Search Results (188)

Background: This study examines balance, flexibility and self-esteem among healthy individuals who engage in surfing compared to those who do not surf. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted with 124 participants divided into the following groups: Group 1: Surfers n = 42; Group 2: individuals performing over 3 h of physical activity per week n = 43; and Group 3: individuals performing fewer than 3 h of physical activity per week n = 39. To assess balance, the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Flamenco Test (FBT) were used, the sit-and-reach test (SRT) was used to measure hamstring extensibility, the Rosenberg Scale was used to measure self-esteem, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure physical activity levels. Results: Regarding descriptive characteristics, G1 participants were significant older than those of G2 and G3 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, there was a higher proportion of females in G3 than in G1 and G2 (p < 0.05). The results revealed significant differences in balance between the surfers and those engaging in fewer than 3 h of activity per week (p < 0.05). G1 obtained significantly higher results in SEBT-left leg than G2 and G3 (p < 0.001) and higher result in SEBT-right leg and FBT than G3 (p < 0.05) but no significant differences in self-esteem were found. Significant differences in flexibility were observed between males and females (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This result suggests that surfing could have a positive effect on balance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe disorder with limited treatment efficacy. This interim analysis aimed to assess the preliminary efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing core AN symptoms, stress, depression, low self-esteem, and BMI in adolescent females, to determine the rationale for continuing the study. Methods: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 20 adolescent females with AN assigned to an active tDCS group (n = 10) or a sham group (n = 10). The intervention involved 30 sessions over three weeks, targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) for eating disorder symptoms, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) for stress, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) for self-esteem, and body mass index (BMI) measurements. Safety and tolerability were assessed using the tDCS Side Effects Questionnaire. Results: Eating disorder symptoms significantly decreased in the active tDCS group at study end (p = 0.003) and follow-up (p = 0.02), while no significant changes were observed in the sham group. Although BMI increased more in the active group (13.78%) than in the sham group (7.31%), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). Conclusions: Adverse effects were mild and transient, with no serious safety concerns reported. Based on the results of this interim analysis, the study will proceed due to promising efficacy outcomes and good treatment tolerability. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether perceived social support, appearance satisfaction, and self-esteem mediate the relationship between the type of dermatological condition and psychological distress among dermatological patients. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study utilizing self-report measures. The sample consisted of 108 dermatological patients aged 18 to 35 years. Participants were divided into two groups based on their diagnosis: Group A included 54 individuals with visible facial cystic acne, and Group B included 54 individuals with non-visible psoriasis or eczema. Assessments were conducted following their initial dermatological consultation and prior to the commencement of pharmacological treatment. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires including the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ–AS), the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-40), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: Mediation analyses indicated that perceived social support and appearance satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between dermatological group and psychological distress. Self-esteem did not emerge as a significant mediator. Conclusions: The findings suggest that differences in psychological distress among dermatological patients can be partially explained by their perceived social support and satisfaction with physical appearance. These psychosocial factors should be considered in the psychological assessment and treatment planning for individuals with dermatological conditions. Full article

Emerging adulthood is a critical phase for emotional development and mental health. Psychological well-being has been associated with using emotion regulation strategies as well as high self-esteem and high optimism. The objective of this study was to examine the mediating role of self-esteem and optimism in the relationship between emotion regulation and psychological well-being in the context of the challenges associated with emerging adulthood. The study was conducted with the participation of 771 university students (M = 20.38, SD = 2.01, 73.3% female), who completed questionnaires, including the Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWBS), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-18), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and the Optimism Questionnaire (COP). The results indicate a positive correlation between the adaptive strategies of emotion regulation and the dimensions of psychological well-being, as well as a positive correlation with self-esteem and optimism. A mediation model was tested with an adequate model fit, examining both direct and indirect effects. The model identifies planning, positive reappraisal, and catastrophizing as the most significant emotion regulation strategies, while also emphasizing the importance of some dimensions of well-being, such as self-acceptance, mastery of the environment, and life purpose. Furthermore, the findings illustrate the role of self-esteem and optimism as mediators in these relationships. The study concludes with an analysis of the theoretical and practical implications of the findings in the context of the difficulties associated with emerging adulthood where individuals define their identity, goals and purposes in life and their personality becomes more consistent. Full article

Over the last two decades, the number of people who practice activities in the natural environment has increased and the demand for teachers for these activities has grown. It is necessary to analyze the impact of different psychosocial and emotional factors, such as self-concept, self-esteem, satisfaction with life and well-being, in teachers of special regime sports education, as regulated training in the Spanish educational system. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between physical, emotional and social self-concept and self-esteem and to study the influence of self-esteem between self-concept and life satisfaction in teachers. The participants of the study were 788 teachers of special regime sports education, from the regulated training educational system of Spain. The instruments used were the Self-Concept-Scale-AF5, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. To present the results of the study, a structural equation model, PLS-SEM, was developed based on the theoretical framework analyzed, with an explanatory-predictive approach. The evidence showed the coefficients of determination for self-esteem (R² = 0.395; Q² = 0.268) and life satisfaction (R² = 0.334; Q² = 0.237) as being the appropriate adjustment. The acquisition of an adequate self-concept and correct self-esteem allows practitioners of sports disciplines in the natural environment to have greater life satisfaction. Full article

Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a growing health concern, characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. One of the core features of BPD is self-harm, which has significant implications for clinical management, risk assessment, and treatment planning. Accurate assessment tools are essential in evaluating symptom severity and identifying individuals at high risk of self-injurious behaviors, thereby guiding clinical interventions effectively. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties, factor structure, and diagnostic utility of the Greek version of the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index-IV (BPDSI-IV), providing preliminary evidence for its reliability and validity. Methods: A total of 128 individuals with BPD and 32 healthy controls were assessed using the BPDSI-IV together with the Brief Symptom Inventory-53 (BSI-53), the BPD Checklist, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the WHOQOL-BREF, and the Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40). BPD diagnoses were confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders (SCID-5-PD). Internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of previously suggested models, exploratory and confirmatory bifactor modeling, and validity assessments were conducted. Results: The BPDSI-IV showed strong internal consistency (α = 0.92, ωt = 0.96), with most subscales demonstrating adequate reliability. Exploratory bifactor analysis using the Schmid–Leiman transformation supported a model with a dominant severity factor (ωh = 0.69), reinforcing the dimensional nature of BPD. CFA supported this bifactorial approach. BPDSI-IV scores significantly discriminated BPD patients from controls (p < 0.001). Strong correlations with measures of psychopathology and self-esteem, and correlations with quality of life further supported its validity. Conclusions: The Greek BPDSI-IV demonstrated strong reliability and validity indicators. Structured assessment tools, such as the BPDSI-IV, can enhance early intervention and research on the course of borderline personality disorder symptoms. Full article

There is a close relationship between self-esteem and emotions. However, most studies have relied on self-report measures, which primarily capture retrospective and generalized emotional tendencies, rather than spontaneous, momentary emotional expressions in real-time social interactions. Given that self-esteem also shapes how individuals regulate and express emotions in social contexts, it is crucial to examine whether and how self-esteem manifests in dynamic emotional expressions during self-presentation. In this study, we recorded the performances of 211 participants during a public self-presentation task using a digital video camera and measured their self-esteem scores with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Facial Action Units (AUs) scores were extracted from each video frame using OpenFace, and four basic emotions—happiness, sadness, disgust, and fear—were quantified based on the basic emotion theory. Time-series analysis was then employed to capture the multidimensional dynamic features of these emotions. Finally, we applied machine learning and explainable AI to identify which dynamic emotional features were closely associated with self-esteem. The results indicate that all four basic emotions are closely associated with self-esteem. Therefore, this study introduces a new perspective on self-esteem assessment, highlighting the potential of nonverbal behavioral indicators as alternatives to traditional self-report measures. Full article

Background: This study explored the influence of three key lifestyle habits—physical activity (PA), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), and sleep duration—on psychological well-being indicators (resilience, psychological distress, and self-esteem) in university students. Methods: A total of 928 students (67.3% females; total sample mean age = 21.01 ± 1.95) from the Faculty of Education at the University of Granada participated. Validated self-report instruments were used to assess all variables: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), the KIDMED index, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: Results showed that male students reported higher levels of PA, better MD adherence, longer sleep duration, and more favorable psychological outcomes. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that MD adherence was the strongest and most consistent predictor of resilience, self-esteem, and psychological distress. Sleep duration emerged as a key factor, particularly in predicting resilience among men. Although no direct association was found between PA and psychological distress, mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect through sleep duration. Conclusions: These findings underscore the relevance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits in an integrated and sex-sensitive manner to enhance mental health (MH) in university students. In particular, targeting future teachers may be essential, given their potential role as promoters of well-being in school settings. Full article

There is strong empirical evidence on the benefits of emotional competencies, self-esteem, and resilience for well-being in the youth and adult populations. However, little research has been conducted to identify protective factors for well-being among emerging adults in rural areas of Costa Rica, which are particularly vulnerable. This study aims to examine the relationships between emotional competencies and dimensions of psychological well-being, as well as the mediating role of self-esteem and resilience in Costa Rican university students. The sample consisted of 328 students aged 18 to 30 years (M = 21.31, SD = 3.28), of whom 47.90% were women. This study utilized Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale, the Emotional Skills and Competence Questionnaire, Rosenberg’s General Self-esteem Scale, and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. The results indicated that emotional competencies, particularly emotion management and regulation, have direct positive effects on psychological well-being. Additionally, self-esteem played a mediating role, showing indirect effects between emotional competencies and the dimensions of psychological well-being. Resilience had a less pronounced mediating role than self-esteem in terms of effect size and the number of significant relationships. Moreover, negative effects were identified between emotional perception and understanding and certain well-being dimensions, such as positive relationships and environmental mastery. The findings provide evidence that emotional competencies, self-esteem, and resilience are key factors in promoting psychological well-being among emerging adults in rural areas of Costa Rica. These results highlight the importance of fostering emotional skills and strengthening self-esteem, particularly in emerging adults from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research on eating disorders (EDs) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited. In ED populations, neuroticism has been linked to ED symptoms through lower self-esteem and greater body dissatisfaction, but these relationships remain unexplored in MS. This study aimed to examine whether self-esteem and body dissatisfaction mediate the link between neuroticism and ED symptoms in individuals with MS. Methods: The current sample consisted of 275 participants who reported a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of MS (Mage = 43.0, SD = 12.9) with the majority being female (218/275; 79.3%). Participants completed an online questionnaire measuring neuroticism (Big Five Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale), body dissatisfaction (Body Shape Questionnaire), and ED symptoms (Eating Attitudes Test-26). Results: A serial mediation analysis controlling for age, sex, and level of ambulation revealed that the association between neuroticism and ED symptoms is respectively and serially explained by self-esteem and body dissatisfaction in individuals with MS. The total model accounted for 43% of the variance in ED symptoms. Conclusions: Findings suggest that self-esteem and body dissatisfaction are important in understanding the relationship between neuroticism and ED symptoms. Neuroticism, self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction may be important targets for assessing and treating EDs in individuals with MS. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine causal relationships. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health disorder affecting women after childbirth, with significant adverse effects on both maternal and infant outcomes. Early detection and intervention are critical to improving health trajectories. Material and Methods: This narrative review compares the predictive validity of commonly used screening instruments for PPD, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and brief tools like PHQ-2 and PHQ-4. It also examines the role of self-esteem, assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and coping mechanisms, evaluated through the COPE Inventory, in moderating PPD risk. Results: Validation studies reveal variability in the performance of screening tools across different populations, emphasizing the need for contextual calibration. Low self-esteem and maladaptive coping strategies are consistently associated with higher PPD risk, with socioeconomic status (SES) further influencing these relationships. Interventions focusing on enhancing self-esteem and promoting adaptive coping, such as cognitive–behavioral therapy and psychoeducation, show promise in reducing PPD incidence. Conclusions: This review highlights gaps in existing research, particularly regarding screening during pregnancy, and calls for integrated predictive models incorporating psychosocial variables. Early, context-sensitive screening approaches are essential for effective PPD prevention and management. Full article

Young adults, especially students, face challenges that increase social anxiety, including Social Physique Anxiety (SPA). The objective of the present study was to examine SPA among college students across various study programs and explore its associations with exercise, physical self-perception, and self-esteem. A total of 465 students, with an average age of 21.3 years, completed the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Physical Self-Perception Profile. Demographic information and exercise habits were also collected. The findings indicated that the subject of study was not associated with SPA, regardless of gender. Multiple regression analysis identified physical self-worth, self-esteem, and gender as variables associated with SPA among study groups. Higher levels of physical self-worth and self-esteem were linked to lower SPA levels, and gender had a significant association with SPA. These findings suggest that global and physical self-esteem may play important roles in SPA among college students. Promoting regular physical activity and fostering positive physical self-perception among college students, particularly females, could be beneficial in addressing SPA. Full article

Body image and self-esteem are central to psychological health and have been identified as contributing factors in the development and maintenance of psychiatric conditions such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. This study investigates the relationship between these variables among university students in India and Italy, contributing to the understanding of how cultural contexts shape these psychological constructs in adult populations. The sample consisted of 767 participants (391 from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and 376 from University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli), aged 18 and above. Participants completed standardized measures, namely the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Body Investment Scale, and Body Uneasiness Test, through paper-based questionnaires administered in controlled settings. Indian students reported higher self-esteem and more positive body image compared to their Italian counterparts, who exhibited lower self-esteem and higher body dissatisfaction. Across both groups, higher self-esteem was strongly associated with lower body uneasiness. Regression analyses revealed high self-esteem significantly predicted positive body attitudes, with stronger protective effects among Italian participants. Indian students demonstrated broader resilience, potentially linked to cultural values. The findings contribute to psychiatry by emphasizing self-esteem and body image as culturally sensitive psychological constructs that may influence vulnerability to psychiatric distress in young adults. Understanding these factors can support prevention and early intervention strategies in student populations, particularly regarding body dissatisfaction, emotional regulation, and self-concept. Full article

Objectives: Orthognathic surgery (OGS) is performed to correct dentofacial deformities, improving both function and aesthetics. While prior research suggests positive impacts on quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, and psychosocial well-being, a comprehensive assessment incorporating emotional stability and depressive symptoms remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and social effects of OGS, including indication-specific QoL, self-esteem, depression, and emotional stability. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated questionnaires: the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), FACE-Q, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were collected from 90 patients who had undergone OGS at a single institution. Results were compared to existing normative data and reference studies on patients before and after OGS and purely aesthetic facial procedures. Results: Postoperative patients demonstrated significantly improved QoL across all OQLQ domains. FACE-Q scores indicated high satisfaction with facial appearance and function, aligning with reference studies. The study group exhibited higher self-esteem scores compared to the general population (p < 0.001) and showed predominantly balanced emotional stability. However, depressive symptoms were more prevalent in the study group compared to normative data, particularly among male participants (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that OGS leads to significant improvements in QoL, self-esteem, and emotional stability, reinforcing its positive psychological impact. However, the persistence of depressive symptoms in a subset of patients highlights the need for psychological support during treatment. Given the cross-sectional design, future longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm long-term effects and optimize patient care. Full article

Objectives: This study explores the effect of pregnancy weight gain, acceptance of body changes, and breastfeeding difficulties on mothers’ self-esteem and body appreciation during the postpartum period. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 puerperae (at 2nd day postpartum), during August 2022–March 2023 in Paralimni/Cyprus, with exclusion criteria being the presence of postpartum depression. The Body Appreciation Scale—BAS—was administrated in order to investigate the level of body appreciation, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale—RSES-10—was used for assessing self-esteem. Results: Findings indicated that the higher the pregnancy weight gain (r = −0.293), the lower the measured levels of the mothers’ self-esteem and body appreciation are (r = −0.292). Mothers whose level of acceptance of body changes was low to moderate appeared to demonstrate lower self-esteem (p = 0.027) and lower body appreciation (p < 0.001) at two days postpartum. Also, mothers who had breastfeeding difficulties at two days postpartum seem to demonstrate lower self-esteem (p = 0.032), and increased support from their husbands in terms of breastfeeding is associated with higher levels of mothers’ self-esteem (r = 0.235). Additionally, greater support for breastfeeding, both in the clinic (r = 0.314) and from their husbands (r = 0.290), appears to be linked to higher levels of body appreciation. The psychological influence of pregnancy weight gain (β = −0.236, p = 0.04) and breastfeeding difficulties (β = −0.284, p = 0.008) appeared to be predictors of mothers’ self-esteem at two days postpartum. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for further research in areas including mothers’ body image and self-esteem and breastfeeding difficulties and further longitudinal studies to determine the exact nature of the pathways involved. Full article