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Search Results (1,107)

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Keywords = childhood behaviors

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22 pages, 481 KiB  
Article
Early Childhood Education Quality for Toddlers: Understanding Structural and Process Quality in Chilean Classrooms
by Felipe Godoy, Marigen Narea, Pamela Soto-Ramirez, Camila Ayala and María Jesús López
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15081009 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Despite extensive research on early childhood education (ECE) quality at the preschool level, toddler settings remain comparatively understudied, particularly in Chile and Latin America. Research suggests that quality ECE strengthens child development, while low-quality services can be harmful. ECE quality comprises structural features [...] Read more.
Despite extensive research on early childhood education (ECE) quality at the preschool level, toddler settings remain comparatively understudied, particularly in Chile and Latin America. Research suggests that quality ECE strengthens child development, while low-quality services can be harmful. ECE quality comprises structural features like ratios and classroom resources, and process features related to interactions within classrooms. This study examines how process and structural quality indicators are related in nurseries serving disadvantaged backgrounds. Data were collected from 51 Chilean urban classrooms serving children aged 12–24 months. Classrooms were evaluated using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) for toddlers, questionnaires, and checklists. Latent Profile Analysis identified process quality patterns, while multinomial regression examined associations with structural quality indicators. The results revealed low-to-moderate process quality across classrooms (M = 4.78 for Emotional and Behavioral Support; M = 2.35 for Engaged Support for Learning), with three distinct quality clusters emerging. Marginally significant differences were found between high- and low-performing clusters regarding classroom space (p = 0.06), number of toys (p = 0.08), and staff educational credentials (p = 0.01–0.07). No significant differences emerged for group sizes or adult-to-child ratios, which are heavily regulated in Chile. These findings underscore the need to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms ensuring all children access quality ECE. Full article
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15 pages, 459 KiB  
Article
Higher Status, More Actions but Less Sacrifice: The SES Paradox in Pro-Environmental Behaviors
by Lijuan Fan and Ni An
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6948; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156948 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 275
Abstract
Identifying predictors of pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) can not only figure out who concerns about the environment most but also inform possible pathways that advance or inhabit such prosocial actions. Most past studies and theories focus on factors that reside within personal characteristics or [...] Read more.
Identifying predictors of pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) can not only figure out who concerns about the environment most but also inform possible pathways that advance or inhabit such prosocial actions. Most past studies and theories focus on factors that reside within personal characteristics or sociopsychological mechanisms rather than taking a holistic view that integrates these two elements into a framework. This study investigates how socioeconomic status (SES) correlates with PEBs, integrating both structural and psychological mechanisms. Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) theoretical framework, this paper examines the paradox whereby individuals with higher SES exhibit more frequent environmental actions yet demonstrate lower willingness to pay (WTP)—a form of economic sacrifice. Using nationally representative data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), our structural equation modeling reveals that adulthood SES positively correlates with environmental values and behaviors but negatively correlates with WTP. This challenges the traditional linear assumption that greater willingness necessarily leads to greater action. Additionally, while childhood SES predicts adult SES, it shows no direct effect on environmental engagement. These findings highlight multidimensional pathways by which SES shape environmental actions, necessitating differentiated policy approaches to build a sustainable world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Resident Participation and Sustainable Urban Environments)
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51 pages, 1047 KiB  
Review
Healthy Food Service Guidelines for Worksites and Institutions: A Scoping Review
by Jane Dai, Reena Oza-Frank, Amy Lowry-Warnock, Bethany D. Williams, Meghan Murphy, Alla Hill and Jessi Silverman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081194 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
Healthy food service guidelines (HFSG) comprise food, nutrition, behavioral design, and other standards to guide the purchasing, preparation, and offering of foods and beverages in worksites and institutional food service. To date, there have been few attempts to synthesize evidence for HFSG effectiveness [...] Read more.
Healthy food service guidelines (HFSG) comprise food, nutrition, behavioral design, and other standards to guide the purchasing, preparation, and offering of foods and beverages in worksites and institutional food service. To date, there have been few attempts to synthesize evidence for HFSG effectiveness in non-K-12 or early childhood education sectors, particularly at worksites and institutional food services. We conducted a scoping review to achieve the following: (1) characterize the existing literature on the effectiveness of HFSG for improving the institution’s food environment, financial outcomes, and consumers’ diet quality and health, and (2) identify gaps in the literature. The initial search in PubMed and Web of Science retrieved 10,358 articles; after screening and snowball searching, 68 articles were included for analysis. Studies varied in terms of HFSG implementation settings, venues, and outcomes in both U.S. (n = 34) and non-U.S. (n = 34) contexts. The majority of HFSG interventions occurred in venues where food is sold (e.g., worksite cafeterias, vending machines). A diversity of HFSG terminology and measurement tools demonstrates the literature’s breadth. Literature gaps include quasi-experimental study designs, as well as interventions in settings that serve dependent populations (e.g., universities, elderly feeding programs, and prisons). Full article
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23 pages, 2248 KiB  
Article
Autonomic and Neuroendocrine Reactivity to VR Game Exposure in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Factor Analytic Approach to Physiological Reactivity and Eating Behavior
by Cristiana Amalia Onita, Daniela-Viorelia Matei, Laura-Mihaela Trandafir, Diana Petrescu-Miron, Calin Corciova, Robert Fuior, Lorena-Mihaela Manole, Bogdan-Mircea Mihai, Cristina-Gena Dascalu, Monica Tarcea, Stéphane Bouchard and Veronica Mocanu
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2492; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152492 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 312
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim was to identify patterns of autonomic and neuroendocrine reactivity to an immersive virtual reality (VR) social-emotional stressor and explore their associations with perceived stress and eating behavior. Methods: This one-group pretest–posttest study included 30 children and adolescents with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim was to identify patterns of autonomic and neuroendocrine reactivity to an immersive virtual reality (VR) social-emotional stressor and explore their associations with perceived stress and eating behavior. Methods: This one-group pretest–posttest study included 30 children and adolescents with obesity (15 boys and 15 girls), aged 8 to 17 years. The VR protocol consisted of two consecutive phases: a 5 min relaxation phase using the Forest application and a 5 min stimulation phase using a cognitively engaging VR game designed to elicit social-emotional stress. Physiological responses were measured using heart rate variability (HRV) indices and salivary stress biomarkers, including cortisol and alpha amylase. Subjective stress and eating responses were assessed via visual analogue scales (VAS) administered immediately post-exposure. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21C) was used to evaluate cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE). Results: The cortisol reactivity was blunted and may reflect both the attenuated HPA axis responsiveness characteristic of pediatric obesity and the moderate psychological challenge of the VR stressor used in this study. Two distinct autonomic response patterns were identified via exploratory factor analysis: (1) parasympathetic reactivity, associated with increased RMSSD and SDNN and decreased LF/HF, and (2) sympathetic activation, associated with increased heart rate and alpha-amylase levels and reduced RR intervals. Parasympathetic reactivity was correlated with lower perceived stress and anxiety, but also paradoxically with higher uncontrolled eating (UE). In contrast, sympathetic activation was associated with greater cognitive restraint (CR) and higher anxiety ratings. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that immersive VR game exposure elicits measurable autonomic and subjective stress responses in children and adolescents with obesity, and that individual differences in physiological reactivity are relevantly associated with eating behavior traits. The findings suggest that parasympathetic and sympathetic profiles may represent distinct behavioral patterns with implications for targeted intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Path Towards Personalized Smart Nutrition)
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25 pages, 811 KiB  
Article
Timmy’s Trip to Planet Earth: The Long-Term Effects of a Social and Emotional Education Program for Preschool Children
by Valeria Cavioni, Elisabetta Conte, Carmel Cefai and Veronica Ornaghi
Children 2025, 12(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12080985 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
Background/Objectives. Social and Emotional Education (SEE) interventions during early childhood have shown considerable promise in enhancing children’s emotion understanding, social competence, and behavioural adjustments. However, few studies have examined their long-term impact, especially across the preschool-to-primary school transition. This study evaluated the effectiveness [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives. Social and Emotional Education (SEE) interventions during early childhood have shown considerable promise in enhancing children’s emotion understanding, social competence, and behavioural adjustments. However, few studies have examined their long-term impact, especially across the preschool-to-primary school transition. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a manualized SEE program, Timmy’s Trip to Planet Earth, in promoting emotional, behavioural, and social functioning over time. Methods. A quasi-experimental longitudinal design was adopted with pre- and post-test assessments conducted approximately 18 months apart. Participants were 89 typically developing children (aged 59–71 months), assigned to an experimental group (n = 45) or a waiting-list group (n = 44). The program combined teacher training, classroom-based lessons, home activities, and teachers’ ongoing implementation support. The effectiveness of the program was measured via the Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation (SCBE-30). Results. Significant Time × Group interactions were observed for the TEC External and Mental components, indicating greater improvements in emotion recognition and mental state understanding in the intervention group. The SDQ revealed significant reductions in conduct problems and increased prosocial behaviours. In the SCBE-30, a significant interaction effect was found for social competence, with the intervention group showing greater improvement over time compared to the control group. Conclusions. The findings suggest that SEE programs can produce meaningful and lasting improvements in children’s emotional and social skills across key educational transitions. Teacher training and family involvement likely played a critical role in supporting the program’s sustained impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Global Pediatric Health)
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26 pages, 449 KiB  
Review
A Comparison of Preschool-Aged Children’s PA on Schooldays vs. Weekend Days Using Technological Devices: A Systematic Review
by Markel Rico-González, Adrián Moreno-Villanueva, Vladimir Martínez-Bello and Ricardo Martín-Moya
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8302; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158302 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 170
Abstract
Background: Considering the critical role of physical activity (PA) beginning in early childhood education and the demonstrated validity and reliability of contemporary technological measurement tools, this paper aimed to systematically review and analyze studies comparing PA levels in preschool-aged children during weekdays versus [...] Read more.
Background: Considering the critical role of physical activity (PA) beginning in early childhood education and the demonstrated validity and reliability of contemporary technological measurement tools, this paper aimed to systematically review and analyze studies comparing PA levels in preschool-aged children during weekdays versus weekend days, using objective technological devices, and highlight what factors correlate with children’s PA. Methods: The search strategy was designed based on the PICOS framework. A systematic review was conducted using two databases (PubMed and Web of Science) to identify studies that included preschool children doing PA during weekdays, measured through technological devices, and compared to PA during weekend days. Study quality was evaluated using the MINORS scale. Results: From 1959 articles, 30 documents met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 32,251 preschool children. Conclusions: The results suggest that preschoolers were generally more active on weekdays than weekends, although it could depend more on contextual or individual factors than on the day of the week. In this sense, parental/maternal behavior (sedentary behavior, shared activities during weekend days, parents’ educational level, and parental/maternal screen time) influences children’s PA level, as well as other factors such as gender, morphology, motor competence level, the type of activity (indoor vs. outdoor), age, meeting PA guidelines, and the community transportation environment. Considering these factors, professionals working in preschools or kindergartens, as well as parents/mothers, should consider these factors to foster children’s PA level from early childhood, which could influence children’s lifespan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Applied Biomechanics and Sports Sciences)
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12 pages, 231 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Preschoolers’ Motor Creativity Through Playfulness and Social Engagement
by Despoina Ourda, Eleni Polyzoudi, Athanasios Gregoriadis and Vassilis Barkoukis
Children 2025, 12(8), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12080969 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Motor creativity is a vital component of preschoolers’ growth and development. However, its underlying determinants remain largely underexplored. This study investigates the interrelationship among playful behavior, social profile, and motor creativity in preschool children, emphasizing its implications for holistic health and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Motor creativity is a vital component of preschoolers’ growth and development. However, its underlying determinants remain largely underexplored. This study investigates the interrelationship among playful behavior, social profile, and motor creativity in preschool children, emphasizing its implications for holistic health and development. Methods: A total of 200 children and their kindergarten teachers from Greece participated in the study. The Children’s Playfulness Scale (CPS) was employed to assess the children’s playfulness, while a sociometric test was used to evaluate their social standing within peer groups. Motor creativity was measured through TCAM, a performance-based test focusing on fluency, imagination, and originality. Results: The findings revealed that the dimensions of playful behavior, particularly motor and social playfulness, significantly and positively influenced motor creativity, a core component of physical and mental health in early childhood. Conversely, certain aspects of social behavior had a negative association with imaginative capacities. Conclusions: The study underscores the critical role of movement-based playful activities in fostering children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social health. It highlights the need for educators to design developmentally appropriate motor play activities that cultivate creativity and social integration, promoting a balanced and health-oriented early education framework. The results contribute to educational policy and practice by reinforcing the importance of structured motor play in supporting preschoolers’ well-being and comprehensive development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Global Pediatric Health)
27 pages, 2460 KiB  
Article
Lifestyle and Perceived Well-Being in Children and Teens: Importance of Exercise and Sedentary Behavior
by Nadia Solaro, Gianluigi Oggionni, Giuseppina Bernardelli, Mara Malacarne, Eleonora Pagani, Mariacarla Ferrari, Gianfranco Parati and Daniela Lucini
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2370; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142370 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Childhood/youth are ideally the best periods to teach healthy behaviors; unfortunately, children/adolescents are frequently characterized by unhealthy lifestyles and reduced well-being. Lifestyle improvement early in life may play a fundamental role in determining present health, preventing many chronic diseases, and fostering [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Childhood/youth are ideally the best periods to teach healthy behaviors; unfortunately, children/adolescents are frequently characterized by unhealthy lifestyles and reduced well-being. Lifestyle improvement early in life may play a fundamental role in determining present health, preventing many chronic diseases, and fostering well-being. Having a clear picture of the lifestyle characteristics of a group can help institutions and schools define effective educational and intervention strategies. This observational study aims to examine whether information collected from children and adolescents about their lifestyles and perceptions of well-being could help identify particular groups that deserve specific interventions, implemented by the school, to improve their overall health. Methods: After administering a simple lifestyle/well-being questionnaire to 225 children/adolescents at an Italian school complex, we investigated the relationships between lifestyles and perceptions of well-being by constructing statistical indicators through nonlinear principal component analysis. Then, we defined lifestyle typologies based on lifestyle indicators and studied the distribution of the well-being indicator across such typologies, also adjusting for sex and age effects. Results: The study shows that lifestyle worsens with age (p < 0.001) and influences overall well-being perception. We identified four lifestyle typologies by combining two indicators of sedentary behavior and sleep, and of quality of nutrition and the volume of physical activity. The healthier the lifestyle, the better the overall well-being perception is (represented by the indicator that includes the perceived quality of health, sleep, and academic performance) (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Tailored educational/intervention strategies that consider specific groups’ characteristics, rather than general counseling, might be more effective at improving health/well-being. Full article
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18 pages, 831 KiB  
Article
From Early Stress to Adolescent Struggles: How Maternal Parenting Stress Shapes the Trajectories of Internalizing, Externalizing, and ADHD Symptoms
by Katerina Koutra, Chrysi Mouatsou, Katerina Margetaki, Georgios Mavroeides, Mariza Kampouri and Lida Chatzi
Pediatr. Rep. 2025, 17(4), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17040076 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 386
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Parenting stress, the emotional strain resulting from the demands of child-rearing, can profoundly affect both parental well-being and children’s emotional and behavioral development. This study examined the impact of maternal parenting stress during early childhood on the longitudinal progression of children’s internalizing, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Parenting stress, the emotional strain resulting from the demands of child-rearing, can profoundly affect both parental well-being and children’s emotional and behavioral development. This study examined the impact of maternal parenting stress during early childhood on the longitudinal progression of children’s internalizing, externalizing, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, from early childhood through adolescence. Methods: The study included 406 mother–child pairs from the Rhea mother–child cohort in Crete, Greece. Maternal parenting stress was assessed at age 4 using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Children’s symptoms were evaluated at ages 4 (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, ADHD Test), 6, 11, and 15 years (Child Behavior Checklist, Conners’ Parent Rating Scale) through maternal reports. Multivariate mixed regression models, incorporating a random intercept for each child and a random slope for age at follow-up, were used to analyze the trajectories of symptoms from ages 4 to 15. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to identify trajectory groups from 4 to 15 years, and multinomial logistic regression models were implemented to examine the associations between parental stress and group trajectories. Results: The results revealed that higher parental stress at age 4 was significantly associated with increased internalizing (b = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.21), externalizing (b = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.30), and ADHD symptoms (b = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.14) over the study period. Notably, the impact of parenting stress on behavioral problems decreased with age (interaction with age, p = 0.032). Additionally, higher parenting stress at age 4 was linked to a greater likelihood of belonging to adverse symptom trajectories, including high decreasing, low increasing, and stable high trajectories for both internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early maternal parenting stress as a predictor of long-term emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, emphasizing the need for early intervention programs that support maternal mental health and children’s emotional development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
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14 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
Biopsychosocial Determinants and Comorbid Risks of Obesity Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Osama Albasheer, Mohamed Salih Mahfouz, Turki I. Aljezani, Mohammed Hassan Ghasham, Idris Harun Samily, Majid Muhammad Hakami, Naif Muslih Alshamrani, Shaima Abdu Hantul, Haneen A. Almutairi, Amal H. Mohamed, Nagla Abdalghani, Lamyaa A. M. El Hassan, Gassem Gohal, Ali Ali Ahmad Al-Makramani and Abdelkhalig Elhilu
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141736 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity among university students is a growing concern, often influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Few studies in Saudi Arabia have addressed this issue using a comprehensive framework. This study aims to examine the prevalence of obesity and its biopsychosocial predictors [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity among university students is a growing concern, often influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Few studies in Saudi Arabia have addressed this issue using a comprehensive framework. This study aims to examine the prevalence of obesity and its biopsychosocial predictors among university students, as well as their perceptions, behaviors, and comorbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jazan University during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 819 undergraduate students completed a structured, self-administered Arabic questionnaire. The tool assessed sociodemographic variables, body mass index (BMI) (calculated from self-reported height and weight), biological and psychological factors, social influences, lifestyle behaviors, and comorbidities. Bivariate associations were tested using chi-square analyses, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of obesity. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 19.6%, and 22.6% of students were overweight. Obesity was significantly more prevalent among males (26.7%) than females (9.6%, p < 0.001) and among students aged 24 years and above (24.0%, p = 0.024). Independent predictors of obesity included being overweight in childhood (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI: 3.47–7.90), belief in a genetic predisposition (AOR = 4.66), emotional eating (AOR = 2.57), academic or personal stress (AOR = 5.36), and social pressures related to body image (AOR = 2.96). Comorbidities significantly associated with obesity included high cholesterol (AOR = 5.40), sleep disorders (AOR = 2.99), and joint pain (AOR = 1.96). More than 80% of students with obesity reported current or past weight loss attempts, and nearly 60% received medical advice to lose weight. Conclusions: Obesity among Jazan University students is significantly associated with male gender, early-life weight history, emotional and academic stress, and social pressures. Students with obesity also experience a higher burden of comorbid conditions, even at a young age. These findings highlight the need for integrated, student-centered interventions that address both the psychological and social dimensions of weight management in university settings. Full article
16 pages, 289 KiB  
Article
Temperamental Dimensions in Early Childhood: Gender Differences and Their Relationship to Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in a Longitudinal Study
by Teresa Navarro-Ariza, Lidia Infante-Cañete, Dolores Madrid-Vivar, Agustín Wallace Ruiz and Elena Alarcón-Orozco
Children 2025, 12(7), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070946 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Background: This longitudinal study aims to explore the stability and changes in child temperament dimensions between the ages of three and six, analyzing their relationship with emotional and behavioral problems, differentiated by gender. Method: This study involved 24 boys and 25 [...] Read more.
Background: This longitudinal study aims to explore the stability and changes in child temperament dimensions between the ages of three and six, analyzing their relationship with emotional and behavioral problems, differentiated by gender. Method: This study involved 24 boys and 25 girls from various early childhood education centers in Málaga, Spain. To assess temperament, the Spanish adaptation of the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire was used, while emotional and behavioral problems were evaluated using the SPECI Screening for Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children. Results: Findings indicate that 9 out of the 15 temperament dimensions remained stable, while 4—anger/frustration, attentional focusing, perceptual sensitivity, and sadness—showed significant changes in the total sample. The gender-specific analysis revealed different developmental patterns for boys and girls. Girls exhibited changes in attentional focusing, fear, and perceptual sensitivity, while boys showed changes in anger/frustration and attentional focusing. In addition, girls scored higher in discomfort and fear, whereas boys stood out in activity levels. Regarding behavioral problems, girls’ externalizing symptoms were significantly associated with attentional focusing and smiling/laughter, while internalizing symptoms were linked to low-intensity pleasure and perceptual sensitivity. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of addressing temperament from a gender-differentiated perspective when designing educational and family interventions aimed at promoting socioemotional development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neurology & Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
20 pages, 861 KiB  
Article
Can Sustainable Schools Influence Environmental Consciousness and Behavior in Early Childhood? The Perspectives of Early Childhood Educators
by Dafni Petkou, Aristea Kounani, Maria Tsiouni and Eleni Afedoulidou
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15070916 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
The promotion of sustainable schools is an important criterion for the promotion of ecological protection and the transformation of today’s society into a more sustainable one. The early childhood environment is believed to provide the ideal foundation for fostering values and attitudes related [...] Read more.
The promotion of sustainable schools is an important criterion for the promotion of ecological protection and the transformation of today’s society into a more sustainable one. The early childhood environment is believed to provide the ideal foundation for fostering values and attitudes related to sustainable education and promoting pro-environmental behaviors. The main goal of this study is to explore educators’ perceptions and expectations regarding the role of sustainable schools in shaping the environmental awareness and behavior of young children. A pilot study was carried out in the context of quantitative research on Preschool Teachers of Primary Education. Research results indicate that a Sustainable School (SS), beyond the curriculum, must promote issues of environmental awareness, culture, equality, natural resource management, and human rights. Also, it was seen that a modern school should provide Educators with new training opportunities in teaching methods that are based on sustainability principles and promote sustainability skills. Students’ acquisition of environmental knowledge can positively influence pro-environmental behavior and increase the likelihood of engaging in sustainable practices to protect the environment. Full article
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22 pages, 1492 KiB  
Article
An Embedded Mixed-Methods Study with a Dominant Quantitative Strand: The Knowledge of Jordanian Mothers About Risk Factors for Childhood Hearing Loss
by Shawkat Altamimi, Mohamed Tawalbeh, Omar Shawkat Al Tamimi, Tariq N. Al-Shatanawi, Saba’ Azzam Jarrar, Eftekhar Khalid Al Zoubi, Aya Shawkat Altamimi and Ensaf Almomani
Audiol. Res. 2025, 15(4), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15040087 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 293
Abstract
Background: Childhood hearing loss is a public health problem of critical importance associated with speech development, academic achievement, and quality of life. Parents’ awareness and knowledge about risk factors contribute to early detection and timely intervention.  Objective: This study aims to [...] Read more.
Background: Childhood hearing loss is a public health problem of critical importance associated with speech development, academic achievement, and quality of life. Parents’ awareness and knowledge about risk factors contribute to early detection and timely intervention.  Objective: This study aims to examine Jordanian mothers’ knowledge of childhood hearing loss risk factors and investigate the impact of education level and socioeconomic status (SES) on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of this knowledge with the moderating effect of health literacy. Material and Methods: The approach employed an embedded mixed-methods design with a dominant quantitative strand supported by qualitative data, utilizing quantitative surveys (n = 250), analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS, and qualitative interviews (n = 10), analyzed thematically to expand upon the quantitative findings by exploring barriers to awareness and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Results: The accuracy and comprehensiveness of knowledge of hearing loss risk factors were also positively influenced by maternal knowledge of hearing loss risk factors. Maternal knowledge was significantly associated with both education level and socioeconomic status (SES). Furthermore, maternal knowledge and accuracy were significantly moderated by health literacy, such that mothers with higher health literacy exhibited a stronger relationship between knowledge and accuracy. Qualitative findings revealed that individuals encountered barriers to accessing reliable information and comprehending medical advice and faced financial difficulties due to limited options for healthcare services. Conclusions: These results underscore the need for maternal education programs that address specific issues, provide simplified healthcare communication, and enhance access to pediatric audiology services. Future research should explore longitudinal assessments and intervention-based strategies to enhance mothers’ awareness and detect early childhood hearing loss. Full article
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17 pages, 236 KiB  
Entry
The Workplace Dynamic of People-Pleasing: Understanding Its Effects on Productivity and Well-Being
by Raluca Iuliana Georgescu and Dumitru Alexandru Bodislav
Encyclopedia 2025, 5(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5030095 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 856
Definition
This entry explores the psychological, developmental, and organizational dynamics of people-pleasing behavior, analyzing its roots in childhood conditioning, cultural reinforcement, and evolutionary mechanisms. It highlights how chronic approval-seeking compromises authenticity, mental health, and workplace productivity, while proposing interventions for individuals and organizations to [...] Read more.
This entry explores the psychological, developmental, and organizational dynamics of people-pleasing behavior, analyzing its roots in childhood conditioning, cultural reinforcement, and evolutionary mechanisms. It highlights how chronic approval-seeking compromises authenticity, mental health, and workplace productivity, while proposing interventions for individuals and organizations to cultivate assertiveness and healthier relational patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
17 pages, 520 KiB  
Article
Sociodemographic, Mental, and Lifestyle Correlates of Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Children Aged 6–9 Years: Findings from a Large National Survey in Greece
by Georgia-Eirini Deligiannidou, Konstantinos Papadimitriou, Aikaterini Louka, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Maria Mentzelou, Maria G. Grammatikopoulou, Evmorfia Psara, Christos Kontogiorgis, Olga Alexatou and Constantinos Giaginis
Epidemiologia 2025, 6(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6030032 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is well-studied for its health-promoting effects, while the factors influencing adherence in children remain an important research focus. This study examines the sociodemographic, maternal, perinatal, and lifestyle determinants associated with MD adherence among children aged 6–9 years [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is well-studied for its health-promoting effects, while the factors influencing adherence in children remain an important research focus. This study examines the sociodemographic, maternal, perinatal, and lifestyle determinants associated with MD adherence among children aged 6–9 years in an effort to identify key predictors and their impact on long-term nutritional habits. Methods: This study recruited 4851 children from diverse Greek rural and urban regions. The mothers of the enrolled children completed relevant questionnaires on their children’s sociodemographics, perinatal outcomes, anthropometric parameters, breastfeeding practices, and physical activity status. The enrolled children completed the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children—State (STAIC-S) form to assess the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The KIDMED score was used to assess the MD compliance of the enrolled children. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that higher maternal education and family economic status gravitated toward increased MD adherence (p = 0.0071, p ˂ 0.0001), while exclusive breastfeeding (p ˂ 0.0001) and higher physical activity levels (p = 0.0101) were strong predictive factors for MD adherence, highlighting the role of early-life interventions in shaping dietary habits. In contrast, cesarean delivery (p = 0.0173) and higher birth weight (p ˂ 0.0001) were linked to lower MD adherence, indicating potential metabolic and behavioral predispositions. Notably, higher MD adherence correlated with lower prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p ˂ 0.0001, p = 0.0001), underscoring its potential protective role in mental health. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a complex interplay between early-life and dietary behaviors, while further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and optimize evidence-based nutritional strategies and education for childhood health and well-being. Full article
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