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Psychotherapeutic Treatment of Attachment Trauma in Musicians with Severe Music Performance Anxiety
Gaze and Evaluative Behavior of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder in an Affective Priming Task
The UFair Questionnaire: Measuring Perceived University Unfairness and Its Association with Students’ Mental Health
The Role of Leadership Communication in Building Crisis Readiness and Resilient Leadership in Times of Disruption: An Exploratory Study

Journal Description

Behavioral Sciences

Behavioral Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, behavioral biology and behavioral genetics published monthly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, PsycInfo, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Psychology, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (Development)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 29.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Companion journal: International Journal of Cognitive Sciences
Journal Cluster of Education and Psychology: Adolescents, Behavioral Sciences, Education Sciences, Journal of Intelligence, Psychology International and Youth.

Impact Factor: 2.5 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 2.6 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2076-328X

Latest Articles

20 pages, 607 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Physical Exercise on the Social Adaptation of Older Adults—With Reference to the Mediating Effect of Aging Identity

by Zhiming Zhang, Jiaxiang Zhang, Cheng Fu and Chengwen Fan

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111491 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

Maintaining social adaptation in later life has become a key challenge amid China’s rapidly aging population. Using nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS 2023), this study examined the relationship between physical exercise and social adaptation among 8913 older [...] Read more.

Maintaining social adaptation in later life has become a key challenge amid China’s rapidly aging population. Using nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS 2023), this study examined the relationship between physical exercise and social adaptation among 8913 older adults. Ordinary least squares regression and the Karlson–Holm–Breen decomposition method were applied to test both direct and mediating effects. The results showed that physical exercise significantly improved social adaptation (

β

= 0.452, p < 0.001), while aging identity played a partial mediating role, accounting for approximately 11.0% of the total effect. The association was stronger among those aged 80 and above, with lower education and income, without chronic diseases, and covered by social security. These findings suggest that physical exercise enhances social adaptation not only through physical benefits but also by strengthening psychological resilience and fostering a positive sense of aging, providing valuable evidence for developing inclusive aging policies and targeted exercise interventions. Full article

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54 pages, 4082 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Emojis in Marketing and Advertising: A Systematic Literature Review

by Chrysopigi Vardikou, Agisilaos Konidaris, Erato Koustoumpardi and Androniki Kavoura

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1490; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111490 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

Studies examining emoji applications in digital marketing and advertising are characterized by considerable heterogeneity in their theoretical orientation, methodologies, and contextual factors. A domain-based systematic literature review with the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (T-C-C-M) framework following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to answer how emojis are researched [...] Read more.

Studies examining emoji applications in digital marketing and advertising are characterized by considerable heterogeneity in their theoretical orientation, methodologies, and contextual factors. A domain-based systematic literature review with the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (T-C-C-M) framework following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to answer how emojis are researched in marketing, and a bibliometric review was constructed to shed light on important aspects. We found a field growing in volume yet immature, with a diversity of theories and methodologies used to explore the multiple roles of emojis. An analysis of explicit and implicit theories identified that almost a quarter of studies are atheoretical, and the mostly used theories are the Emotions as Social Information Theory (EASI) and the emotional contagion theory. Emojis are mainly researched in social media and in the travel and food industry. The most common methodological categories are experimental designs, with emojis used as independent variables in simple designs. Despite the focus on short-term outcomes (engagement, purchase intention), little attention was given to advertising and to field experiments, constraining ecological validity. Our study reveals the need for a robust theoretical framework that can explain the multiple functions of emojis, and EASI emerged as the leading theory to be tested more extensively. Full article

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14 pages, 543 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Character Training of Question-Asking (TCT-Q) for Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Wanxue Hu, Yijie Wang, Siyuan Zhang, Siying Yu and Xinying Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111489 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

Question-asking is a key component of social communication, and interventions targeting this skill may be able to improve social functioning in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). This study introduced a novel intervention method called the three-character training of question-asking (TCT-Q), aimed [...] Read more.

Question-asking is a key component of social communication, and interventions targeting this skill may be able to improve social functioning in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). This study introduced a novel intervention method called the three-character training of question-asking (TCT-Q), aimed at teaching children with HFASD how to appropriately use 11 questions in social interactions. The effectiveness of TCT-Q was tested through a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-seven children were assigned to TCT-Q group (n = 19) or treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 18). Children and their caregivers received two 60 min sessions weekly. Outcome variables were measured before training (T1), after training (T2), and three months after training (T3). Results showed that the question-asking frequency in the TCT-Q group increased significantly after the intervention (ps < 0.001), and the increase was significantly greater than that in the TAU group (η_p² = 0.089–0.370). Although the TCT-Q group showed greater numerical improvements in social communication and autistic mannerisms (ps < 0.05), the group-by-time interaction did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, TCT-Q is a promising method for enhancing question-asking behaviors and social skills in children with HFASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Behavioral Intervention for Children at Risk)

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14 pages, 294 KB

Open AccessArticle

Associations Between Greek Affiliation, Parental Permissiveness Toward Heavy Episodic Drinking, and Alcohol Use Among First-Year College Students

by Kristi M. Morrison, Jennifer C. Duckworth, Matthew F. Bumpus, Martie L. Skinner, Brittany R. Cooper, Laura G. Hill and Kevin P. Haggerty

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1488; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111488 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

Parental permissiveness toward alcohol use is associated with increased drinking among college students. In the U.S., Greek-affiliated students drink more and experience more negative consequences than other students. This study explored associations among student Greek affiliation, parental permissiveness toward heavy episodic drinking (HED), [...] Read more.

Parental permissiveness toward alcohol use is associated with increased drinking among college students. In the U.S., Greek-affiliated students drink more and experience more negative consequences than other students. This study explored associations among student Greek affiliation, parental permissiveness toward heavy episodic drinking (HED), and alcohol use outcomes among first-year college students. Parent-student dyads (n = 294) completed surveys during high school and the first semester of college at a large public university in the U.S. Paired- and independent-samples t-tests and regression analyses were conducted. Parental permissiveness toward HED was higher among Greek-affiliated students than non-Greek-affiliated students, from parent and student perspectives, before and during college. In regression analyses, student Greek affiliation and perceived parental permissiveness were associated with greater alcohol use and HED. Greek status moderated associations between perceived parental permissiveness of HED and alcohol use (but not HED) such that the relationship was less pronounced for Greek-affiliated students compared to non-Greek-affiliated students. Our results suggest that interventions that aim to reduce perceived parental permissiveness toward HED, such as parent-based normative feedback interventions, may be an effective strategy to reduce drinking among first-year Greek-affiliated students. Full article

21 pages, 1226 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Digital Centaur as a Type of Technologically Augmented Human in the AI Era: Personal and Digital Predictors

by Galina U. Soldatova, Svetlana V. Chigarkova and Svetlana N. Ilyukhina

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111487 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

Industry 4.0 is steadily advancing a reality of deepening integration between humans and technology, a phenomenon aptly described by the metaphor of the “technologically augmented human”. This study identifies the digital and personal factors that predict a preference for the “digital centaur” strategy [...] Read more.

Industry 4.0 is steadily advancing a reality of deepening integration between humans and technology, a phenomenon aptly described by the metaphor of the “technologically augmented human”. This study identifies the digital and personal factors that predict a preference for the “digital centaur” strategy among adolescents and young adults. This strategy is defined as a model of human–AI collaboration designed to enhance personal capabilities. A sample of 1841 participants aged 14–39 completed measures assessing digital centaur preference and identification, emotional intelligence (EI), mindfulness, digital competence, technology attitudes, and AI usage, as well as AI-induced emotions and fears. The results indicate that 27.3% of respondents currently identify as digital centaurs, with an additional 41.3% aspiring to adopt this identity within the next decade. This aspiration was most prevalent among 18- to 23-year-olds. Hierarchical regression showed that interpersonal and intrapersonal EI and mindfulness are personal predictors of the digital centaur preference, while digital competence, technophilia, technopessimism (inversely), and daily internet use emerged as significant digital predictors. Notably, intrapersonal EI and mindfulness became non-significant when technology attitudes were included. Digital centaurs predominantly used AI functionally and reported positive emotions (curiosity, pleasure, trust, gratitude) but expressed concerns about human misuse of AI. These findings position the digital centaur as an adaptive and preadaptive strategy for the technologically augmented human. This has direct implications for education, highlighting the need to foster balanced human–AI collaboration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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22 pages, 906 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Academic Delay of Gratification and Depressive Symptoms Among College Students: Exploring the Roles of Academic Involution and Academic Resilience

by Xiaoli Ye, Wei Yang, Tingting Cheng and Haohao Gao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111486 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

In an era of rapid social transformation and hyper-competition, students in higher education are confronted with tremendous academic pressure, which is exacerbating mental health challenges at an alarming rate. This study used 576 Chinese college students as samples to construct and verify a [...] Read more.

In an era of rapid social transformation and hyper-competition, students in higher education are confronted with tremendous academic pressure, which is exacerbating mental health challenges at an alarming rate. This study used 576 Chinese college students as samples to construct and verify a moderated mediation model. The purpose was to systematically explore the associations among academic delay of gratification, depressive symptoms, academic involution, and academic resilience. The results demonstrate that academic delay of gratification exhibits a significant positive correlation with academic involution. Academic delay of gratification is negatively directly correlated with depressive symptoms, although it also exhibits a significant positive indirect correlation with depressive symptoms through academic involution. The mediating role of academic involution manifests as a suppression effect. Academic resilience is an important moderating variable. Low academic resilience intensifies the association between academic delay of gratification and academic involution. High academic resilience weakens this association. These findings not only elucidate the specific mechanism underlying academic delay of gratification and depressive symptoms but also provide a practical foundation for educational practitioners to develop effective intervention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psycho-Affective Processes and Their Role in Development, Learning, and Well-Being Throughout Life)

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21 pages, 1360 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

What Can We Learn from the Previous Research on the Symptoms of Selective Mutism? A Systematic Review

by Judith Kleinheinrich and Felix Vogel

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111485 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

Accurate understanding of a mental disorder’s symptomatology is essential for valid diagnosis, differential assessment, and treatment planning. It is therefore remarkable that failure to speak is defined as the only symptom in the diagnostic criteria of selective mutism (SM) in current classification systems. [...] Read more.

Accurate understanding of a mental disorder’s symptomatology is essential for valid diagnosis, differential assessment, and treatment planning. It is therefore remarkable that failure to speak is defined as the only symptom in the diagnostic criteria of selective mutism (SM) in current classification systems. This narrow definition may not reflect the full range of difficulties experienced by affected children. This systematic review aimed to synthesize empirical findings on the broader symptomatology of SM across diverse study designs, informants, and assessment methods. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and APA PsycNet, leading to 82 studies with participant samples (beyond single case reports) included in the final analysis. Results indicated that social and unspecific anxiety were the most frequently assessed and consistently identified symptoms. However, additional features—including withdrawal, depressive symptoms, social skill deficits, and, in qualitative accounts, externalizing and oppositional behaviors—were also documented. The observed symptom diversity varied notably across assessment methods and informants. Our findings support a multisymptomatic understanding of SM and suggest that failure to speak alone do not fully account for its clinical presentation. A more differentiated conceptualization may enhance diagnostic precision, inform individualized intervention strategies, and contribute to discussions on refining diagnostic frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Approaches to Overcoming Selective Mutism in Children and Youths)

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24 pages, 723 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental and Socio-Demographic Influences on General Self-Efficacy in Norwegian Adolescents

by Catherine A. N. Lorentzen, Asle Bentsen, Elisabeth Gulløy and Kjell Ivar Øvergård

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111484 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

General self-efficacy is identified as a modifiable determinant of adolescent mental health and well-being. This study sought to better understand how conditions in different environments of adolescents’ lives and socio-demographic factors are associated with adolescents’ general self-efficacy. We conducted a hierarchical multi-variable linear [...] Read more.

General self-efficacy is identified as a modifiable determinant of adolescent mental health and well-being. This study sought to better understand how conditions in different environments of adolescents’ lives and socio-demographic factors are associated with adolescents’ general self-efficacy. We conducted a hierarchical multi-variable linear regression analysis based on survey data from 2021 of a large population-based sample of Norwegian adolescents (n = 15,040). We found that better Relation to peers (β = 0.20, 95% CI [0.18; 0.22]) and Academic/social relation to teachers (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.11; 0.14]), Perceived neighbourhood safety (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.06; 0.10]), and Participation in physical activities (β = 0.07, 95% CI [0.06; 0.09]) had medium to small positive associations with adolescents’ general self-efficacy, whilst Parental involvement, Participation in organized music/cultural leisure activities, and Perceived access to neighbourhood leisure arenas had negligible associations with general self-efficacy. Boys reported a stronger general self-efficacy than girls (β = −0.17, 95% CI [−0.19; −0.16]) and Age and Socio-economic status had small positive associations with general self-efficacy (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.07; 0.10] and 0.04, 95% CI [0.02; 0.06], respectively). We found some small moderation effects by socio-demographic factors in the associations between environmental factors and general self-efficacy. Our findings suggest that general self-efficacy-promoting initiatives that target adolescents apply a multi-sectorial and multi-level approach and pay particular attention to gender differences. A focus on facilitating adolescents’ experiences of mastery and access to relevant successful role models and supportive behaviour by adults and peers in the various contexts seems to be of particular importance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health)

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15 pages, 525 KB

Open AccessReview

Can Artificial Intelligence Enhance European Emerging Adults’ Psychological Adjustment? A Scoping Review

by Carolina Lunetti, Ainzara Favini and Eugenio Trotta

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1483; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111483 (registering DOI) - 31 Oct 2025

Empirical studies support the difficulties European youths encounter when transitioning into adulthood, as well as several economic and social constraints that make the acquisition of a full adult role complex and challenging, with relevant implications for psychological adjustment. In this direction, international research [...] Read more.

Empirical studies support the difficulties European youths encounter when transitioning into adulthood, as well as several economic and social constraints that make the acquisition of a full adult role complex and challenging, with relevant implications for psychological adjustment. In this direction, international research showed the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting mental health adjustment, although most studies are limited to the field of clinical psychology for diagnosing and preventing the onset of pathological problems rather than on non-clinical populations. Furthermore, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in European Countries in comparison to Asian and American countries. Accordingly, this scoping review aims to provide an overview of studies conducted in Europe on AI applications for psychological support to promote psychological adjustment in emerging adults who face the challenges of reaching adulthood, often associated with stress and pressures that increase the likelihood of developing psychological problems. Out of 167 initially selected articles for the period between 2015 and 2025, only six articles were included for the final synthesis, according to explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria, and among them, only three studies were conducted on emerging European adults using different AI tools to provide support to their psychological adjustment. Results from these studies support, first, that despite the significant increase in the AI applications for mental health, their use is still scarce in the European context and specifically to promote emerging adults’ adjustment; second, that despite the scarce applications of AI tools in this sense, results from the few studies are promising regarding the potential AI applications. Future research should better investigate the effects of AI tools to understand their benefits in promoting the mental health of European youths, considering the challenges that they face in going through adulthood. Full article

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10 pages, 1242 KB

Open AccessArticle

Japanese Are Less Human-Centred than French: A New View on Spontaneous Perspective-Taking in Easterners

by François Quesque, Akira Imai, Kenji Susami, Chiharu Niki, Eric Chabanat, Alexandre Foncelle, Jean-Baptiste Van der Henst, Ayumi Kambara and Yves Rossetti

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111482 (registering DOI) - 30 Oct 2025

Perspective-taking is fundamental to social interaction. In line with psychosocial ideas that Eastern societies value the individual’s interdependence, recent experimental work suggests that they are more inclined to endorse another person’s perspective than people from Western countries. There are, however, more cultural differences [...] Read more.

Perspective-taking is fundamental to social interaction. In line with psychosocial ideas that Eastern societies value the individual’s interdependence, recent experimental work suggests that they are more inclined to endorse another person’s perspective than people from Western countries. There are, however, more cultural differences between those societies than interdependence. Because Eastern societies also sustain a more holistic nature of cognition, people from Eastern countries may simply tend to interpret the surrounding world from a less ego-centred perspective. Direct support for this idea was found when comparing the responses of Japanese and French participants in level-2 visuo-spatial perspective-taking tasks. As predicted, we observed a less egocentric bias in Japanese than in French participants. Crucially, this bias was not caused directly by a greater proportion endorsing the point of view of another person but rather indirectly by a higher disposition to spontaneously adopt non-human-centred perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Other Intentions: Merging Evidence on Theory of Mind across Various Research Areas)

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19 pages, 493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Factors of Cognitive Flexibility in Chinese–English Bilinguals: Insights from Mouse Tracking Task Switching

by Wenting Ye, Mengyan Zhu, Ting Li and Jiang Qiu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111481 - 30 Oct 2025

This study investigated factors predicting cognitive flexibility in Chinese–English bilinguals, with a comprehensive focus on demographic and language-related variables. Cognitive flexibility was assessed using reaction times (RTs) and maximum absolute deviation (MAD) in a mouse-tracking nonverbal task-switching paradigm, capturing both mix and switch [...] Read more.

This study investigated factors predicting cognitive flexibility in Chinese–English bilinguals, with a comprehensive focus on demographic and language-related variables. Cognitive flexibility was assessed using reaction times (RTs) and maximum absolute deviation (MAD) in a mouse-tracking nonverbal task-switching paradigm, capturing both mix and switch costs. Regression analyses revealed that bilingual experience explained a larger proportion of variance in mix costs than in switch costs, with stronger effects for MAD than RTs. Higher composite factor scores (CFS) were positively associated with mix costs, whereas balanced language use across life stages, activities, and interlocutors predicted smaller mix costs, suggesting a move to multi-dimensional, experience-based approaches. In contrast, switch costs were largely unrelated to CFS, but balanced language use across situational contexts, which predicted reduced switch costs in MAD, indicating enhanced reactive control. Moreover, bilingual experiences in the home environment appeared to be positively associated with cognitive flexibility. These findings highlight the multidimensional nature of bilingual experience and underscore the value of movement trajectory measures in capturing subtle effects on sustained and transient cognitive control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

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14 pages, 457 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Longitudinal Mediating Role of Academic Buoyancy Between Academic Self-Efficacy and Academic Burnout Among Junior High School Students: A Cross-Lagged Study

by Licong Ye, Yongchun Xie and Baojuan Ye

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111480 - 30 Oct 2025

This study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship between academic self-efficacy, academic buoyancy, and academic burnout among junior high school students and to reveal the potential mediating role of academic buoyancy. Using cluster sampling, a longitudinal study was conducted on 906 students (mean [...] Read more.

This study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship between academic self-efficacy, academic buoyancy, and academic burnout among junior high school students and to reveal the potential mediating role of academic buoyancy. Using cluster sampling, a longitudinal study was conducted on 906 students (mean age = 12.48, 53.3% male) in grades 7 to 9, with three follow-up assessments conducted at four-month intervals. The assessment tools included the Academic Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Academic Buoyancy Scale, and the Academic Burnout Questionnaire. The results indicated the following: (1) academic self-efficacy and academic buoyancy exhibit a bidirectional relationship, meaning that academic self-efficacy is associated with increases in academic buoyancy levels four months later, and academic buoyancy also is associated with increases in academic self-efficacy four months later; (2) academic buoyancy is associated with decreases in academic burnout four months later, and academic burnout also is associated with decreases in academic buoyancy four months later; (3) academic self-efficacy is indirectly associated with decreases in academic burnout through the mediating effect of academic buoyancy. Research implications: In educational practice, a focus should be on enhancing students’ academic self-efficacy while effectively reducing academic burnout among junior high school students by fostering the psychological resource of academic buoyancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic Anxieties and Coping Strategies)

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17 pages, 389 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Extrinsic Values on Unethical Decision Making and Behaviour

by Paton P. C. Yam, Su Lu, Allan B. I. Bernardo and Lisbeth Ku

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111479 - 30 Oct 2025

Engaging in unethical behaviours, such as cheating, lying, stealing and fraud, holds significant consequences for individuals and the broader community. Drawing on self-determination theory, we posit that in a consumer-centric society, where one’s worth is often linked to wealth, celebrity status, and appearance, [...] Read more.

Engaging in unethical behaviours, such as cheating, lying, stealing and fraud, holds significant consequences for individuals and the broader community. Drawing on self-determination theory, we posit that in a consumer-centric society, where one’s worth is often linked to wealth, celebrity status, and appearance, individuals who adopt extrinsic values might be motivated to engage in unethical behaviour in pursuit of financial gains. Study 1 surveyed university students in Macao, China (n = 566), and crowdsourcing workers from the UK (n = 605), demonstrating that extrinsic values were linked to unethical decision-making in vignette-based scenarios. This association was held in both societies, suggesting a culture-independent connection between unethicality and values. To establish causal relationships, we conducted experiments manipulating extrinsic cues participants received in Macanese (Study 2, n = 170) and British (Study 3, n = 197) participants. Results revealed a significant impact of these cues on behavioural measures of unethicality, with those in the extrinsic-cues condition more likely to lie for financial gains compared to those in the control groups. Together, these findings highlight the influence of extrinsic values on unethical behaviour across cultural contexts. This research underscores the urgent need to address societal norms and consumerist cues that focus on extrinsic values, which may erode ethical standards and threaten collective well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Values and Motivations in Behaviour: Implications for Individual and Societal Well-Being)

24 pages, 487 KB

Open AccessArticle

Problematic Digital Media Use and Behavioral Issues in Children with Special Needs: A Family Needs-Centered Perspective

by Hülya Torun Yeterge

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111478 (registering DOI) - 30 Oct 2025

As technological developments proliferate, understanding the impact of digital media on children with special needs has become increasingly critical. This study examines problematic digital media use, behavioral problems, and family needs among children with special needs, and investigates whether these variables differ by [...] Read more.

As technological developments proliferate, understanding the impact of digital media on children with special needs has become increasingly critical. This study examines problematic digital media use, behavioral problems, and family needs among children with special needs, and investigates whether these variables differ by disability type, parental education, and socioeconomic status (SES). Parents of 357 children with special needs from various regions of Türkiye participated. Data were collected via parent-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Findings indicate high levels of problematic media use, behavioral problems, and family needs in this population. In particular, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibited higher levels of problematic media use and behavioral problems, and their parents reported greater support needs than other groups. Conversely, lower levels of problematic media use and behavioral problems were observed among children whose parents had higher education and SES. Significant positive correlations also emerged among problematic media use, behavioral problems, and family needs. These findings suggest that appropriately guided digital media use may be associated with fewer behavioral difficulties and that strengthening supports for families could be a relevant target for intervention; however, causal inferences are not warranted from these data. Full article

27 pages, 1747 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Core Executive Function Training on Student Interpreters’ Consecutive Interpreting

by Lan Mao and Qingping Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111477 - 30 Oct 2025

While updating, inhibition, and task switching (TS)—the acknowledged core executive function (EF) components—are implicated in interpreting processing, their distinct roles, particularly for inhibition and TS, are rarely explored within training contexts. This study examined the effects of training different EF components and the [...] Read more.

While updating, inhibition, and task switching (TS)—the acknowledged core executive function (EF) components—are implicated in interpreting processing, their distinct roles, particularly for inhibition and TS, are rarely explored within training contexts. This study examined the effects of training different EF components and the durability of such effects on student interpreters’ consecutive interpreting performance. Sixty-four Chinese students were randomly assigned to either an EF training condition (updating, inhibition, or TS) or a control condition. Following five-week training (15 sessions), improvements in the trained EF component and English-to-Chinese interpreting were evaluated, with long-term gains measured after three months. Results showed that while each training condition improved its targeted EF component, only inhibition training produced statistically significant immediate and durable effects in improving interpreting performance. These results are discussed in light of interpreting as an intense and unique bilingual task that substantially relies on domain-general EF components. Full article

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24 pages, 704 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Explainable Machine Learning Models for Clinical Depression Detection

by Ariosto Trelles, Tomás Fontaines Ruiz and Antonio Ponce Rojo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111476 - 30 Oct 2025

Depression is among the most prevalent mental disorders, and its early detection is essential to improving therapeutic outcomes in psychotherapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the accuracy, interpretability, and generalizability of supervised algorithms (SVM, Random Forest, XGBoost, and GCN) for clinical detection [...] Read more.

Depression is among the most prevalent mental disorders, and its early detection is essential to improving therapeutic outcomes in psychotherapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the accuracy, interpretability, and generalizability of supervised algorithms (SVM, Random Forest, XGBoost, and GCN) for clinical detection of depression using real-world data. Following PRISMA guidelines, 20 studies published between 2014 and 2025 were analyzed across major scientific databases. Extracted metrics included F1-Score, AUC-ROC, interpretability methods (SHAP/LIME), and cross-validation strategies, with statistical analyses using ANOVA and Pearson correlations. Results showed that XGBoost achieved the best average performance (F1-Score: 0.86; AUC-ROC: 0.84), although differences across algorithms were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), challenging claims of algorithmic superiority. SHAP was the predominant interpretability approach (70% of studies). Studies implementing combined SHAP+LIME showed higher F1-Score values (F(1,7) = 8.71, p = 0.021), although this association likely reflects greater overall methodological rigor rather than a direct causal effect of interpretability on predictive performance. Clinical surveys and electronic health records demonstrated the most stable predictive outputs across validation schemes, whereas neurophysiological data achieved the highest point estimates but with limited sample representation. F1-Score strongly correlated with AUC-ROC (r = 0.950, p < 0.001). Considerable heterogeneity was observed for both metrics (I² = 74.37% for F1; I² = 71.49% for AUC), and Egger’s test indicated a publication bias for AUC (p = 0.0048). Overall, findings suggest that algorithmic performance depends more on data quality, context, and interpretability than on the choice of model, with explainable approaches offering practical value for personalized and collaborative clinical decision-making. Full article

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13 pages, 405 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Academic Environment on Turnover Intention of High-Skilled Scientific and Technology Professionals: Empirical Evidence from China’s First-Class Universities

by Xiuliang Dai, Lijian Wang, Dan Chen and Xiaoyu Guo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111475 - 29 Oct 2025

The study constructs a theoretical framework for how the academic environment and job satisfaction affect the turnover intention of high-skilled science and technology talents (STPs), based on academic ecology theory and job satisfaction theory. Conducting a quantitative analysis based on survey data collected [...] Read more.

The study constructs a theoretical framework for how the academic environment and job satisfaction affect the turnover intention of high-skilled science and technology talents (STPs), based on academic ecology theory and job satisfaction theory. Conducting a quantitative analysis based on survey data collected from 482 national-level STP recipients across 14 first-class universities, the study integrates descriptive statistics, ANOVA, OLS regression, and bias-corrected bootstrap mediation analysis to examine the relationships between these variables. Findings reveal that STPs exhibit relatively low overall turnover intention; however, significant regional disparities exist, with higher turnover intentions observed in central and western regions. Academic environment shows moderate overall positivity, with competition receiving the highest mean score. Both academic environment and job satisfaction significantly and negatively predict turnover intention. Furthermore, job satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between collaboration/democracy and turnover intention. Based on the findings, the study recommends that universities strengthen the institutional development of the academic environment to provide a favorable environment for talent development and scientific and technological innovation. Full article

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21 pages, 433 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intergroup Meta-Respect Perceptions in a Context of Conflict

by Meytal Nasie

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111474 - 29 Oct 2025

Intergroup relations in contexts of conflict are often characterized by mutual disrespect. The present research introduces and examines the concept of intergroup meta-respect—the belief that one’s ingroup is viewed by the outgroup as deserving of respect. Across two studies conducted among Jewish and [...] Read more.

Intergroup relations in contexts of conflict are often characterized by mutual disrespect. The present research introduces and examines the concept of intergroup meta-respect—the belief that one’s ingroup is viewed by the outgroup as deserving of respect. Across two studies conducted among Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel, we investigated perceptions of outgroup deservedness of respect, meta-respect, and their implications for intergroup attitudes. Study 1 (N = 451) revealed systematic biases in meta-respect: both groups underestimated the extent to which the outgroup considered their ingroup deserving of respect as human beings. Arabs, however, demonstrated greater accuracy and positivity, perceiving Jews as more deserving of respect than Jews perceived Arabs. Study 2 (N = 326) experimentally tested interventions aimed at correcting these misperceptions by presenting participants with accurate survey data, either with or without explicit correction of misperceptions. Exposure to corrective information increased participants’ feelings of respect, hope, and positive perceptions of the outgroup, and indirectly—through feelings of respect—enhanced willingness to respect and interact with the outgroup, although these effects were more limited among minority (Arab) participants. These findings highlight the critical role of meta-respect in shaping intergroup dynamics, and suggest that interventions targeting respect perceptions hold potential for improving intergroup relations, even amid ongoing intractable conflict. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Communication Strategies and Practices in Conflicts)

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18 pages, 282 KB

Open AccessArticle

SOLACE Spectrum: A Personality Assessment for Personal Growth in Therapy

by Sherry R. Rosenblad, Carlos Guerrero, Jodie Lockeby and Dirce Utrera

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111473 - 29 Oct 2025

Personality assessment has long been recognized as a valuable tool for understanding individual differences with implications for self-understanding and growth-related processes. Building on the development of the Personality Spectrum Analysis (PSA), the present study evaluated the SOLACE Spectrum, a revised and expanded measure [...] Read more.

Personality assessment has long been recognized as a valuable tool for understanding individual differences with implications for self-understanding and growth-related processes. Building on the development of the Personality Spectrum Analysis (PSA), the present study evaluated the SOLACE Spectrum, a revised and expanded measure designed to provide a reliable and accessible framework for understanding personality in therapeutic and relational contexts. Data were collected from 1021 adults through online administration, and exploratory factor analysis revealed six components: Stability, Optimism, Leadership, Achievement, Compassion, and Extroversion. The instrument demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.91) and robust test–retest reliability (0.851–0.922), indicating stability over time. Findings support the SOLACE Spectrum as a psychometrically sound measure that can inform understanding of personality traits, relationship processes, and personal growth processes. Its application may assist professionals in therapy, counseling, and educational or organizational settings by providing descriptive feedback on personality dimensions, highlighting areas of strength, and identifying potential areas for reflection and personal insight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experiences and Well-Being in Personal Growth)

20 pages, 856 KB

Open AccessArticle

Career Calling and Professional Match Among Chinese Graduates: The Roles of Career Loyalty and Industry Income

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

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111472 - 29 Oct 2025

This study investigates the role of career calling in shaping Chinese graduates’ professional match, with a focus on the mediating role of career loyalty and the moderating effect of industry income. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and person–environment (P–E) fit theory, [...] Read more.

This study investigates the role of career calling in shaping Chinese graduates’ professional match, with a focus on the mediating role of career loyalty and the moderating effect of industry income. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and person–environment (P–E) fit theory, we developed a three-wave, multi-source design with 2025 graduates across diverse industries. The results reveal that career calling significantly enhances professional match, and this relationship is fully mediated by career loyalty. Moreover, industry income strengthens the positive effect of calling, suggesting that external rewards amplify internal motivation in achieving sustainable career outcomes. Theoretically, the study extends calling research into the graduate labor market and integrates contextual economic factors into the COR and P–E fit frameworks. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of cultivating career calling through higher education, organizational practices, and policy initiatives to improve workforce alignment and long-term career sustainability. Full article

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