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Behavioral Sciences
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The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion
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The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 18999

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonio Iudici

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Interests: health psychology; psychotherapeutic processes; psychology of adolescence; mental illness
Dr. Jessica Neri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Interests: health service; mental health; clincal setting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The recent pandemic and the effects of the war in Ukraine have created great destabilization in the international health field. The negative effects have extended to both citizens and health services, reducing and slowing down both various ordinary activities and health-promotion activities, for example, in schools and educational settings, hospitals, and clinical settings. 

Despite this, we believe that the difficulties experienced can be transformed into opportunities, which can be much more durable and sustainable. 

In the face of such difficulties, we believe that many services dealing with health are able to turn such difficulties into opportunities. 

This consideration is in fact based on a particular conception of health that can be referred to by services, understanding it as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not simply the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO, 2006). In this way, then, even crisis, emergency, illness, or distress in any of their forms become an opportunity to continue to promote health and not just, for example, to prevent or treat in the face of a particular critical situation. 

It is thus possible to highlight how the construct of health is complex, as well as to highlight its purpose for the services that deal with it, which includes, especially in the psychological context, the attention paid to the interactive and narrative dimensions that contribute to the construction of health and the shaping of services aimed at promoting it.

That is why we invite health-promotion services or psychological health services (HSPs) to submit work, studies or experiences that highlight the value of their activities both with regard to this historical period and within the scope of their own activities. 

Dr. Antonio Iudici
Dr. Jessica Neri
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

  • health service
  • mental health
  • welfare
  • quality of life
  • health practice
  • clinic

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 444 KiB  
Article
Psychological Features of Fibromyalgia in the Psychological Health Services
by Gabriela Rios Andreghetti, Sonia Montemurro, Luca Rizzi, Laura Casetta, Marcello Passarelli, Sara Mondini and Diego Rocco
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14111016 - 1 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
Patients with health pathologies may exhibit psychological features in addition to medical symptomatology. A sample of 76 Italian women with an age range between 23 and 78 years old (mean = 50.22 ± 10.47 years) diagnosed with fibromyalgia (a disorder characterized by widespread [...] Read more.
Patients with health pathologies may exhibit psychological features in addition to medical symptomatology. A sample of 76 Italian women with an age range between 23 and 78 years old (mean = 50.22 ± 10.47 years) diagnosed with fibromyalgia (a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, cognitive and mood issues) was examined to identify typical characteristics of their psychological profile. All patients were administered a series of questionnaires, to assess avoidance of physical touch by others; anxiety; depression; risk of developing psychotic disorders; self-criticism and perfectionism; acceptance of chronic pain; general impact of the pathology on their lives, and the predisposition to experience positive emotional states. The scores resulting from this assessment were evaluated against the normative data. Patients with fibromyalgia showed psychological dysfunction in most of the scales administered, with a significantly higher disposition to experience compassion towards others (t = 5.94, df = 75, p < 0.001). A higher risk of psychosis was related with higher levels of depression (B = 0.49, t = 0.20, p = 0.015), poor involvement in daily activities (B = 0.41, t = 0.13, p = 0.002), touch avoidance (especially towards strangers, B = −0.20, t = 0.14, p = 0.01), and overall poor quality of life (B = 0.40, t = 0.16, p = 0.01). This study may broaden the possibility to evaluate psychological features in this clinical population; it may contribute to tailoring psychological care and related treatments in the context of health services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
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18 pages, 663 KiB  
Article
Types of Client Perceptions Regarding Counselling Experiences at Psychological Counselling Centres: Utilising Q Methodology
by Kyoung Hwa Yi, Yeon ah Lim, Jeeyoung Lee and Song Yi Lee
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070586 - 10 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1807
Abstract
This study used Q methodology to explore the various types and characteristics of clients’ subjective perceptions concerning their experiences at psychological counselling centres. We selected 33 Q samples from a Q population of 135; of the Q sample, 31 P samples underwent Q [...] Read more.
This study used Q methodology to explore the various types and characteristics of clients’ subjective perceptions concerning their experiences at psychological counselling centres. We selected 33 Q samples from a Q population of 135; of the Q sample, 31 P samples underwent Q sorting. Subsequently, we analysed the data using the Quanl Program. The study categorised perception into four distinct types. Type 1 values therapeutic counselling relationships, Type 2 prioritises counselling services, Type 3 values counsellor assignment, and Type 4 prioritises the counselling structure. This study provides valuable basic data to clients, counsellors, and counselling institutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
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18 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Early Support for People Who Hear Voices: Exploratory Research on Family Medicine Physicians’ Clinical Practice and Beliefs
by Antonio Iudici, Giulia Alecu, Maria Quarato and Jessica Neri
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050357 - 25 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1929
Abstract
Nowadays the phenomenon of hearing voices represents a very fertile and discussed field of research. In psychological and psychiatric fields, the phenomenon has been described as a normal phenomenon, but also as a prodromal stage and as a symptom of psychosis. Through a [...] Read more.
Nowadays the phenomenon of hearing voices represents a very fertile and discussed field of research. In psychological and psychiatric fields, the phenomenon has been described as a normal phenomenon, but also as a prodromal stage and as a symptom of psychosis. Through a qualitative research methodology, the aim was to explore how family medicine physicians configure the phenomenon and its clinical and interactive implications. The present research involved 35 family medicine physicians as figures of primary importance in the approach toward people who start to hear voices. Semi-structured interviews have been used and they have been analyzed by the method of discourse analysis. The results show a remarkable difficulty in understanding the phenomenon in all its complexity and the tendency to consider it a symptom or a prodromal stage of psychopathology. Increasing the knowledge of doctors on the subject is necessary so that their evaluation and choice of intervention match the needs of each patient. We also discuss the importance of promoting the knowledge of the potential meanings taken on by the voices in the context of the personal and family background of the individual hearer, and of collaboration with other relevant professionals and services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
10 pages, 877 KiB  
Article
Worry about the Future in the Climate Change Emergency: A Mediation Analysis of the Role of Eco-Anxiety and Emotion Regulation
by Luisa Orrù, Federica Taccini and Stefania Mannarini
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030255 - 21 Mar 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2870
Abstract
The climate change emergency is one of the most important challenges of our time, and its impact on mental health has been evident for years. It is very important for clinicians to delve deeper into these manifestations. There are a wide variety of [...] Read more.
The climate change emergency is one of the most important challenges of our time, and its impact on mental health has been evident for years. It is very important for clinicians to delve deeper into these manifestations. There are a wide variety of constructs, symptoms, and scales to measure the impact of climate change on mental health. Eco-anxiety is one of the constructs that has specifically emerged, in association with worry, about the future. In mental health studies, it is important to explore the relationship between eco-anxiety and emotion regulation and how much this relationship leads to worry about the future in order to be able to offer clinical intervention recommendations. Indeed, the hypothesis of this study is that it is possible to develop worries about the future when symptoms of eco-anxiety and a poor ability to regulate emotions are present. Particularly, emotion dysregulation could increase eco-anxiety symptoms and generate worries about one’s own future. For this reason, we have chosen to explore the relationships between these three constructs with the use of a mediation analysis. For this research, 351 participants were recruited in Italy. The proposed mediation model highlighted the findings that emotion dysregulation was positively related with eco-anxiety and that eco-anxiety predicts worry about the future. An association between emotion dysregulation and worry about the future was present. Eco-anxiety appeared to be an important mediator between emotional dysregulation and worry about the future. Emotion regulation could play a pivotal role in addressing concerns about the future. These findings could pave the way for exploring new research avenues and potential clinical interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
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16 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Navigating the Shadows of Others’ Traumas: An In-Depth Examination of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Psychological Distress among Rescue Professionals
by Nazia Noureen, Seema Gul, Aneela Maqsood, Humaira Hakim and Arooj Yaswi
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14010021 - 27 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3184
Abstract
Rescue workers, who often find themselves on the frontlines of traumatic events, face an increased risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress (STS) and psychological distress (PD). The nature of their work, alongside professional factors, can influence the way these psychological aspects manifest and [...] Read more.
Rescue workers, who often find themselves on the frontlines of traumatic events, face an increased risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress (STS) and psychological distress (PD). The nature of their work, alongside professional factors, can influence the way these psychological aspects manifest and their level of severity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between STS and PD in rescue workers. Additionally, it sought to understand how factors such as age, years of experience, duration of work, training received and direct exposure to trauma explain significant variations in reporting to STS. To conduct this research, a cross-sectional study design was implemented involving a sample of 80 rescue workers from the Punjab province in Pakistan. Data was collected over eight weeks using the secondary traumatic stress scale (STSS-17) and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) as primary assessment tools. Participants’ data was analyzed through Pearson correlation analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA. A strong positive correlation between STS and PD among rescue workers was established. Age significantly explains variation in scores, with older workers displaying reduced STS and PD symptoms. Rescue workers working for longer hours reported elevated STS compared to those working shorter shifts. Workers with more extended professional experience showcased lower STS, highlighting the potential resilience acquired over time. The study also underscored the importance of training duration: longer, well-structured training was associated with decreased STS and PD. Interestingly, longer exposure to trauma was found to be related to lower STS scores, albeit this warrants further investigation. This study underscores the intertwined nature of STS and PD among rescue workers and the various modulating factors. The study paves the way for more comprehensive research, expanding geographically and demographically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
16 pages, 1323 KiB  
Article
Intervening on Global Emergencies: The Value of Human Interactions for People’s Health
by Gian Piero Turchi, Davide Bassi, Marco Cavarzan, Teresa Camellini, Christian Moro and Luisa Orrù
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13090735 - 2 Sep 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1884
Abstract
Literature about global emergencies and their impact on people’s health underlines the need to improve the social cohesion of human community and the availability of tools to support people and foster community interactions. This paper illustrates research aimed at describing and measuring human [...] Read more.
Literature about global emergencies and their impact on people’s health underlines the need to improve the social cohesion of human community and the availability of tools to support people and foster community interactions. This paper illustrates research aimed at describing and measuring human interactions in the Veneto community and its changing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 50,000 text occurrences from social media and newspapers about these topics were analyzed between December 2021 and January 2022. People present themselves as members of different teams, pursuing conflicting aims, and attributing the decision-making responsibility of emergencies management exclusively to governments, without considering themselves as active parts of the community. This delegation process on citizens’ behalf can affect their health: by taking minor responsibility in handling the repercussions of these events on the community and by arguing over the most effective way to deal with them, they risk freezing and waiting for action by third parties, thus leaving mutual interactions and the promotion of their own health at a standstill. Local institutions can use these data to shape prevention policies to manage the community’s emergencies and use them as opportunities to promote public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
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Review

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25 pages, 929 KiB  
Review
Unmasking the Complex Interplay of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, Heart Failure, and Sleep Dysfunction: A Physiological and Psychological Perspective in a Digital Health World
by Elvia Battaglia, Valentina Poletti, Elena Compalati, Matteo Azzollini and Eleonora Volpato
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030285 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1207
Abstract
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a multifaceted condition characterized by significant respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological consequences. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy remains the cornerstone treatment, improving respiratory function, neurocognition, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, its long-term impact on [...] Read more.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a multifaceted condition characterized by significant respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological consequences. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy remains the cornerstone treatment, improving respiratory function, neurocognition, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, its long-term impact on quality of life, physical activity, and broader health outcomes is not fully understood. Challenges such as residual apnoea/hypopnea index, reduced physical activity, and impaired quality of life persist despite high adherence rates. Factors like hypercapnia and daytime respiratory symptoms play a pivotal role in patient outcomes, underscoring the need for strategies beyond adherence alone. This review explores the interplay between OHS, heart failure, and sleep dysfunction, advocating for personalized PAP settings, targeted management of residual respiratory events, and enhanced patient education. Digital health technologies, including remote monitoring and feedback systems, present promising tools to optimize care delivery and foster holistic management. By integrating physiological, psychological, and digital health perspectives, this narrative review aims to advance understanding and improve outcomes for patients with OHS and other complex sleep-disordered breathing conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
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17 pages, 847 KiB  
Review
Core Competencies for Psychological Counselors: A Scoping Review
by Cheng Chen, Yandi Zhang, Qing Guo, Xuanyi Wang and Shulin Chen
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020147 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2435
Abstract
Treatment provided by psychological counselors is a professional solution to prevailing mental health issues. Despite the presence of several narrative reviews, the counseling competencies have not been systematically examined based on empirical studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to comprehensively clarify the core [...] Read more.
Treatment provided by psychological counselors is a professional solution to prevailing mental health issues. Despite the presence of several narrative reviews, the counseling competencies have not been systematically examined based on empirical studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to comprehensively clarify the core counseling competencies using the scoping review method. Five databases were searched, including Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, WANFANG, and CNKI. The articles were included or excluded based on strict criteria of having a specific focus on the general counseling competencies. The competencies were extracted using a three-stage coding process following the principles of the Grounded Theory method. Only 15 studies qualified and were subsequently coded to extract the relevant competencies. Through the three-level coding, 122 competencies were initially identified; then, 30 core competencies were obtained by merging similar items. Based on the attributes of the core competencies, four categories finally emerged: (1) attitude, (2) personality, (3) knowledge, and (4) skill and ability. The precise definition of each core competence was explicitly articulated and presented with references. The category of skill and ability emerged as the most frequently reported in the articles reviewed. The empirical research on counseling competencies was limited. The present study enumerated 30 core competencies for counselors and further extracted four categories from them. The findings contribute to the establishment of a compelling framework that facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal areas for counselors’ professional growth and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
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