Psychology International

This study examines job performance among judo referees through the lens of personality traits during World Judo Tour events from 2018 to 2022. Sixty-three referees completed an online questionnaire including the Big Five Inventory (BFI) and the Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire (CWEQ-II). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). The measurement model showed acceptable validity and reliability, confirming the structural model. Support and resources emerged as the most influential factors affecting job satisfaction (JAS) and organizational role satisfaction (ORS). Incorporating refereeing experience at major events into the model indicated only partial model fit. Findings highlight the role of structural empowerment in mitigating job dissatisfaction among referees. Future research with larger samples should further strengthen the understanding of the relationship between personality traits, empowerment, and job performance. Full article

The aim of this study was to fill in the gap in the existing literature when it comes to investigating stigma towards naturism and the individuals who engage in it by creating a psychometric instrument that considers both the experiences of naturists and the beliefs of non-naturists. This quantitative study was cross-sectional in its nature. For the first part of the study, a total of 151 participants participated. After data cleaning, the final sample size was 126. The participants were aged between 18 and 69. The participants were asked to report their gender, sexual orientation, and previous engagement in naturist activities. For the second part of the study, 347 participants completed the survey. The participants in this section were aged between 20 and 76 years old. An explorative principal axis factor analysis was conducted on the 34 items of the developed beliefs about naturists scale (BANS). The analysis indicated that the items loaded onto three factors, with a total of 46.686% of the variance explained, which broadly related to the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour components of stigma. The first validation indicated that the BANS should be reduced to 29 items. The attitudes factor consisted of 13 items; the beliefs factor consisted of 10 items; and the behaviours factor consisted of six items. A further quantitative study was then carried out to re-evaluate the construct validity of the improved scale and to explore its concurrent validity. The revalidation of the BANS aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity, construct validity, and reliability of the scale. The correlation analysis indicated that the BANS has a high concurrent validity, as it was highly correlated with similar theoretical concepts and empirical predictors of stigma. Although more research is necessary to further evaluate the predictive validity, as well as the validity and reliability across different populations, this preliminary validation suggests a good concurrent and convergent validity, making this the most valid scale in existence to date when it comes to exploring the relationship between stigma and naturism. Full article

Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) allows items to cross-load on nontarget factors and provides flexibility in modeling multidimensional survey data. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of increased model complexity due to the estimation of a significantly greater number of parameters than conventional SEM. This study systematically evaluated the model fit indices in ESEM through a Monte Carlo simulation. Design factors included model complexity,atent factor correlations, magnitudes and percentages of major cross-loadings, and sample sizes. Results showed that both the number ofatent factors m and the item–factor ratio p/m had distinct impacts on rejection rates, particularly in underspecified models. Among the fit measures, ${\chi }^2$ tests and Mc demonstrated high power for detecting misspecification while, in general, elevating false positives. CFI and TLI provided a more balanced trade-off between false- and true-positive rates. When evaluating ESEM, it is important to consider multiple fit indices and justify the cutoff criteria across models with different factor structures. Full article

Prior work established the presence of six crosscutting patterns of clinically significant family maltreatment (FM) and psychological health (PH) problems among active-duty service members. Here, we develop a brief screener for these patterns via Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analyses using a sample of active-duty members of the United States Air Force. CART is a predictive algorithm used in machine learning. It balances prediction accuracy and model parsimony to identify an optimal set of predictors and identifies the thresholds on those predictors in relation to a discrete condition of interest (e.g., diagnosis of pathology). A 22-item screener predicted membership in five of the six classes (sensitivities and specificities > 0.96; positive and negative predictive values > 0.90). However, for service members at extremely high risk of clinically significant externalizing behavior, sensitivity and positive predictive values were much lower. The resulting 22-item brief screener can facilitate feasible, cost-effective detection of five of the six identified FM and PH problem patterns with a small number of items. The sixth pattern can be predicted far better than chance. Researchers and policymakers can use this tool to guide prevention efforts for FM and PH problems in service members. Full article

In recent years, the science of sustainability has evolved in alignment with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to achieve a more just and sustainable world across various domains, including the environment, economy, society, and health and well-being. The International Olympic Committee has also established sustainability guidelines related to Olympic sports and athletes’ mental health. Additionally, the sustainability of sports training has already been explored, and the psychology of sustainability has generated a significant body of literature. This cultural and scientific movement has led to the emergence of the concept of psychological sustainability in elite sport, which can be defined as athletes’ capacity to maintain mental well-being, cognitive functioning, emotional resilience, and adaptive performance over time, particularly in response to environmental, social, training, and competitive stressors. This article revisits the existing literature to explore the connections between sustainability and elite sport psychology, resulting in the development of a model of psychological sustainability in sports training. This model aims to balance training procedures in a way that enhances athletic performance while safeguarding athletes’ mental health. Within this framework, an approach to psychological preparation for the Olympic Games is discussed, taking into account its various preparatory phases. Full article

This study is guided by the pivotal yet underexplored question, “How does the resilience developed through the motherhood experience, particularly within the mother/child relationship, translate into a mother’s approach to her relationships with followers in a professional context?” This study delves into the impact of resilience fostered through motherhood on leadership styles, especially in professional interactions with subordinates. Adopting the grounded theory methodology, we collected qualitative data through in-depth interviews with 28 female leaders, each a mother of at least one child. We followed a grounded theory analytic procedure to systematically organize data and examine the intricacies of maternal leadership and its process-oriented resilience development. Our research uncovers a three-stage resilience-strengthening process among maternal leaders. The three stages involve the emergence of challenges, followed by the development of transformative resilience, culminating in the significant impact on inclusive leadership styles and the evolution of leader–follower relationships. This study contributes to the academic discourse in three key ways. First, it offers unique insights into how the challenges and adversities inherent in motherhood can be transformative for leadership development. Second, by identifying and detailing a three-stage process of resilience development in maternal leaders, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how personal experiences influence professional leadership capabilities. Third, the study broadens the current discourse on inclusive leadership by incorporating the maternal perspective, a relatively underexplored area, particularly in the context of transformed leader/follower relationships. Full article

This research compared the cognitive effects of two interventions postulated to induce well-being, concentration, and relaxation: vibroacoustic stimulation and guided mindfulness meditation. Electroencephalogram (EEG) biosignals were used to quantify results and were collated together with subjective first-person verbal accounts. Participants were divided into three groups: guided mindfulness meditation (Group1), vibroacoustic stimulation (Group2), and a no-stimuli control (Group3). EEG results show that vibroacoustic stimulation and guided mindfulness meditation have different cognitive effects. Vibroacoustic stimulation increased concentration and well-being during exposure, with increased relaxation found to be the main effect of meditation. Verbal accounts reinforce these findings. Effects were short-term; practical future implications for vibroacoustic stimulation are discussed. Full article

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have redefined the dynamics of self-disclosure, enabling users to share personal information in curated and highly visible ways. Existing research often frames this practice through the “privacy paradox,” yet such models overlook the deeper psychological motivations behind online disclosure. Drawing on more than 150 peer-reviewed sources, this paper advances a conceptual distinction between identity and the Self, with emphasis on the expression of the “True Self” in digital contexts. The discussion, informed by psychological perspectives of the self, examines how SNSs facilitate authentic dimensions of identity rarely expressed offline due to fear of judgment. Integrating theoretical frameworks such as Construal Level Theory, perceived control, digital nudging, and social conformity (lemming effect), the review demonstrates that online disclosure reflects not only strategic behavior but also an intrinsic drive for authenticity and self-verification. SNSs thus emerge as spaces of both social performance and authentic self-expression. Full article

This article examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into qualitative psychological research, focusing specifically on AI-assisted data analysis and its epistemological and ethical implications. While recent publications highlight AI’s potential to support analysis, such approaches risk undermining the reflexive, situated, and culturally sensitive foundations of qualitative inquiry. Drawing on relational and social constructionist epistemologies, as well as examining risks inherent in AI technologies, this work critiques the superficial outsourcing of analytical and interpretive processes to AI models. This trend reflects a broader tendency to regard AI as a neutral and objective research tool, rather than as an active participant whose outputs are shaped by, and in turn shape, the social, cultural, and technological contexts in which it operates. An alternative framework is proposed for integrating AI into qualitative inquiry, particularly in psychological research, where data are often sensitive, situated, and ethically complex. A list of best practices is also included and discussed. Key ethical concerns, such as data privacy, related algorithmic affordances, and the need for comprehensive informed consent, are examined. The article concludes with a call to nurture a qualitative research culture that embraces relational and reflective practices alongside a critical and informed use of AI in research. Full article

The student–teacher relationship is widely acknowledged as a key factor influencing both academic achievement and emotional well-being. In Grade 12 mathematics, where academic demands and pressure are particularly high, the quality of this relationship can significantly affect students’ performance. This study investigates how students with different learning profiles perceive their relationship with their mathematics teacher and how this relationship correlates with their academic outcomes. Grounded in sociocultural perspectives on learning and psychological theories of motivation, the study explores dimensions such as closeness, support, and conflict. The sample included 120 Grade 12 students (aged 17–18) from seven state-funded high schools in Attica, Greece, evenly divided into two groups based on learning characteristics. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and official school records of mathematics achievement. Findings revealed clear and statistically significant differences between the groups. Students who reported more positive relational experiences also demonstrated higher academic achievement. Across the full sample, stronger relational bonds were associated with better academic performance, while conflict was linked to lower achievement. This study makes a novel contribution by offering a comparative perspective on how the student–teacher relationship functions in high-stakes mathematics education. The results underscore the importance of fostering supportive and inclusive classroom environments, and they highlight the need for targeted professional development to help teachers build effective relationships with diverse learners. Full article

Background: Research shows that experiences of sexual violence and the use of substances hurt mental health, predisposing individuals to the development of psychological symptoms of somatization, depression, and anxiety. Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess substance use, sexual violence, and psychological symptoms (BSI-18) in a community sample of Portuguese college students. Participants: 459 college students aged 18 to 50 years participated in this study (mean = 21.55; SD = 3.15). Methods: A survey was created online and disseminated via mailing lists and social networks, and the measurement instruments used were an informed consent form, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), a Sexual Violence Questionnaire, and a Substance Use Questionnaire. Results: We found that men consume more substances, but women report more sexual victimization and psychological symptoms. Non-heterosexuals report significantly more sexual violence experiences and higher substance consumption and psychological symptoms than heterosexuals. Sexual victimization showed strong correlations with both substance use and psychological symptoms, while only some substances correlated with psychological symptoms. Age, gender, sexual orientation, sexual violence, and the substance “Hashish/Marijuana” were shown to be significant and strong predictors of psychological symptoms. Conclusions: As shown in previous studies, sexual and gender minorities are more at risk of experiencing sexual victimization and are more prone to consuming substances and developing psychological symptoms, except for men, who tend to consume more substances. Sexual violence and psychological symptoms are highly correlated, while the relation between substance use and psychological symptoms is not entirely clear. Our findings highlight the need for stronger educational and clinical interventions and increased mental health resources, with training on topics involving sexual violence, substance use, and addressing the specific challenges faced by minority groups, to create safer, inclusive, and more supportive Portuguese universities. Full article

The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) is a tool that has been examined in a number of cultural and language variations in an effort to validate it across a range of demographics. The aim of this study is to test the robustness of the TEIQue-Child Short Form’s reliability and validity using a Greek-speaking sample. As a result, seven factors emerge from the analysis, explaining 52.4% of the variance in total. The first factor is named “emotional regulation”, the second factor is named “sociability”, and the third factor is named “positive mood”. The fifth factor is named “low impulsivity”, while the fourth, sixth, and seventh factors are named “lack of persistence”, “emotion perception”, and “adaptability”, respectively. The reliability indices of the factors “emotional regulation”, “sociability”, “positive mood”, “low impulsivity”, and “emotion perception” are all above 70, indicating acceptable reliability. The reliability indices of the factors “lack of persistence” and “adaptability” are almost at acceptable levels (α = 0.69). In conclusion, it seems that the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) has undergone extensive validation across diverse linguistic and cultural populations, consistently demonstrating strong psychometric properties, and the TEIQue-CSF is a valid and reliable tool. Full article

The aim of this scoping review was to identify the attributes that have led female leaders and coaches to be successful in high-performance (HP) sport and uncover what may be missing elements aiding women wishing to advance in HP sport. To date, most research has focused on addressing the shortage of women in sports from the organizational perspective. This study investigates the challenges, and coping skills women have encountered on an individual level. Drawing attention to the skills and experiences of women who have been successful in attaining and maintaining their role in HP sport has the potential to help others advance in the field. Abstract screening (n = 411) and full-text reviews (n = 25) resulted in the inclusion of 16 studies. Included studies were conducted in the UK, Canada, Australia, the USA, and Europe, giving this review broad worldwide scope. Several areas of interest were revealed during data analysis: the challenges these women face working in the male dominated world of sport, how they faced and overcame those challenges and have maintained their role in HP sport, and the connectivity that has been established as a support mechanism for women in a leadership role. Lastly, these women discussed competency and knowledge of the sport as an important aspect of their tenure. What is absent from the literature, and exemplified in these data, is a clearly defined pathway into HP sport for the competent and knowledgeable female leader. The specific steps she can take are yet to be defined. Full article

Teaching in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is a highly demanding profession, particularly in challenging educational contexts, such as Greece. This study aims to explore teacher resilience and examine its associations with self-efficacy and environmental chaos. Specifically, the study explores the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between teacher resilience and environmental chaos. Two hundred and six ECEC teachers from Greece were recruited via convenience sampling to participate in this study. The measures used were the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Efficacy subscale of Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (TSWQ), and the Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale (CHAOS-D). The results of descriptive statistics showed that teachers’ levels of resilience were moderate to high. Correlational analyses revealed significant positive relationships between teacher resilience and self-efficacy, as well as significant negative relationships between both resilience and self-efficacy and a chaotic classroom atmosphere. The mediation analysis demonstrated that self-efficacy partially mediated the negative relationship between a chaotic atmosphere and teacher resilience. Taken together, the findings highlight the importance of mitigating environmental stressors and fostering robust self-efficacy beliefs in order to enhance the resilience and overall well-being of ECEC professionals. Full article

Given the increasing prominence of sustainable tourism in light of climate change, this study investigates the sustainable tourist behavior of winter tourists through psychological and demographic factors in relation to climate change. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and a cognitive–affective combination of variables, we outline a structural equation model to investigate the direct and indirect effect of climate change awareness (CCA), environmental attitude (ATT), and perceived responsibility (PR) towards sustainable behavior (SB). Environmental concern (EC) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are employed as mediators in a test. A total of 518 Greek winter tourists’ data were examined using SEM and multi-group analysis (MGA). It is indicated that CCA and PR directly predict SB with significant effects, and ATT’s influence is fully mediated. EC and PBC are used as significant psychological mediators, and PBC is indicated to possess a strong effect. MGA discloses significant gender, age, education, climate salience, and frequency of tourism behavior differences, provoking contextual differences that inform sustainability response. There is a theoretical contribution in the form of specification of dual roles played by cognitive control and emotional concern in determining sustainable tourism behavior. Practical implications inform the planning of interventions, particularly for policymakers, educators, and tourist managers. Future studies need to incorporate behavior information, examine causality, and carry out analysis to cultural and season levels. Full article

Breadcrumbing is a psychologically harmful dating behavior that involves sending non-committal signals to another person and periodically feigning interest in them, despite having no intention of taking the relationship forward. This is the first empirical study to examine the correlates of breadcrumbing experiences in the United Kingdom. A sample of 544 adults in the United Kingdom indicated their age, sex, sexual orientation, and relationship status and completed measures of social support and frequency of exposure to ghosting, gaslighting, and breadcrumbing. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that age and social support were negatively correlated with breadcrumbing, and that ghosting and gaslighting were positively associated with breadcrumbing. When ghosting and gaslighting were entered in the model as predictors, the effects of social support were no longer statistically significant. The findings suggest that there is a cumulative effect of exposure to victimization that can increase vulnerability to breadcrumbing and that, under these circumstances, social support may cease to operate as a protective factor. Coping may be impaired, heightening the risk of revictimization. Younger adults appear to be at higher risk of breadcrumbing. Full article

The experience of main informal caregivers during a loved one’s terminal phase and in the bereavement process involves significant emotional and physical challenges, affecting their adaptation after caregiving ends. These challenges highlight the need for support in transitioning to life post-caregiving. Health professionals play a crucial role in providing compassionate support, facilitating a dignified farewell, and connecting caregivers with bereavement support networks. To understand the experiences informal caregivers after the death of the individual they cared for, and their perspectives on nursing care, a combination of qualitative and quantitative studies was conducted based on Grounded Theory. The findings aimed to promote effective adaptive responses and multisectoral support, assisting in bereavement reorganization and improving caregivers’ health after their role concludes. A model emerged for end-of-life care and support for caregivers after their caregiving tasks end, framed within a systemic approach to healthcare. This model emphasizes the interconnectedness of the terminally ill person, their family, and the caregiver as stakeholders in care. Recognizing and supporting informal caregivers is essential to ensuring the quality of care provided during the caregiving process. Continuous support throughout the caregiving period and during the transition to post-care is vital for facilitating adaptation and recovery. Full article

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and behavioral inhibition (BI) are personality traits associated with avoidance of the unfamiliar. Both are linked to anxiety and other disorders. However, most research on personality has relied on self-report, which may not correspond to actual behavior. An alternative is to observe behavior in computer-based tasks designed to assess personality. The current study sought to develop such a task, based on the conditioned place preference paradigm, which is sensitive to IU but not BI. Participants foraged for reward in a virtual environment consisting of multiple interconnected rooms. In the training phase, the rich room was paired with a higher number of wins than losses. The poor room was the opposite. In the test phase, participants could freely search any of the rooms, including a completely new room. Although most showed a strong initial preference for the new room, those with higher self-reported IU left this room faster, foraging there significantly less than those with lower IU. This preference also depended on information provided about the new room. There was a strong positive correlation between IU and BI; however, the latter was unrelated to behavior. Thus, the task captures a unique component of IU. Full article

As the global population ages, older adults face growing psychological challenges such as loneliness, cognitive decline, and loss of social roles. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including chatbots and voice-based systems, offer new pathways to emotional support and mental stimulation. However, older adults often encounter significant barriers in accessing and effectively using AI tools. This review examines the current landscape of AI applications aimed at enhancing psychological well-being among older adults, identifies key challenges such as digital literacy and usability, and highlights design and training strategies to bridge the digital divide. Using socioemotional selectivity theory and technology acceptance models as guiding frameworks, we argue that AI—especially in the form of conversational agents—holds transformative potential in reducing isolation and promoting emotional resilience in aging populations. We conclude with recommendations for inclusive design, participatory development, and future interdisciplinary research. Full article