Behavioral Sciences

29 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Retrieval Practice in the Health Professions: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Michael J. Serra, Althea N. Kaminske, Cynthia Nebel and Kristen M. Coppola

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070974 - 17 Jul 2025

Retrieval practice, or the active recall of information from memory, is a highly effective learning strategy that strengthens memory and comprehension. This effect is robust and strongly backed by research in cognitive psychology. The health professions—including medicine, nursing, and dentistry—have widely embraced retrieval [...] Read more.

Retrieval practice, or the active recall of information from memory, is a highly effective learning strategy that strengthens memory and comprehension. This effect is robust and strongly backed by research in cognitive psychology. The health professions—including medicine, nursing, and dentistry—have widely embraced retrieval practice as a learning and study tool, particularly for course exams and high-stakes licensing exams. This state-of-the-art review examines the historical development, current applications, and future directions for the use of retrieval practice in health professions education. While retrieval-based learning has long been used informally in these fields, its formal recognition as a scientifically supported study method gained momentum in the early 2000s and then saw a surge in both research interest and curricular adoption between 2010 and 2025. This historical review explores the key factors driving this growth, such as its alignment with assessment-driven education and the increasing availability of third-party study resources that rely on retrieval practice as a guiding principle. Despite its proven benefits for learning, however, barriers persist to its adoption by students, including in the health professions. This article discusses strategies for overcoming these challenges and for enhancing retrieval practice integration into health professions curricula. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Educational Applications of Cognitive Psychology)

21 pages, 1374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Journeys: Accelerating Cross-Cultural Adaptation Through Study Tours

by Ziye Huang, Anmin Huang and Ziyan Yin

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070973 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

With the rise in short-term intercultural mobility programs, enhancing students’ adaptive capacity through structured experiential learning has become a key concern. Using constructivist grounded theory, this study draws on extending the situated learning and embodied cognition theories as analytical frameworks to explore international [...] Read more.

With the rise in short-term intercultural mobility programs, enhancing students’ adaptive capacity through structured experiential learning has become a key concern. Using constructivist grounded theory, this study draws on extending the situated learning and embodied cognition theories as analytical frameworks to explore international students’ cross-cultural adaptation within the context of study tours. It develops a three-phase framework (pre-departure, on-site immersion, and post-tour reflection) to trace their transition from cultural distance to adaptation. The findings reveal that the process through which international students shift from cross-cultural distance to multidimensional adaptation can be further accelerated by environmental settings, situational behaviors, and short-term emotional responses within study tour contexts. Moreover, culture-led and nature-led environments evoke distinct patterns of participation and emotional responses, facilitating varying degrees and dimensions of adaptation across psychological, social, and cultural domains. The study extends situated and embodied learning perspectives by conceptualizing study tours as dynamic, context-sensitive learning sites. By considering adaptation processes context-dependent, this study deepens the understanding of how learning, emotion, and environment interact to shape intercultural development and offers practical insights for designing responsive, stage-sensitive study tour programs. Full article

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15 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Empower-Grief for Relatives of Cancer Patients: Implementation and Findings from an Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

by David Dias Neto, Alexandra Coelho, Ana Nunes da Silva, Teresa Garcia Marques and Sara Albuquerque

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070972 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

Grief reactions among relatives of palliative care patients are often overlooked, with most interventions targeting Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) rather than its prevention. Few interventions have been developed for individuals at risk. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Empower-Grief, a selective [...] Read more.

Grief reactions among relatives of palliative care patients are often overlooked, with most interventions targeting Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) rather than its prevention. Few interventions have been developed for individuals at risk. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Empower-Grief, a selective intervention designed to address early problematic grief reactions and to explore predictors of its effectiveness. This exploratory randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared Empower-Grief with Treatment as Usual (TAU) among relatives or caregivers of palliative and oncological patients at risk of developing PGD. A total of 46 participants were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and six months later. The primary outcome was PGD symptoms, with additional measures including anxiety, depression, coping strategies, attachment style, psychological flexibility, post-traumatic growth, social support, and therapeutic alliance. The final analyses indicate equivalence between Empower-Grief and TAU, suggesting that both interventions yielded comparable outcomes in reducing PGD symptoms and associated psychological distress. The initial symptoms and therapeutic alliance were predictors of the results in both post- and follow-up moments. This study contributes to the evidence on grief interventions in palliative care, highlighting the importance of structured support for bereaved caregivers. While Empower-Grief demonstrated comparable effectiveness to TAU, its lower intensity, ease of training, and application make it a promising treatment option. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Clinical Interventions on Grief)

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20 pages, 1928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do “Flops” Enhance Authenticity? The Impact of Influencers’ Proactive Disclosures of Failures on Product Recommendations

by Xinge Ye and Chunqing Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070971 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

In reality, some influencers who publicly share failures can gain more attention, which defies common sense. Existing research primarily focuses on the depth of self-disclosure by influencers, which fails to explain the current phenomena. Here, we focus on negative self-disclosure and explore whether [...] Read more.

In reality, some influencers who publicly share failures can gain more attention, which defies common sense. Existing research primarily focuses on the depth of self-disclosure by influencers, which fails to explain the current phenomena. Here, we focus on negative self-disclosure and explore whether an influencer’s proactive disclosure of failures can enhance purchase intentions, along with the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions of this strategy. We conducted three online experiments on the Credamo platform. Study 1 (N = 94) explored the main and mediating effect, whereas Study 2 (N = 238) and Study 3 (N = 238) investigated the moderating effects of observer and influencer characteristics, respectively. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) Influencers’ proactive disclosures of failures can boost purchase intentions when recommending products; (2) perceived authenticity plays a mediating role in this process; (3) the degree of viewers’ self-discrepancy moderates the mediating effect of perceived authenticity; and (4) influencers’ follower scale moderates the impact on purchase intentions. This study offers practical implications for influencers on how to enhance marketing effectiveness through self-disclosure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interactive Marketing in the Digital Era)

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21 pages, 1246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Casey L. Timbs and Heather M. Maranges

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070970 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

Negative weight-based attitudes are pervasive and difficult to change. One reason may be the moralization of weight: if people use higher weight as a cue for lower self-control, they may infer lower moral character, given the strong link between self-control and morality. Moralized [...] Read more.

Negative weight-based attitudes are pervasive and difficult to change. One reason may be the moralization of weight: if people use higher weight as a cue for lower self-control, they may infer lower moral character, given the strong link between self-control and morality. Moralized attitudes tend to be resistant to change. Accordingly, we tested whether (1) people perceived others with higher (vs. lower) weight as having lower self-control and, in turn, morality and (2) whether targeting control-related perceptions attenuated the weight → self-control → morality links. To that end, in two preregistered experiments (see OSF), we employed intervention strategies targeting control-related perceptions to increase moral evaluations of higher-weight individuals. Specifically, we provided evidence of a higher-weight person’s (a) weight uncontrollability (Study 1) and (b) high self-control (Study 2). People perceived higher-weight targets as having lower self-control, and this predicted perceptions of lower moral character. However, as with extant weight-based attitude interventions, neither experimental intervention strategy attenuated less positive (i.e., made more positive) moral character perceptions. These findings suggest that it is not enough to intervene on control-related beliefs to reduce the moralization of weight. We suggest intervening on moral perceptions directly and the possibility that moralization of weight may be automatic, requiring interventions targeting automatic attitudes. Full article

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16 pages, 532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Sexual Harassment Perpetration Among Peer Adolescents: A Cross-National and Cross-Gender Study

by Estrella Durán-Guerrero, Annalaura Nocentini, Ersilia Menesini and Virginia Sánchez-Jiménez

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070969 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study aims to validate the Online Sexual Harassment Perpetration among Peers (OSHP-P) instrument for assessing online sexual harassment among adolescents in two different countries, Spain and Italy, considering both new forms of online sexual harassment and gender differences. The instrument was validated [...] Read more.

This study aims to validate the Online Sexual Harassment Perpetration among Peers (OSHP-P) instrument for assessing online sexual harassment among adolescents in two different countries, Spain and Italy, considering both new forms of online sexual harassment and gender differences. The instrument was validated by means of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with a sample of 1041 Spanish (M_age = 15.0, SD = 0.88) and 1385 Italian (M_age = 14.8, SD = 0.87) adolescents, demonstrating factorial invariance across both country and gender. The best-fitting model was two-dimensional, with ambiguous and direct Sexual Cyber Perpetration (SCP) and Non-Consensual Sharing Perpetration (NCSP) factors. Co-involvement (i.e., involvement in both types of aggression) rates were 10.3% in Spain and 7.8% in Italy. No significant gender differences were found for involvement in either the overall scale (46.4% for girls, 44.1% for boys) or the NCSP subscale (3.0% girls vs. 2.2% boys), although significantly higher co-involvement was found among boys (7.7% girls vs. 10.1% boys). This study contributes to the existing body of research on online sexual harassment among peers in adolescence by presenting a new assessment tool that has been shown to be invariant between Spanish and Italian adolescents, as well as between boys and girls. Full article

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29 pages, 430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Will I Evaluate Others? The Influence of “Versailles Literature” Language Style on Social Media on Consumer Attitudes Towards Evaluating Green Consumption Behavior

by Huilong Zhang, Huiming Liu, Yudong Zhang and Hui He

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070968 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

The dissemination and practice of green consumption behavior is an important issue in promoting sustainable development. With the advent of the digital age, social media platforms have become an important channel for promoting green consumption. The expression of language style has become an [...] Read more.

The dissemination and practice of green consumption behavior is an important issue in promoting sustainable development. With the advent of the digital age, social media platforms have become an important channel for promoting green consumption. The expression of language style has become an increasingly important factor influencing consumer attitudes. From the perspective of consumer perception, this study used three situational simulation experiments (n total = 304) to explore the mechanism by which the “Versailles Literature” language style impacts the feelings and behaviors of audiences of the green consumption behavior of the poster, and to examine the mediating roles of ostentation perception and hypocrisy perception. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. The research findings showed that, compared with “non-Versailles Literature”, this style significantly reduces positive attitudes toward green consumption while increasing perceptions of bragging and hypocrisy. Furthermore, the strength of social ties between the consumer and the poster plays a moderating role in the effect of language style; specifically, when posts come from strangers, consumers perceive a stronger sense of bragging and hypocrisy. The research results will provide practical guidance for individuals and enterprises to effectively promote the concept of green consumption on social media, helping enterprises avoid the negative reactions brought about by conspicuous green consumption behaviors and exaggerated or false promotion of environmental behaviors, such as “greenwashing”. Full article

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18 pages, 1119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Affect, Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behaviors, and Orthorexia Nervosa Among Women: Mediation Through Intuitive Eating

by Mehri Khoshzad, Christophe Maïano, Alexandre J. S. Morin and Annie Aimé

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070967 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

Intuitive eating is an adaptive eating style that could help explain part of the relation between affect and eating behaviors. However, research in this area remains limited. The objectives of this study are twofold. First, we examine the relation between affect, disordered eating [...] Read more.

Intuitive eating is an adaptive eating style that could help explain part of the relation between affect and eating behaviors. However, research in this area remains limited. The objectives of this study are twofold. First, we examine the relation between affect, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (DEABs), and orthorexia nervosa (ON). Second, we investigate the mediating role of intuitive eating regarding these relations. A sample of 197 French-speaking Canadian women, aged from 18 to 69, participated in the study. The results showed that negative affect was related to DEABs and ON, but not positive affect. Statistically significant associations were also found between affect (negative and positive) and the four dimensions of intuitive eating. Additionally, negative relations were found between intuitive eating dimensions and most types of eating behaviors (encompassing DEABs and ON), except for dieting. Finally, our results revealed that the relations between affect (positive and negative) and most types of eating behaviors were indirect (i.e., suggesting mediation) via intuitive eating. Based on these results, it seems that interventions addressing affect regulation and eating behaviors could benefit from including a focus on intuitive eating. Full article

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19 pages, 1196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Landmark Salience on Drivers’ Spatial Cognition and Takeover Performance in Autonomous Driving Scenarios

by Xianyun Liu, Yongdong Zhou and Yunhong Zhang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070966 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

With the increasing prevalence of autonomous vehicles (AVs), drivers’ spatial cognition and takeover performance have become critical to traffic safety. This study investigates the effects of landmark salience—specifically visual and structural salience—on drivers’ spatial cognition and takeover behavior in autonomous driving scenarios. Two [...] Read more.

With the increasing prevalence of autonomous vehicles (AVs), drivers’ spatial cognition and takeover performance have become critical to traffic safety. This study investigates the effects of landmark salience—specifically visual and structural salience—on drivers’ spatial cognition and takeover behavior in autonomous driving scenarios. Two simulator-based experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 examined the impact of landmark salience on spatial cognition tasks, including route re-cruise, scene recognition, and sequence recognition. Experiment 2 assessed the effects of landmark salience on takeover performance. Results indicated that salient landmarks generally enhance spatial cognition; the effects of visual and structural salience differ in scope and function in autonomous driving scenarios. Landmarks with high visual salience not only improved drivers’ accuracy in making intersection decisions but also significantly reduced the time it took to react to a takeover. In contrast, structurally salient landmarks had a more pronounced effect on memory-based tasks, such as scene recognition and sequence recognition, but showed a limited influence on dynamic decision-making tasks like takeover response. These findings underscore the differentiated roles of visual and structural landmark features, highlighting the critical importance of visually salient landmarks in supporting both navigation and timely takeover during autonomous driving. The results provide practical insights for urban road design, advocating for the strategic placement of visually prominent landmarks at key decision points. This approach has the potential to enhance both navigational efficiency and traffic safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

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22 pages, 811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Jurymen Seldom Rule Against a Person That They Like: The Relationship Between Emotions Towards a Defendant, the Understanding of Case Facts, and Juror Judgments in Civil Trials

by Hannah J. Phalen, Taylor C. Bettis, Samantha R. Bean and Jessica M. Salerno

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070965 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

Legal actors often discuss emotion-based decisions and reasoned evaluation of the facts as distinct and opposite methods through which jurors can reach conclusions. However, research suggests that emotion can have an indirect effect on juror decisions by changing the way that jurors evaluate [...] Read more.

Legal actors often discuss emotion-based decisions and reasoned evaluation of the facts as distinct and opposite methods through which jurors can reach conclusions. However, research suggests that emotion can have an indirect effect on juror decisions by changing the way that jurors evaluate the facts of the case. In three studies (N = 713, N = 677, N = 651), we tested whether mock jurors’ negative moral emotions towards the defendant predicted their evaluations of unrelated case evidence and in turn their case judgments and whether judicial rehabilitation could reduce this effect. Participants read a civil case and were randomly assigned to either receive judicial rehabilitation or not. Then, they completed measures relating to their negative moral emotions towards the defendant, their agreement with plaintiff and defense evidence, and case judgments. When participants reported increased negative emotions towards the defendant, they agreed more with unrelated plaintiff evidence and less with unrelated defense evidence. In turn, they voted liable more often and awarded more in damages. Judicial rehabilitation did not reduce this effect. This research provides support for the idea that there is a more complicated relationship between emotion and decisions than legal actors suggest. Specifically, negative emotions towards the defendant are associated with a pro-plaintiff evaluation of evidence and pro-plaintiff judgments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Cognitive Processes in Legal Decision Making)

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19 pages, 916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Self-Esteem Protect the Subjective Well-Being of Women in Their 20s from the Effects of Social Media Use? The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem

by Yesolran Kim and Mina Lee

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070964 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between social media use and subjective well-being among South Korean women in their 20s, with a particular emphasis on the moderating role of self-esteem. Cross-sectional data from 611 women in their 20s who had experience using social media [...] Read more.

This study investigates the relationship between social media use and subjective well-being among South Korean women in their 20s, with a particular emphasis on the moderating role of self-esteem. Cross-sectional data from 611 women in their 20s who had experience using social media platforms was drawn from the Korean Media Panel Survey 2021. A regression analysis revealed that increased social media use was associated with lower subjective well-being. Self-esteem acted as a moderator in the relationship between social media use and subjective well-being. Among individuals with low or medium levels of self-esteem, higher social media use was linked to decreased subjective well-being; however, for those with high self-esteem, social media use did not significantly impact subjective well-being. These findings underscore the significance of self-esteem as a protective factor in the context of social media use and its influence on the subjective well-being among women in their 20s. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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15 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy Between Gender and the Intention to Resume Schooling Among Depressed Adolescents: An Empirical Study from China

by Ruiling Zhang, Chun Liu and Min Yang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070963 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

Depressed adolescents often face challenges in resuming schooling, with gender differences and psychological factors influencing their intentions. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between gender and the intention to resume schooling. Using convenience sampling, 295 [...] Read more.

Depressed adolescents often face challenges in resuming schooling, with gender differences and psychological factors influencing their intentions. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between gender and the intention to resume schooling. Using convenience sampling, 295 school-suspended depressed adolescents (aged 12–18; mean age 15.84 ± 1.49; 75 males, 220 females) completed the General Situation Questionnaire, Questionnaire on the Intention to Resume Schooling, Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale, and Academic Self-efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS 27.0.1 and R 4.4.3 software. Mediation analysis was performed using logistic regression modeling. The results showed that 42.70% (126/295) of participants intended to resume schooling. Gender disparities emerged in both intention to resume schooling (χ² = 18.63, p < 0.001) and academic self-efficacy (Z = 2.31, p < 0.001) among depressed adolescents. Additionally, academic self-efficacy significantly differed across intention to resume schooling (Z = 3.05, p < 0.001). Gender differences in resumption intention were partially mediated by academic self-efficacy (effect = −0.18, 42.86% of total effect), with a direct gender effect of −0.24 (57.14%). These findings suggest that the gender of depressed adolescents not only directly affects their intention to resume schooling, but also indirectly affects their intention to resume schooling through academic self-efficacy. Full article

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16 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media Use and Personal Relative Deprivation Among Urban Residents in China: A Moderated Mediation Model

by Yihua Liu and Xiaoge Zhao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070962 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

Personal relative deprivation (PRD) is closely linked to a range of mental health problems. In the digital era, the association between social media use and PRD has received increasing attention. However, most studies have been conducted in Western contexts, and the underlying mechanisms [...] Read more.

Personal relative deprivation (PRD) is closely linked to a range of mental health problems. In the digital era, the association between social media use and PRD has received increasing attention. However, most studies have been conducted in Western contexts, and the underlying mechanisms in China remain unclear. This study examined the relationship between social media use and PRD among 2504 adult urban residents in China. Based on relative deprivation theory, it further explored the mediating role of subjective social status and the moderating role of belief in a just world. Results revealed that social media use was negatively associated with PRD. Subjective social status mediated this relationship: social media use was positively associated with subjective social status, while subjective social status was negatively associated with PRD. Moreover, belief in a just world strengthened the direct negative link between social media use and PRD, as well as the positive link between social media use and subjective social status. These findings suggest that social media are not always a risk factor for mental health. Their impact should be considered within specific cultural contexts and regulatory policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The “Constructive” Side of Media: Promoting Prosocial Behavior, Well-Being, and Health)

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17 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Formal and Informal Help-Seeking Behavior Among Battered Chinese Women in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen

by Ting Zhang, Guan Ren, Hongxi Ge and Huan Zhang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070961 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study investigates how demographic characteristics, severity of intimate partner violence (IPV), social support, gender equality awareness, and demographic factors (e.g., living with children at home) influence help-seeking behaviors among 2527 IPV-experienced women in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Drawing on the help-seeking [...] Read more.

This study investigates how demographic characteristics, severity of intimate partner violence (IPV), social support, gender equality awareness, and demographic factors (e.g., living with children at home) influence help-seeking behaviors among 2527 IPV-experienced women in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Drawing on the help-seeking model and conservation of resource theory, the study distinguishes between formal (e.g., police, legal aid) and informal (e.g., family, friends) help-seeking. Logistic regression results reveal that greater violence severity, stronger perceived social support, and higher gender equality awareness significantly increase both formal and informal help-seeking. Notably, living with children is associated with a higher likelihood of seeking formal help, possibly due to increased concerns for children’s safety and the desire to change the abusive environment. While help-seeking behavior is on the rise overall, particularly among women with strong support networks and progressive gender attitudes, structural and cultural barriers remain. The findings underscore the need to improve public education, reduce stigma, and enhance accessibility of support systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on IPV in China and provides evidence for refining policy interventions and service delivery. Full article

22 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Seeking to Be Heard: Reflections on the Value of a Partnership Approach to Involving Victims in the Development of Domestic Abuse Policy and Practice

by Laura Hammond, Silvia Fraga Dominguez and Jenny Richards

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070960 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper outlines the development and delivery of a novel, collaborative, co-production approach to incorporating lived experience in the development of policy and practice in the area of domestic abuse. “SEEKERS” (Sharing Experience, Expertise and Knowledge for Effective Responses and Support) is an [...] Read more.

This paper outlines the development and delivery of a novel, collaborative, co-production approach to incorporating lived experience in the development of policy and practice in the area of domestic abuse. “SEEKERS” (Sharing Experience, Expertise and Knowledge for Effective Responses and Support) is an initiative which brings together victims and advocates, police, practitioners and researchers as equal partners. It creates opportunities for them to share their experiences, expertise, and knowledge, so that others can learn from these and use this learning in addressing domestic abuse-related issues more effectively. Throughout this paper, we discuss some of the challenges encountered in developing and delivering activities and how these were addressed. Notable benefits of the approach will be highlighted, as indicated by feedback from those involved in a range of capacities, including police and law enforcement practitioners, policy makers, councillors, service providers, support services, victim advocates and survivors of domestic abuse. It is hoped that this paper will contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the ways in which different agencies and stakeholders can work together more effectively and how we can create methods and spaces to support meaningful interaction, collaboration, and co-production with victims. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Developments in Attitudes and Interactions with Victims of Crime)

18 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating by Design: Effects of Individual Differences and Navigation Modality on Spatial Memory Acquisition

by Xianyun Liu, Yanan Zhang and Baihu Sun

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070959 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

Spatial memory is a critical component of spatial cognition, particularly in unfamiliar environments. As navigation systems become integral to daily life, understanding how individuals with varying spatial abilities respond to different navigation modes is increasingly important. This study employed a virtual driving environment [...] Read more.

Spatial memory is a critical component of spatial cognition, particularly in unfamiliar environments. As navigation systems become integral to daily life, understanding how individuals with varying spatial abilities respond to different navigation modes is increasingly important. This study employed a virtual driving environment to examine how participants with varying spatial abilities (good or poor) performed under three navigation modes, namely visual, audio, and combined audio–visual navigation modes. A total of 78 participants were divided into two groups, good sense of direction (G-SOD) and poor sense of direction (P-SOD), according to their Santa Barbara Sense of Direction (SBSOD) scores. They were randomly assigned to one of the three navigation modes (visual, audio, audio–visual). Participants followed navigation cues and simulated driving behavior to the end point twice during the learning phase, then completed the route retracing task, recognizing scenes task and recognizing the order task. Significant main effects were found for both SOD group and navigation mode, with no interaction. G-SOD participants outperformed P-SOD participants in route retracing task. Audio navigation mode led to better performance in tasks involving complex spatial decisions, such as turn intersections and recognizing the order. The accuracy of recognizing scenes did not significantly differ across SOD groups or navigation modes. These findings suggest that audio navigation mode may reduce visual distraction and support more effective spatial encoding and that individual spatial abilities influence navigation performance independently of guidance type. These findings highlight the importance of aligning navigation modalities with users’ cognitive profiles and support the development of adaptive navigation systems that accommodate individual differences in spatial ability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

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13 pages, 4123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Perception of Illusory Faces: Effects of Width-to-Height Ratio, Chin Shape, and Eye–Mouth Distance

by Yaqi He, Wenhui Tan, Yuhan Dai, Yuxin Duan, Xin Liu and Guomei Zhou

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070958 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

While real face features are known to influence social evaluations, the social perception of illusory faces remains largely unexplored despite neural similarities to real faces. This study aimed to fill this gap by manipulating the width-to-height ratio, chin shape, and eye–mouth distance of [...] Read more.

While real face features are known to influence social evaluations, the social perception of illusory faces remains largely unexplored despite neural similarities to real faces. This study aimed to fill this gap by manipulating the width-to-height ratio, chin shape, and eye–mouth distance of illusory faces and assessing their effects on perceived gender, cuteness, trustworthiness, dominance, attractiveness, and emotion. Key findings include the following: (1) high width-to-height ratios significantly boosted attractiveness for female participants but not for male participants; (2) round chins consistently enhanced perceptions of masculinity, cuteness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness; (3) eye–mouth distance was found to affect emotional perception. This research offers crucial experimental insights into the determinants of social evaluations for illusory faces. Full article

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17 pages, 901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ready for School: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to School Readiness Assessment in Hispanic Children from Puerto Rico

by Mary Rodríguez-Rabassa, Kamalich Muniz-Rodriguez, Allison A. Appleton, Marilyn Borges-Rodríguez, Nicole E. Ruiz-Raíces, Francisco J. Reyes-Santiago, Odette Olivieri-Ramos and Luisa I. Alvarado-Domenech

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070957 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

School readiness during early childhood is crucial for future academic success. Existing guidelines recommend a comprehensive approach. This concurrent validation study developed a School Readiness Index (SRI) with five readiness domains: early learning skills, approach to learning, cognitive skills, socioemotional development, and physical [...] Read more.

School readiness during early childhood is crucial for future academic success. Existing guidelines recommend a comprehensive approach. This concurrent validation study developed a School Readiness Index (SRI) with five readiness domains: early learning skills, approach to learning, cognitive skills, socioemotional development, and physical health. Through a cross-sectional comparative design, the school readiness skills of 119 Puerto Rican children (63 males, 56 females) aged 54–65 months were assessed using standardized tests (e.g., Batería IV Woodcock-Muñoz and NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery), parental questionnaires (e.g., Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3), and physical health assessments. Each measure was scored and classified using a binary coding system (0 and 1) based on participant abilities (e.g., 1 for expected performance, 0 if below expectations). A composite SRI score was calculated using 25 indicators. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing children’s registration status in the special education program (SEP). Sex, household income, and maternal education are key determinants of school readiness. Children registered in the SEP had significantly lower composite scores than those not registered, supporting the SRI’s discriminant validity. The SRI is a reliable tool for identifying Hispanic children from Puerto Rico who may benefit from additional support. Inclusive and multidisciplinary assessment strategies are essential. Full article

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23 pages, 1890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Executive Function and Transfer Effect Training in Children: A Behavioral and Event-Related Potential Pilot Study

by Chen Cheng and Baoxi Wang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070956 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study examined the effect of executive function training targeting both updating and inhibition in children. The training included both single training (i.e., number 2-back training) and combined training (i.e., number 2-back and fish flanker training). Event-related potentials were also recorded. In Experiment [...] Read more.

This study examined the effect of executive function training targeting both updating and inhibition in children. The training included both single training (i.e., number 2-back training) and combined training (i.e., number 2-back and fish flanker training). Event-related potentials were also recorded. In Experiment 1, we employed both single-training and combined-training groups, which were contrasted with each other and with an active control group. In Experiment 2, the control group and the combined-training group were recruited to perform training tasks identical to those used in Experiment 1, and their EEG data were collected during the pretest and posttest stage. Experiment 1 found that the single group showed clear evidence for transfer to letter 2-back task compared with the active control group. The combined group showed significant transfer to the letter 2-back and arrow flanker task. Both groups found no transfer to fluid intelligence or shifting. Experiment 2 revealed that the participants who received updating and inhibition training showed a significant reduction in N2 amplitude and a significant increase in P300 amplitude after training in comparison to the active control group. Importantly, there was a significant positive correlation between reduced N2 amplitude and decreased response time in conflict effects. Additionally, there was a strong positive trend toward a relationship between behavioral performance improvement and an increase in P300 amplitude. From the perspective of the near-transfer effect, combined training is more effective than single training. Our results showed that the extent of transfer depends on the cognitive component overlap between the training and transfer tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences)

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