Approaches That Enable Analytical Generalization in Psychological and Sociological Research

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 1574

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School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Interests: novel psychosocial placements for physiotherapy students; understanding the psychological response to chronic and palliative illness; physical activity and neurological disorders; physical activity and severe mental illness
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is essential that research is promoted that is able to create, innovate, and challenge current thinking in psychological and sociological studies. Example methodologies that are able to achieve this include different forms of grounded theory as well as recently developed review types. An example of a type of grounded theory could be the social constructivist grounded theory, which employs qualitative interviews as a way to developing ideas and analytical understanding through methods like constant comparisons where analyses slowly become more abstract. A type of review that has the ability to generate theories could be a social constructivist meta-ethnography. However, this Special Issue encourages different methodologies, methods, and approaches. Both empirical and review-based research like this are able to use cycles of iterative processes that test and develop theories; they use abductive and inductive reasoning to create and innovate findings and ultimately propose new models, processes, and theories for research. However, most of the time, studies may not result in the formation of a theory, so this Special Issue also accepts new ideas or integrative discoveries from the methodologies selected. One of the outputs from these approaches is the ability to create research that exhibits analytical generalization and, with this, makes scientific leaps.

This Special Issue is focused on approaches that have been applied across different groups or populations. The articles for this Special Issue will only be included if they propose a novel process, model, or theory.

Dr. Andrew Soundy
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • analytical generalization
  • grounded theory
  • innovation
  • creativity
  • review
  • empirical research
  • novel models
  • psychology
  • sociology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 307 KB  
Article
Psychometric Validation of the Romanian Version of the Adult Hope Scale (AHS)
by Adriana Camelia Neagu, Sorin Ursoniu, Ion Papava, Iuliana-Anamaria Trăilă, Lavinia Palaghian, Catalina Giurgi-Oncu and Ana-Cristina Bredicean
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070920 - 8 Jul 2025
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Abstract
The present study aimed to adapt and validate the Adult Hope Scale (AHS) for the Romanian population, addressing a gap in culturally appropriate instruments for measuring dispositional hope. Based on Snyder’s theoretical model, the AHS was translated, culturally adapted, and administered to 663 [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to adapt and validate the Adult Hope Scale (AHS) for the Romanian population, addressing a gap in culturally appropriate instruments for measuring dispositional hope. Based on Snyder’s theoretical model, the AHS was translated, culturally adapted, and administered to 663 Romanian adults. Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.84 for the eight positively worded items), test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.39 for the full scale), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and assessments of convergent and discriminant validity. The two-factor model of the scale (agency and pathways) was confirmed, with significant item loadings and a strong correlation between the two latent factors (r = 0.717). Convergent validity was supported by moderate correlations with the Brief Resilience Scale (r = 0.36–0.45), while discriminant validity was indicated by low correlations with the Trait Anxiety Inventory (r = 0.18–0.20). Demographic analyses revealed higher hope levels in women and engineers, with significant differences by gender (p = 0.00018), education (p = 0.031), and profession (p = 0.008). Despite moderate temporal stability and one weakly performing item, the Romanian AHS demonstrates strong psychometric properties, making it a valid and reliable tool for assessing hope in research and clinical settings. Full article

Other

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31 pages, 2776 KB  
Systematic Review
Exploration of How Uncertainty Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Hope Are Linked and Influenced in People with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Worked Example of a Social Constructivist Meta-Ethnography Study
by Justine McMillan and Andrew Soundy
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101399 - 15 Oct 2025
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant global concern. Its prevalence continues to rise, and current management strategies demonstrate, at best, moderate effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of uncertainty tolerance and how it affects an individual’s [...] Read more.
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant global concern. Its prevalence continues to rise, and current management strategies demonstrate, at best, moderate effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of uncertainty tolerance and how it affects an individual’s ability to hope, as well as how both of these factors influence emotion regulation. These concepts are highly relevant for both patients and clinicians during CLBP consultations. A social constructivist meta-ethnographic study—a highly interpretative type of qualitative review—was conducted to generate new theory and provide valuable insights into this unique area of pain management. A framework was followed; its iterative analytical process involves multiple search strategies in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The analysis explored relationships among studies, generated conceptual ideas, and ultimately developed a substantive theory. This review represents the first worked example of a theory generating review process. One model is created to illustrate how individuals with CLBP regulate their emotions; it also considers both the influencing factors and the resulting outcomes of this process. The model identifies pathways leading to either adaptive or maladaptive emotional regulation strategies. Tolerance of uncertainty and ability to hope are key concepts that influence emotion regulation and play a vital role in the physical and psychological well-being of people with CLBP. Further research is required to explore how the model can be operationalised in clinical practice. Full article
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