European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

11 pages, 317 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Health and Well-Being of Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Canonical Correlation Analysis

by Luís Loureiro, Amorim Rosa, Tânia Morgado and Rosa Simões

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(9), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15090169 - 23 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: In recent decades, the relationship between mental health and well-being has been explored from many perspectives, with emphasis on the two-continua model of health in different contexts, with an emphasis on young higher education students. Both mental health and well-being are considered [...] Read more.

Background: In recent decades, the relationship between mental health and well-being has been explored from many perspectives, with emphasis on the two-continua model of health in different contexts, with an emphasis on young higher education students. Both mental health and well-being are considered predictors of academic success. This study aims to analyze the relationship between mental health and well-being among first- and fourth-year nursing students. The sample consisted of 473 nursing students from a university in the central region of mainland Portugal. Methods: Data were collected using the short versions of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (MHC-SF). Results: Canonical correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between psychological distress and mental well-being. The first statistically significant canonical function (p < 0.05; Cr = 0.601) was primarily defined by depression (canonical loading = −0.992) in the distress group and emotional well-being (canonical loading = 0.948) in the well-being group. Redundancy analysis confirmed a significant interdependence: variables related to psychological distress explained 27.8% of the variance in well-being, while well-being variables explained 23.8% of the variance in distress. Conclusions: These results reinforce the two-continua model, highlighting the need to address both mental health and well-being throughout higher education. Full article

14 pages, 433 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation and Vulnerability in Chronic Pain: A Study of Profiles Based on Clinical and Psychological Factors

by Juan José Mora-Ascó, Carmen Moret-Tatay, María José Jorques-Infante and María José Beneyto-Arrojo

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(9), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15090168 - 23 Aug 2025

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic pain (CP) is a multidimensional condition that exerts a considerable impact on individuals’ quality of life and presents a wide range of clinical and psychological expressions. This study sought, firstly, to identify distinct clinical profiles among individuals with CP based on [...] Read more.

Introduction. Chronic pain (CP) is a multidimensional condition that exerts a considerable impact on individuals’ quality of life and presents a wide range of clinical and psychological expressions. This study sought, firstly, to identify distinct clinical profiles among individuals with CP based on clinical indicators, and secondly, to examine the differences in psychological vulnerability and pain-related coping strategies according to the clinical profiles. Methods. A total of 251 adults diagnosed with CP and residing in Spain participated in the study. Participants completed the Purpose in Life Test, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Pain Coping Questionnaire. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups within the sample, followed by independent samples t-tests to assess psychological differences between clusters. Results. This study identified two clinical profiles among individuals with CP, distinguished by diagnostic delay, disease progression, and functional impact. Cluster 1 exhibited greater functional impairment, lower quality of life, and higher emotional distress (uncertainty, perceived burdensomeness, emotional dysregulation, and hopelessness). In contrast, Cluster 2 showed lower functional impairment, better quality of life, greater use of distraction strategies, and a higher meaning in life. Discussion. These findings suggest that both medical and psychological aspects appear to be associated with each other and may influence the perception, evolution and adaptation to CP. Full article

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11 pages, 667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Research: Effectiveness of an Intervention Program Based on New Technologies for the Improvement of Cognitive and Motor Processes in Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Berta Caro-Puértolas, Inmaculada Báez-Tavero, Laura Lemus-Corchero, Laura Rodríguez-Ruiz, Celia Esther Cerezo-Casillas, Ana Inés Cosa-Aguirre, María Dolores Apolo-Arenas and Alejandro Caña-Pino

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(9), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15090167 - 22 Aug 2025

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence, characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms often interfere with academic, social, and family functioning. In recent years, the use of digital tools [...] Read more.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence, characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms often interfere with academic, social, and family functioning. In recent years, the use of digital tools and video games has garnered attention as an innovative and engaging approach for neurocognitive rehabilitation. The primary objective of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the comparative effects of two cognitive intervention approaches—one based on new technologies and one using traditional methods—on attention, inhibitory control, and processing speed in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Thirty-three participants aged 6–17 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 17), which received Nintendo Switch-based therapy, or a control group (n = 16), which received traditional board game therapy. Both interventions lasted 8 weeks and included 16 sessions. Outcomes were assessed using the WISC-V, STROOP, and CARAS-R tests. Results showed significant within-group improvements in both groups. The control group exhibited gains in sustained attention and inhibitory control (CARAS-R and STROOP tests, p < 0.05), while the experimental group improved significantly in processing speed, as measured by the WISC-V (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were found between groups. These findings suggest that both interventions may be effective for enhancing different cognitive processes in children with ADHD. Importantly, the use of familiar digital technologies like the Nintendo Switch may promote greater motivation and adherence to treatment. Further research with larger samples and long-term follow-up is warranted to validate and extend these preliminary findings, as the current sample size was not powered to detect medium or small effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mind–Technology Interaction in the New Digital Era)

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Heath, 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

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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European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

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