Search Results (66)

Background and Objectives: With the widespread integration of digital media into daily life, social media addiction (SMA) has become a growing concern for university students’ mental health. Based on attachment theory, this study examined how attachment anxiety and avoidance influence SMA through fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and loneliness. Methods: A sample of 400 Chinese university students completed the 16-item short version of the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR), the 8-item Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE), the 6-item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale–Short Form (RULS-6), and the 6-item Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). Using the PROCESS macro (Model 6), a chained mediation model was tested. Results: Attachment anxiety positively predicts SMA (β = 0.42); the chained mediation pathway through FNE and loneliness accounts for ab = 0.06 of this effect, alongside additional single-mediator paths. In contrast, attachment avoidance shows a weaker total effect (β = −0.08) and a small negative chained mediation effect (ab = −0.02), offset by opposing single-mediator paths via FNE (negative) and loneliness (positive), resulting in a nonsignificant total indirect effect. Discussion: These findings suggest that in the Chinese cultural context, where social evaluation and belonging are emphasized, insecure attachment may heighten emotional reliance on social media. This study elucidates the socio-emotional mechanisms underlying SMA and extends the application of attachment theory to the digital media environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emotional interactions between mothers and children are essential for later developmental outcomes such as children’s health, social competence, and language skills. However, an observational assessment of such interactions cannot reveal how mothers perceive their relationships with their children. Therefore, in this study, we translated and validated the Japanese version of the Emotional Availability Self-Report (EA-SR-J) and examined its factor structure, reliability, and validity. Methods: The participants were 739 Japanese mothers with children aged from 1 month to 5 years and 11 months. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed 19 items and four factors (Affect Quality, Hostility, Mutual Attunement, and Child Involvement with Parent) for the EA-SR-J. However, Intrusiveness was removed, and some items were assigned to different factors compared with the original scale. Cronbach’s alpha of each subscale ranged from 0.81 to 0.88, indicating sufficient internal consistency. The convergent validity of the scale was confirmed with expected correlations with variables related to attachment and child-rearing style. Discriminant validity was confirmed by group differences in variables related to children’s autism spectrum disorder symptoms and mothers’ depression symptoms. Conclusions: Although the EA-SR-J contains fewer items than the original scale, with the Intrusiveness item removed, it remains a reliable and valid tool. Further studies using the Emotional Availability Scale based on observation are needed in the future. Full article

This study underscores how perceived social support, loneliness, and mental well-being shape the emotional bonds that Spanish cat and dog owners form with their pets. A total of 298 participants completed an online survey, including 109 cat owners (36.5%) and 189 dog owners (63.4%). Standardized and validated instruments were used: the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), and the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). The results confirmed that the attachment to dogs tends to be stronger than to cats, with demographic factors such as gender and age also playing a significant role in the attachment levels. While psychosocial variables did not directly predict the overall attachment scores, lower perceived social support was significantly associated with higher scores on the person substitution subscale among dog owners, indicating that dogs may serve as emotional substitutes for human companionship in socially vulnerable individuals. No comparable association was found among cat owners. These findings highlight species-specific differences in the human–pet bond and emphasize the multifaceted nature of attachment. This study underscores the importance of considering both demographic and psychosocial factors to better understand how pets contribute to human emotional well-being. Full article

As more families expand to include pets, it is important to explore how children interact and engage with them. While the past literature has focused on children’s involvement in animal-assisted therapy or their relationships with assistance animals, their everyday relationships with pets remain understudied. Following expert discussion and focus groups, a sample of 319 parents/guardians completed a questionnaire on their child’s relationship with their pet. Analysis of the data resulted in the development of a 38-item Child–Dog Engagement Scale (C-DES) and a 29-item Child–Cat Engagement Scale (C-CES). Each of these measures three factors: Emotional Attachment, Engagement, and Challenges. The development of parallel child–dog and child–cat scales offers a way to measure children’s relationships across these species, while accounting for the different needs of these animals and the unique ways that children may interact and care for them. The scales therefore provide a foundation for future research exploring how children’s relationships with both cats and dogs may contribute to their development. Full article

Recent advancements in urban vitality space design reflect increasing academic attention to emotional experience dimensions, paralleled by the emergence of AI-based generative technology as a transformative tool for systematically exploring the emotional attachment potential in preliminary designs. To effectively utilize AI-generative design results for spatial vitality creation and evaluation, exploring whether generated spaces respond to people’s emotional demands is necessary. This study establishes a comparative framework analyzing emotional attachment characteristics between LoRA-generated spatial designs and the real urban vitality space, using the representative case of THE BOX in Chaoyang, Beijing. Empirical data were collected through structured on-site surveys with 115 validated participants, enabling a comprehensive emotional attachment evaluation. SPSS 26.0 was employed for multi-dimensional analyses, encompassing aggregate attachment intensity, dimensional differentiation, and correlation mapping. Key findings reveal that while both generative and original spatial representations elicit measurable positive responses, AI-generated designs demonstrate a limited capacity to replicate the authentic three-dimensional experiential qualities inherent to physical environments, particularly regarding structural articulation and material tactility. Furthermore, significant deficiencies persist in the generative design’s cultural semiotic expression and visual-interactive spatial legibility, resulting in diminished user satisfaction. The analysis reveals that LoRA-generated spatial solutions require strategic enhancements in dynamic visual hierarchy, interactive integration, chromatic optimization, and material fidelity to bridge this experiential gap. These insights suggest viable pathways for integrating generative AI methodologies with conventional urban design practices, potentially enabling more sophisticated hybrid approaches that synergize digital innovation with built environment realities to cultivate enriched multisensory spatial experiences. Full article

Background: Research has underscored that the attachment type could explain the association between sexual behavior and relational satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between attachment type, sexual function, and relationship characteristics of adult women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included an a priori calculated sample of 304 women, who completed the Female Sexual Function Index, the Relationship Assessment Scale, and the Experiences in Close Relationships—Revised Scale. Results: Women with anxious attachment types reported higher levels of sexual arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction compared to other types, suggesting that emotional insecurity may intensify sexual intimacy within relationships. Overall, relational satisfaction was positively associated with various aspects of sexual function, particularly arousal and orgasmic function. Specifically, anxious attachment was associated with higher levels of sexual arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction, emphasizing the impact of relational dynamics on sexual well-being. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the significant role of attachment patterns and relational satisfaction in shaping women’s sexual function and experiences. The results suggest that therapeutic interventions aiming at the improvement of women’s sexual health should consider both attachment type and relational satisfaction as these factors are integral to the quality of sexual experience. Full article

The current research examines the psychological and perceptual predictors of sustainable consumption behavior in a rural Romanian context, with specific reference to the traditional product Pită de Pecica. A sample of 485 consumers (n = 485) who were familiar with Pită de Pecica completed validated instruments measuring brand identification and brand attributes perceived. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to find two dimensions on each scale—brand-based self-definition (α = 0.92) and emotional brand attachment (α = 0.86); and sensory-affective brand association (α = 0.87) and product functional-symbolic value (α = 0.84). Emotional brand attachment (EBA) refers to the emotional bond a consumer forms with a brand; sensory-affective brand association (SABA) captures affective and sensory connections; and decision tree regression is a machine learning technique that identifies non-linear predictors. In this study, sustainability is operationalized across cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions, reflecting both traditional product preservation and support for regional food systems. A decision tree regression model was then applied to predict the frequency of sustainable consumption behavior. Emotional brand attachment was the strongest predictor (relative importance = 26.13%), sensory-affective brand association was second most important (16.91%) and brand-based self-definition was third (13.99%). Demographic variables (e.g., income, age) were weak predictors. The model explained 43% of the behavior variance (R² = 0.43) despite considerable behavioral unpredictability (MAPE = 236.85%). Findings show that emotional and identity-driven brand connections are central to leveraging sustainable consumption in rural contexts, which has important implications for future branding initiatives, agri-food policies, and local economic revitalization initiatives that promote sustainable development. Findings support adopting cultural, psychological, and economic dimensions of sustainable development across development paradigms. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges, including financial strains and mental health issues like depression and loneliness. Human–animal interaction (HAI) offers a potential buffer, as pet ownership has been linked to benefits such as improved psychological well-being, increased perceived social support, and reduced loneliness. Furthermore, attachment to pets appears to moderate these effects, with more attached owners experiencing greater benefits. However, most research has focused on female samples, leaving a gap in understanding HAI among men. This study aimed to examine the relationship between pet attachment and psychological well-being, loneliness, and perceived social support among Greek male pet owners ages 18 to 45. Between January and March 2021, a sample of 87 participants completed a demographics form and four self-reported questionnaires: LAPS for pet attachment, WHO-5 for well-being, a three-item loneliness scale, and MSPSS-Pets for perceived social support. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that pet attachment predicted increased perceived social support but showed no significant association with psychological well-being or loneliness. Age emerged as a predictor of well-being, with older men reporting higher levels, but no significant predictors of loneliness were found. These findings suggest that companion animals may provide emotional support but may not alleviate the broader psychological burdens intensified during crises like the pandemic. Full article

Introduction. Obesity is a complex condition associated not only with physical health risks but also with social discrimination and a reduced quality of life (QoL). Psychological factors, including attachment styles, may play a role in emotional regulation and eating behaviors. According to attachment theory, insecure attachment is linked to difficulties in managing emotions and an increased likelihood of engaging in dysfunctional eating patterns. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between past and present attachment styles, binge-eating behaviors, and QoL scores in individuals with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) compared to those with a BMI in the normal weight range (18.5–24.9 kg/m²). Methods. A cross-sectional study evaluated 96 women with overweight/obesity and 96 women with normal weight. Psychological measures included the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), the Binge Eating Scale (BES), and the Obesity-Related Well-being questionnaire (ORWELL 97). Data analysis included between-group comparisons of attachment dimensions and hierarchical regression to examine associations with the QoL score. Results. Participants with overweight/obesity showed less secure attachment (U = 5508, p = 0.019) and more avoidant attachment styles (U = 3825, p = 0.042) compared to participants with normal weight. Conversely, no significant differences were observed in PBI scores. Regression analysis revealed that attachment anxiety (B = 0.83, p = 0.009) and binge-eating behaviors (B = 0.57, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a lower QoL. Conclusions. Obesity is associated with avoidant attachment in adulthood, but no differences were found in parental attachment when compared to individuals with normal body weight. Anxious attachment in individuals with obesity is strongly linked to reduced QoL, underlying the role played by attachment-related factors in the psychosocial challenges individuals often have to face. Full article

Background. Attachment between romantic partners has been investigated primarily through self-reports assessing the two dimensions of avoidance and ambivalence/anxiety, typically formulating items according to observable psychological properties. However, this approach produces correlated dimensions, with a limited distinction between their features. In this work, we hypothesize that a definition of avoidance and ambivalence driven by their theorized cognitive–evolutionary functions can lead to a clearer-cut distinction between the two (i.e., lower correlation), still maintaining or even further highlighting the expected avoidant and ambivalent characteristics. Methods. To test our hypothesis, we administered to an adult population a battery of self-reports measuring attachment and related properties—i.e., psychological well-being, couple satisfaction, and emotion regulation. We assessed attachment through two classical attachment self-reports—the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) and Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS)—and the novel, theory-informed Attachment–Caregiving Questionnaire (ACQ), building a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) connecting attachment with the other constructs. Results. Our results demonstrate that measuring attachment through the ECR-R/RAAS and the ACQ leads to similar properties but a more evident characterization of avoidance and ambivalence supported by the ACQ. Conclusions. These first findings suggest that the cognitive–evolutionary definition of these two dimensions may be advantageous and should be further investigated. Full article

Human–animal relationships have long been idealized as universally positive, but recent studies highlight the complexities and contradictions inherent in this bond. This study re-analyzes previously published data to examine the nuanced effects of pet ownership on human well-being, particularly under stressful circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a mixed-methods approach, data from three independent surveys (n = 840) were re-analyzed to explore the bio-psychosocial implications of pet companionship. Key instruments included the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). Results revealed that pet ownership was significantly associated with higher levels of psychosocial stress, challenging the assumption that pets universally improve quality of life. Notably, individuals with current pet ownership reported lower quality of life compared to non-owners. However, qualitative analyses illustrated perceived emotional and social support among pet owners, reflecting the “pet-effect paradox.” Mental health variables such as depression and loneliness emerged as stronger predictors of well-being than pet attachment. This study introduces the “Aunty Phenomenon” as a conceptual framework to describe the idealization of pet relationships, while acknowledging the responsibilities they entail. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to human–animal bond research. Full article

Numerous scales have been developed to assess pet–owner relationship quality. One commonly used measure is the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) and its various derivatives. Since this scale was published in 2006, many social changes have occurred, necessitating a review and, if necessary, refinement of this measure. We sought to investigate the internal consistency and structure of the existing instrument, as well as an expanded and modified version of the scale, in a contemporary adult sample of over 350 adults, recruited to be potentially less dog-centric than previous samples. The existing three-factor structure of the MDORS appeared reasonably sound, but a Principal Components Analysis with modified items resulted in identification of a four-component structure. Two of the components approximated existing MDORS measures: the Perceived Costs of Dog Ownership and the owner’s Emotional Reliance on their pet. Rather than replicating the existing Pet Owner Interaction subscale, however, we identified two different types of engagement: Affectionate Engagement and Active Engagement. The subscale scores and the total score were, as expected, intercorrelated with each other and with the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. Perhaps surprisingly, however, they were statistically associated with very few demographic variables, such as owner gender, age, education, or residence location, and they were rarely associated with dog variables such as age, sex, or source. This may speak to the current near-universality of strong human–dog relationships, which we propose can now be assessed using two new measures: the Dog Owner Relationship Scale 28 (DORS28) and a shortened version, the Dog Owner Relationship Scale 12 (DORS12). Full article

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent one of the most critical factors contributing to the manifestation of psychiatric disorders later in life. Furthermore, such experiences are often associated with deficits in interpersonal relationships, manifesting as mistrust and violent behaviors, and are indicative of a fragmented personality. This study aimed to analyze the correlative relationships between personality deficits influenced by ACEs and the expression of reactive and appetitive aggression using self-report questionnaires in 53 male forensic psychiatric patients with a drug dependency background detained under §64 of the German Criminal Code between 2019 and 2022. Instruments included the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SF), the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure Scale–German Version (KERF), and the Appetitive and Facilitative Aggression Scale (AFAS). Specifically, the OPD-SF used the following subscales: self-perception, self-regulation, the regulation of object relations, emotional communication inward/outward, internal/external attachment, and total score. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between childhood traumatic experiences, personality structure, attachment capacity, self-perception, and regulation and the expression of both reactive and appetitive aggression. While the association with reactive aggression is intuitively plausible, the findings notably reveal that the propensity to derive pleasure from violence is also associated with personality deficits caused by adverse childhood experiences. These findings have important implications for the treatment of offenders with personality disorders and should be considered in therapeutic interventions. Full article

Psychological well-being is the experience of fewer negative emotions, such as feelings of loneliness, depression, and low mood, and more positive emotions, such as taking pride in one’s life, being enthusiastic about one’s life, and having a highly satisfying purpose in life. In other words, it describes an individual who is happy and free from psychopathology. Psychological well-being in romantic relationships is influenced by several factors, such as empathy, relationship stability, and quality of sex life. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between psychological well-being and empathy, quality of sexual life, love, relationship intimacy, and relationship stability among women in romantic relationships. This study included 415 female participants aged 23–45 who had been in a romantic relationship for at least 12 months. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), the Sexual Quality of Life Scale—Women’s Form (SQLS), the Relationship Stability Scale (RSS), the Passionate Love Scale (PLS) and the Romantic Relationship Closeness Scale (RRCS). Independent group t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The analyses found that the variables that predicted psychological well-being were the relationship satisfaction sub-dimension of the relationship stability scale, quality of sexual life, empathy, and having children. In addition, correlational analysis revealed that empathy, sexual quality of life, intimacy in romantic relationships, relationship satisfaction, and relationship attachment were significantly positively correlated with psychological well-being. In terms of demographic information, it was found that scores for evaluating options in the relationship increased as education level increased; scores for investing in the relationship increased as education level decreased; passionate love was more common among working women; having children increased psychological well-being but decreased intimacy in romantic relationships; and quality of sexual life increased as seriousness in the relationship increased. The results of this study may be useful to psychologists and psychiatrists in their studies of female clients, to sociologists and public health specialists in their studies of women, and to policy makers in determining public health policies. Full article

In recent years, self-injury attempts have accounted for 46.2% of emergency room visits by teenagers and young adults. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Korean college students, compare the mean number of NSSI risk factors between those with a history of NSSI and a control group with no history of thoughts or experiences of self-injury, and identify which factors have a greater influence on NSSI. The participants consisted of 403 Korean college students aged 18–29 who were divided into a subject group with a history of NSSI (n = 198) and a comparison group (n = 205) with no history of NSSI. The Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), Social Experience Questionnaire (SEQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale—16 item version (DERS-16), Experiences in Close Relationship Questionnaire-Revised (ECR-R), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Parents as Social Context Questionnaire-Kids (PSCQ-KA), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-Revised (BIS-11). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Before a regression analysis, a MANOVA was performed to examine the mean difference between groups of each dependent variable, and a multiple regression analysis was performed to confirm the influence. The mean difference in all risk factors in the subject group compared with the comparison group was found to be statistically significant, with an effect size of 0.8 or greater. As a result of examining the relative influence of each variable on NSSI, emotional dysregulation (t = 2.481, p = 0.014), anxiety (t = −2.109, p = 0.036), and adult attachment (t = 2.004, p = 0.046) were found to significantly influence NSSI (p = 0.05). These findings will serve as fundamental data for screening clients at risk of self-injury in counseling and treatment settings, in addition to providing preventive and therapeutic interventions. Full article