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Behavioral Sciences
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Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology
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Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 15031

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ciro Esposito

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Guest Editor
Department of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
Interests: multidimensional well-being; gender issues; mattering; social justice; community psychology
Dr. Immacolata Di Napoli

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Guest Editor
Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: community trust; wellbeing; mattering; intimate partner violence; qualitative methodologies
Prof. Dr. Fortuna Procentese

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Guest Editor
Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy
Interests: sense of responsible togetherness; civic engagement; social inclusion; migrants; climate changes; online-offline communities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Caterina Arcidiacono

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Guest Editor
Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: women’s and gender issues; migration; well-being
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Community psychology aims to promote the well-being of individuals, social groups and communities, addressing issues from an ecological and multidimensional perspective. This means that to promote well-being at an individual level, it is necessary to deal with the interpersonal, organizational and collective levels of an individual’s life. From this perspective, well-being must be considered in various human dimensions, such as the economic, occupational, community and relational dimensions. Social media and IT should also be considered in terms of their individual and social impacts on well-being.

Furthermore, well-being must be examined in relation to the phase of life, analyzing the most significant factors for children, adolescents, young people, adults or the elderly from time to time.

Finally, from the perspective of the community, well-being is closely connected to factors that straddle the individual and collective spheres, such as the sense of community, trust, mattering, empowerment, hope, relations between genders and the perception of justice.

On these bases, in this Special Issue, we welcome all contributions that, from the perspective of community psychology, offer research or intervention advances, such as the application of new measurement tools, correlational, longitudinal and qualitative studies carried out with particular populations, and applications of intervention techniques aimed at the prevention and promotion of well-being.

Dr. Ciro Esposito
Dr. Immacolata Di Napoli
Prof. Dr. Fortuna Procentese
Prof. Dr. Caterina Arcidiacono
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • community psychology
  • well-being
  • empowerment
  • trust
  • mattering
  • social justice
  • gender issues
  • hope
  • civic engagement
  • gender issues
  • hope
  • civic engagement

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 2798 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Geographical Environment on Public Social Trust: What Role Do Tourism Activities Play?
by Yang Gao, Zhenbin Zhao, Yaofeng Ma, Ping He and Yuan Li
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030218 - 07 Mar 2024
Viewed by 757
Abstract
Social trust is derived from the interaction of environmental and social factors, which has important significance for the sustainable development of society and social governance. In particular, in the post-pandemic era, tourist activity will receive special attention in terms of its role in [...] Read more.
Social trust is derived from the interaction of environmental and social factors, which has important significance for the sustainable development of society and social governance. In particular, in the post-pandemic era, tourist activity will receive special attention in terms of its role in the development of the public’s social trust. On the basis of the sample of big data, this research takes China as an example to study the influences of different geographical and environmental elements on individuals’ social trust as well as the common role played by the tourist activity. The research showed that the geographical environment and tourism activities have interacting effects on public social trust. This influencing mechanism is specifically manifested as the rice-growing ratio and tourist reception level can have interacting effects on the social trust of the residents in a tourist destination; pathogen stress and tourist supply level can exert interacting effects on the social trust of the residents in an area from which tourists originate; and economic development and tourist reception level can have interacting effects on the social trust of the residents in a tourist destination. By doing so, this research provides theoretical support and practical suggestions for the recovery of the public’s social trust from the perspective of tourism geography in the post-pandemic era. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology)
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19 pages, 565 KiB  
Article
Effects of Online Fan Community Interactions on Well-Being and Sense of Virtual Community
by Min Sung Kim, Soyoung Wang and Seongcheol Kim
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13110897 - 30 Oct 2023
Viewed by 3073
Abstract
Activities in the digital economy driven by information technology have rapidly increased in scope and speed in the aftermath of COVID-19. Meanwhile, social isolation accelerated by quarantine measures has increased concerns about individuals’ mental health. However, little is known about the specific consequences [...] Read more.
Activities in the digital economy driven by information technology have rapidly increased in scope and speed in the aftermath of COVID-19. Meanwhile, social isolation accelerated by quarantine measures has increased concerns about individuals’ mental health. However, little is known about the specific consequences of online interactions, especially when applied in online fan community-based relationships. Therefore, we examined the impact of loneliness in the context of COVID-19 on online interaction with other fans and parasocial relationships with celebrities on the Weverse platform. We also examined how these interactions influence mental well-being and the sense of virtual community. With 202 valid data samples acquired from global BTS fandom, this study conducted a partial least squares–structural equation modeling analysis. The empirical results demonstrate a significant positive relationship between loneliness and the extent of online interaction, while no significant impact on parasocial relationships was observed. Both online interaction and parasocial relationships were found to enhance both well-being and SOVC. However, these results were observed to differ between Weverse paid subscribers and free users. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology)
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16 pages, 813 KiB  
Article
What Sustains Mask-Wearing Behavior among Elders in a Rural Community in the Post-COVID-19 Era: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study
by Sethapong Lertsakulbunlue, Pinyada Kittisarapong, Sirikorn Pikulkaew, Pree Pusayapaibul, Apisit Tangtongsoonthorn, Chanunpisut Wichaiboon, Fasai Amornchatchawankul, Suranuch Marsook, Supakrit Mahaisawariya, Nattasit Subwongcharoen, Phitchayut Petcharat, Bannawit Luksanasup, Thakornphong Lortharaprasert, Bavorn Tieantanyatip, Anupong Kantiwong and Kanlaya Jongcherdchootrakul
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13080678 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400
Abstract
The current study investigates the factors influencing face-mask-wearing practices among elderly individuals in rural Thailand. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving qualitative interviews with 15 elderly participants and a subsequent survey of 201 elders. Seven subthemes were identified, including the perceived benefits of [...] Read more.
The current study investigates the factors influencing face-mask-wearing practices among elderly individuals in rural Thailand. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving qualitative interviews with 15 elderly participants and a subsequent survey of 201 elders. Seven subthemes were identified, including the perceived benefits of mask-wearing, the perceived threat of COVID-19, mask-wearing enhancing attractiveness and self-confidence, social norms, misconceptions about COVID-19 prevention tools, perceived barriers to mask-wearing, and resources to afford face masks. The developed themes, codes, and quotes were utilized for creating a questionnaire. The survey revealed the adherence of 81.1% of the participants to mask-wearing. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis demonstrated that motivation, comprising (1) the perceived threat of COVID-19, (2) alternative threats aside from COVID-19, and (3) the perceived benefits of a face mask strongly affected mask-wearing practices (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and the willingness to wear a face mask (β = 0.61, p < 0.001). Social norms had a negative direct effect on the perceived barrier (β = −0.48, p < 0.001) and a positive direct effect on mask-wearing practices (β = 0.25, p = 0.001). This study highlights that motivation and social norms play pivotal roles in sustaining mask-wearing behavior among rural elderly populations. Encouraging local cooperative actions through community rules could initiate behavioral changes within the community. These findings contribute to the understanding of factors influencing mask-wearing and provide insights into designing effective interventions to promote mask-wearing among elderly individuals in rural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology)
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13 pages, 611 KiB  
Article
Educating Youth to Civic Engagement for Social Justice: Evaluation of a Secondary School Project
by Mara Martini, Chiara Rollero, Marco Rizzo, Sabrina Di Carlo, Norma De Piccoli and Angela Fedi
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13080650 - 03 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1771
Abstract
The positive effects of youth civic engagement can be felt both at the individual level (e.g., better emotional regulation, a greater sense of empowerment) and at the community level (e.g., a greater likelihood of participation in civic and political activities). They may also [...] Read more.
The positive effects of youth civic engagement can be felt both at the individual level (e.g., better emotional regulation, a greater sense of empowerment) and at the community level (e.g., a greater likelihood of participation in civic and political activities). They may also be a protective factor for at-risk youth in the short and long term and a valuable element for positive identity development in general. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention implemented in secondary schools to promote youth civic engagement (N = 508 at Time 1, N = 116 at Time 2). The study is divided into two parts: first, it examines the changes stimulated by the project, and second, it uses a path analysis model to explain the intention to participate. Results show that after participation, hostile and benevolent sexism, classic and modern ethnic prejudice, and social dominance orientation decreased, while trust in institutions increased. In addition, the path analysis showed that policy control, social trust, and civic engagement increased the intention of civic engagement at time T1. Despite some limitations, this study may provide useful guidance for those designing and implementing civic education interventions for young people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology)
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15 pages, 2401 KiB  
Article
A Comparison in Travel Characteristics of Bike-Sharing between College Students and Office Workers Based on Theory of Planned Behavior
by Yuzhou Duan, Jiale Wang, Hui Li, Yibo Yan and Xu Zhang
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040329 - 13 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1643
Abstract
As an important component of bike-sharing (BS) users, the travel behavior of college students and office workers is important to the promotion of BS within Chinese cities. To explore the influencing factors for the behavioral intentions of BS, this paper makes a different [...] Read more.
As an important component of bike-sharing (BS) users, the travel behavior of college students and office workers is important to the promotion of BS within Chinese cities. To explore the influencing factors for the behavioral intentions of BS, this paper makes a different analysis between the two groups. Based on the theory of planned behavior, and using environmental awareness as an extended variable, a BS travel intention model was developed. A total of 676 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed from college students and office workers in Zhengzhou. The results indicate that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and environmental awareness have a positive impact on the behavioral intentions of BS. However, the influence degree of each variable is different between the two groups. Perceived behavior control, including travel time, travel cost, and cycling difficulty, has the greatest impact on BS behavioral intention for college students. Meanwhile, subjective norms, including policy and media publicity, has the most significant impact on BS behavioral intention for office workers. The impact of environmental awareness on college students’ use of BS is higher than that of office workers. We also found that undergraduates use BS more frequently than postgraduates. The findings provide the clear influence factors on behavioral intentions of BS between college students and office workers, that can help policy optimization in terms of bike-sharing systems, giving some suggestion for an approach devoted to deepen the individual-context interactions Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology)
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23 pages, 5865 KiB  
Article
Intergenerational Integration in Community Building to Improve the Mental Health of Residents—A Case Study of Public Space
by Jianbin Wu, Kin Wai Michael Siu and Linghao Zhang
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040292 - 29 Mar 2023
Viewed by 3692
Abstract
This study defined intergenerational integration in communities at a theoretical level and verified whether a series of measures could facilitate negotiation and communication between community residents and other stakeholders to generate a positive and healthy community environment and gradually improve intergroup relations. Specifically, [...] Read more.
This study defined intergenerational integration in communities at a theoretical level and verified whether a series of measures could facilitate negotiation and communication between community residents and other stakeholders to generate a positive and healthy community environment and gradually improve intergroup relations. Specifically, we applied community psychology and used Hongqiao New Village in Shanghai, China, as a research site to explore intergenerational conflict in public community spaces. The research was divided into two stages: an input stage and an output stage. In the input stage, participatory research and tea parties were used to deeply explore residents’ public space requirements. In the output stage, we tested the validity of the theory by using the Intergenerational Attitude Scale to investigate whether the intergenerational relationships were changed by the co-creation intervention. The results showed that the intervention caused a decrease in the incidence of conflict between residents using the square and caused some children to join the older groups in their activities. We thus propose a theoretical system model of intergenerational integration strategies that incorporates elements of integration, disagreement, and synergy in intergenerational interactions. Overall, this paper provides new ideas for building a community environment that supports mental health and improves intergenerational relationships and social well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology)
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Review

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26 pages, 801 KiB  
Review
Promoting Psychosocial Well-Being and Empowerment of Immigrant Women: A Systematic Review of Interventions
by Patricia Silva and Henrique Pereira
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13070579 - 12 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1539
Abstract
This systematic review (SLR), based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aims to present a current overview of interventions aimed at promoting the psychosocial well-being and/or empowerment (PWE) of immigrant women in order to guide future projects. Data collection was performed in the SCOPUS [...] Read more.
This systematic review (SLR), based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aims to present a current overview of interventions aimed at promoting the psychosocial well-being and/or empowerment (PWE) of immigrant women in order to guide future projects. Data collection was performed in the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases, with studies published between 2012 and 20 March 2023 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on the PICO guidelines: (P) immigrant women, (I) interventions to improve PWE, (C) comparison between the initial and final phases, and (O) evaluated results for PWE. Risk of bias was assessed, and most of the studies met more than 80% of the JBI bias criteria and had moderate quality on GRADE. Thirteen studies with 585 participants were included, mostly non-randomized, non-equivalent, and with an experimental-control group design. The main components of interventions were health education/psychoeducation, counseling, cognitive restructuring, and expressive therapies. A descriptive synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data was made to evaluate the results of the interventions in PWE. In the experimental studies, results assessed improvements mainly in mood and depression levels, and stress reduction. Empowerment components were less covered. Experimental groups performed better in almost all variables in the comparison with control groups. The strongest interventions were psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring techniques. The main limitations of the studies were the lack of quality of several studies, sample size and representativeness, language, and the possibility of response bias. Even taking this into account, this article makes an original contribution by advocating for evidence-based practice and offering significant implications for health professionals, policy makers, and researchers that work with the integrative health of immigrant women. This SLR is registered in PROPESRO Registration: CRD42023399683. PS is a research fellow of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Action Research, Methods and Measures in Community Psychology)
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