Behavioral Sciences

23 pages, 2131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing the Mental Health of First-Year College Students: Evidence from Digital Records of Daily Behaviors

by Jingyi Ou, Kunyu Wang, Mingzhang Zuo, Di Chen and Heng Luo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050618 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2025

The mental health of college students, particularly first-year students, deserves significant attention. As they transition from high school to college, they experience substantial changes not only in their learning behaviors but also in their daily behaviors, which may pose mental health challenges. However, [...] Read more.

The mental health of college students, particularly first-year students, deserves significant attention. As they transition from high school to college, they experience substantial changes not only in their learning behaviors but also in their daily behaviors, which may pose mental health challenges. However, existing studies exploring the factors influencing college students’ mental health still have limitations in the selection of predictor variables and behavior assessment. Building on this, our study adopted a cross-sectional design involving 110 first-year college students in China (M = 17.94 years; 47 males, 63 females) and analyzed the impact of daily behaviors on mental health. We collected daily behavioral data through a designed mini program, and assessed mental health using the GHQ-28. LASSO regression was applied to identify key behavioral predictors, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to further explore the impact of these factors. The results show that sleep quality, planned and implemented physical exercise, average self-evaluation scores, average daily number of planned tasks, and the completion rate of planned tasks have a positive impact on mental health. These findings contribute to enhancing the theoretical understanding of how daily behaviors shape college students’ mental health and offer practical guidance for universities to carry out mental health education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Intervention for Mental Health in Teenagers and Young Adults)

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22 pages, 899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishing a Bridge Between Supervisor’s Perceived Organizational Support and Salesperson’s Career Initiative

by Yiran Gai, Guicheng Shi, Yu Liu and Zhitao Chen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050617 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

The proactive behavior of front-line salespeople plays a crucial role in generating positive organizational outcomes. As the managers who interact most frequently with front-line employees, front-line managers’ perception of organizational support is pivotal in fostering the development of career initiative among these employees. [...] Read more.

The proactive behavior of front-line salespeople plays a crucial role in generating positive organizational outcomes. As the managers who interact most frequently with front-line employees, front-line managers’ perception of organizational support is pivotal in fostering the development of career initiative among these employees. Grounded in self-determination and social exchange theories, this study investigates whether the organizational support perceived by front-line managers influences employee initiative behavior. Meanwhile, core self-evaluation is introduced to explore how personality traits of sales personnel may influence their perception of the external environment and the formation of intrinsic motivation. This study utilized a questionnaire survey method to collect data from 50 front-line team leaders and their 299 corresponding employees across multiple cities in China, conducted over three rounds. Following the collection of the paired questionnaires, Mplus 8.0 was employed to perform reliability and validity analyses, correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing on the data. The final results revealed that supervisor’s perceived organizational support positively influences a group-inclusive climate; a group-inclusive climate can foster felt obligation and salesperson career initiative. Supervisors’ perceived organizational support enhances salesperson career initiative by making salespeople experience group-inclusive climate and develop felt obligation. Moreover, core self-evaluation significantly moderates the positive impact of the inclusive climate on these outcomes. By adopting the perspective of front-line supervisors, this research identifies an effective pathway from supervisor perception to employee behavior, elucidates the antecedents of front-line salespeople’s initiative, and reassesses the critical role of front-line supervisors within organizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)

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29 pages, 1822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decoding Green Consumption Behavior Among Chinese Consumers: Insights from Machine Learning Models on Emotional and Social Influences

by Ying Lu and Sang-Do Park

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050616 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

This study examined the diverse factors influencing green consumption behavior among Chinese consumers through a comprehensive, data-driven approach that integrated multiple machine learning models, including Gaussian naïve Bayes, K-nearest neighbor, multilayer perceptron, and XGBoost models. By analyzing emotional, product-related, cultural, social, and personal [...] Read more.

This study examined the diverse factors influencing green consumption behavior among Chinese consumers through a comprehensive, data-driven approach that integrated multiple machine learning models, including Gaussian naïve Bayes, K-nearest neighbor, multilayer perceptron, and XGBoost models. By analyzing emotional, product-related, cultural, social, and personal dimensions, this research identified key determinants that shape consumer engagement in sustainable consumption. Unlike conventional studies that rely on linear models or survey-based analyses, this study leveraged machine learning to uncover complex, nonlinear interactions between these factors. The findings reveal that emotional drivers, particularly guilt and pride, play a pivotal role in green consumption decisions, while cultural and product-related factors also exhibit significant influence. This study contributes methodologically by employing a multidimensional, multilevel analytical framework, enhancing the robustness of the findings. Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of policy and marketing strategies that effectively target emotional and social influences to cultivate a sustainable consumer culture. These insights provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and businesses seeking to promote green consumption and advance global sustainability efforts. Full article

20 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Item Analysis of an Early Social Responsiveness Scale for Assessing Autism Risk

by Chloe Boynton, Opal Ousley and Reina S. Factor

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050615 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is vital for effective intervention and improves social and behavioral development. The previous literature has shown that the Early Social Responsiveness (ESR) assessment is effective at detecting ASD risk in individuals as early as 13 months [...] Read more.

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is vital for effective intervention and improves social and behavioral development. The previous literature has shown that the Early Social Responsiveness (ESR) assessment is effective at detecting ASD risk in individuals as early as 13 months of age (“parent study”). However, an item analysis that examines individual item scores has not been conducted to further elucidate the strength of this assessment. In this study, we analyzed an existing dataset (collected in the parent study) containing individual item responses from the ESR assessment of 120 children (n = 61 males and n = 59 females; age range = 15–24 months). Through item analysis, we determined which ESR items or item sets are best at differentiating ASD risk from non-ASD risk. Ease of social engagement (i.e., questions assessing the administrator’s perceived level of effort in engaging the child) was the most effective risk indicator, with the hat and tickle activities being least effective at indicating ASD risk. These results could contribute to optimizing the scale and facilitating its clinical adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Identification and Intervention of Autism)

16 pages, 3468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Illusory Health Beliefs, Recommended Health Behaviours, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Investigation Across Multiple Time Points

by Andrew Denovan, Neil Dagnall and Kenneth G. Drinkwater

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050614 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Illusory health beliefs (IHBs) represent invalid ideations about health and potentially impact health behaviours and practices in meaningful ways. Examples include the uptake of methods with less conclusive evidence/support (e.g., complementary and alternative medicine, CAM) versus empirically validated approaches (e.g., recommended by health [...] Read more.

Illusory health beliefs (IHBs) represent invalid ideations about health and potentially impact health behaviours and practices in meaningful ways. Examples include the uptake of methods with less conclusive evidence/support (e.g., complementary and alternative medicine, CAM) versus empirically validated approaches (e.g., recommended by health professionals). However, measurement obfuscation of IHB has hindered construct operationalisation. This study examined a newly developed measure (the Illusory Health Beliefs Scale) in the context of health outcomes. Specifically, we explored adherence to recommended health behaviours (e.g., lifestyle, vaccines) and trust in healthcare professionals versus CAM use. Assessments included theoretically linked constructs, comprising health locus of control, belief in science, and belief in CAM. Using a sample of 1507 (734 males, 768 females, 7 non-binary), a statistical model tested relationships across time points. Path analysis revealed that IHBs aligned with openness to orthodox treatments alongside lower confidence in conventional treatment methods. Crucially, locus of control and belief in science mediated/weakened this relationship, predicting greater adherence to health recommendations and trust in health professionals. Belief in CAM strengthened the relationship between IHBs and CAM use. The findings provide initial evidence regarding the contribution of IHBs to health outcomes, and a basis for future research to further explore the IHB-health relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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25 pages, 682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation of the Multidimensional Perceived Autonomy Support Scale in Physical Education to Seventh–Eleventh Grade Turkish Students: A Validity and Reliability Study

by Mümine Soytürk, Özden Tepeköylü-Öztürk and Henri Tilga

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050613 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Feeling autonomous is a fundamental psychological need for personal growth, integration, development, mental health, and overall well-being. This need is closely linked to the level of support perceived by the environment. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Turkish version [...] Read more.

Feeling autonomous is a fundamental psychological need for personal growth, integration, development, mental health, and overall well-being. This need is closely linked to the level of support perceived by the environment. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Perceived Multidimensional Autonomy Support in Physical Education Scale (MD-PAS-PE) for Turkish seventh–tenth grade students. The participants comprised a total of 1092 students (606 girls and 486 boys). For obtaining data, the Multi-Dimensional Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Physical Education, the Basic Psychological Needs Scale in Physical Education, and the Personal Information Form to identify the participants were used. In this study, internal consistency, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), criterion validity, and measurement invariance for gender and age groups statistical analyses were used for data analysis. The extracted factors explained 54.47% of the variance among the 15 items. A fifteen-item, three-factor structure was implemented, as in the original language. In addition, the structural equation model results indicated that cognitive, procedural, and organizational autonomy support sub-dimension scores significantly predicted basic psychological need satisfaction scores. Measurement invariance was examined with gender and age variables, and invariance was observed according to these two factors. It was concluded that the data obtained from the form adapted into Turkish were similar to the original scale, explained by the theoretical structure, and was a valid and reliable scale for measuring autonomy perceptions of seventh–tenth grade students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

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15 pages, 846 KiB

Open AccessReview

Perspective-Taking and Reactions Toward Poor Performers in Groups: A Scoping Review and Discussion

by Emma Halfmann and J. Lukas Thürmer

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050612 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Perspective-taking, the ability to adopt another person’s viewpoint, has been found to enhance group performance by fostering cooperation and coordination. However, if members threaten the attainment of group goals (i.e., poor performers), the intensity of perspective-taking is not sufficient to explain group [...] Read more.

Perspective-taking, the ability to adopt another person’s viewpoint, has been found to enhance group performance by fostering cooperation and coordination. However, if members threaten the attainment of group goals (i.e., poor performers), the intensity of perspective-taking is not sufficient to explain group members’ reactions to the poor performer (e.g., willingness to punish), since the findings are not unequivocally positive. It is key to consider the inferences resulting from perspective-taking efforts (attributions). These inferences, as attributions of the cause of the poor performance and the pro-group intent, are key determinants of group responses to poor performers. The goal of this scoping review is to examine the role of perspective-taking and attributions of the cause of poor performance in reactions toward poor performers in groups. Following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, we performed a literature search in three databases (APA PsycInfo, PubPsych, and Web of Science) that yielded ten articles that matched our eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis was employed to summarize the main findings across the included literature. This review highlights the need for integrating views on perspective-taking and attribution processes in group contexts to better understand how groups can effectively navigate challenges posed by diverging performance. 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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15 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Avoidance” Is Not “Escape”: The Impact of Avoidant Job Crafting on Work Disengagement

by Tianan Yang, Ying Wang, Jingyi Liu, Tianyu Wang, Wenhao Deng and Jianwei Deng

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050611 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

In a highly competitive and high-pressure workplace environment, more and more employees may fall into negative work situations such as work disengagement. The actual effectiveness of avoidant job crafting as a proactive behavior of employees in coping with stress remains controversial, and the [...] Read more.

In a highly competitive and high-pressure workplace environment, more and more employees may fall into negative work situations such as work disengagement. The actual effectiveness of avoidant job crafting as a proactive behavior of employees in coping with stress remains controversial, and the positive aspects of its impact are not explored. Based on conservation of resources theory, this study argues that avoidant job crafting mitigates employees’ self-control resource depletion, which in turn effectively helps employees to reduce work disengagement; the above process is moderated by career identity. To test the above hypotheses, this study collects 455 cross-sectional data from Internet companies in various regions of China and uses structural equation modeling to conduct an analysis. The results show the following: avoidant job crafting has a significant negative effect on work disengagement; self-control resource depletion partially mediates the effect of avoidant job crafting on work disengagement; and the negative relationship between avoidant job crafting and self-control resource depletion is stronger when employees’ career identity is higher and vice versa when it is weaker. The above results guide managers to help employees adjust avoidant job crafting correctly and escape negative work situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)

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18 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivational Processes Associated with Mental Toughness Among College Skiers

by Xinran Wu, Yuhao Cai, Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin and Rafidah Aga Mohd Jaladin

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050610 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between motivational processes and mental toughness in college skiers based on the self-determination theory (SDT). A total of 332 participants from four skiing items completed four psychological scales assessing motivational factors and mental toughness. The findings revealed that [...] Read more.

This study examined the relationships between motivational processes and mental toughness in college skiers based on the self-determination theory (SDT). A total of 332 participants from four skiing items completed four psychological scales assessing motivational factors and mental toughness. The findings revealed that a task-involving climate is positively associated with basic psychological needs, eliciting a positive pathway to autonomous motivation and controlled motivation, thereby positively affecting mental toughness. In contrast, an ego-involving climate is negatively associated with basic psychological needs, eliciting a negative pathway to amotivation, thus negatively affecting mental toughness. The findings highlight the complex interplay between a series of motivational factors and athletes’ mental toughness, underscoring the need to integrate mental-toughness-related factors into the motivational framework. Full article

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17 pages, 786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Empowering Leadership Drives Proactivity in the Chinese IT Industry: Mediation Through Team Job Crafting and Psychological Safety with ICT Knowledge as a Moderator

by Juanxiu Piao and Juhee Hahn

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050609 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

In China’s rapidly digitizing IT industry, empowering leadership has become a crucial catalyst for workplace proactivity; however, the mechanisms linking leadership practices to individual proactive behaviors remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by proposing a multi-level framework that integrates team processes and [...] Read more.

In China’s rapidly digitizing IT industry, empowering leadership has become a crucial catalyst for workplace proactivity; however, the mechanisms linking leadership practices to individual proactive behaviors remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by proposing a multi-level framework that integrates team processes and technological contexts. Based on the job demands–resources theory, the research examines the mechanisms of empowering leadership through parallel team-level pathways and the influence of digital infrastructure on these dynamics. Data were gathered in three phases from 510 employees across 74 teams in seven IT firms. Hierarchical analyses with SPSS 27.0, AMOS 28.0, and HLM 6.08 revealed three pathways: empowering leadership significantly enhances workplace proactivity, with team job crafting and psychological safety serving as sequential mediators. Moreover, access to knowledge via ICT moderates the relationship between team job crafting and workplace proactivity. This study theoretically contests sequential mediation assumptions by demonstrating parallel, non-overlapping mechanisms and redefines ICT’s role as a contextual enhancer in digital workplaces. Practically, it offers organizations a modular strategy: leaders can prioritize either job crafting systems or psychological safety climates to foster proactivity, depending on their team’s technological readiness. These insights offer practical recommendations for optimizing leadership practices in high-pressure IT environments, where digital tools and team dynamics influence employee initiative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work Motivation, Engagement, and Psychological Health)

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14 pages, 755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Teacher Punishment Intensity and Parental Trust: A Moderated Moderation Effect Based on CEPS 2013–2014 Survey Data

by Zhen Zhang, Xiaoyu Huang, Yali Zhao, Juan Guo, Chunhui Qi and Guoxiang Zhao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050608 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Teacher punishment serves as a critical tool not only for fostering the healthy development of adolescents but also for shaping the trust relationship between parents and teachers. Drawing on signaling theory and just deserts theory, this study examines baseline data from the China [...] Read more.

Teacher punishment serves as a critical tool not only for fostering the healthy development of adolescents but also for shaping the trust relationship between parents and teachers. Drawing on signaling theory and just deserts theory, this study examines baseline data from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS 2013–2014) to explore the effects of teacher discipline intensity, student violation severity, and teacher gender on parental trust. The findings indicate the following: (1) There is a significant positive correlation between disciplinary intensity and violation severity, while both exhibit a significant negative correlation with parental trust. Teacher gender also significantly correlates positively with parental trust. (2) Violation severity moderates the negative relationship between teacher discipline intensity and parental trust. Specifically, teacher discipline intensity significantly negatively predicts parental trust under both high- and low-violation conditions, with a more pronounced negative effect under low-violation conditions; (3) For male teachers, there is a significant interaction effect between discipline intensity and violation severity on parental trust, whereas this interaction effect is not observed for female teachers. These results provide valuable insights for teachers in understanding the rationale and methods for implementing appropriate discipline to enhance parental trust. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Education and Learning in the Context of the New Normal: Sustainable Development and the Path to Sustainability)

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16 pages, 1788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dog and Guardian Relationships: Application of a Dual-Process Actor–“Partner” Interdependence Model to Predict Regular Walking

by Sarah B. E. Hough, Chris A. Graham, Alfred S. Y. Lee and Ryan E. Rhodes

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050607 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a major global health risk, yet many fail to meet activity guidelines. Dog guardianship has been linked to increased physical activity, though the dog–guardian walking relationship remains understudied. This study applied the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to examine how guardians’ [...] Read more.

Physical inactivity is a major global health risk, yet many fail to meet activity guidelines. Dog guardianship has been linked to increased physical activity, though the dog–guardian walking relationship remains understudied. This study applied the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to examine how guardians’ and dogs’ dual-process constructs influence walking behaviour. A sample of 127 Canadian dog guardians reported their walking habits, hedonic motivation, and expectations (Time 1) for themselves and their dogs, with follow-up walking behaviour assessed after three weeks (Time 2). Structural equation modelling revealed significant covariation in dog–guardian walking (r = 0.38, p = 0.03), supporting APIM. Guardians’ hedonic motivation (β = 0.37, p = 0.02) and expectations (β = 0.38, p = 0.02) predicted both human and dog walking. Findings confirm that guardians are the primary drivers of walking, suggesting interventions targeting guardian motivation and expectations may enhance physical activity in both humans and dogs, benefiting health. Full article

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18 pages, 1336 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Sociology of Suicide After COVID-19: Assessment of the Spanish Case

by Enrique Fernández-Vilas, Juan R. Coca, Juan José Labora González and Marcos Iglesias Carrera

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050606 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

The phenomenon of suicide has become a significant global concern, claiming over 800,000 lives annually and resulting in millions of suicide attempts worldwide. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, these troubling statistics have worsened, with notable increases in suicidal behavior, especially among [...] Read more.

The phenomenon of suicide has become a significant global concern, claiming over 800,000 lives annually and resulting in millions of suicide attempts worldwide. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, these troubling statistics have worsened, with notable increases in suicidal behavior, especially among vulnerable populations such as the youth, the elderly, and those in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This paper aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates in Spain, using a theoretical ex post facto analysis. Spain has witnessed an alarming rise in suicide rates, particularly among young people, and a disturbing trend of increased suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors. While some studies report no significant change in suicide rates during the pandemic, others point to the exacerbating effects of social isolation, economic instability, and public health measures. This study provides an in-depth examination of the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic on mental health in Spain, emphasizing the urgency of the need to address pre-existing inequalities and implement effective suicide prevention measures. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of gender-sensitive strategies and the need for systemic reforms to ensure better mental healthcare access for all segments of society. To achieve this goal, this paper uses a narrative literature review combined with a theoretical ex post facto analysis to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide patterns in Spain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Suicidal Behaviors: Prevention, Intervention and Postvention)

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9 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessReview

English-Learning Infants’ Developing Sound System Guides Their Early Word Learning

by Suzanne Curtin and Susan A. Graham

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050605 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

Children appear to acquire new words effortlessly from complex auditory input. However, this process is highly intricate, requiring the simultaneous integration of phonetic and phonemic details, prosodic cues, and grammatical structures. Furthermore, different components of a language’s sound system—such as phonemes, syllables, and [...] Read more.

Children appear to acquire new words effortlessly from complex auditory input. However, this process is highly intricate, requiring the simultaneous integration of phonetic and phonemic details, prosodic cues, and grammatical structures. Furthermore, different components of a language’s sound system—such as phonemes, syllables, and prosodic features—appear with different frequencies in the input and follow distinct patterns of distribution in speech. This article reviews research that illustrates how infants’ growing understanding of their native language sound system facilitates their acquisition of new words. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing Cognitive and Executive Functions Across Lifespan)

15 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Health and Suicide Research with Migrants in Australia: Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Engagement Strategies

by Harry Minas, Dominic Diocera and Erminia Colucci

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050604 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

(1) Research is fundamentally important in developing evidence-informed and effective policies and appropriate programs and services to reduce the burden of mental health problems, and prevent suicide, among migrants. However, this population continues to be underrepresented in mental health and suicide research, resulting [...] Read more.

(1) Research is fundamentally important in developing evidence-informed and effective policies and appropriate programs and services to reduce the burden of mental health problems, and prevent suicide, among migrants. However, this population continues to be underrepresented in mental health and suicide research, resulting in large evidence gaps that limit policy making, service design and delivery, as well as evaluation of outcomes. (2) Experts in mental health and suicide prevention research with migrants provided free-text responses to a survey that asked about the knowledge and skills required to effectively conduct mental health and suicide prevention research with migrants, and effective strategies for engaging migrant and refugee communities in such research. An adapted thematic analysis method was used to analyze the free-text responses to the six questions. (3) The study identified specific areas of knowledge and skills required for effective mental health and suicide research with migrants; the methodological and ethical challenges that may arise in such research; and strategies that are likely to be effective in engaging people with lived experience and migrant and refugee communities in such research. (4) The findings from this project can be used to inform researchers on how to ethically and effectively undertake mental health and suicide research with migrant and refugee populations. Full article

15 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Thinking in Initial Teacher Training: An Empirical Study from Chile

by Liliana Pedraja-Rejas, Christopher Maulén and Christofer Rivas

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050603 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

The promotion of critical thinking has become a key objective for educational institutions worldwide. In this context, it is essential to continue researching and promoting pedagogical strategies that favor its development. This study aims to explore academics’ perceptions of the characteristics of their [...] Read more.

The promotion of critical thinking has become a key objective for educational institutions worldwide. In this context, it is essential to continue researching and promoting pedagogical strategies that favor its development. This study aims to explore academics’ perceptions of the characteristics of their academic units that could facilitate the development of critical thinking, as well as students’ perceptions of their own critical thinking skills, their levels of satisfaction, and the learning outcomes achieved. To achieve this objective, questionnaires were administered to 31 academics and 150 students at a Chilean university. The results revealed that, although academics assigned high scores to the three dimensions evaluated (gender diversity, academic preparation, and value congruence), when analyzing the data disaggregated by gender and school, significant differences in their perceptions emerged. On the other hand, in the case of students, the items related to facilities and equipment (satisfaction dimension) obtained the lowest scores. Likewise, no direct and uniform relationship was identified between the characteristics of academics and the development of critical thinking when grouping the data by school. Finally, a strong and significant correlation was observed between satisfaction, learning outcomes, and students’ perceived critical thinking skills. Several recommendations are presented to address the identified issues. Full article

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20 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Arts Therapies in Palliative and End-of-Life Care: Insights from a Cross-Cultural Knowledge Exchange Forum

by John F. Mondanaro, Bruce Armstrong, Sally McRae, Edith Meyerson, Todd O’Connor and Giorgos Tsiris

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050602 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025

Abstract

In October 2023, a Knowledge Exchange Forum was established, bringing together arts therapies staff and students from three different palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) settings: St Columba’s Hospice Care in Edinburgh, the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital [...] Read more.

In October 2023, a Knowledge Exchange Forum was established, bringing together arts therapies staff and students from three different palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) settings: St Columba’s Hospice Care in Edinburgh, the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in New York. Adopting a practice-led approach, the Forum offers a space to unpack questions and challenges that arts therapists face in PEoLC. In this dialogical paper, we outline the development of the Forum and share emerging insights from our cross-cultural discussions. When working in PEoLC settings, arts therapists are commonly required to work across a continuum of care. This continuum extends from individual sessions with patients, families and bereaved carers, to groups and community-oriented initiatives. It often requires a capacity to work flexibly and fluidly with regard to, for example, therapeutic boundaries, consistency of location, and time. Discussion of emerging insights leads to a consideration of their implications for education and practice, and for future directions in professional networking and knowledge exchange. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Music Based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing)

21 pages, 2649 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

Developing Leadership: The Integrative Approach of Pro●Leader Intervention Program

by A. Rui Gomes and Catarina Morais

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050601 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

The impact of leaders on organizational success has been widely documented, and consequently, the leadership training industry has expanded over the past decades. However, this investment has not consistently translated into better leaders. Leadership intervention programs have received notable criticism, including (a) lacking [...] Read more.

The impact of leaders on organizational success has been widely documented, and consequently, the leadership training industry has expanded over the past decades. However, this investment has not consistently translated into better leaders. Leadership intervention programs have received notable criticism, including (a) lacking individualization (‘one size fits all’ approach), (b) an emphasis on pre-defined skills, and (c) insufficient consideration of context, disregarding other members’ and organizations’ characteristics. This paper introduces and discusses Pro●Leader, an intervention program based on the Leadership Efficacy Model (LEM), which aims to promote leadership through a comprehensive approach to training. In essence, LEM proposes that leadership efficacy increases if leaders are congruent in how they intend to exert leadership (conceptual cycle of leadership) and how they indeed implement the leadership (practical cycle of leadership), considering also the leadership behaviors they display when exerting influence (leadership styles), as well as their own, team members’, and contextual characteristics (antecedent factors). The Pro●Leader intervention program is structured according to the LEM and trains participants across these three components: leadership cycles, styles, and antecedent factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Leadership Development: Contributions from Theory and Research)

13 pages, 437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Critical Writing Through AI Feedback: A Randomized Control Study

by Kai Zhang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050600 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) systems on undergraduate writing development through a randomized controlled trial with 259 Chinese students. Despite promising applications of AI in educational settings, empirical evidence regarding its comparative effectiveness in writing instruction remains limited. [...] Read more.

This study investigates the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) systems on undergraduate writing development through a randomized controlled trial with 259 Chinese students. Despite promising applications of AI in educational settings, empirical evidence regarding its comparative effectiveness in writing instruction remains limited. Using a four-week intervention comparing Qwen-powered AI feedback to traditional instructor feedback, we employed difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis and structural equation modeling to examine how technology acceptance factors influence writing outcomes. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the AIGC intervention group compared to controls (β = 0.149, p < 0.001), with particularly strong effects on organization (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) and content development (β = 0.191, p < 0.001). Path analysis revealed that perceived usefulness fully mediated the relationship between perceived ease of use and attitudes toward the system (β = 0.326, p < 0.001), with attitudes strongly predicting behavioral engagement (β = 0.431, p < 0.001). Contrary to traditional technology acceptance models, perceived ease of use showed no direct effect on attitudes, suggesting that students prioritize functional benefits over interface simplicity in educational technology contexts. These findings contribute to an expanded technology acceptance model for educational settings while providing evidence-based guidelines for implementing AI writing assistants in higher education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

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Behavioral Sciences

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