European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

The hotel industry is widely induced by emotional transactions between frontline employees and their guests leading to unintentional transfer of emotions, a phenomenon known as emotional contagion (EC). EC can result in positive or negative outcomes in the workplace influencing employees’ well-being and performance. This research paper explored direct effects of emotional contagion (EC) on (H1) employees’ well-being (PW), (H2) job performance (JP), and (H3) turnover intention (IL). Based on the affective events theory (AET) and the social exchange theory (SET), employee’s psychological well-being was employed as a mediating factor (H6-H7) and leader–member exchange (LMX) as a moderator variable that might alleviate the adverse consequences of EC (H8). Cross-sectional survey data were collected online from 792 frontline employees. The proposed model was evaluated with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that EC can significantly weaken PW, which accordingly decreases JP and increases IL. Nonetheless, strong levels of LMX can alleviate these harmful influences, emphasizing the main significant role of LMX in regulating emotional dynamics in the service workplace. This study expands our understanding of how emotional mechanisms and LMX practices can adjust employee resilience, retention, and performance in the context of high-emotion service. Full article

The mental health of veterinary professionals has become an increasing concern due to the high levels of psychological distress and suicide risk reported in this profession. The present study examined the association between emotional exhaustion and suicidal ideation, considering the mediating role of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. A total of 216 Spanish veterinary professionals completed standardized questionnaires assessing emotional exhaustion, affective symptoms, and suicidal ideation. The results revealed a high prevalence of emotional exhaustion, with more than half of the participants reporting high or very high levels. In addition, a considerable proportion of the sample reported experiencing at least one indicator of suicidal ideation during the previous year. Emotional exhaustion was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, the mediation analysis indicated that only depressive symptoms explained the relationship between emotional exhaustion and suicidal ideation, whereas anxiety and stress did not show a significant mediating effect. Overall, the model accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in suicidal ideation. These findings highlight the central role of depression in the link between emotional exhaustion and suicidal ideation, underscoring the need for early detection and prevention of depressive symptoms in veterinary professionals. Full article

Background: Recent data show that approximately 3.8% of the global population has a diagnosis of depression. Understanding psychological risk and protective factors is crucial for improving prevention strategies and mental health interventions. Among these, worry and emotional intelligence (EI) have emerged as relevant, yet they are rarely studied together. To date, no studies that analyzed the relationship between emotional intelligence, worry, and depression have been found. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association among EI, worry, and depression. Methods: This study included 924 participants (N = 806 non-clinical and N = 118 subclinical sample with elevated depressive symptoms), with a mean age of M = 25.55 years (SD = 11.38). A total of 118 participants (12.8%) met the criteria for clinical depression based on the BDI-II cut-off. All participants completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale. To examine the relationships among all variables examined, zero-order correlation coefficients were calculated. To investigate the predictive power of EI and worry on depression, Bayesian linear regression was conducted. Results: The results showed significant and positive correlations between worry and depression in both samples. EI showed significant and negative correlations with both depression and worry in both the subclinical sample with elevated depressive symptoms and the non-clinical sample. Finally, worry emerged as the strongest contributor to the somatic dimension of depression in both groups. In the subclinical sample with elevated depressive symptoms, age and Evaluation and Expression of Emotion to Self, along with worry, were the best predictors of somatic symptoms. Conclusions: Our data suggest that higher worry levels are associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, whereas higher EI was negatively associated with depressive symptoms and may play a potential buffering role. Training programs designed to enhance EI could help mitigate the impact of negative events, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance the expression of one’s own emotions. Full article

Introduction: University students are vulnerable to psychological distress due to the academic and social demands of this life stage. Mindfulness and self-compassion are effective and adaptable strategies in an academic environment that promote emotional regulation and psychological well-being. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the combined impact of mindfulness- and self-compassion-based interventions (MBSCIs) on psychological distress. It will also analyze their role as predictors of therapeutic change, as well as the moderating influence of sociodemographic and contextual factors. Method: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and single-group pre-post trials investigating the effect of MBSCI on anxiety, depression and stress in college students. Studies were combined using the inverse variance method in a random effects model. Additional subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed, and risk of bias was assessed. The review was pre-registered (PROSPERO registration number: CRD420251003822). Results: Our review included 49 studies with a total of 5043 participants (3721 in the intervention group, and 1322 in the control group). The results provide relevant evidence on the efficacy of MBSCI in the university population, especially in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The effect sizes observed were moderate-to-large for stress and small-to-moderate for anxiety and depression, supporting their clinical usefulness in university educational settings. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as no included study achieved low risk of bias, and heterogeneity was moderate-to-high across most outcomes. Conclusions: The results suggest that MBSCI could alleviate psychological distress in university students. However, these results are limited by some methodological issues (risk of bias, heterogeneity, lack of follow-ups, poor standardization). It would be advisable to integrate these practices into the university curriculum as workshops or complementary activities. Further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and explore sustained effects and differences according to individual characteristics. Full article

This study examines how abusive leadership influences non-green behavior among employees in five-star hotels in Egypt, drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model. Using survey data collected from 400 full-time hotel employees, the study investigates the mediating roles of emotional exhaustion and presenteeism, as well as the moderating role of perceived co-worker support. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the proposed relationships. The results indicate that abusive leadership increases emotional exhaustion and presenteeism, both of which contribute to higher levels of non-green behavior. Emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between abusive leadership and non-green behavior, while presenteeism partially mediates the link between abusive leadership and emotional exhaustion. Additionally, perceived co-worker support buffers the negative effect of presenteeism on emotional exhaustion. By integrating COR and JD–R perspectives, this study advances understanding of the psychological mechanisms through which abusive leadership undermines environmentally responsible behavior. The findings offer practical insights for hospitality managers seeking to promote employee well-being and sustainability in high-pressure service environments. Full article

Background: The biopsychosocial model positions fibromyalgia (FM) as the result of altered pain modulation shaped by trauma, psychological vulnerability, and structural stressors. The Sense of Coherence (SOC) may be a key resilience factor explaining differences in symptom severity after similar hardships. Objectives: To evaluate whether SOC mediates and/or moderates associations between trauma-related adversity and symptom burden in FM and whether comorbidities, medication use, healthcare factors, or treatment engagement modify these relationships. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2099 women with FM completed an online survey assessing adversity, psychosocial factors, core symptoms, healthcare support, treatment engagement, and medication use. A theory-driven SOC composite followed Antonovsky’s model (comprehensibility, manageability, meaningfulness) using the proxy SOC composite derived from a theory-driven framework that underwent internal construct validation, including discriminant validity analyses and latent structure evaluation, but it was not benchmarked against a gold-standard SOC questionnaire. Linear regression evaluated adversity–symptom associations, SOC mediation, and moderation by SOC and medication classes. Results: Higher adversity predicted lower SOC (e.g., cumulative abuse: B = −0.25), and lower SOC predicted higher symptom burden (e.g., Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ): B = −6.77), producing significant indirect effects (cognitive symptoms: 0.22; FIQ: 1.69). SOC also moderated the effects of adversity on fatigue and global impact, weakening associations at higher SOC. Comorbidities showed modest influence: hypertension had minor indirect effects (ab = 0.27), scheduled consultation produced small interactions (cognition β = −0.38 to −0.46; fatigue β = ~0.05–0.06), and stroke showed the only clinically meaningful moderation (β ≈ 4.9–5.2), all far smaller than SOC effects. Conclusions: SOC functions as a central psychosocial pathway and resilience-related factor in the association between trauma and FM symptoms. Targeting SOC-related processes may help reduce symptom burden and improve outcomes. Full article

The rapid digital transformation of education systems has profoundly changed teachers’ working conditions, intensified administrative demands, and highlighted territorial and organizational inequalities. In this context, understanding how these dynamics influence teacher engagement is essential for promoting healthy educational organizations. This study examined the factor structure of the UWES-17 and analyzed the relationship between engagement levels and sociodemographic variables in a sample of 314 elementary school teachers from four regions of Chile. Descriptive analyses, exploratory factor analysis with polychoric correlations and unweighted least squares, and confirmatory factor analysis using robust ULS and the Hull method were performed. The results showed a robust two-factor structure—Inspired Vitality and Challenging Commitment—with excellent fit indices. Freeman–Halton exact tests showed that Inspired Vitality was significantly associated with age, gender, region, location, administrative dependency, and professional experience, while Challenging Commitment was associated with gender, region, context, and professional experience. These findings indicate that teacher engagement is influenced by both structural inequalities and individual trajectories. The results underscore the need to strengthen organizational resources, regulate digital intensification, and reduce territorial gaps to promote teacher well-being. Full article

Physically Active Learning (PAL) integrates physical activity into classroom teaching and has been shown to benefit students’ cognitive, social, and academic outcomes. Despite these advantages, PAL is not yet sustainably implemented in everyday school practice, highlighting the need for effective professional development (PD) formats for teachers. This randomized controlled experimental study examined how different PD formats, varying in their mode of engagement with ready-to-use PAL materials, affect teachers’ motivation, professional competence, and implementation of PAL. A total of 153 in-service primary teachers participated in a 2.5 h PD training and were randomly assigned to one of three formats: example-based learning, experience-based learning, or problem-solving. Data were collected at pre-test, post-test, and a six-week follow-up using standardized questionnaires. Results showed that teachers in the experience-based format reported significantly higher motivation during the PD training than those in the other formats. Across all formats, attitude and self-efficacy regarding PAL increased over time, whereas no significant gains in knowledge were observed. No significant differences between PD formats regarding overall implementation of PAL were observed. Exploratory analyses indicated a potential advantage of the experience-based format. Overall, the findings suggest that immersive, experience-based PD formats may be particularly effective in fostering teachers’ motivation. Full article

Psychosocial and cognitive interventions are increasingly implemented in pediatric hospital settings. However, evidence regarding their structure, delivery, and outcomes remains dispersed. This scoping review aimed to synthesize current evidence on these interventions, focusing on their design, professional delivery, reported outcomes, and existing research gaps. It was conducted using established scoping review methodology and is reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations to identify peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 2009 and 2024. Following study selection based on predefined inclusion criteria, data were charted using a standardized data extraction form and analyzed to synthesize and map key characteristics of interventions and outcomes in relation to the review questions. Sixty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions primarily targeted school-aged children and adolescents and were delivered by psychologists, educators, and nurses, frequently within interdisciplinary teams. A wide range of materials and resources were used, including digital technologies, playful and artistic materials, audiovisual and informational supports, and sensory or therapeutic objects. Techniques primarily involved guided conversation, cognitive and body-based exercises, and play-based approaches. Outcomes mainly focused on emotional well-being and recovery, while fewer interventions explicitly addressed cognitive processes such as attention and executive functioning. Overall, reported effects were generally positive. These findings suggest that psychosocial and cognitive interventions in pediatric hospital settings reflect a wide range of approaches, while also revealing methodological heterogeneity, variability in reporting, and the underrepresentation of low- and middle-income countries, pointing to the need for more robust and inclusive future research. Full article

This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Arabic version of the 6-Item Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6). The LSNS-6 was translated, culturally adapted, and administered, alongside the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), to 327 Arabic-speaking adults aged 60 years and older. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the hypothesized two-factor structure (Family and Friends), and measurement invariance was evaluated across key sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Convergent validity was assessed through correlations with MOS-SSS domains. Item response theory (IRT) analyses examined item discrimination and threshold parameters. Latent class analysis (LCA) explored whether the LSNS-6 could identify subgroups with distinct patterns of social connectedness and perceived support. The Arabic LSNS-6 demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.83; ω = 0.84) and supported the expected two-factor structure with satisfactory model fit (CFI = 0.963; TLI = 0.931; SRMR = 0.03). Convergent validity was evidenced by moderate correlations with overall perceived social support (r = 0.51). IRT analyses indicated strong discrimination for most items, and LCA identified four distinct latent classes. Overall, the Arabic LSNS-6 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing social isolation among older Arabic-speaking adults. Full article

Burnout represents a critical occupational health issue within the maritime sector, where demanding work schedules, prolonged periods at sea, and safety-critical responsibilities expose seafarers to significant psychological strain. This study investigates how burnout influences safety behaviors among maritime workers, adopting a multilevel framework that incorporates work engagement, quality of life, and work–family conflict as key factors shaping this relationship. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 216 seafarers distributed across 36 commercial vessels, representing a diverse range of onboard roles and operational contexts. The multilevel design allows for simultaneous examination of individual-level experiences and ship-level dynamics, offering a more nuanced understanding of how psychosocial risks translate into safety-relevant outcomes in maritime environments. Data were analyzed using multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM), including multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (ML-CFA) and multilevel path analysis, implemented in Mplus version 8.10. The findings reveal that burnout undermines seafarers’ safe behaviors through diminished work engagement and a worsened quality of life. Furthermore, high levels of interference between work and family life amplify the negative effect of burnout on safe behaviors. This study contributes to the limited empirical literature on maritime behavioral health and provides implications for strengthening safety culture and crew well-being in the global shipping industry. Full article

(1) Background: Proactive health behaviors are key to reducing their burden and supporting healthy aging. (2) Methods: We analyzed five waves (2011–2020) of CHARLS data from 1343 middle-aged and older adults (≥45 years) with multimorbidity. An entropy weight method was used to create a composite score for proactive health behaviors, and group-based trajectory modeling identified behavioral trajectories. Multivariate logistic regression and Shapley value decomposition assessed determinants and their relative contributions. Generalized structural equation modeling and latent class analysis were applied to estimate direct and indirect effects across the full sample and key multimorbidity subgroups. (3) Results: Two trajectories emerged: a “declining group” (91.44%) and an “improving group” (8.56%). The improving group was more likely to include younger, urban individuals with higher education, retired status, smaller family size, and lower depression levels. Education (40.67%) and depressive symptoms (31.22%) were the strongest determinants of trajectory. Path analysis showed that higher education and retirement indirectly supported sustained proactive health behaviors by reducing depression. The direct and indirect effects varied across subgroups. (4) Conclusion: The proactive health behaviors of middle-aged and elderly patients with multimorbidity exhibit a declining trend. Future health policies and interventions should prioritize mental health. Full article

Eating disorders (EDs) are complex conditions that can significantly affect health and productivity, yet their assessment in occupational settings remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire—Short Form (EDE-QS) among 1912 workers undergoing health surveillance. Using an Item Response Theory framework, we tested dimensionality, reliability, and measurement invariance across gender, applying a graded response model to assess item discrimination and threshold parameters. Results supported an approximate unidimensional structure with excellent internal consistency (ω ≈ 0.95) and strong indices of factor score determinacy and construct replicability. Measurement invariance analyses indicated configural and metric invariance but not full scalar invariance, due to differential item functioning in a subset of items. Latent mean differences were small, with women scoring slightly higher than men, and associations with psychological, occupational, and health-related variables did not differ by gender. These findings indicate that the Italian EDE-QS shows promising structural validity as a brief measure of ED symptomatology in occupational samples in workplace contexts. However, gender-related item bias warrants cautious interpretation of specific behaviors, suggesting the need for tailored assessments to enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform preventive interventions. Full article

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic widespread pain condition implicated in accelerated aging, functional decline, and physical frailty. Objective: This study examined differences in performance-based and self-reported physical frailty phenotypes among middle-aged and older adults with and without FM. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 234 community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults with (59.0%) or without FM was analyzed. Physical frailty was defined as weakness, low physical activity, exhaustion, and slowness, assessed using validated performance-based (Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale [FAB], 8-foot up and go test [8FUPGT], 30-second chair stand [30SCS], 6-minute walk [6MWT], 30-foot walk [30FW]) and self-report measures (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity [RAPA], fatigue numeric rating scale). Principal component analysis (PCA) evaluated the underlying structure of physical frailty indicators, yielding performance-based and self-reported components. Standardized factor scores were used as outcomes in regression analyses examining associations with pain intensity. Results: PCA supported a two-component frailty structure explaining 61% of the variance. After adjusting for age, gender, depressive symptoms, and body mass index, greater pain intensity was associated with worse performance-based (B = −0.10, p < 0.001; adjusted R² = 0.36) and self-reported (B = −0.10, p < 0.001; adjusted R² = 0.39) frailty. Discussion: Findings suggest that pain intensity is associated with frailty risk among aging adults, supporting the clinical utility of both performance-based and self-reported physical frailty assessments in FM. Full article

This study investigated an integrative mediation model examining whether anxiety and depression mediate the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and the severity of alcohol and nicotine dependence among psychiatric patients with neurotic disorders (ICD-10 codes F40–F48). A cross-sectional design was conducted on a clinical sample of 232 patients (57.3 female; mean age = 48.58, SD = 10.77) using standardized instruments: Big Five Inventory (BFI-44), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using MLR mediation modeling. The model explained 32.6 of the variance in nicotine dependence and 27.1 in alcohol dependence. Results revealed a pattern of complete mediation: neuroticism had no direct effect on addiction but influenced alcohol dependence exclusively through anxiety (p = 0.001) and nicotine dependence through depressive symptoms (p = 0.012). Extraversion and agreeableness showed a dual role, exerting significant direct positive paths toward addiction severity (p = 0.005) while simultaneously reducing it through negative indirect effects on affective distress. Overall, neuroticism was confirmed as a universal risk factor for mental health issues. These findings suggest that personality-driven addiction in neurotic patients is operationalized through specific clinical symptoms, highlighting the necessity for therapeutic interventions focused on targeted affect regulation and social assertiveness to mitigate substance use in this population. Full article

Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and reduced quality of life are prevalent in older adults, yet the effectiveness of psychological interventions remains heterogeneous. This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated the impact of psychological and psychoeducational interventions on emotional symptoms and quality-of-life outcomes in adults aged 60 years and older. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials published in the last five years were included if they assessed interventions such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, reminiscence therapy, or behavioral activation. Twenty-eight trials were included in the qualitative synthesis and twenty-two in the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g) were pooled under fixed- and random-effects models. Heterogeneity, subgroup analyses, and publication bias were examined using Q, I², Begg–Mazumdar, Egger, and Trim-and-Fill methods. The global meta-analysis showed a moderate and significant favorable effect of psychological interventions on emotional symptoms under the random-effects model (SMD = −0.623, 95% CI −0.888 to −0.359; p < 0.001), where negative values indicate reductions in symptom severity. Subgroup analyses revealed a moderate effect on depressive symptoms, which remained significant after adjustment for publication bias, and a large effect on perceived stress (SMD = 0.581; p < 0.001); for stress outcomes, positive SMDs indicate reductions in stress (i.e., improvement) after aligning scale directionality. Anxiety showed a significant effect only under the fixed-effects model, while loneliness showed a small but significant effect (SMD = −0.110; p = 0.018). Mindfulness-specific outcomes and quality of life did not show significant pooled effects. No substantial publication bias was detected. Psychological interventions significantly improve emotional well-being in older adults, particularly by reducing depression and stress. Effects on anxiety, loneliness, mindfulness, and quality of life are more variable, emphasizing the need for methodological consistency and longer follow-up in future studies. Full article

Background: Adolescent football players are exposed to substantial psychological demands, and psychosocial support within family and sport environments has been shown to influence motivational climate, stress responses, and emotional well-being. However, the comparative effects of coordinated multi-source psychosocial support from parents and coaches versus single-source support on psychological outcomes remain insufficiently examined. Aims: to examine the effects of a multi-component psychosocial program involving parents and coaches on depression, anxiety, stress, and self-regulation in adolescent football players. Methods: A total of 60 male adolescent soccer players were recruited and randomly assigned to four groups: combined supportive communication from both parents and coaches (SCCP; n = 15), supportive communication from coaches only (SCC; n = 15), supportive communication from parents only (SCP; n = 15), and a control group (CG; n = 15). Over a 12-week intervention period, participants attended 12 sessions incorporating structured supportive communication and related psychosocial strategies. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), while self-regulation was measured with the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ). Results: The SCCP group demonstrated the largest improvements across outcomes, with reductions observed in anxiety, depression, and stress, and significant time effects for all mental health parameters. For depression, the time effect showed a (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.93 [Very large]; −45.77%). Anxiety scores also indicated a significant time effect (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.81 [Very large]; −46.55%). Stress demonstrated an exceptionally significant time effect (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.98 [Very large]; −48.29%). Additionally, the self-regulation outcomes showed significant improvements, with a time effect for the Planning subscale of the SRQ indicating (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.86 [Very large]; +66.38%). Conclusion: The findings provide preliminary evidence that a multi-component program involving parents and coaches is associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and self-regulation among adolescent football players. These results suggest that coordinated psychosocial support across family and sport environments may contribute to adolescent athletes’ psychological well-being, although replication in other cultural and sporting contexts is required. Full article