Search Results (60)

Students, particularly those in the medical field, are exposed to various stressors that can affect their health-related behaviors, including smoking habits, with implications for oral health and quality of life. Background and Objectives: to analyze the relationship between smoking, oral health, perceived stress level, and self-assessed quality of life in a sample of dental students. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 338 students, who completed validated questionnaires and were clinically examined. Lifestyle was assessed using a smoking behavior questionnaire, stress levels were measured with the Student Stress Inventory (SSI), and quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. The DMFT index was calculated to determine oral health status. Results: Among the 338 participating students, 53.8% were smokers. The lifestyle analysis revealed slightly higher average scores among non-smokers across all domains—social (3.26 vs. 3.09), attitudinal (2.75 vs. 2.97), and behavioral (3.82 vs. 3.49), but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.25). The mean DMFT score was 12.48, with no significant differences between smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.554). The SSI total score averaged 83.15, indicating a moderate level of perceived stress, again with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). However, slightly higher average stress scores among smokers may suggest the use of smoking as a coping mechanism. In contrast, quality of life as measured by EQ-5D-5L showed significantly worse outcomes for smokers across all five dimensions, including mobility (78.6% vs. 95.5%, p = 0.000) and self-care (93.4% vs. 100%, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression identified smoking (OR = 1.935; p = 0.047) and moderate stress levels (OR = 0.258; p < 0.001) as independent predictors of oral health status. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that smoking may function as a stress management strategy among students, supporting the relevance of integrating specific psychobehavioral interventions that address stress reduction and oral health promotion among student populations. Full article

Despite high rates of emotional dysregulation among autistic children, few studies have explored interventions addressing dysregulation. Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) are a class of interventions focused on supporting social communication. As social communication and emotion regulation skills emerge from similar developmental processes, NDBIs may be one approach for addressing dysregulation among autistic children. The present study sought to characterize change in dysregulation among one-hundred and eleven caregiver–child dyads completing Project ImPACT, a caregiver-mediated NDBI. Caregivers reported on child communication and social engagement using the Social Communication Checklist and emotion regulation using the Emotional Dysregulation Inventory-Young Child at the beginning and end of services. Clinicians reported on caregiver fidelity at each intervention session. Children showed reductions in emotional dysregulation throughout Project ImPACT, though reductions were specific to children who began the program with elevated dysregulation. Child social engagement at baseline and caregivers’ fidelity to specific strategies within Project ImPACT were associated with reductions in emotional dysregulation. Very few studies have tested interventions aimed at supporting emotion regulation among young autistic children. These findings demonstrate that NDBIs may support emotion regulation as well as social communication skills. Further incorporating support for emotion regulation in NDBI may address this critical gap without increasing service coordination for families. Full article

Background/Objectives: Developmental disabilities substantially affect the daily lives of children and their families. Although interest in examining the developmental profiles of children with various disabilities has grown, few studies have systematically compared them. This study aimed to characterize the developmental profiles of preschool-aged children with different disabilities. It was hypothesized that developmental profiles would differ depending on the type of developmental disability. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Scores on the Battelle^® Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition (BDI−2) were retrieved for a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 46 children diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS) (n = 22), global developmental delay (GDD) (n = 17), and developmental language disorder (DLD) (n = 7) upon completion of an early intervention program. Developmental quotients (DQs) for the overall BDI−2 and for each domain were determined. Results: The children’s mean age was 42.39 ± 5.23 months (range: 30–57). Significant differences were observed among groups with regard to global DQ and all domain-specific DQs (p ≤ 0.01). The GDD group demonstrated the highest DQs across all domains and globally, in comparison to the other groups. Conversely, children with DS had substantially lower DQs across all domains and globally compared to those with GDD, and in the motor and communication domains compared to children with DLD. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early intervention strategies to improve communication in children with DS and highlight the need for regular assessments to monitor progress and identify potential limitations, particularly during the preschool-to-school transition. Additionally, specialists should advise parents of children with DLD to adopt specific behaviors that support the development of their children’s social, adaptive, and language skills. Full article

Injury or fear of injury can cause stress for everyone. This is especially true for dancers, whose careers can be ruined by a serious injury. Stress or various psychological problems can play a role in the development of injury. Our research aims to explore the psychosocial patterns associated with injuries among Hungarian professional folk dancers. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 96 professional dancers (47.9% male, 52.1% female, mean age 29.9 years). Data was collected through an online questionnaire survey. Among psychological factors, perceived stress (using the Perceived Stress Scale), burnout (using the Athletic Burnout Questionnaire), coping skills (using the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory), relationship with the leader (using the Coaching Behaviour Questionnaire) and perceived social support (using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) were examined among injured and non-injured dancers. The two groups were compared along psychological subscales using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) followed by a post hoc ANOVA and Mann–Whitney test regarding social support. Our results showed a significant correlation between psychosocial factors and injuries sustained during the study period. Positive correlation was found between injuries and perceived stress (p < 0.001) and burnout (reduced sense of accomplishment p = 0.021; dance devaluation p < 0.001). Factors reflecting dancer’s behavior and coping skills also correlated with injuries, such as a decrease in coachability (p = 0.007), less concern (p = 0.029), and negative reactions to the leader’s behavior (p = 0.019). In addition, perceived social support from family also negatively correlates with injury (p = 0.019). Our findings suggest a multidirectional relationship between physical injuries and the mental state of dancers. Further investigation of the causal relationships is recommended, with the aim of using psychosocial support tools during the prevention and treatment of injuries by the professionals dealing with dance artists. It is also recommended to investigate whether individual psychological factors are directly related to injuries or interact with each other. It would also be useful to introduce prevention programs that help dancers manage their emotions related to injuries. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) is increasing over time. Additionally, specific social categories seem to be more affected. In the literature, the prevalence of university students suffering from ON is unclear, ranging from 7% to 83%. Nonetheless, ON shares pathological traits with both eating and obsessive–compulsive disorders, making its etiology and therapeutic perspectives complex. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ON and explore its psychological characteristics in a sample of university students. Methods: A total of 205 students from the University of Parma were consecutively recruited using a convenience sampling procedure. Participants completed the Orthorexia Nervosa Questionnaire-15 (ORTO-15) to assess ON, the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) to investigate eating behavior, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) to detect psychological symptoms, and the P Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) to describe stress-related lifestyle. Based on the scores obtained on the ORTO-15, a group of orthorexic students (ORTO-15 score ≤ 35) was compared with a group of non-orthorexic students (ORTO-15 score > 35). Results: The prevalence of university students with ON was nearly 42% (specifically, 41.95%). Furthermore, orthorexic students reported significantly higher levels of emotional dysregulation, perfectionism, and asceticism on the EDI-3 as well as affective problems and overcontrol in general. Furthermore, although there were no differences between the groups regarding psychological symptoms, an increase in sense of responsibility, vigor, and hyperactivity, as well as decreased free time on the PSQ, characterized the orthorexic student group. Conclusions: The results support that orthorexia nervosa emerged as a concerning phenomenon among university students, with increasing evidence pointing to its psychological correlates. Nonetheless, the fact that ON shares psychological characteristics with eating disorders highlights the clinical importance of implementing multidimensional assessments and multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches for individuals presenting with orthorexic-type eating behavior disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), a condition marked by an obsessive focus on eating healthily, has drawn increasing clinical attention due to its rigid dietary patterns and social impairment. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships, frequently co-occurs with eating disorders. Recent research suggests that autistic traits—such as cognitive rigidity and restricted interests—may underlie both ON and BPD, especially in female populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of orthorexic tendencies in patients with BPD compared to healthy controls (HCs) and to explore their associations with autistic traits and disordered eating behaviors. Methods: This study involved 73 BPD patients and 52 HCs. Participants completed the Adult Autism Subthreshold (AdAS) Spectrum, Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), and the ORTO-15 questionnaire. Results: BPD patients scored significantly higher than HCs on AdAS Spectrum and EDI-2, and significantly lower on ORTO-15, indicating more pronounced autistic traits, disordered eating behavior, and orthorexic tendencies. A greater proportion of BPD individuals reported clinically relevant ON symptoms according to the ORTO-15 threshold. Orthorexic symptoms were significantly correlated with most EDI-2 and all AdAS Spectrum domains. Regression analysis revealed that autistic traits, but not feeding and eating disorder symptoms, significantly predicted orthorexic tendencies. Conclusions: Orthorexic tendencies are more prevalent in individuals with BPD and are significantly associated with autistic traits. These findings suggest that ON may represent a manifestation of the autism spectrum, particularly in individuals with BPD, and support a reconceptualization of ON within a neurodevelopmental framework. Recommendation: Future research is needed in order to clarify the temporal and causal relationships among autistic traits, BPD symptomatology, and the emergence of orthorexic behaviors. Full article

Previous research has demonstrated both direct and indirect relationships between parental attachment and gaming addiction in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the role of parental attachment in adolescent gaming addiction, specifically examining how maladaptive daydreaming and perceived social support function as mediators in this relationship. A convenience sample of 898 Italian adolescents (550 female, M_age = 14.89 years, SD = 1.71) completed a questionnaire that included the Inventory of Parent and Peers Attachment, the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale, the Game Addiction Scale, and a demographic survey. Correlation analyses confirmed a negative relationship between parental attachment and gaming addiction. Mediation analyses also showed that perceived social support and maladaptive daydreaming serve as significant serial mediators in this relationship. These results emphasize the importance of both factors in understanding how parental attachment influences gaming addiction. Adolescents exhibiting gaming addiction is caused by low perceived social support and maladaptive daydreaming may benefit from psychological interventions targeting adaptive regulation strategies. Strengthening the sense of security and self-confidence through such interventions may help to reduce excessive gaming behaviors. Full article

Background: Men’s health behaviors influence health outcomes but remain understudied in high-risk occupational groups. This study examines determinants of health behaviors among public safety personnel using Andersen’s Behavioral Model. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 male public safety personnel in Kelantan, Malaysia. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using proforma and the validated Malay Health Behavior Inventory-Short Form (MHBI-SF). Multiple logistic regression identified factors associated with poor health behaviors. Results: Key risk factors for poor health behaviors included reliance on parental influence (AOR: 5.54; 95% CI: 1.74–17.64) and restricted healthcare access during leisure time (AOR: 4.70; 95% CI: 1.43–15.49). Protective factors included peer influence (AOR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05–0.71) and transportation support (AOR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06–0.79). Conclusions: Addressing barriers to healthcare access and enhancing social support are critical to promoting healthy behaviors among men in high-risk occupations. Targeted interventions can reduce health disparities and improve outcomes. Full article

Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to strengthening the evidence base for multifaceted illness prevention interventions. We bring together health economics and behavioral science to explore the well-being benefits and social cost–benefit of volunteer gardening at an accredited botanic garden, Wales, UK. A health economics-informed social return on investment (SROI) evaluation was combined with the assessment of volunteers’ basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), connection to nature, and their interrelatedness in this innovative nature-based intervention study. Pre- and post-volunteering outcome data were collected using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS), the ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults (ICECAP-A), the 12-item diary version of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSNF), the Nature Connection Index (NCI), and a bespoke Client Service Receipt Inventory (CSRI). Results indicate that volunteer gardening can provide well-being benefits to participants and cost savings to the NHS. The well-being benefits observed were estimated to generate social value in the range of GBP 4.02 to GBP 5.43 for every GBP 1 invested. This study contributes to the evidence base that simple nature-based interventions such as volunteer gardening could offer low-cost supportive environments that deliver significant well-being benefits and associated social value to local communities, including a reduced burden on overstretched local healthcare services. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is influenced by biological, hormonal, and social factors, contributing to chronic diseases and burdening the healthcare system. Chronic stress and emotional eating are linked to weight gain, affecting eating behaviors and metabolism. This study aimed to assess the association between stress, eating behavior, and adiposity in obese women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 132 obese women from Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The participants completed the Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to measure plasma cortisol, and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height measurements. Body fat was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Associations between stress, eating behavior, and adiposity were evaluated using linear regression models, and interactions between stress and eating behavior subscales were tested. Results: Positive associations were observed between Phases I (alert), II (resistance), and III (exhaustion) of stress with emotional and external eating. A negative association was identified between dietary restraint and body fat, especially in women with lower cortisol levels (<13.7 mg/dL). Additionally, the alert phase was associated with higher android fat in these women. Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesis that stress and eating behavior are associated with body adiposity and that stress is linked to emotional and external eating. An inverse association between restrained eating and body fat was observed in women with lower cortisol levels. These results highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates emotional and stress conditions in obesity treatment. Full article

As a representative of China’s fashion market, the second-hand luxury market in Shanghai is experiencing significant growth. To deepen the understanding of sustainable fashion consumption, this study adopts grounded theory methodology and utilizes semi-structured interviews with 40 interviewees who have purchased second-hand luxury goods. Through theoretical sampling and step-by-step coding using Nvivo12, a comprehensive model was developed, identifying five main categories of factors influencing consumer purchasing behavior in Shanghai: three external factors—store factors, product factors, and social environments—and two internal factors—benefit cognition and personal factors. Based on these factors, we propose the following managerial implications: managers should explore new digital channels to expand service chains, leveraging celebrity endorsements to promote sustainability initiatives. Additionally, broadening product sourcing channels and establishing a standardized recycling system, while enhancing the management and monitoring of high-risk products, are essential steps. Maintaining competitive pricing, high inventory turnover, and a diverse product range are also critical measures. Furthermore, the government should increase support for second-hand luxury sales in urban commerce, fostering a competitive and sustainable business ecosystem. Full article

Background: LEGO^®-based therapy is a social development protocol that uses LEGO^® activities to support the development of a wide range of interaction skills, enhancing prosocial behaviors and mitigating the challenges associated with mental health difficulties and behavioral issues commonly observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of LEGO^®-based therapy on the social behavior and mental health of children with ASD, comparing stimulation mediated by expert and stimulation mediated by non-autistic peers. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, ensuring adherence to ethical standards throughout the research process. Methods: This study involved 18 children with ASD, levels 1 or 2, with an intelligence quotient (IQ) above 70, and three typically developing peers, intelligence quotient (IQ) above 80, aged between 5 and 8 years old, of both sexes. Participants were randomized into three groups for stimulation (stimulation mediated by expert, by a non-autistic peer and control group). The measures were the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (parent and teacher versions), the Inventory of Difficulties in Executive Functions, Regulation, and Aversion to Delay—Child Version, the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, the Autism Behavior Checklist, and the Autistic Behavior Inventory. Results: After 14 sessions of 45 min in school settings, the participants of both groups (mediated by experts and non-autistic children) showed significant gains on social behavior. A statistically significant difference was observed between baseline sessions and probes (χ² (5) = 25.905, p < 0.001). These gains were maintained in both follow-up points, 30 and 90 days after the completion of the stimulation sessions. Additionally, maladaptive behavior showed a significant decline when compared pre- and post-intervention. These improvements were sustained during follow-up assessments at 30 and 90 days. Conclusions: The results suggest that a structured intervention combined with peer-mediated stimulation may be an effective method for promoting adaptive and prosocial behaviors in children with ASD. Full article

Background: Burnout is a well-recognized problem among resident physicians. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the dynamics of the patient/resident relationship and introduced new stressors for medical trainees, such as new restrictions in the hospital, increased patient death, and uncertainty around safety. There is limited research on the implementation of group therapy for residents to address issues of wellbeing and burnout during the pandemic. Method: In response to perceived burnout amongst internal medicine residents, a university-based internal medicine residency program in the Northeast United States implemented process groups, a form of group therapy, in the curriculum. These sessions were held hourly once every five weeks for each cohort of twelve residents during the academic year. We sought to measure resident burnout and identify themes that impacted wellbeing to facilitate the intervention of process groups during the pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, internal medicine residents were invited to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and answer two open-ended questions about the factors that most negatively and positively influenced their wellness. Results: Of the 134 participants, 82% had high emotional exhaustion or depersonalization. The most prevalent themes hindering wellness were negative personal interactions at work, most notably rude behavior by patients, unsupportive attendings, residency program expectations, and work intensity. Findings unique to the pandemic include social isolation from family, distress from poor outcomes, and fear of contracting or spreading the virus. The most prevalent themes for supporting wellness were personal life, camaraderie, professional satisfaction, and program structured support. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that programs can tailor structured support to improve wellness, despite the presence of significant stressors. Full article

Bullying is a social phenomenon that involves the repetition of aggressive, intentional and harmful behaviors directed at a specific person. Currently, one in three children is a victim of bullying. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between the quality of the relationship with teachers, memories of childhood care and bullying in adolescents. The sample consisted of 416 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years old. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Cuestionario de Evaluación de la Violencia entre Iguales en la Escuela y en el Ocio, the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and the Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale. The results demonstrated that bullying behaviors are more often perpetrated by males and with higher levels of aggression in private schools. They also revealed that students who perceive higher levels of support, understanding, trust and openness from teachers tend to be less likely to be targets of bullying. The results also demonstrated a relationship between positive memories of childhood care and students’ perceptions of greater support, understanding, trust and openness from their teachers. An analysis of the results was discussed considering attachment theory due to the implications of memories of primary care and the quality of teacher–student relationships regarding bullying. Full article

Background: Recognizing the positive or negative effects of students’ mental health promotes personal development, well-being, and academic success. Academic life exposes college students to multiple adjustments, demands, and vulnerabilities that can cause stress and mental health problems. This study aims to identify psychological well-being and psychological distress effects on college students’ mental health. Methods: A correlational study was designed involving a non-probabilistic 560 sample of students (446 women) aged 18 to 41 years (M = 19.6; SD = 1.68). An online self-report questionnaire was used including demographic, relational, academic, and health behaviors variables, and the measures: Mental Health Inventory; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; Academic Life Satisfaction Scale; and Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Results: Regression analyses indicate that male students, dating, good academic performance, exercise, sleeping seven hours, satisfaction with social support, and academic life satisfaction were significant correlates (p < 0.05) of psychological well-being, with the last two having great weight in the model. Females, low income, aged 21–24 years, sleeping less than 6 h, moderate psychological vulnerability, and perception of vulnerability were significant (p < 0.05) negative effects of psychological distress. Conclusions: This study addresses the positive and negative effects of psychological well-being and distress in college students. Specific mental health promotion and morbidity prevention programs can improve students’ mental health literacy and resilience. Full article