Psychol. Int., Volume 7, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 24 articles

Numerous studies have examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ attitudes. However, little is known about how their career awareness changed and how such changes differed between urban and rural areas. This study analyzed psychological data collected through a questionnaire survey conducted from 9 November 2020, to 19 January 2021, among 516 first- to fourth-year students enrolled in social science faculties in Japan. The analysis compared changes in career awareness by university location. The results indicated that, during the pandemic, urban students placed greater emphasis on self-worth, while rural students placed greater emphasis on working conditions, suggesting a possible widening gap between the two groups. Furthermore, logistic multiple regression and path analyses revealed that, among rural students, greater concern for working conditions was associated with a stronger focus on interpersonal relationships, which in turn enhanced their preference for local employment. In addition, valuing interpersonal relationships was linked to a stronger focus on social recognition, which may foster more intrinsic aspects of career awareness. Full article

Adolescence is a critical period during which alcohol is the most commonly used substance worldwide, and such use has detrimental effects on neurobiological, psychosocial, and physiological development. Despite substantial international evidence, little is known about the concurrent influence of drinking motives and internalizing symptoms on adolescent alcohol use, particularly in the Croatian context, where adolescent drinking rates remain high. A cross-sectional study using a survey questionnaire was conducted in 2024 in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. The final stratified cluster sample comprised 925 students (58.8% of the planned sample), with a mean age of 15.41 years. Using hierarchical regression analysis, the results showed that the final model, which included both drinking motives and mental health indicators, explained 39.6% of the variance in alcohol use, 37.2% of the variance in binge drinking, and 31.8% of the variance in alcohol intoxication. Male sex was consistently associated with all three outcomes, whereas age was positively associated with alcohol use and binge drinking. Drinking motives contributed the largest proportion of the explained variance. Furthermore, lower levels of loneliness and higher levels of anxiety were associated with more frequent alcohol use, while lower stress and higher anxiety were associated with more frequent intoxication. Drinking motives are stronger predictors of adolescent alcohol use and risky drinking patterns than internalizing symptoms whose predictive strength was generally small. Prevention programs should address aspects of drinking motives in addition to promoting mental health. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we aimed to examine the changes in players’ interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, and value/usefulness through an 11-week soccer training program, using a randomized experimental study. Methods: Overall, 175 children aged 9–12 years applied to join the soccer training program at a free soccer school. Of the 175 applicants, 100 were randomly chosen to participate in the soccer training program in the intervention group (IG), whereas the other 75 children were in the control group (CG). Both groups completed a questionnaire with validated items related to interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, and value/usefulness before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the soccer training program. Results: The main finding was that participation in the 11-session soccer training program did not affect the children’s perceived competence, interest/enjoyment, or value/usefulness in a positive or negative direction compared to the CG. Another main finding was a significant decrease in interest/enjoyment from pre-test to post-test in both the control group and the intervention group. Also, the control group had higher values of perceived competence than the intervention group at both pre-test and post-test. However, the effect sizes are very small in both groups, and the practical relevance is small. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that participation at the 11-session soccer training program did not affect the children’s perceived competence, interest/enjoyment, and value/usefulness in a positive or negative direction compared to the CG. Future studies should include longer intervention periods with more weekly and overall training sessions. Full article

Stroke survivors often experience psychological difficulties, yet specialist provision is limited. The Wellbeing After Stroke (WAterS) study co-developed a nine-week, online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group programme designed to be delivered by non-specialist practitioners using structured, script-informed session clinical protocols. This study explored whether fidelity of delivery could be assessed, both to the clinical protocol (what was delivered) and to ACT therapeutic processes (how it was delivered). Eight practitioners were trained, and four delivered the intervention to three groups of four stroke survivors. Fidelity was assessed using a bespoke WAterS checklist, completed by practitioners after each session, and the ACT-Fidelity Measure (ACT-FM), completed by researchers rating a sub-set of recorded sessions. Practitioners delivered 92–100% of planned content, indicating high fidelity to protocol. ACT-FM ratings suggested some consistency with ACT processes, though there was variability across practitioners. These findings provide preliminary, proof-of-principle evidence that non-specialists can deliver a structured ACT-based group intervention with fidelity to protocol, and that both self-completed and observer-rated methods can feasibly assess fidelity. However, the small sample size means these results should be considered exploratory. The study highlights the potential value of these methods for informing training and fidelity assessment in future research. Full article

Background: The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has become a significant public health problem, especially among young people. EC use has been associated with increased nicotine exposure and other toxic substances, increasing the risk of early addiction and health problems. Recently, attention has focused on understanding the interplay between psychosocial stressors, exposure to violence, psychological distress, and an increased propensity to experiment with nicotine. Hence, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of EC use in the previous month and its associated factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on secondary data analysis of a nationwide survey conducted to monitor risk and protective factors for the health of school-aged adolescents (52.89% males; 55.97% aged up to 15 years old). Specifically, we analyzed data from adolescents aged 13–17 years who answered questions on EC use (n = 36,659). Results: The results show that the prevalence of EC use in this sample was 11.23% (IC95%: 11.23, 11.87). Logistic regression revealed several factors that increased the likelihood of EC use, such as alcohol use by friends, alcohol use in the past month, gender (male), intentional binge drinking, higher mental health symptoms, living in urban areas, experience of abuse at home, report of other drug use, and smoking friends, with the latter exerting a higher influence. Conclusion: Findings show the interplay of peers, family and environmental influences on youth risk behavior. Prevention strategies should therefore include school- and family-based interventions, trauma-informed approaches and anti-marketing campaigns to dispel misconceptions regarding EC. Full article

Background: Self-compassion has emerged as an important protective factor against eating pathology, yet evidence from community-based samples, particularly in Southern Europe, remains scarce. Methods: A total of 335 Greek adults (223 women, 112 men; aged 18–35 years, M = 26.2, SD = 5.1) completed validated measures of eating pathology (EAT-26), self-compassion (SCS), and affect (PANAS). Demographic variables (age, gender, education), BMI, and exercise frequency were also assessed. Correlational, group comparison, and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Results: Higher levels of self-compassion were consistently associated with fewer disordered eating symptoms, even after controlling BMI, education, gender, exercise, and affect. Women reported higher levels of disordered eating than men, while no significant gender differences were observed in self-compassion. Age was positively associated with self-compassion, with older adults reporting higher levels compared to younger adults. Positive affect was strongly linked to greater self-compassion, whereas negative affect showed the opposite pattern. Conclusions: Self-compassion emerged as a robust protective factor against disordered eating, independent of demographic and affective variables. Women appeared more vulnerable to disordered eating than men. In contrast, although younger adults tended to report lower self-compassion, no significant gender differences emerged in self-compassion, underscoring its potential as a universal psychological resource for prevention and intervention. Full article

Purpose: Remote work continues to transform both organizational structures and individual work experiences, introducing new dynamics that can simultaneously enhance or undermine employees’ mental health and overall well-being. These evolving conditions influence levels of stress, resilience and burnout within increasingly digital and flexible work environments. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how remote work affects occupational stress, mental health, burnout and employee well-being through a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature complemented by a narrative synthesis of emerging research themes. Methods: A total of 185 peer-reviewed documents were retrieved from the Scopus database and analyzed using the VOSviewer software, version 1.6.20 (0) (Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands). The study employed performance analysis techniques to assess annual publication trends, identify the most influential authors and sources and evaluate citation impact. Furthermore, science mapping methods, including co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, co-citation, and co-occurrence analyses, were used to visualize the intellectual structure and thematic evolution of the field. Results: The co-occurrence analysis identified three major thematic clusters. We first explored how the abrupt shift to teleworking redefined employee well-being, the second examined the psychological consequences of evolving work environments on mental health and occupational stress and the third investigated the prevalence, determinants and contextual factors of occupational burnout across professional domains. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated complex interrelations among remote work, occupational stress, mental health, and burnout, highlighting that the accelerated adoption of remote work—especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic—has substantially reshaped employees’ psychological health and work experiences. Thus, remote work emerges as a double-edged phenomenon that can either foster resilience and well-being or heighten stress and burnout, depending on the availability of supportive organizational structures, psychosocial resources, and adaptive coping mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Self-compassion is a psychological construct that involves treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and mindfulness during times of failure or suffering. This study investigates the beneficial role of state self-compassion in relation to symptoms of anxiety and depression across different adult age groups in the Greek population. Grounded in positive psychology, the research highlights state self-compassion as a protective factor for mental health. Methods: A total of 1528 adults aged 18 to 65 participated by completing a set of self-report questionnaires, including the State Self-Compassion Scale-Long Form (SSCS-L) and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: The results showed that age was positively correlated with state self-compassion and negatively with anxiety and depression symptoms. Furthermore, state self-compassion was negatively correlated with both anxiety and depression, indicating its protective association against psychological distress. Two-way ANOVA showed that state self-compassion levels, but not age groups, had a significant effect on anxiety and depression scores. No significant interaction effects were found between state self-compassion levels and age groups for either anxiety or depression, indicating that the protective association of state self-compassion was consistent across adulthood. Multiple regression analyses revealed that higher state self-compassion and older age were significantly associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Moderation analyses demonstrated that age did not moderate the association between state self-compassion and either depression or anxiety symptoms, indicating that the protective association of self-compassion remained stable across adulthood. Thus, neither ANOVA nor PROCESS analyses provided evidence for moderation. Conclusions: These findings underline the importance of fostering state self-compassion to promote psychological well-being across adulthood. Implications for counselling psychology and age-sensitive mental health interventions are discussed, with recommendations for future longitudinal and intervention-based studies. Full article

One of the challenges of settling on a universal definition of wellbeing is the significant cultural differences that influence one’s judgement about what it means to be well. This qualitative study investigated how adults conceptualise and experience wellbeing across four cultures, distinguished by differing social, political, and religious norms. We conducted interviews with 41 English speaking participants from Australia, India, Chile, and Russia, discussing the distinct dimensions that make up their wellbeing, including the psychological (e.g., perception), social (e.g., relational connections), emotional (e.g., how people perceive their emotional states in relation to wellbeing), spiritual (e.g., sense of meaning and worldviews), and expectation (e.g., resources required for optimal wellbeing) dimensions. Findings indicated the universal importance of social connectedness with others, happiness, and practices that nurture one’s physical and psychological health. There were cultural differences in how participants defined happiness and in the perceived importance of spiritual practices. The findings provide further insights into how wellbeing is understood and practiced across different cultures. Full article

Background: Mental health conditions are a growing public health concern among U.S. adolescents, particularly high school students. Emerging data show a strong link between exposure to neighborhood violence and increased risk of poor mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and persistent sadness. Objective: This study examined the relationship between neighborhood violence exposure and mental health outcomes among high school students. Method: This is a cross-sectional study using the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The sample included 19,910 students in grades 9–12 across gender and race. Mental health status and exposure to neighborhood violence were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Results: Students exposed to neighborhood violence had significantly higher odds of reporting poor mental health outcomes (AOR = 1.789, 95% CI: 1.573–2.035, p < 0.001) than the unexposed. Additionally, female, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial students reported higher rates of mental health disorders than the male students. Conclusions: Neighborhood violence exposure was significantly associated with poor mental health outcomes among high school students. These findings signify the need for targeted interventions to support affected students and reduce neighborhood violence exposure, particularly in marginalized communities. The findings will inform public health professionals, educators, and policymakers to make targeted school-based mental health interventions and community-centered policies addressing neighborhood safety and adolescent mental health. Full article

Individual beliefs are a critical factor in understanding human action and behavior. Certain beliefs, such as irrational beliefs and burnout, influence all forms of learning and social interaction within the school environment, primarily limiting both individual and collective development. The former are associated with the inherent human tendency to adhere to habits and behaviors not strictly dictated by rationality, often stemming from irrational thoughts held by the individual. The latter, examined within the framework of the Job Demands–Resources Theory, pertain to occupational characteristics that differentially affect employees’ well-being, job demands, and available resources. The present study aims to investigate the role of these variables in relation to teachers’ Innovative Work Behavior, a recurring, multi-stage process oriented toward the implementation of new ideas within the school context. The sample consisted of 337 preschool educators who completed self-report questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that both irrational beliefs (positively) and the dimension of work disengagement (negatively) significantly influenced innovative work behavior, underscoring the distinct contributions of personal belief systems and burnout dimensions. Furthermore, a hierarchical cluster analysis revealed both heterogeneity among educators and common, distinct response patterns. The identification of five different clusters suggests that the examined characteristics and the underlying beliefs represent individual traits that change dynamically, leaving open the possibility of nonlinear relationships present in the workplace. Five profiles were identified, namely Disengaged-Low Innovators, Resilient-Balanced Innovators, Adaptive Innovators, Strained but Innovative Innovators, and Belief-Driven Innovators, which highlight the complex ways in which disengagement, exhaustion, and irrational beliefs combine to shape innovative work behavior. The findings are interpretable within the framework of contemporary theories in organizational psychology and management and can be utilized by educational principals to enhance school climate and teacher performance. Full article

The present study aimed to examine the role of character virtues in the quality of romantic relationships and friendships during emerging adulthood. The sample included 505 individuals, comprising 269 single and 236 partnered emerging adults. Participants completed three self-report instruments: the Values in Action-114GR (VIA-114GR), Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale (STLS), and the Friendship Network Satisfaction scale (FNS). Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) applying ipsatization identified three distinct virtue profiles, which were not significantly associated with participants’ relationship status. Concerning friendships, analyses of variance revealed that emerging adults characterized by a balanced virtue profile reported significantly greater perceived closeness than those classified within profiles defined by lower levels of restraint and transcendence virtues. However, no significant differences were observed in the frequency of socializing. Regarding romantic relationships, it was found that different virtue profiles support different love dynamics. Specifically, the results showed that profiles differing in endorsing the knowledge virtue were overrepresented in love profiles characterized by low passion or low commitment. These findings offer significant theoretical contributions and practical implications for strengths-based interventions designed to enhance emerging adults’ social and emotional well-being. Full article

Fatal pediatric vehicular heatstroke occurs when a driver accidentally leaves a child in a vehicle, leading to death by overheating. Most such accidents are caused by simple cognitive errors. One aspect of these events, described anecdotally, is false memories: the driver has a conscious recollection of removing the child, despite knowing that, tragically, it did not happen. We systematically examined media reports of all cases in the USA over a five-year period, involving 164 separate incidents in which 166 children died. Although for many incidents insufficient information was available, with rigorous criteria, we identified cases that likely involved false memories. Tentatively, we suggest that these appear to be more common when a male child dies, and when more than one child dies, hinting that the severity of psychological trauma is a factor in their emergence. Possible explanations for these false memories are explored, with script/schema theory emerging as a reasonable explanation. This suggests that drivers fill in gaps in their memory for the journey, based on routine journey schemata. An example would be a memory gap filled with a default value of dropping the child at daycare, when in fact, they know they did not. In turn, this schema approach provides a framework for better understanding the reason that drivers sometimes experience cognitive slips, with fatal consequences for child passengers. Full article

Zero-sum beliefs about human–nature relations represent a relatively understudied psychological construct that can shape prosocial behaviours directed toward both the natural environment and humans. Yet, little is known about the individual difference factors that contribute to these beliefs. This study investigates whether Need for Cognition, Tolerance of Ambiguity, and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) predict zero-sum beliefs about the human–nature relationship (ZSB-NH). A cross-sectional, online survey (N = 355 Australians, M_Age = 52.77) assessed Need for Cognition, Tolerance of Ambiguity, SDO, and ZSB-NH, with hierarchical multiple regression revealing that together, Need for Cognition, Tolerance of Ambiguity, and SDO explained 29.9% of the variance in ZSB-NH. However, only SDO, and specifically SDO-Anti-Egalitarianism, significantly predicted ZSB-NH, with a positive and large effect. Need for Cognition and Tolerance of Ambiguity were not significant predictors of ZSB-NH, despite significant negative correlations with ZSB-NH, highlighting the importance of multivariate research to reveal the true effects of these predictors. The findings contribute to the limited research on ZSB-NH, suggesting that interventions should target hierarchical attitudes to influence zero-sum beliefs about the human relationship with nature. Full article

Construct-irrelevant variance (CIV), defined as excessive variance that is unrelated to the intended construct, poses a significant threat to the validity of test interpretations and applications. CIV can arise from two notable sources: construct-irrelevant items, which include items with content unrelated to the construct being measured, and redundant items, which repeat information already captured by other items, leading to individual fatigue and inflated reliability estimates. This study explores the detection of CIV using network psychometrics in comparison with traditional psychometrics methods. The study utilizes the HEXACO-PI dataset, focusing on six personality dimensions, and applies network psychometrics techniques such as Exploratory Graph Analysis and Unique Variable Analysis. These techniques are compared against traditional methods, such as reliability and factor analysis, to assess their effectiveness in identifying CIV items. Results highlight the potential of network psychometrics as a complementary approach for enhancing the structural integrity of psychological instruments, with 89% agreement in the number of identified CIV items. This comparison provides insights into alternative methods for improving psychological instruments, with implications for the future of psychometric evaluation. Full article

In a world increasingly characterized by rises in anxiety, depression, mood disorders and cognitive decline, our mental well-being often depends not only on our environment, but also on our food. In this systematic review, 25 clinical nutritional trials analyzed the relationship between dietary patterns and mental health across the lifespan. The PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles from 2013 published up to June 2025 and included studies with a minimum 3-month follow-up and a minimum of 50 participants. The results showed that, in most studies, the Mediterranean diet reduces depressive symptoms by 32–45%. It works because it is rich in polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber; lowers systemic inflammation; promotes gut diversity; and improves dopamine and serotonin modulation. On the other hand, five studies have shown that the MIND Diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) (with daily leafy greens, berries at least twice a week, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and nuts) and a whole-food plant-based diet lower C-reactive protein and improve mood in patients with chronic stress and fatigue. Plants provide antioxidants and phytochemicals that neutralize oxidative stress in neurons. This report emphasizes the need to promote well-being and increase public demand for food that also improves quality of life and mental health. Full article

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