar charts, network graphs, and heatmaps. The findings suggest that fear and disgust dominate portrayals of self-interested behavior, while anticipation appears in projections of harm and anger is linked to inequality and institutional accountability. Two discursive configurations emerge: Responsibility Across Individuals and Institutions, emphasizing public accountability and authority, and Collective Fear and Self-Protective Practices, reflecting affect-driven responses under uncertainty. Although negative emotions predominate, optimism appears conditionally, signaling coordination and recovery. Overall, disaster reporting constructs selfishness through integrated emotional–semantic patterns that position individual actions within broader social risk and collective responsibility. Full article

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13 pages, 1076 KB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporating the Psychological Perspective into Traditional Prevention in Pediatric Dentistry with the PaFein+ Project: Trained Parents Can Help

by Aneta Munteanu, Arina Vinereanu, Ruxandra Sfeatcu, Mihaela Tănase, Ilie-Andrei Condurache, Annelyse Garret-Bernardin, Alessandra Putrino, Özgür Önder Kușçu, Sertac Peker, Betul Kargul and Angela Galeotti

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040620 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 655

Abstract

Background: Emotional aspects of early dental experiences have long-lasting effects. This study aimed to assess parents’ childhood dental experiences and their impact on current attitudes toward dental treatment and to evaluate the subjectively perceived usefulness of an educational material focused on psychological management [...] Read more.

Background: Emotional aspects of early dental experiences have long-lasting effects. This study aimed to assess parents’ childhood dental experiences and their impact on current attitudes toward dental treatment and to evaluate the subjectively perceived usefulness of an educational material focused on psychological management of children’s dental visits. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive pilot study was conducted using an educational booklet developed and distributed to parents, who read it and completed a short questionnaire. Responses received between 27 February–31 March 2025 were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Results: A total of 142 parents (88% mothers) participated. Most participants (83.1%) had a university degree. Negative childhood dental experiences were reported by 44.4% (more frequent among mothers, p < 0.001), and 18.3% had shared these experiences with their children. Emotional discomfort during dental visits was reported by 61.3% of respondents. Dental anxiety was significantly associated with negative childhood experiences (p < 0.001). Parents with higher education were more likely to choose a certified paedodontist for their child than a nearby general dentist (p = 0.002). Most parents (97.9%) found the material provided helpful for managing future dental visits, and 91.6% were willing to share it with others. Conclusions: Childhood dental fear and anxiety may persist into adulthood. Despite the limited generalizability of our results, parents appreciated targeted resources which may support them in promoting positive dental experiences for their children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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14 pages, 286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media Use Profiles in Adolescents: A Cluster Analysis of Interpersonal Difficulties and Social Anxiety

by Natalia Morán-Pallero, Elena Felipe-Castaño, Margarita Gozalo and Marina Rojas-Valverde

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040619 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1001

Abstract

Social media (SM) are virtual platforms for interpersonal interactions and play a significant role in the well-being of adolescents. It is therefore essential to understand how they use SM and how this use relates to interpersonal difficulties and social anxiety. The primary aim [...] Read more.

Social media (SM) are virtual platforms for interpersonal interactions and play a significant role in the well-being of adolescents. It is therefore essential to understand how they use SM and how this use relates to interpersonal difficulties and social anxiety. The primary aim of this study was to examine SM use profiles together with interpersonal difficulties and social anxiety in a sample of adolescents. The sample comprised 304 adolescents aged 16–18 years, selected through probabilistic sampling: 170 (55.9%) were female and 134 (44.1%) were male. Four SM use profiles were identified, according to sex, time spent on SM, and number of accounts. Differences in interpersonal difficulties and social anxiety were observed across profiles, particularly among adolescents who showed intensive SM-centred use of the internet. Differences between males and females were also evident. The findings and their implications for the development of programmes aimed at encouraging healthy SM use among adolescents with a special focus on interpersonal well-being are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatric, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders)

16 pages, 3216 KB

Open AccessArticle

Musical Participation, Resilience, and Locus of Control in Musicians from the Margins

by Beatriz Ilari, Graziela Bortz, Nayana Di Giuseppe Germano and Hugo Cogo-Moreira

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040618 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 686

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that prolonged participation in formal music programs may be associated with the cultivation of resilience and locus of control (LoC) in music students. Brazilian musicians, who were attending or had attended community-based music programs, and a group of matched, untrained [...] Read more.

Recent studies suggest that prolonged participation in formal music programs may be associated with the cultivation of resilience and locus of control (LoC) in music students. Brazilian musicians, who were attending or had attended community-based music programs, and a group of matched, untrained individuals from disadvantaged, urban communities completed the Connor–Davidson Scale of Resilience (RISC), the Craig Locus of Control Scale, and the ABEP 2022—Brazilian Criteria of Economic Classification questionnaire. Results suggested that while musical participation alone was not associated with resilience and LoC scores (model 1), a conditional restriction of the same model (model 2) showed a significant interaction between musical participation, age, and RISC and LoC scores, after controlling for SES. Among musicians, higher age was associated with higher resilience scores and internal LoC. Findings from this exploratory study are discussed in light of the multifaceted nature of community-based music programs, the building blocks of resilience and LoC. We also comment on the potential links between resilience and LoC in relation to musical participation and well-being. Limitations of this study are discussed alongside implications for future research. Full article

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

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17 pages, 1005 KB

Open AccessArticle

“No Fair!”: Children’s Perceptions of Fairness in Merit-Based Distributions

by Meltem Yucel, Madeline Brence and Amrisha Vaish

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040617 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 937

Abstract

Recent research by Yucel and colleagues suggests that children perceive equality-based fairness violations (resources being distributed unequally) as less serious than prototypical moral harms, but that making the harmful consequences of unfairness salient shifts these judgments toward the moral domain. We examined whether [...] Read more.

Recent research by Yucel and colleagues suggests that children perceive equality-based fairness violations (resources being distributed unequally) as less serious than prototypical moral harms, but that making the harmful consequences of unfairness salient shifts these judgments toward the moral domain. We examined whether merit-based fairness violations (someone receiving less than they earned) would similarly shift judgments toward the moral domain by making the injustice more salient. Replicating prior work, 4-year-old children (N = 62) rated prototypical moral violations as significantly more severe than equality-based fairness violations, which were rated as similar in severity to conventional violations. Contrary to predictions, merit-based fairness violations also showed this pattern: They were judged as less severe than prototypical moral violations and similarly severe as both equality-based fairness violations and conventional violations. Children also did not consistently group either type of fairness violation with moral or conventional violations. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that children’s (and adults’) perceptions of fairness—whether equality-based or merit-based—are more nuanced than previously thought and that unfairness may not spontaneously be treated like other, more prototypical moral norm violations. Full article

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

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22 pages, 304 KB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding How Athletes Manage Uncertainty in Sport

by Ran Assa and Abira Reizer

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040616 - 21 Apr 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 887

Abstract

Uncertainty is a central feature of sport and has been extensively examined in sport science, primarily from performance-oriented perspectives such as anticipation, decision-making, and motor control. However, less attention has been given to how athletes subjectively perceive and experience uncertainty and how these [...] Read more.

Uncertainty is a central feature of sport and has been extensively examined in sport science, primarily from performance-oriented perspectives such as anticipation, decision-making, and motor control. However, less attention has been given to how athletes subjectively perceive and experience uncertainty and how these interpretations shape their responses. The present study addresses this gap by exploring athletes’ lived experiences of uncertainty in sport. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with former youth athletes from various sports. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, generating 15 themes organized across key dimensions of uncertainty, including unpredictability, lack of information, internal versus external sources, and the appraisal of uncertainty as a threat or a challenge. Findings indicate that uncertainty is experienced as a multifaceted and subjective phenomenon shaped by perceived control, prior experience, and situational context. Athletes differed in how they interpreted uncertainty, with some perceiving it as threatening and others as an opportunity for growth, which in turn influenced emotional responses and coping strategies. Key coping mechanisms included communication, information seeking, social support, and focusing on controllable aspects of performance. These findings extend existing sport science literature by integrating experiential and interpretative dimensions of uncertainty with established performance-based approaches. Furthermore, the results suggest conceptual links with the construct of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), highlighting the potential value of examining individual differences in how athletes appraise and manage uncertainty. The study provides an exploratory foundation for future research integrating IU within sport contexts and underscores the importance of addressing both subjective and performance-related aspects of uncertainty in sport psychology. Full article

17 pages, 1305 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Validation of the Spanish Version of the Luxembourg Workplace Mobbing Scale (LWMS): Structural Equation Modeling, and Item Response Theory Evidence

by Jonatan Baños-Chaparro, Andrei Franco-Jimenez, Javier Hildebrando Espinoza Escobar, Tomás Caycho-Rodríguez and Fabio Cesar Saldivar Celis

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040615 - 21 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2100

Abstract

Introduction: Workplace mobbing is a psychosocial risk factor associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Accurate assessment of this phenomenon is essential for both research and applied settings; however, validated brief instruments in Spanish remain limited. The [...] Read more.

Introduction: Workplace mobbing is a psychosocial risk factor associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Accurate assessment of this phenomenon is essential for both research and applied settings; however, validated brief instruments in Spanish remain limited. The Luxembourg Workplace Mobbing Scale (LWMS) is a short measure with sound psychometric properties that allows efficient evaluation of exposure to workplace mobbing. Objective: Translation and validation of the LWMS into Spanish in adults. Methods: A total of 345 adults (51.3% women) participated, completing a sociodemographic questionnaire and psychological instruments. Statistical analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling and item response theory. Results: The LWMS demonstrated adequate content validity; a unidimensional structure (CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.04 [90% CI: 0.001, 0.092], SRMR = 0.02); and reliability (ω = 0.79, H = 0.86 and r_xx = 0.78). In addition, significant associations were found with depressive symptoms (r = 0.37, p = 0.001), generalised anxiety (r = 0.38, p = 0.001), and suicidal ideation (r = 0.27, p = 0.001). Item 2 showed the highest discrimination and information, and the scale proved to be accurate at higher levels of workplace mobbing. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the LWMS shows solid evidence of validity and reliability, supporting its use as a brief and precise instrument for assessing workplace mobbing in adult populations. Its strong psychometric performance and clinical relevance make it suitable for research, screening, and preventive interventions in occupational settings. Full article

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15 pages, 8107 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Client Network Audit: Assessing Shared Knowledge of a Client’s Social Network Among Juvenile Probation Officers

by Jacob T. N. Young

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040614 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 634

Abstract

This article presents findings from a pilot that tested a novel “client network audit” approach, designed to enhance supervision by mapping social networks through structured input from frontline practitioners. Adapting the group audit methodology for collecting network information that is used extensively in [...] Read more.

This article presents findings from a pilot that tested a novel “client network audit” approach, designed to enhance supervision by mapping social networks through structured input from frontline practitioners. Adapting the group audit methodology for collecting network information that is used extensively in gang violence interventions, this project measured cognitive network data from two probation officers and a community-based partner to examine areas of consensus and divergence in perceptions of influential relationships in a client’s life. A focus group conducted with participants after the study revealed several themes, including the utility of identifying hidden risks and opportunities for intervention and enhancing multi-agency coordination. This exploratory study finds that, while there are key areas of overlap in these perceptions, there are substantial gaps, indicating that individuals possess unique information about social relationships that is unknown to other respondents. As jurisdictions seek innovative strategies to improve interventions for youth entrenched in high-harm networks, this model offers a potentially promising pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Violence and Serious Crime: Innovations and Future Directions for Theory, Research and Practice)

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19 pages, 3256 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hidden Harm—Exploring the Utility of Geostatistical Analysis to Identify Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

by Antoinette Keaney-Bell and Colm Walsh

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040613 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 906

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study integrates criminological theory with geospatial methods to analyse large, multi-format datasets using geostatistical techniques. The aim is to predict where Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is likely to cluster, based on the spatial convergence of contextual risk factors. Drawing on insights [...] Read more.

This interdisciplinary study integrates criminological theory with geospatial methods to analyse large, multi-format datasets using geostatistical techniques. The aim is to predict where Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is likely to cluster, based on the spatial convergence of contextual risk factors. Drawing on insights from General Strain Theory (GST) and prior research on CCE, this study integrated seven open-source datasets capturing educational attainment, age demographics, violent crime, deprivation, and paramilitary-related violence. These variables were operationalised to construct a proxy measure for strain. Spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Pro, including the Data Interoperability extension, to enable efficient integration and interrogation of multi-format geospatial data. Geospatial analysis demonstrated that contextual risk factors for CCE are spatially clustered. Using four search parameters, a small subset of wards with elevated risk were identified. This resulted in a reduction in ward locations by 85–99%, land area under investigation from 14.45% to 0.84%, and affected population from 17.91% to 1.41%, enabling more targeted and efficient resource allocation. As understanding of the contextual factors contributing to CCE improves, this methodological approach offers scalable and data-driven means of identifying high-risk areas. By integrating geospatial analysis with criminological theory, the model supports more effective safeguarding strategies and prioritisation of limited public resources. This study is limited by the absence of multi-agency datasets, which were beyond its scope. Future research aims to incorporate cross-sector data to validate and refine the model through ground-truthing, enhancing its predictive accuracy and practical applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Violence and Serious Crime: Innovations and Future Directions for Theory, Research and Practice)

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31 pages, 1012 KB

Open AccessArticle

Misconceptions and Lack of Knowledge of Self-Regulation of Learning Hinder Students’ Use of Self-Regulation Strategies and Their Achievement: How This Can Be Changed by a Model-Based Instructional Video

by Antonia Fischer and Charlotte Christine Dignath

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040612 - 20 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 812

Abstract

Many students rarely use self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies, and little is known about what drives this variation. This study investigates which facets of SRL competence predict students’ reported strategy use and performance, and whether these facets can be enhanced through video-based modeling. Based [...] Read more.

Many students rarely use self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies, and little is known about what drives this variation. This study investigates which facets of SRL competence predict students’ reported strategy use and performance, and whether these facets can be enhanced through video-based modeling. Based on conceptual change theory, we hypothesize that learners’ initial SRL competence influences their ability to acquire SRL strategies. A total of 157 university students participated in a quasi-experimental lab study using a pre-, post-, and follow-up design. Participants watched one of three SRL modeling videos (mastery, coping, control) and completed questionnaires and reflection tasks assessing SRL beliefs, knowledge, and strategy use. Inconsistent beliefs and the interaction between self-efficacy and utility beliefs negatively predicted reported SRL use, while performance was positively associated with SRL knowledge, self-efficacy, and reported strategy use. Participants in the intervention condition showed significantly greater increases in SRL knowledge and reduced inconsistent beliefs. Most notably, learners with an initially low to average SRL strategy use showed the largest improvements following the intervention. These findings underscore the potential importance of addressing both cognitive and belief-related components of SRL. The findings suggest that modeling videos may support conceptual change and the development of SRL competence, particularly among less experienced learners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Promotion of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) in the Classroom)

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25 pages, 3197 KB

Open AccessArticle

Marijuana Consumption and Reactivity Are Positively Associated with the Fading Affect Bias for Marijuana Events in Person and Online

by Jeffrey Alan Gibbons, Chayse Angela Cotton, Matthew Traversa, Emma Friedmann and Kaylee Harris

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040611 - 20 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 733

Abstract

The fading affect bias (FAB) is the faster fading of unpleasant than pleasant affect, and this effect is positively and negatively related to healthy/adaptive and unhealthy/non-adaptive outcomes, respectively. Research has argued that the FAB makes people happy and it prompts them to seek [...] Read more.

The fading affect bias (FAB) is the faster fading of unpleasant than pleasant affect, and this effect is positively and negatively related to healthy/adaptive and unhealthy/non-adaptive outcomes, respectively. Research has argued that the FAB makes people happy and it prompts them to seek out pleasant experiences. Although Pillersdorf and Scoboria found a negative relation between the FAB and marijuana consumption, they only examined non-marijuana events. This investigation was limited because the relation between the FAB and marijuana consumption may be absent or positive for marijuana events. The current study examined the relation of the FAB to marijuana consumption measures across marijuana and non-marijuana events. The study was conducted both in person (Experiment 1; n = 328) and online (Experiment 2; n = 232). Analyses included ANOVAs to examine fading affect across initial event affect and event type, and Process Model 1 was used to evaluate the fading affect bias across initial event affect in 2-way interactions with continuous variables. Process Model 3 was used to investigate fading affect across initial event affect and event type in 3-way interactions with continuous variables. Both experiments showed a robust FAB that was positively related to adaptive variables and negatively related to non-adaptive variables, and it was positively related to marijuana consumption/reactivity. In addition, the positive relations between FAB and marijuana consumption (hours) and reactivity (highness) measures in Experiment 1 and a marijuana reactivity measure (highness) in Experiment 2 were only found for marijuana events. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. Full article

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25 pages, 539 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Paradox in AI Influencer Engagement: A Dual Path to Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration

by Ha Eun Park

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040610 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 996

Abstract

As AI-generated influencers increasingly dominate social media landscapes, their psychological impact on human users necessitates rigorous empirical investigation. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study examines how AI influencers influence the satisfaction and frustration of users’ basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Utilizing a [...] Read more.

As AI-generated influencers increasingly dominate social media landscapes, their psychological impact on human users necessitates rigorous empirical investigation. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study examines how AI influencers influence the satisfaction and frustration of users’ basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Utilizing a netnographic approach, the research identifies three pivotal psychological mechanisms. The findings reveal a fundamental paradox characterized by a dual-path process; while AI influencers can meaningfully fulfill psychological needs through consistent presence and customizable narratives, they simultaneously risk undermining these needs when perceived as instruments of algorithmic surveillance, commercial orchestration, or emotional inauthenticity. This duality underscores the complexity of AI-mediated engagement, where the same technological affordances can lead to either psychological flourishing or digital alienation. These insights emphasize the urgency for responsible AI design that prioritizes user well-being over mere commercial conversion, offering critical implications for developers, marketers, and policymakers in the evolving era of AI-driven social interaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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11 pages, 448 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Italian Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ) for the Assessment of Intrusive Food-Related Thoughts

by Edoardo Mocini, Olivia Di Vincenzo, Clarissa D’angelo, Carlo Baldari, Silvia Migliaccio and Andrea Zagaria

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040609 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1154

Abstract

Food noise refers to persistent and intrusive thoughts about food that may interfere with daily functioning, emotional well-being, and eating behaviors. Although the construct has gained increasing attention in clinical and research contexts, no psychometrically sound tools are currently available in Italian to [...] Read more.

Food noise refers to persistent and intrusive thoughts about food that may interfere with daily functioning, emotional well-being, and eating behaviors. Although the construct has gained increasing attention in clinical and research contexts, no psychometrically sound tools are currently available in Italian to assess food noise. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate, adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ). A total of 1087 participants (mean age 37.45 ± 10.35 years; 50.6% female) were enrolled in the investigation. Participants completed the Italian version of the FNQ, along with a convergent measure of food-related preoccupation and self-report measures of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional factor structure for the FNQ, with salient standardized factor loadings (range = 0.803–0.919) and strong internal-consistency reliability (categorical ω = 0.917). Evidence of convergent validity was provided by strong associations with food-related preoccupation (r = 0.831, p < 0.001), whereas discriminant validity was supported by smaller, yet significant, correlations with anxiety, depression, and perceived stress (r range = 0.350 to 0.417, p < 0.001). In addition, configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender was established within a multi-group framework. These findings provide evidence for the FNQ as a reliable and valid measure of food noise in the Italian adult population, demonstrating robust psychometric properties and gender-invariant measurement. Full article

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24 pages, 477 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Educational Trajectories and Academic Achievement from Primary to Secondary Education: A Systematic Review of Individual, Family, School, and Contextual Factors

by Sonia Salvo-Garrido, Karina Polanco-Levicán, Pilar Cisternas-Salcedo and Ana Moraga-Pumarino

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040608 - 19 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

Educational trajectories developed by students throughout their schooling are shaped by experiences across multiple domains, where learning opportunities coexist with factors that may hinder academic achievement and the development of successful trajectories. The aim of this study was to analyze the personal, family, [...] Read more.

Educational trajectories developed by students throughout their schooling are shaped by experiences across multiple domains, where learning opportunities coexist with factors that may hinder academic achievement and the development of successful trajectories. The aim of this study was to analyze the personal, family, school, and contextual factors associated with educational trajectories and academic achievement among primary and secondary school students. A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on quantitative longitudinal studies published between 2022 and 2025 and identified through the Web of Science, Scopus, and Education Resources Information Center databases. The results indicate that educational trajectories linked to academic achievement tend to begin in primary education and show relative stability throughout secondary education, with variations over time associated with the interaction of individual, family, school, and contextual factors. These findings have practical implications for behaviorally informed interventions aimed at strengthening self-regulation, teacher support, socioemotional competencies, and family engagement to promote more equitable academic pathways. Overall, the evidence underscores the need to implement comprehensive and differentiated educational interventions articulated across multiple levels to reduce inequalities and foster sustainable academic development. Full article

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16 pages, 1552 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Game-Based Assessment of Spatial Cognition Across a Wide Age Range

by Daniela E. Aguilar Ramirez, Zitong Wu, Catalina Basualto San Martin, Robbin Gibb and Claudia L. R. Gonzalez

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040607 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1020

Abstract

Challenges remain in developing a comprehensive understanding of spatial cognition, including gender and developmental differences, partly due to limitations of well-established spatial measures. Many traditional tasks face accessibility constraints and are not well suited for use across broad age ranges, populations, or ability [...] Read more.

Challenges remain in developing a comprehensive understanding of spatial cognition, including gender and developmental differences, partly due to limitations of well-established spatial measures. Many traditional tasks face accessibility constraints and are not well suited for use across broad age ranges, populations, or ability levels. The present study introduced two game-based tasks, Q-bitz^® and Spot it!^®, designed to assess mental rotation and object location memory, respectively. We examined whether these game-based measures meaningfully complement established spatial tests, the Mental Rotation Test (MRT) and the Object Location Memory (OLM) task, across a wide age range (7–79 years, N = 114). Results indicated that MRT scores were strongly related to Q-bitz performance, whereas OLM scores were strongly related to Spot it! performance, supporting the convergent validity of the game-based tasks. Notably, gender-specific patterns emerged in the relationships among spatial measures, suggesting differences in spatial function. Age was associated with performance on speeded tasks (Q-bitz and Spot it!) but not with accuracy-based MRT or OLM performance. Together, these findings demonstrate that game-based assessments capture meaningful spatial constructs and reveal gender-specific patterns across the lifespan, providing a practical and ecologically valid approach for advancing research on spatial cognition. Full article

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

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17 pages, 276 KB

Open AccessArticle

Leadership Experiences Amongst Elite Female Rugby Players: A Different Approach to Team Leadership

by Stewart Cotterill and Richard Cheetham

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040606 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1059

Abstract

Leadership, and athlete leadership in particular, has been reported to be an important factor impacting upon team performance. However, while there is significant evidence supporting the importance of athlete leadership for teams, there is very little research exploring the leadership experiences and needs [...] Read more.

Leadership, and athlete leadership in particular, has been reported to be an important factor impacting upon team performance. However, while there is significant evidence supporting the importance of athlete leadership for teams, there is very little research exploring the leadership experiences and needs of female sports teams. As a result, the aim of this study was to explore the leadership experiences of the captains of professional women’s rugby teams. Participants included eight professional women’s rugby captains, recruited through personal contact. Data were analyzed adopting an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, resulting in the emergence of 10 superordinate themes including: factors influencing success, challenges, amateur level, leader characteristics, role models, aspects of the role, types of captains, leading by example, selection, and women’s game. Data suggests that empathy, empowerment, collaboration and shared/devolved leadership are crucial components of leadership for elite women’s rugby teams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

15 pages, 556 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Examining the Roles of Parent–Child Gender Dyads in the Association Between Parental Psychological Control and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Families

by Yuan Zhang, Shanhong Luo, Linda C. Halgunseth, Erin A. Moeser-Whittle, Anthony Hubert, Mary A. Balogun and Hao Wu

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040605 - 19 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1296

Abstract

Although Chinese parents’ use of psychological control has been linked with adolescent mental health, no studies to our knowledge have considered how the association may differ across gender dyads of parents and adolescents and minimal research has examined the joint influences of Chinese [...] Read more.

Although Chinese parents’ use of psychological control has been linked with adolescent mental health, no studies to our knowledge have considered how the association may differ across gender dyads of parents and adolescents and minimal research has examined the joint influences of Chinese mothers’ and fathers’ use of psychological control on adolescent depressive symptoms. Participants included 3069 Chinese adolescents who rated their depressive symptoms as well as their mothers’ and fathers’ use of psychological control. Regression results revealed that the positive association between fathers’ psychological control and depressive symptoms was significant at low but not at high levels of mothers’ psychological control. Moreover, the positive association between fathers’ psychological control and depressive symptoms was significant for daughters but not for sons. Mothers’ psychological control was consistently positively associated with adolescent depressive symptoms. Findings from this study provide a more nuanced understanding of how gender dyads within Chinese families may influence the link between parental psychological control and adolescent depressive symptoms and highlight the importance for mental health programs to include fathers in their treatment plans when working with Chinese adolescents and their families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Parenting in Adolescent and Young Adult Development)

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17 pages, 373 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Military Professionals’ Endorsement of Decision-Making Assumptions: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

by Jostein Mattingsdal

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040604 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 813

Abstract

This study examines how military professionals interpret claims about decision making in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. A survey of active-duty personnel (N = 225) from the Norwegian Armed Forces (2024–2025) was used to assess whether endorsement of Klein’s 11 decision-making [...] Read more.

This study examines how military professionals interpret claims about decision making in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. A survey of active-duty personnel (N = 225) from the Norwegian Armed Forces (2024–2025) was used to assess whether endorsement of Klein’s 11 decision-making claims reflects a unified construct or several distinct decision-making beliefs. After removing two items with insufficient communalities, exploratory factor analysis (principal axis factoring with Oblimin rotation) was conducted on the remaining nine items. Sampling properties were adequate (KMO = 0.741; Bartlett’s χ² (36) = 282.86, p < 0.001). Comparative model testing indicated that a two-factor structure provided a better fit than a unidimensional model, accounting for 29.24% cumulative variance. The resulting dimensions—Planning/Structure (e.g., “Identify and mitigate risks,” loading 0.618) and Analytic/Evidence-based practices (e.g., “Prefer logic over intuition,” loading 0.556)—showed acceptable internal reliability (α = 0.65 and α ≈ 0.71). These findings suggest that military professionals’ endorsement of Klein’s framework is not unidimensional but instead reflects two complementary attitudes about effective decision making. This bifactorial structure offers a theoretically grounded basis for advancing research on adaptive decision making in the military and other high-stakes operational contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Decision Making in Complex Environments)

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14 pages, 711 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dual Pathways of Online Social Support on Sleep Quality in University Freshmen: The Suppression Effect of Psychological Resilience and the Moderating Role of Digital Literacy

by Xiangying Meng and Shuidong Feng

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040603 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 826

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of online social support on sleep quality and the potential roles of psychological resilience and digital literacy in this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 606 university freshmen from a college in Hengyang City, Hunan [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the impact of online social support on sleep quality and the potential roles of psychological resilience and digital literacy in this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 606 university freshmen from a college in Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China, using cluster random sampling. Data were collected using the Online Social Support Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; note that higher PSQI scores indicate poorer sleep quality), Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and Domestic College Student Digital Literacy Assessment Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 27.0, with mediation effects tested via the PROCESS macro. The analytical results demonstrated that online social support showed a significant negative predictive effect on the sleep quality of university freshmen (β = −0.11, p < 0.01); psychological resilience exhibited a suppression effect (i.e., opposing direct and indirect effects) between online social support and sleep quality; and digital literacy moderated the first half of the mediation pathway (β = 0.18, p < 0.001). Collectively, this study shows that online social support directly harms sleep quality but indirectly benefits it by enhancing psychological resilience. Digital literacy serves as a key moderator that amplifies this beneficial indirect effect. These findings provide significant theoretical and practical insights for developing campus health promotion initiatives. Full article

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20 pages, 336 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experiential Processing and Consumer Loyalty Behavior: The Moderating Role of Cognitive Value Evaluation in Peruvian Consumer Markets

by Aldahir Brincel Burgos Cabanillas, Norka Maricielo Paredes Chuquilín and Marco Agustín Arbulú Ballesteros

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040602 - 17 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1227

Abstract

Understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying consumer loyalty behavior constitutes a central challenge for the behavioral sciences. Despite growing research on experiential marketing, limited attention has been directed toward understanding the conditional cognitive mechanisms that determine when and how consumption experiences translate into stable [...] Read more.

Understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying consumer loyalty behavior constitutes a central challenge for the behavioral sciences. Despite growing research on experiential marketing, limited attention has been directed toward understanding the conditional cognitive mechanisms that determine when and how consumption experiences translate into stable loyalty patterns, particularly in emerging market contexts where consumer behavior dynamics differ substantially from those in mature economies. The present study examines how experiential processing influences the formation of behavioral loyalty patterns, considering the moderating role of cognitive value evaluation. A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 500 consumers from retail businesses in Pueblo Nuevo, Peru. The instruments demonstrated adequate psychometric properties (α > 0.88; AVE > 0.50). The results of the moderation analysis using PROCESS Model 1 revealed that the model explains 79.9% of the variance in loyalty behavior (R² = 0.799, p < 0.001). The interaction effect was significant (B = 0.10, p < 0.001), confirming that cognitive value evaluation moderates the relationship between experiential processing and behavioral loyalty. Simple slopes analysis showed that the effect of experiential processing on loyalty intensifies as perceived value increases, ranging from B = 0.56 at low levels to B = 0.77 at high levels. The Johnson–Neyman criterion identified the transition point at 14.80. These findings contribute to consumer behavior theory by demonstrating that consumption experiences require a favorable cognitive evaluation to translate into stable behavioral loyalty patterns, with implications for Sustainable Development Goal 8 concerning sustainable economic growth. These results advance consumer behavior theory by providing an integrative moderating framework applicable beyond the Peruvian context, and offer retail managers a diagnostic tool for calibrating experiential strategies based on consumer value perception thresholds. Full article

20 pages, 557 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Well-Being in Living and Learning Through Occupational Therapy Fieldwork on a College Campus: The WILL Thrive Program

by Sarah E. Brockway, Carrie Will, Molly Mendolia and Karen Keptner

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040601 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 907

Abstract

Postsecondary institutions are seeing an increased prevalence of student mental health concerns and disabilities, highlighting the need for campus-based approaches that support student well-being. While college campuses provide many services to support students, occupational therapists are largely absent from these support systems, despite [...] Read more.

Postsecondary institutions are seeing an increased prevalence of student mental health concerns and disabilities, highlighting the need for campus-based approaches that support student well-being. While college campuses provide many services to support students, occupational therapists are largely absent from these support systems, despite growing interest in this emerging field of practice. This program description and implementation case study examines preliminary indicators of feasibility for the WILL Thrive program, which delivered occupational therapy (OT) services on a college campus through a Level II fieldwork placement. Feasibility was examined across domains of acceptability, demand and implementation using an integrated approach combining a needs assessment, service development and process evaluation. Data sources included environmental observations, surveys, stakeholder interviews and process evaluation measures, including service delivery tracking, referral patterns, and resource utilization. Referrals and service utilization in this case were most frequently observed among students reporting neurodevelopmental and mental health-related functional challenges, providing preliminary indicators of potential service users, though a small, heterogeneous sample size limits generalizability. Referral patterns and engagement from the wellness center and accessibility staff highlight preliminary strengths of the program, including early indicators of acceptability and demand. In contrast, implementation barriers were also identified, including limited campus-wide understanding of the OT scope and role and constraints in on-campus OT supervision. Findings offer early, exploratory signals of feasibility for integrating OT services through an OT fieldwork II model and suggest that OT may complement existing campus supports by addressing participation-focused, functionally orientated needs. Results should be viewed as preliminary and inform future implementation studies that include systematic outcome measures, comparative analysis with existing services, and broader assessment across diverse higher education contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Wellbeing of Students with Disabilities)

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16 pages, 430 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Implementing Outpatient Therapeutic Playgroups for NICU Families: A Quality Improvement Project

by Mariana C. Aokalani, Katherine L. Wisner, Nickie N. Andescavage, Catherine Limperopoulos and Barbara K. Stuart

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040600 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 552

Abstract

Therapeutic playgroups have shown promise in enhancing caregiver–infant mental health outcomes, yet tailored approaches for families following neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission remain limited. In this brief report on Quality Improvement, we evaluate key strategies and challenges in implementing an adapted therapeutic [...] Read more.

Therapeutic playgroups have shown promise in enhancing caregiver–infant mental health outcomes, yet tailored approaches for families following neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission remain limited. In this brief report on Quality Improvement, we evaluate key strategies and challenges in implementing an adapted therapeutic playgroup intervention designed for caregivers and infants with a history of NICU hospitalization at University of California, San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco (UCSF) Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) We conducted semi-structured interviews with NICU psychologists to assess local feasibility, barriers, and facilitators to implementation. Implementation science frameworks—the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Proctor et al.’s implementation outcomes framework (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, and sustainability)—were used to guide data organization and interpretation. Qualitative reporting guidelines were followed to enhance transparency in describing interviews and analytic procedures. The psychologists emphasized the importance of embedding therapeutic playgroups within existing clinical workflows, providing flexible delivery models, and customizing curricula to meet cultural and family-specific needs. Multidisciplinary collaboration enhanced feasibility and parent engagement. Barriers included organizational constraints and variability in caregiver readiness. These findings inform local program development and highlight considerations for integrating dyadic mental health support into post-NICU care. Future work should incorporate caregiver perspectives and explore effective interventions across diverse settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parental and Infant Mental Health in the NICU Settings and Post-Discharge)

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17 pages, 537 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive and Reading Profiles of Gifted Students with Learning Disabilities: Implications for Assessment and Identification

by Susana Padeliadu and Athina Voulgari

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040599 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 930

Abstract

The identification of gifted students with learning disabilities (GLD) remains theoretically and methodologically contested. The present study examined cognitive and reading profiles of 150 Greek students in Grades 4–6, classified as gifted with learning disabilities (GLD) (n = 36), gifted (n [...] Read more.

The identification of gifted students with learning disabilities (GLD) remains theoretically and methodologically contested. The present study examined cognitive and reading profiles of 150 Greek students in Grades 4–6, classified as gifted with learning disabilities (GLD) (n = 36), gifted (n = 31), or dyslexic of average intellectual ability (n = 83). Gifted classification was based on National Association for Gifted Children guidelines issued in 2018, using reasoning-based WISC-VIndices (FSIQ, GAI, EGAI, NVI, VECI ≥ 120), while learning disability was determined through formal multidisciplinary diagnosis. Cognitive performance was assessed with the WISC-V and reading with the standardized DADA battery (decoding, fluency, and comprehension). One-way ANOVAs and ROC analyses were conducted. GLD students demonstrated reasoning abilities and processing speed abilities comparable to gifted peers, but working memory deficits compared to gifted peers. In reading, GLD students showed decoding deficits like dyslexic peers and fluency impairments indistinguishable from them, yet significantly stronger comprehension. These findings reveal a differentiated literacy profile in which higher-order reasoning appears to support meaning construction despite persistent efficiency-based constraints in decoding and fluency. Overall, the results indicate that twice-exceptionality reflects a structurally uneven cognitive–academic configuration, underscoring the importance of multidimensional assessment approaches that simultaneously evaluate reasoning strengths and reading-specific vulnerabilities. Full article

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

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16 pages, 709 KB

Open AccessArticle

Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Physical Activity, Recreational Screen Time, and Sleep Among U.S. Children

by Eunice Lee

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040598 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 587

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a public health concern in the United States. Using the 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, this cross-sectional secondary analysis examined associations between cumulative ACEs (0, 1, 2, and 3 or more) and three health behaviors among children [...] Read more.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a public health concern in the United States. Using the 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, this cross-sectional secondary analysis examined associations between cumulative ACEs (0, 1, 2, and 3 or more) and three health behaviors among children ages 6 to 17, including physical activity, recreational screen time, and sleep. Interaction models were also estimated by child sex and race/ethnicity (White non-Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic, and Hispanic) to assess whether these associations differed across groups. Nearly half of children experienced at least one ACE, and about one in eight experienced three or more. In adjusted models, higher numbers of ACEs were associated with a lower likelihood of meeting recreational screen time guidelines and sleep recommendations, while no statistically significant association was observed for meeting physical activity recommendations. Interaction analyses by child sex and race/ethnicity found no statistically significant differences in these associations across groups. These findings suggest that children with higher numbers of ACEs may be less likely to meet recommended sleep and recreational screen time guidelines, underscoring the potential value of trauma-informed strategies that strengthen sleep routines and healthy media practices. Full article

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21 pages, 4319 KB

Open AccessArticle

When Anger Strikes: Using AI Modelling to Understand How Negative Emotions Impact Performance in Digital Math Games

by Ana Zdravkovic Barber, Steve Engels and Earl Woodruff

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040597 - 17 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 712

Abstract

Digital game-based learning environments (DGBLEs) are increasingly integrated into classrooms as learning tools, yet limited research exists regarding the impact of students’ discrete emotions on digital gameplay performance. This study examined the role of emotions and arousal in predicting performance outcomes during digital [...] Read more.

Digital game-based learning environments (DGBLEs) are increasingly integrated into classrooms as learning tools, yet limited research exists regarding the impact of students’ discrete emotions on digital gameplay performance. This study examined the role of emotions and arousal in predicting performance outcomes during digital gameplay. Thirty-two grade 5 students (M_age = 10.99, 62.5% male) played four digital games (two math; two identically designed non-math). During gameplay, real-time heart rate and affective data were collected and analyzed using an interpretable machine learning approach (XGBoost). Results suggest that students performed better on non-math games, as compared to math games. Real-time anger was associated with lower performance, particularly in games, whereas other emotions and physiological measures were not significant predictors. This pilot investigation suggests that discrete emotions, particularly anger, may play a more important role in performance during math gameplay than in comparable non-math activities. The results highlight the importance of supporting emotional regulation during digital math learning, as unmanaged anger may impact performance. This study contributes to the growing literature on affective dynamics in digital game-based learning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Play, Learn, Adapt: The Evolution of Flexible and Gamified Education)

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13 pages, 371 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Maternal Phubbing on Toddlers’ Language Development and Subsequent Social Development: A Three-Month Time-Lagged Analysis

by Hyojin Ji, Taekmin Lee and Yujin Jang

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040596 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 641

Abstract

This study investigates the structural relationships between maternal phubbing, toddlers’ language development, and their social development over a three-month interval. The sample consisted of 239 toddlers (aged 16–36 months) residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, along with their mothers and classroom teachers. Data collection [...] Read more.

This study investigates the structural relationships between maternal phubbing, toddlers’ language development, and their social development over a three-month interval. The sample consisted of 239 toddlers (aged 16–36 months) residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, along with their mothers and classroom teachers. Data collection was conducted in two phases: the primary survey in May 2025 assessed maternal phubbing and toddlers’ language development through maternal reports, followed by a secondary survey in August 2025, where classroom teachers evaluated the toddlers’ social development. The findings revealed that while maternal phubbing did not significantly predict toddlers’ language development, it exerted a significant negative impact on their social development three months later. Additionally, toddlers’ language development was found to positively influence their subsequent social development. These results suggest that maternal phubbing and toddlers’ language development operate through independent pathways to influence social outcomes. By employing a three-month short-term longitudinal design (time-lagged design), this study identifies a direct path from maternal phubbing to social development and reaffirms the critical role of early language skills in fostering social competence during toddlerhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Psychology)

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30 pages, 521 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial and Social Security Risks Linked to Vaccine Misinformation in Romania: Implications for Vaccination Acceptance and Public Policy

by Flavius Cristian Mărcău, Cătălin Peptan, Olivia-Roxana Alecsoiu, Marian Emanuel Cojoaca, Alina Magdalena Musetescu, Genu Alexandru Căruntu, Alina Georgiana Holt, Lorena Duduială Popescu, Costina Sfinteș and Victor Gheorman

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040595 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1016

Abstract

This study examines the influence of misinformation on vaccination decision-making and the perception of social security in Romania in the context of potential future pandemics. Using a survey-based design, data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to a sample of 1005 respondents. [...] Read more.

This study examines the influence of misinformation on vaccination decision-making and the perception of social security in Romania in the context of potential future pandemics. Using a survey-based design, data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to a sample of 1005 respondents. The analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including chi-square tests, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests, principal component analysis (PCA), K-means clustering, random forest models, and Spearman correlations. The results indicate statistically significant associations between belief in misinformation and vaccination attitudes (p < 0.001), with moderate effect sizes. Effect size estimates indicated small-to-moderate associations (e.g., Cramér’s V up to 0.371 for key demographic differences, and Kendall’s W = 0.273 for the increase in willingness across the three severity scenarios). Individuals with higher levels of education, urban residence, and younger age were more likely to report higher willingness to vaccinate, whereas respondents from rural areas and those with lower educational levels showed greater susceptibility to misinformation. In addition, risk perception was significantly associated with vaccination intention, which increased as the severity of hypothetical pandemic scenarios intensified. Predictive modeling identified specific misinformation beliefs—particularly those related to vaccine safety and natural immunity—as key factors associated with vaccination decisions. These findings suggest that misinformation is strongly associated with both individual vaccination behavior and broader perceptions of social security. Full article

16 pages, 368 KB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Worrying About Worrying with Metacognitive Restructuring Versus Metacognitive Defusion

by Robert D. Zettle, Huan Quan and Jonathan M. Larson

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040594 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 917

Abstract

Process-based cognitive behavioral therapy (PB-CBT) seeks to identify kernels that are equally efficacious in treating various disorders. While both metacognitive therapy (MCT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) represent evidence-based interventions for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it remains unclear if there are specific [...] Read more.

Process-based cognitive behavioral therapy (PB-CBT) seeks to identify kernels that are equally efficacious in treating various disorders. While both metacognitive therapy (MCT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) represent evidence-based interventions for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it remains unclear if there are specific components within each that are comparable in managing meta-worrying characteristic of GAD. A subclinical sample of college students received a brief session targeting a single, personally relevant meta-worry of either metacognitive restructuring as practiced in MCT or an extension of ACT defusion exercises. Both were equally effective in impacting believability, distress, and willingness ratings of the targeted worry as well as untargeted worries. However, significantly longer metacognitive defusion sessions suggest that metacognitive restructuring may represent a more cost-effective option. Levels of generalized anxiety, dispositional worrying, and depression did not moderate treatment responsivity. Implications of findings for PB-CBT research and practice are discussed within the context of study limitations. Full article

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20 pages, 906 KB

Open AccessArticle

Face Culture and Prosocial Value Conflict: A Developmental Investigation of Children’s White Lie Decisions Between Emotional Comfort and Long-Term Goals

by Yunrui Sun, Zhijie Du and Jinhai Cui

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040593 - 15 Apr 2026

Viewed by 658

Abstract

White lie-telling reflects children’s integration of moral cognition and situational adaptation, yet its mechanisms in prosocial dilemmas remain understudied in Chinese cultural contexts that prioritize “face-saving”—a core construct that shapes interpersonal behavior in Eastern societies. This study investigates how situational cues and developmental [...] Read more.

White lie-telling reflects children’s integration of moral cognition and situational adaptation, yet its mechanisms in prosocial dilemmas remain understudied in Chinese cultural contexts that prioritize “face-saving”—a core construct that shapes interpersonal behavior in Eastern societies. This study investigates how situational cues and developmental differences shape children’s white lie decisions by disentangling the interactive effects of external expectations and recipient presence. A total of 629 children aged 4–11 years (Study 1) and 6–11 years (Study 2) participated in two studies using a modified “painting evaluation task” Study 1 manipulated emotional expectation and recipient presence to establish baseline situational effects, while Study 2 introduced target expectation to create a prosocial value conflict between providing immediate emotional comfort and supporting long-term developmental goals. The Study 1 showed the highest white lie rate under the “emotional expectation + recipient presence” condition, with white lie rates exhibiting a significant developmental increase with age. Binary logistic regression identified these two factors as critical predictors of children’s white lie behavior. In Study 2, amid such prosocial value conflicts, older children showed lower white lie rates than younger peers, who prioritized others’ long-term goals via cost benefit analysis. Notably, recipient presence still moderated face-saving decisions, even for older children. This research makes three key contributions to the field. Firstly, it integrates Chinese “face culture” into situational manipulation, highlighting recipient presence as a culture-specific moderator and mitigating the Western-centric bias in prior research. Secondly, it constructs a prosocial moral dilemma to uncover children’s developmental transition from emotion-driven to value-based rational decision-making, extending existing developmental theories on moral cognition. Thirdly, it advances understanding of prosocial lying motivation beyond blind empathy by quantifying the interactive effects of dual expectations and revealing that children engage in deliberate cost benefit analysis that aligns with others’ overall long-term interests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

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