Psycho-Affective Processes and Their Role in Development, Learning, and Well-Being Throughout Life

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Developmental Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2025 | Viewed by 1913

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Psychology Department, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
Interests: personality psychology; educational psychology; body image; psychometric; meta-analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Psycho-affective processes are essential in determining how people learn, grow, and feel throughout their lives. Important facets of functioning, including social interactions, emotional control, cognitive development, and general resilience, are influenced by these processes. From the early development of attachment in childhood to the preservation of emotional equilibrium and mental well-being in later adulthood, their influence extends throughout all phases of life.

A key component of these processes is emotional regulation, which supports adaptive reactions in interpersonal, professional, and educational contexts. It promotes goal achievement, aids in problem-solving, and supports mental health. On the other hand, disturbances in psycho-affective processes, such as trauma, uncontrolled emotions, or long-term stress, can limit social integration, reduce cognitive growth, and make people more susceptible to mental health conditions.

Furthermore, the interplay of contextual elements including family dynamics, cultural norms, and environmental stresses with psycho-affective processes further alters the paths of individuals. These interactions impact the development of vulnerability or resilience and emphasize the significance of tailored strategies for promoting well-being. Protective variables that might mitigate the negative impacts of psycho-affective problems, such as safe relationships, community support, and good coping mechanisms, are of special importance.

Consequently, to enhance our comprehension of these processes, it is essential to investigate emotional development, the interplay between affect and cognition, and the influence of psycho-affective processes on health and learning.

We welcome original research and reviews that examine the following topics:

The mechanisms linking psycho-affective processes to cognitive, emotional, and social development;

The role of emotional regulation in learning and resilience across the human lifespan;

Interventions designed to promote well-being and mitigate risks in vulnerable populations;

Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses that capture developmental patterns and critical transitions.

Dr. Adrian Paterna
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • psycho-affective processes
  • emotional regulation
  • cognitive development
  • well-being
  • mental health

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 662 KB  
Article
Relationship Between Sleep Duration and Psychosocial Well-Being in Healthcare Personnel: Identification of Predictors and Vulnerability Patterns
by Eva Urbón, Carlos Salavera, José M. López-Chamorro and Almudena F. Diaz-Carrasco
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091290 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 451
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between sleep duration and eating behaviours, stress symptoms, and burnout in healthcare professionals. Objective: The present study aimed to examine whether sleep duration influenced the psychosocial well-being of healthcare personnel, as well as to identify possible predictors [...] Read more.
The present study examined the relationship between sleep duration and eating behaviours, stress symptoms, and burnout in healthcare professionals. Objective: The present study aimed to examine whether sleep duration influenced the psychosocial well-being of healthcare personnel, as well as to identify possible predictors and patterns of vulnerability in this population. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 194 public healthcare workers (mainly women and nursing staff). Validated questionnaires were used: the EAT-40, the EDI, the MBI, and a stress symptom scale. The participants were classified into two groups according to their sleep duration (fewer than six hours of sleep and six hours or more of sleep). Results: A sleep duration of fewer than six hours was associated with higher levels of depersonalisation (burnout), physical and emotional symptoms of stress (fatigue, tachycardia, memory loss, crying easily), dysfunctional coping strategies (self-medication, isolation), and more restrictive eating behaviours. A regression analysis identified seven predictors of sleep duration: allergies, marital status, hours worked, depersonalisation, alcohol consumption, interpersonal distrust, and skipping meals, which together explained 18% of the variance. A network analysis showed positive correlations between these variables in the group with a shorter sleep duration, indicating a pattern of cumulative psychosocial vulnerability. Conclusions: Although the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, the results underscore the importance of sleep as a key factor in the emotional and functional well-being of healthcare personnel. Organisational interventions focused on promoting rest, emotional management, and stress prevention are suggested, considering sleep not only as a biological need, but also as a relevant indicator of psychosocial health for healthcare quality. Full article
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15 pages, 577 KB  
Article
Interplay Among Classroom Environment, Grit, and Enjoyment in Shaping Feedback-Seeking Behavior in L2 Writing
by Wenqian Luan and Jianqiang Quan
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050584 - 27 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1099
Abstract
The interplay among classroom environment, grit, and enjoyment in shaping the feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) of Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners remains underexplored. This study investigates how the classroom psychological environment and L2 grit influence FSB, categorized as feedback monitoring (FM, [...] Read more.
The interplay among classroom environment, grit, and enjoyment in shaping the feedback-seeking behavior (FSB) of Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners remains underexplored. This study investigates how the classroom psychological environment and L2 grit influence FSB, categorized as feedback monitoring (FM, the passive observation of feedback) and feedback inquiry (FI, proactive requests for clarification), in the context of L2 writing. This study also focuses on the mediating role of foreign language enjoyment (FLE) in this process. A mixed-methods design was utilized to study 612 Chinese junior secondary students aged 13–15 with over five years of formal English instruction. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that perseverance of effort (POE) and consistency of interest (COI), as two dimensions of L2 grit, directly predicted FM (β = 0.19 and 0.27, respectively) but not FI. The classroom environment indirectly enhanced both FM (β = 0.05) and FI (β = 0.09) through FLE. Qualitative interviews highlighted cultural constraints: 83.3% of participants prioritized FM over FI due to face-saving norms, despite high grit levels (M = 3.61 on a 5-point scale), underscoring cultural barriers to proactive feedback-seeking in Chinese collectivist classrooms. These findings validate the tripartite framework of positive psychology in L2 learning and propose strategies to balance institutional support, grit cultivation, and cultural sensitivity in fostering adaptive FSB. Full article
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