European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

15 pages, 774 KB

Open AccessArticle

Italian Adaptation of the No-Mobile-Phone-Phobia Questionnaire: Factorial Validity with the ESEM Technique and Population-Based Cut-Off Scores

by Sergio Traficante, Luigi Tinella, Antonella Lopez, Sergio A. Useche, Sjaan Koppel, Giuseppina Spano, Elisabetta Ricciardi, Rosa Napoletano, Andrea Bosco and Alessandro O. Caffò

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080166 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Nomophobia is a multifaceted phenomenon characterized by fear and anxiety when individuals feel disconnected from their technological environment. Its assessment remains difficult due to limited tools and lack of empirically supported cut-off points. This study aimed to contribute to the Italian validation of [...] Read more.

Nomophobia is a multifaceted phenomenon characterized by fear and anxiety when individuals feel disconnected from their technological environment. Its assessment remains difficult due to limited tools and lack of empirically supported cut-off points. This study aimed to contribute to the Italian validation of the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), testing a four-factor structure and establishing normative data by age and gender. Data were collected from 1447 participants. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) assessed different factorial configurations. A bifactor ESEM (B-ESEM) with a four-factor solution showed the best fit (CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.06), offering a more accurate representation than the three-factor model. Scores were computed for the 1st and the 99th percentile and for each ventile; the 80th and 95th percentiles indicate risk and presence of nomophobia, respectively. Females scored highest across age groups, while older adults reported the lowest levels. These findings support the NMP-Q’s reliability and use in the Italian context. Full article

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14 pages, 487 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Psychometric Properties of the Emotion Regulation Flexibility Questionnaire in the Italian Context

by Giada Mignolli, Daiana Colledani, Francesco Tommasi and Anna Maria Meneghini

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080165 - 19 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Background: Following the idea that individuals engage with different strategies to regulate their emotional experiences, scholars in the field of psychology have shown increasing interest in the notion of emotion regulation flexibility. Despite growing attention to this construct, validated instruments for assessing individuals’ [...] Read more.

Background: Following the idea that individuals engage with different strategies to regulate their emotional experiences, scholars in the field of psychology have shown increasing interest in the notion of emotion regulation flexibility. Despite growing attention to this construct, validated instruments for assessing individuals’ capacity to choose among different emotion regulation strategies effectively are limited, particularly in non-English-speaking contexts. The present study aims to extend the use of the Emotion Regulation Flexibility Questionnaire by providing a validation of the Italian version and supporting its generalisability. Methods: The Italian Emotion Regulation Flexibility Questionnaire (IT-ERFQ) was included in a cross-sectional study involving N = 887 participants (60.4% female). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, along with tests of measurement invariance across gender and age groups, assessments of internal consistency, and evaluations of external validity. Results: The IT-ERFQ showed a clear unidimensional structure, good internal reliability, and full measurement invariance across groups. The eight-item Italian version correlated negatively with emotion dysregulation and positively with well-being. Conclusions: These findings provide strong evidence for the psychometric soundness of the IT-ERFQ and support its use in both basic and applied research. Full article

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16 pages, 367 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Health Among Spanish Doctoral Students: Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression, Life Satisfaction, and Mentoring

by Virginia Krieger, Cristina Cañete-Massé, Juan Antonio Amador-Campos, Maribel Peró-Cebollero, María Feliu-Torruella, Alba Pérez-González, Adolfo José Jarne-Esparcia, Xavier María Triadó-Ivern and Joan Guàrdia-Olmos

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080164 - 17 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Background: Mental health issues among PhD students are rising, a trend believed to be driven by academic and social challenges. Method: A total of 1265 doctorate students from a large university in Barcelona, Spain (739 women; 414 men; 112 marked other options), with [...] Read more.

Background: Mental health issues among PhD students are rising, a trend believed to be driven by academic and social challenges. Method: A total of 1265 doctorate students from a large university in Barcelona, Spain (739 women; 414 men; 112 marked other options), with a mean age of 32.36 years (SD = 8.20, range: 23–67), were evaluated by means of standardized instruments. Results: Totals of 40.6% and 46.5% of the sample exceeded the cut-off point for anxiety and depression symptoms, and 57.7% for life satisfaction. The proportion of females exceeding the cut-off point was significantly higher than that of males for both anxiety (women: 43.8%, men: 34.5%) and depression (women: 49.3%, men: 39.8%), but not for life satisfaction (women: 57.6%, men: 58.4%). Arts and Humanities PhD students’ disciplines reported higher anxiety and depression scores than those in Social Sciences, Experimental Sciences and Mathematics, and Health Sciences, respectively, while Social Sciences students showed higher life satisfaction and mentoring support than the other groups. Depression scores were significant predictors of life satisfaction across all doctoral programs. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of mentoring in supporting doctoral students’ mental health and life satisfaction and can also inform policies in educational institutions, given that PhD students experiencing psychopathological disorders are at a higher risk of academic failure and dropout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Global Mental Health Trends)

18 pages, 349 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting University Students’ Stress Responses: The Role of Academic Stressors and Sociodemographic Variables

by Cristina Ruiz-Camacho and Margarita Gozalo

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080163 - 16 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Academic stress arises when students perceive that university demands exceed their coping resources, leading to cognitive, behavioral, and physiological stress responses. This study examines the predictive role of academic stressors and sociodemographic variables across five dimensions of stress response. Methods: The sample [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Academic stress arises when students perceive that university demands exceed their coping resources, leading to cognitive, behavioral, and physiological stress responses. This study examines the predictive role of academic stressors and sociodemographic variables across five dimensions of stress response. Methods: The sample comprised 1014 Spanish university students (64.5% women, 35.5% men; M = 20.56, SD = 3.50). Participants completed the Academic Stressors Scale (E-CEA) and the Stress Responses Scale (R-CEA). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted in two blocks: sociodemographic variables were entered in the first block, followed by academic stressors in the second. Results: Academic stressors accounted for substantial variance in all five stress response dimensions: negative thoughts (47.8%), physical exhaustion (39.5%), physical agitation (32.9%), irritability (29.7%), and sleep disturbances (26.8%). The most recurrent predictors were beliefs about performance, exams, and academic overload. In contrast, sociodemographic variables explained a much smaller portion of the variance (5.9%) and were specifically linked to higher irritability among women and younger students, more negative thoughts among students in Arts and Humanities, and fewer physical symptoms and sleep disturbances in students from science and technical fields. Conclusions: The findings reveal that academic stressors are key contributors to psychological distress among university students, highlighting the need for institutional interventions to alleviate the most frequent stressors. Identifying student groups particularly vulnerable to academic stress further supports the implementation of tailored strategies that address the diversity of students’ profiles and needs. Full article

29 pages, 1369 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mind the (Social and Emotional Competence) Gap to Support Higher Education Students’ Well-Being: Psychometric Properties of the SECAB-A(S)

by Sofia Oliveira, Tiago Maçarico, Ricardo Pacheco, Isabel Janeiro and Alexandra Marques-Pinto

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080162 - 16 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Today’s increasingly brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible world of work calls for a socially and emotionally competent workforce. However, there is a clear gap in higher education settings regarding the assessment and promotion of students’ social and emotional competence (SEC). Our study aims to [...] Read more.

Today’s increasingly brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible world of work calls for a socially and emotionally competent workforce. However, there is a clear gap in higher education settings regarding the assessment and promotion of students’ social and emotional competence (SEC). Our study aims to address the pressing need to evaluate and develop higher education students’ SEC by providing a tool to assess these skills, enabling researchers and practitioners to intervene and actively promote them. A sample of 767 higher education students (62.8% female, M = 22.88 years, SD = 7.30) enrolled in the study. Structural, discriminant and concurrent criterion validity, and reliability of the measure were assessed. A multiple hierarchical regression analysis tested the relation of SEC and well-being. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the hypothesized factorial structures. Coefficient omegas indicated adequate internal consistency. The results also supported the measure’s discriminant and criterion validities in relation to external measures. Multi-group invariance across gender and academic fields was attained. We found evidence of the predictive role of intrapersonal skills on students’ personal and academic well-being. This study bridges a gap in research and practice by introducing a psychometrically sound yet parsimonious instrument for assessing higher education students’ SEC. It also highlights the supportive role of SEC in promoting students’ well-being. Full article

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60 pages, 1204 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Prevalence and Screening Tools of Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Laura Brunelli, Flavia Pennisi, Antonio Pinto, Loredana Cella, Maria Parpinel, Silvio Brusaferro, Carlo Signorelli, Vincenzo Baldo and Vincenza Gianfredi

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080161 - 15 Aug 2025

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Abstract

(1) Background: Domestic violence (DV), including intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the puerperium, represents a major public health issue, significantly affecting maternal and child health. (2) Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aimed to identify [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Domestic violence (DV), including intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the puerperium, represents a major public health issue, significantly affecting maternal and child health. (2) Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aimed to identify screening tools used to detect DV and IPV among pregnant and postpartum women and to estimate DV prevalence. The protocol was published in PROSPERO in advance (CRD42023473392). (3) Results: A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on 1 January 2024, resulting in 34,720 records; 98 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were conducted in over 40 countries, and most were cross-sectional. Commonly used screening tools included the WHO Women’s Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire, the Abuse Assessment Screen, and the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument. Meta-analyses showed that 10% of women experienced physical violence, 26% psychological violence, 9% sexual violence, 16% verbal violence, and 13% economic violence. The overall prevalence of IPV during pregnancy and the puerperium was 26%. Despite the widespread use of validated instruments, substantial heterogeneity was observed, underscoring the need for standardization. (4) Conclusion: These findings underline the urgent need to integrate routine IPV screening into maternal care pathways using validated, culturally adapted tools, ensuring women’s safety and confidentiality. Full article

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18 pages, 506 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Dispositional Optimism and Perfectionism on the Relationship Between Perceived Parental Psychological Control and Support and Adolescents’ Well-Being

by Luana Sorrenti, Maria Imbesi, Carmelo Francesco Meduri, Angelo Fumia and Pina Filippello

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080160 - 14 Aug 2025

Viewed by 385

Abstract

Adolescents’ psychological well-being results from the interaction between individual traits, such as optimism and perfectionism, and contextual factors. According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the living environment can promote well-being by fulfilling basic psychological needs. Perceived parental support or control may influence the [...] Read more.

Adolescents’ psychological well-being results from the interaction between individual traits, such as optimism and perfectionism, and contextual factors. According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the living environment can promote well-being by fulfilling basic psychological needs. Perceived parental support or control may influence the satisfaction of these needs and the development of dispositional traits, with significant consequences on well-being. This study, conducted on a sample of Italian adolescents (N = 500, M_age = 18; SD = 0.7), aimed to explore the mediating role of dispositional optimism and both adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism in the relationship between perceived parental support and control and adolescents’ well-being. Structural Equation Model (SEM) results showed that optimism mediated the relationship between paternal support and well-being (β = 0.029, p = 0.05), while adaptive perfectionism mediated the effects of both maternal and paternal support on well-being (β = 0.062, p < 0.001; β = 0.038, p = 0.001). In contrast, maternal control had an indirect negative impact on well-being through dispositional optimism and maladaptive perfectionism (β = −0.045, p = 0.012; β = −0.040, p = 0.009), whereas paternal control was not significant. These findings underscore the importance of supportive parenting in promoting adolescent psychological well-being and the risks associated with excessive control. Full article

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21 pages, 2324 KB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting Healthy Organizations Through Urban Nature: Psychological and Physiological Effects in Healthcare Workers

by Norida Vélez, Diana Marcela Paredes-Céspedes, Angélica Cruz-Pérez, Ronald López, Alejandra Parada-López, Eliana M. Téllez-Ávila, Paola Rodríguez de Silva, Ana Munevar, Diana Marcela Rodríguez González, Paola Fuquen, Juan Carlos Santacruz and Jeadran Malagón-Rojas

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080159 - 14 Aug 2025

Viewed by 509

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals experience high levels of stress due to demanding work, especially in metropolitan areas. Nature-based interventions offer potential mental health benefits. This randomized intervention study aimed to evaluate the effects of nature immersion therapies on mental health outcomes in healthcare workers [...] Read more.

Background: Healthcare professionals experience high levels of stress due to demanding work, especially in metropolitan areas. Nature-based interventions offer potential mental health benefits. This randomized intervention study aimed to evaluate the effects of nature immersion therapies on mental health outcomes in healthcare workers with different psychological risk in Bogota, Colombia. Methods: During a period of 6 months, a total of 82 healthcare workers from two institutions were assigned to three groups: two exposed weekly to nature (parks and forests) and one control group with monthly conventional interventions. Psychological assessments of stress, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep quality were conducted at three time points (baseline, three, and six months of intervention). Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) was measured monthly using immunoassay. Results: A decrease in the proportion of participants reporting high levels of perceived stress was observed in both intervention groups. Both forest and parks interventions significantly reduced anxiety and fatigue, while sleep quality improved only in the forest group. Multivariate analysis found a negative association between fatigue and forest intervention, as well as significant differences in CAR concentrations across groups over time. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that nature immersion therapy, particularly urban forests, positively impact mental and physical health, reducing stress, anxiety, fatigue, and CAR levels, and could be considered as an effective intervention to enhance workers’ resilience to stress, benefiting their overall health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health Challenges: Mapping Psychosocial Factors Driving Healthy Organizations)

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24 pages, 766 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Spirituality–Resilience–Happiness Triad: A High-Powered Model for Understanding University Student Well-Being

by Moises David Reyes-Perez, Leticia Carreño Saucedo, María Julia Sanchez-Levano, Roxana Cabanillas-Palomino, Paola Fiorella Monje-Yovera, Johan Pablo Jaime-Rodríguez, Luz Angelica Atoche-Silva, Johannes Michael Alarcón-Bustíos and Antony Esmit Franco Fernández-Altamirano

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080158 - 13 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1011

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between spirituality, resilience, and happiness among higher education students, exploring the moderating roles of religious belief and years of study based on developmental and religious coping theoretical frameworks. Developmental theory suggests that university students’ psychological resources evolve across [...] Read more.

This study examines the relationships between spirituality, resilience, and happiness among higher education students, exploring the moderating roles of religious belief and years of study based on developmental and religious coping theoretical frameworks. Developmental theory suggests that university students’ psychological resources evolve across academic years, while religious coping theory posits that individual differences in religious commitment may buffer spirituality’s protective effects on well-being outcomes. Using a quantitative cross-sectional approach, data were collected from 459 university students from environmental science programs across public and private universities in northern Peru. Participants were predominantly female (59.04%) and aged 18–24 years (73%). Three validated instruments were administered: the Personal Spirituality Scale, Connor–Davidson Brief Resilience Scale, and Subjective Happiness Scale. Religious beliefs were measured on a 5-point scale, while years of study was categorized by academic year. Results from partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed significant direct effects of spirituality on both happiness (β = 0.256, p < 0.001) and resilience (β = 0.274, p < 0.001), with resilience also significantly influencing happiness (β = 0.162, p < 0.05). The structural model demonstrated exceptional explanatory power, with spirituality explaining 97.1% of variance in resilience, while spirituality and resilience together accounted for 86.2% of variance in happiness. Contrary to theoretical expectations, neither religious beliefs (β = 0.032, p = 0.489) nor years of study (β = −0.047, p = 0.443) showed significant moderating effects. These results suggest that spirituality and resilience serve as universal contributors to student well-being, operating independently of specific religious orientations and academic progression. The findings support integrating spiritual development and resilience-building components into inclusive university student support programs. Full article

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39 pages, 3511 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

From Senses to Memory During Childhood: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-Analysis Exploring Multisensory Processing and Working Memory Development

by Areej A. Alhamdan, Hayley E. Pickering, Melanie J. Murphy and Sheila G. Crewther

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080157 - 12 Aug 2025

Viewed by 583

Abstract

Multisensory processing has long been recognized to enhance perception, cognition, and actions in adults. However, there is currently limited understanding of how multisensory stimuli, in comparison to unisensory stimuli, contribute to the development of both motor and verbally assessed working memory (WM) in [...] Read more.

Multisensory processing has long been recognized to enhance perception, cognition, and actions in adults. However, there is currently limited understanding of how multisensory stimuli, in comparison to unisensory stimuli, contribute to the development of both motor and verbally assessed working memory (WM) in children. Thus, the current study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the associations between the multisensory processing of auditory and visual stimuli, and performance on simple and more complex WM tasks, in children from birth to 15 years old. We also aimed to determine whether there are differences in WM capacity for audiovisual compared to unisensory auditory or visual stimuli alone after receptive and spoken language develop. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science databases identified that 21 out of 3968 articles met the inclusion criteria for Bayesian meta-analysis and the AXIS risk of bias criteria. The results showed at least extreme/decisive evidence for associations between verbal and motor reaction times on multisensory tasks and a variety of visual and auditory WM tasks, with verbal multisensory stimuli contributing more to verbally assessed WM capacity than unisensory auditory or visual stimuli alone. Furthermore, a meta-regression confirmed that age significantly moderates the observed association between multisensory processing and both visual and auditory WM tasks, indicating that verbal- and motor-assessed multisensory processing contribute differentially to WM performance, and to different age-determined extents. These findings have important implications for school-based learning methods and other educational activities where the implementation of multisensory stimuli is likely to enhance outcomes. Full article

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23 pages, 1420 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Deficits in Duration Estimation in Individuals Aged 10–20 Years Old with Idiopathic Mild Intellectual Disability: The Role of Inhibition, Shifting, and Processing Speed

by Elsa Gourlat, Anne-Claire Rattat and Cédric T. Albinet

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080156 - 11 Aug 2025

Viewed by 351

Abstract

Time perception, especially duration estimation, plays a crucial role in the organization of behavior across development. Despite its importance, the cognitive mechanisms underlying impaired duration estimation remain insufficiently explored. Recently, the role of cognitive functions, such as executive functions, has been demonstrated in [...] Read more.

Time perception, especially duration estimation, plays a crucial role in the organization of behavior across development. Despite its importance, the cognitive mechanisms underlying impaired duration estimation remain insufficiently explored. Recently, the role of cognitive functions, such as executive functions, has been demonstrated in duration estimation. In the present study, the duration estimation, inhibition, shifting, and processing speed performances of participants with idiopathic mild intellectual disability (MID) without associated disorders (N = 79), aged between 10 and 20 years, were compared with those of typical participants (N = 81). The results show that the individuals with MID had difficulties in all cognitive functions (with the exception of one shifting task). Moreover, our results highlight—for the first time—the role of inhibition abilities and processing speed not only in the increase in duration estimation abilities with age, but also in the deficits observed in MID. To conclude, deficits in duration estimation in MID are due to an impairment of other cognitive functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Subjective Time: Cognition, Emotion and Beyond)

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20 pages, 356 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Investigation on Workplace Violence in an Infectious Disease Hospital: A Mixed-Methods Study from the Perspectives of Healthcare Workers and Patients

by Yuting Tang, Min Zhang, Chuning He, Yiming Huang, Xinxin Fang, Xuechun Wang, Fuyuan Wang and Yiran Zhang

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080155 - 11 Aug 2025

Viewed by 498

Abstract

Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers (HCWs) in infectious disease hospitals, particularly in high-risk settings, remains a critical yet understudied occupational hazard. A mixed-methods study was conducted at a Chinese infectious disease hospital, combining quantitative surveys (N = 675) and semi-structured interviews (28 [...] Read more.

Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers (HCWs) in infectious disease hospitals, particularly in high-risk settings, remains a critical yet understudied occupational hazard. A mixed-methods study was conducted at a Chinese infectious disease hospital, combining quantitative surveys (N = 675) and semi-structured interviews (28 HCWs, 17 patients/families). Logistic regression was used to analyze WPV incidence and predictors, while a thematic analysis of interview data identified contextual drivers. Psychological violence (34.1%) was significantly more prevalent than physical violence (2.2%), with outpatient departments (44.1%) and temporary staff (OR = 1.72) at the highest risk. Qualitative themes revealed systemic triggers, including communication breakdowns, environmental stressors, and organizational gaps in safety protocols and reporting. This study addressed a critical gap by incorporating the perspectives of HCWs and patients, revealing that WPV perceptions vary due to differing expectations and experiences. From these results, the CARE (Communication, Advocacy, Respect, Education) framework proposes actionable strategies: standardized SBAR communication protocols, enhanced security protocols in high-risk units, and mandatory anti-violence training. These findings underscore the need to strengthen the occupational health system to mitigate WPV and to improve healthcare quality. Full article

16 pages, 477 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Well-Being Among Older Chinese Migrants in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study on Structural and Psychosocial Resources

by Xinyao Huang, Chawisa Suradom, Kelvin C. Y. Leung, Tinakon Wongpakaran and Rewadee Jenraumjit

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080154 - 10 Aug 2025

Viewed by 482

Abstract

Despite the growing number of older adults engaging in voluntary migration, there is a lack of knowledge about their psychological well-being in cross-cultural contexts. This cross-sectional study investigated factors associated with psychological well-being among older Chinese migrants residing in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Between [...] Read more.

Despite the growing number of older adults engaging in voluntary migration, there is a lack of knowledge about their psychological well-being in cross-cultural contexts. This cross-sectional study investigated factors associated with psychological well-being among older Chinese migrants residing in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Between December 2024 and February 2025, 204 Chinese migrants aged 60 and above who had resided in Chiang Mai for at least six months participated in a survey in Chinese. The survey measured sociodemographic and psychosocial factors including perceived health, income, marital status, number of co-residing family members, social support, acculturative stress, sense of mastery, and loneliness. Multiple regression analysis showed that gender (female) (p = 0.006), better perceived health status (p = 0.021), higher income (p = 0.007), more co-residing family members (p = 0.037), a greater sense of mastery (p = 0.009), and lower levels of loneliness (p < 0.001) were each independently associated with better psychological well-being. In contrast, neither general family support nor acculturative stress was a statistically significant predictor. These findings highlight the significant roles of financial security, family co-residence, personal empowerment, and social connectedness in shaping overall well-being. Strategies to improve psychological well-being in this population should focus on strengthening emotional connectedness, supporting the development of meaningful family and social relationships, and supporting economic stability. Full article

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18 pages, 316 KB

Open AccessArticle

Health Literacy Gaps Across Language Groups: A Population-Based Assessment in Alto Adige/South Tyrol, Italy

by Dietmar Ausserhofer, Verena Barbieri, Stefano Lombardo, Timon Gärtner, Klaus Eisendle, Giuliano Piccoliori, Adolf Engl and Christian J. Wiedermann

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080153 - 9 Aug 2025

Viewed by 347

Abstract

Health literacy is crucial for effectively navigating health systems and promoting equitable health outcomes. Multilingual and culturally dual regions present unique challenges for health communication; however, disparities in health literacy within such contexts remain insufficiently explored. This study constitutes the first population-based assessment [...] Read more.

Health literacy is crucial for effectively navigating health systems and promoting equitable health outcomes. Multilingual and culturally dual regions present unique challenges for health communication; however, disparities in health literacy within such contexts remain insufficiently explored. This study constitutes the first population-based assessment of health literacy in Alto Adige/South Tyrol, a bilingual province in northern Italy, utilizing the validated HLS-EU-Q16 instrument. A stratified random sample of 2090 residents aged 18 and older was surveyed in 2024. Weighted analyses ensured population representativeness, and scores were analyzed overall, by domain (health care, disease prevention, health promotion), and by language group (German, Italian, multilingual). Regression models incorporating sociodemographic and health-related covariates were employed to identify predictors of health literacy. Half of the population (50.0%) exhibited problematic or inadequate health literacy, with significant differences observed across language groups. Italian speakers demonstrated the highest scores, whereas German speakers scored lowest overall. These differences remained significant after adjustment for age, education, chronic illness, and professional background. Domain-specific analyses revealed distinct patterns: German-speaking respondents scored particularly low in the health promotion domain, while multilingual individuals achieved the highest scores in the prevention and promotion domains. Education level and language background emerged as the strongest predictors of health literacy, while most other covariates exhibited limited explanatory power. The findings underscore the necessity for language-sensitive and domain-specific interventions, highlighting health literacy as both a personal skill and a structural responsibility. Full article

24 pages, 2572 KB

Open AccessArticle

DIALOGUE: A Generative AI-Based Pre–Post Simulation Study to Enhance Diagnostic Communication in Medical Students Through Virtual Type 2 Diabetes Scenarios

by Ricardo Xopan Suárez-García, Quetzal Chavez-Castañeda, Rodrigo Orrico-Pérez, Sebastián Valencia-Marin, Ari Evelyn Castañeda-Ramírez, Efrén Quiñones-Lara, Claudio Adrián Ramos-Cortés, Areli Marlene Gaytán-Gómez, Jonathan Cortés-Rodríguez, Jazel Jarquín-Ramírez, Nallely Guadalupe Aguilar-Marchand, Graciela Valdés-Hernández, Tomás Eduardo Campos-Martínez, Alonso Vilches-Flores, Sonia Leon-Cabrera, Adolfo René Méndez-Cruz, Brenda Ofelia Jay-Jímenez and Héctor Iván Saldívar-Cerón

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080152 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1479

Abstract

DIALOGUE (DIagnostic AI Learning through Objective Guided User Experience) is a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)-based training program designed to enhance diagnostic communication skills in medical students. In this single-arm pre–post study, we evaluated whether DIALOGUE could improve students’ ability to disclose a type [...] Read more.

DIALOGUE (DIagnostic AI Learning through Objective Guided User Experience) is a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)-based training program designed to enhance diagnostic communication skills in medical students. In this single-arm pre–post study, we evaluated whether DIALOGUE could improve students’ ability to disclose a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis with clarity, structure, and empathy. Thirty clinical-phase students completed two pre-test virtual encounters with an AI-simulated patient (ChatGPT, GPT-4o), scored by blinded raters using an eight-domain rubric. Participants then engaged in ten asynchronous GenAI scenarios with automated natural-language feedback. Seven days later, they completed two post-test consultations with human standardized patients, again evaluated with the same rubric. Mean total performance increased by 36.7 points (95% CI: 31.4–42.1; p < 0.001), and the proportion of high-performing students rose from 0% to 70%. Gains were significant across all domains, most notably in opening the encounter, closure, and diabetes specific explanation. Multiple regression showed that lower baseline empathy (β = −0.41, p = 0.005) and higher digital self-efficacy (β = 0.35, p = 0.016) independently predicted greater improvement; gender had only a marginal effect. Cluster analysis revealed three learner profiles, with the highest-gain group characterized by low empathy and high digital self-efficacy. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC ≈ 0.90). These findings provide empirical evidence that GenAI-mediated training can meaningfully enhance diagnostic communication and may serve as a scalable, individualized adjunct to conventional medical education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in Health, Psychology and Education)

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14 pages, 475 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Shame: The Mediating Role of Dissociation

by Gianluca Santoro, Lucia Sideli, Alessandro Musetti and Adriano Schimmenti

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080151 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1465

Abstract

Previous research has found significant associations among childhood trauma, dissociation, and shame. Furthermore, the clinical literature suggests that dissociation may foster feelings of shame in individuals who were exposed to childhood trauma. The current study aimed to test the potential mediating effect of [...] Read more.

Previous research has found significant associations among childhood trauma, dissociation, and shame. Furthermore, the clinical literature suggests that dissociation may foster feelings of shame in individuals who were exposed to childhood trauma. The current study aimed to test the potential mediating effect of dissociation on the association between childhood trauma and shame. The study sample consisted of 763 adults (479 females, 62.8%) from the general Italian population, aged between 18 and 65 years (M = 31.31, SD = 13.29). Self-report instruments assessing childhood trauma, dissociation, and shame were administered to participants via an anonymous online survey. Structural equation modeling showed that childhood trauma was associated with increased levels of both dissociation and shame. Moreover, dissociation partially mediated the predictive association between childhood trauma and shame. These findings suggest that dissociation might heighten the tendency to unconsciously reenact self-devaluation and self-blame in individuals exposed to childhood trauma, increasing feelings of shame. Full article

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17 pages, 357 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Proclivity, Enjoyment, and Acceptance of Non-Consensual Intimate-Image Distribution Among Greek University Students

by Constantinos M. Kokkinos, Theano-Athanasia Papioti and Ioanna Voulgaridou

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080150 - 4 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Objectives: The present study investigated proclivity for non-consensual intimate-image distribution and its related dimensions—enjoyment and acceptance—in relation to key demographic and relational variables, including gender, age, sexual orientation, frequency of dating app use, and current romantic relationship status. Methods: A total of 1735 [...] Read more.

Objectives: The present study investigated proclivity for non-consensual intimate-image distribution and its related dimensions—enjoyment and acceptance—in relation to key demographic and relational variables, including gender, age, sexual orientation, frequency of dating app use, and current romantic relationship status. Methods: A total of 1735 Greek university students (mean age = 22 years, standard deviation = 6.18; 35.2 percent male) participated in an anonymous online survey. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were conducted to examine the associations and predictive value of the demographic variables on proclivity, enjoyment, and acceptance of non-consensual intimate-image distribution. Results: Men, younger participants, and those who reported more frequent use of dating applications or websites demonstrated higher proclivity for non-consensual intimate-image distribution. Gender and frequency of dating app use were also significant predictors of enjoyment, with men and frequent users reporting greater enjoyment. Regarding acceptance, sexual orientation was the only significant predictor, with non-heterosexual individuals indicating higher levels of acceptance. Romantic relationship status did not significantly predict any of the three outcome variables. Conclusions: These findings highlight the significance of gender, age, sexual orientation, and dating app engagement in understanding the psychological and behavioral dimensions of non-consensual intimate-image distribution. The results support the need for targeted prevention efforts and further research into the contextual and psychosocial factors associated with this form of image-based abuse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological and Social Influences on Satisfaction in Couple Relationships)

24 pages, 2839 KB

Open AccessArticle

Personality Assessment Inventory in Fibromyalgia: Links to Functional, Physical–Somatic, and Emotional Impact

by Andrea Doreste, Jesus Pujol, Eva Penelo, Víctor Pérez, Laura Blanco-Hinojo, Gerard Martínez-Vilavella, Fabiola Ojeda, Jordi Monfort and Joan Deus

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080149 - 1 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and psychological symptoms. Patients often present distinct personality traits and psychopathological patterns associated with symptom severity. Objective: To examine psychopathological profiles in FM patients based on functional, physical–somatic, and [...] Read more.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and psychological symptoms. Patients often present distinct personality traits and psychopathological patterns associated with symptom severity. Objective: To examine psychopathological profiles in FM patients based on functional, physical–somatic, and emotional impairment domains, as well as on cumulative disease severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 70 women clinically diagnosed with FM at a specialized Fibromyalgia Unit. Psychological functioning was assessed using the Personality Assessment Inventory, and disease impact was measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Hierarchical cluster analyses were used to classify participants into mild and severe clusters across FIQ domains, and psychological profiles were compared. Results: Patients with severe functional impairment had more affective dysregulation (76.43 vs. 70.20, p < 0.01) and somatic complaints (85.57 vs. 79.76, p < 0.05) than those with mild impairment. The severe–physical cluster showed greater mood instability, somatization, and suicidal ideation (60.94 vs. 53.61, p < 0.05). The severe–emotional cluster had higher rates of major depression (85.71% vs. 64.28%) and persistent depressive disorder (76.19% vs. 70.61%, p < 0.05). Severe showed more emotional instability and somatization, distinguishing it from mild. Greater cumulative severity intensified depressive and somatic disorders. Discussion: Findings support FM’s biopsychosocial profile, where emotional distress may relate to psychological and physical symptoms, reinforcing the need for personalized, multidisciplinary care and comprehensive assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Adaptation in Chronic Illness: Risky Factors and Resilience)

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20 pages, 538 KB

Open AccessArticle

Segmenting Preventive Health Behavior: Gender Disparities and Psychosocial Predictors in a Culturally Diverse Italian Region

by Dietmar Ausserhofer, Verena Barbieri, Stefano Lombardo, Timon Gärtner, Klaus Eisendle, Giuliano Piccoliori, Adolf Engl and Christian J. Wiedermann

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080148 - 31 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Grounded in health behavior theory, this study examined patterns of preventive health behavior in a culturally diverse, multilingual region of northern Italy using data from a representative population survey (n = 2090). Preventive behaviors were assessed using the 16-item Good Health Practices [...] Read more.

Grounded in health behavior theory, this study examined patterns of preventive health behavior in a culturally diverse, multilingual region of northern Italy using data from a representative population survey (n = 2090). Preventive behaviors were assessed using the 16-item Good Health Practices (GHP-16) scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five behavioral profiles, ranging from ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Comprehensive High Engagers’. Binary logistic regression compared ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Broadly Moderate Preventers’, examining predictors including gender, age, education, language, chronic disease status, health literacy (HLS-EU-Q16), patient activation (PAM-10), mistrust of health information, living situation, and healthcare employment. The results showed that men, younger adults, individuals with low patient activation, those living alone, and respondents with high mistrust of health information had higher odds of belonging to the low engagement group. Health literacy and language group membership were not significantly associated with the profile membership. Item-level comparisons revealed gender differences in information-seeking, oral hygiene, and dietary behaviors, with men reporting lower engagement. These findings support a segmentation-based understanding of preventive health behavior and highlight the need to address personal capacities and contextual barriers in interventions while challenging assumptions of uniformly higher female health vigilance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancing the Knowledge and Application of Health Behavior Theories)

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18 pages, 801 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Reaction to Diagnosis Questionnaire—Sibling Version: A Preliminary Study on the Psychometric Properties

by Chiara Martis, Annalisa Levante and Flavia Lecciso

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080147 - 29 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background: The diagnosis of a disability in a child may significantly impact the entire family system. While existing literature has primarily focused on parental reaction to the diagnosis, little is known about how typically developing siblings process this event. Methods: This exploratory study [...] Read more.

Background: The diagnosis of a disability in a child may significantly impact the entire family system. While existing literature has primarily focused on parental reaction to the diagnosis, little is known about how typically developing siblings process this event. Methods: This exploratory study presented the preliminary psychometric properties of the Reaction to Diagnosis Questionnaire—Sibling Version, adapted from an instrument originally designed to assess parental reaction to the child’s diagnosis. Following a back-translation and adaptation process, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 623 typically developing siblings (M = 24.6 years, SD = 5.76) of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or physical disabilities. Results: Exploratory factor analyses supported a refined 32-item questionnaire with two factors—lack of resolution versus resolution, both showing excellent internal reliability. No significant differences were found based on typically developing sibling sex, age, or type of disability of the brother/sister, while correlational analyses indicated that greater disability severity was associated with lower resolution and higher lack of resolution. Conclusions: Results suggested that the Reaction to Diagnosis Questionnaire—Sibling Version is a promising tool for assessing the reaction to the brother/sister diagnosis on behalf of the typically developing siblings. Further research is needed to confirm these results and inform intervention programs promoting well-being and adaptive family functioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Adaptation in Chronic Illness: Risky Factors and Resilience)

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14 pages, 857 KB

Open AccessArticle

Leaving School: A Healthy Transition in Late Adolescence?

by Max Herke

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080146 - 25 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background: Adolescents’ subjective well-being (SWB) is a key indicator of quality of life. While its development during schooling has been widely studied, few studies have examined changes in SWB after leaving school due to the need for longitudinal data. This study investigates changes [...] Read more.

Background: Adolescents’ subjective well-being (SWB) is a key indicator of quality of life. While its development during schooling has been widely studied, few studies have examined changes in SWB after leaving school due to the need for longitudinal data. This study investigates changes in SWB among adolescents in Germany over the two years before and after leaving school, focusing on school type, socioeconomic position, gender, and family structure. Methods: We use data from the ninth-grade cohort of the German National Educational Panel Study, first surveyed in 2010 and followed annually. Growth modeling (specifically, a multilevel discontinuity model) is applied to analyze SWB trajectories and potential moderation by background characteristics. The final sample includes 19,767 observations from 6599 individuals. Results: SWB increases notably after leaving school and remains stable before and after the transition. The increase is smaller for adolescents completing higher secondary education, living in nuclear families, or identifying as male. These groups report higher SWB prior to the transition, so post-school changes reduce group differences. Conclusion: The findings suggest that schools may lack adequate resources to support adolescents in mastering key developmental challenges. While school is a critical environment, it may also impose pressures that are associated with lower well-being. Full article

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10 pages, 481 KB

Open AccessArticle

Problematic Internet Use: Measurement and Structural Invariance Across Sex and Academic Year Cohorts

by Mateo Pérez-Wiesner, Kora-Mareen Bühler and Jose Antonio López-Moreno

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080145 - 22 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 424

Abstract

The extensive use of digital media among adolescents has raised concerns about its impact on emotional development and mental health. Understanding the psychological factors behind problematic digital media use is essential for effective prevention. This study examined whether the relationships between emotion regulation [...] Read more.

The extensive use of digital media among adolescents has raised concerns about its impact on emotional development and mental health. Understanding the psychological factors behind problematic digital media use is essential for effective prevention. This study examined whether the relationships between emotion regulation (negative and positive), compulsive use, cognitive preoccupation, and negative outcomes linked to digital media are consistent across sex and academic year. We used a cross-sectional design with 2357 adolescents (12–16 years old) from Compulsory Secondary Education. Participants completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing problematic digital media use, and associated consequences in four domains: internet, video games, social networking, and messaging. Four structural equation models (SEMs), each focused on a media type, tested whether these relationships remained stable across sex and academic year. All models showed good fit, and differences between groups were minimal, supporting valid comparisons. Results confirm that emotion regulation difficulties and problematic digital media use are consistently associated with negative outcomes in all adolescents, regardless of sex or academic level. Preventive strategies targeting emotional regulation and digital media behaviors may be broadly applied to reduce emotional and functional problems related to excessive media use. Full article

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14 pages, 466 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Grittier and More Hopeful About the Future? A Nine-Month School-Based Longitudinal Study on Grit and Adolescent Possible Selves

by Shimin Zhu and Chongzeng Bi

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(8), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15080144 - 22 Jul 2025

Viewed by 416

Abstract

The changes in adolescents’ visions for the future are important to adolescents’ developmental trajectories, motivation, and educational outcomes, yet understudied. This study examined the change in possible selves and its association with grit during school closure and life interruption during COVID-19. We conducted [...] Read more.

The changes in adolescents’ visions for the future are important to adolescents’ developmental trajectories, motivation, and educational outcomes, yet understudied. This study examined the change in possible selves and its association with grit during school closure and life interruption during COVID-19. We conducted a school-based longitudinal survey among 1577 students (Mage = 13.05, SD = 0.86) from 12 secondary schools at the start and end of an academic year prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic with a 9-month interval. Demographic, grit, socioeconomic status (SES), self-control, and possible selves were measured. Paired t-tests indicated a significant decrease in academic possible selves and strategies. Hierarchical regression analysis results show that participants with higher grit scores reported higher academic and life possible selves; in particular, the effect of grit–perseverance was stronger than grit–passion after controlling self-control. SES moderated the effect of grit–passion on academic possible selves. The current longitudinal study provides important implications for education and youth social work practice for young people growing up with the influence of the pandemic. Full article

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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ., Volume 15, Issue 8 (August 2025) – 23 articles

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