Search Results (1,276)

Introduction: University students often describe their academic years as a period of continuous personal change, which may increase vulnerability to unhealthy lifestyle habits. These habits can influence body composition and are associated with both physical conditions (e.g., overweight, sedentary behavior) and psychological well-being, including suicide risk. Method: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive–comparative–correlational design was employed, using a non-probabilistic intentional sample of 174 university students. Data were collected using the OMRON 514C body composition monitor, the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-E), and Plutchik’s Suicide Risk Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests for gender comparisons, Pearson’s correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analyses to examine whether the observed bivariate associations remained significant after controlling for gender. Results: Descriptive analyses showed variability in body composition, emotional dysregulation, and suicide risk. Gender comparisons indicated that men presented higher weight, height, skeletal muscle mass, visceral fat level, and basal metabolic rate, whereas women reported higher body fat percentage, greater emotional dysregulation, and higher suicide risk. Correlation analyses revealed that suicide risk was negatively associated with skeletal muscle mass (r = −0.24, p = 0.002), basal metabolic rate (r = −0.21, p = 0.006), height (r = −0.27, p < 0.001), emotional rejection (r = −0.24, p = 0.001), and emotional confusion (r = −0.22, p = 0.004). Multiple regression analyses, controlling for gender, indicated that the associations between body composition indicators (skeletal muscle and basal metabolism) and suicide risk did not remain statistically significant (p > 0.05). In contrast, emotional dysregulation dimensions, particularly emotional rejection, maintained significant associations with suicide risk after adjustment for gender. Additionally, negative associations were found between BMI and emotional dysregulation, and between height and emotional clarity, even after controlling for gender. Discussion: The findings highlight emotional dysregulation as a central and robust factor associated with suicide risk in university students, whereas body composition indicators appear to play a more limited and gender-dependent role. The fact that associations between physical markers (skeletal muscle, basal metabolism) and suicide risk were mediated by gender underscores the importance of considering sociodemographic factors when interpreting body–mental health relationships. These results support the need for integrated biopsychosocial prevention strategies that address emotional regulation within the university context, while considering the differential impact of gender on both physical and psychological risk factors. Full article

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as the intentional damage to one’s body tissue without suicidal intent and for reasons that are not socially sanctioned. While NSSI has been widely studied in the general population, its clinical correlates and management in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain less clearly characterized, and it is often conflated with self-injurious behavior (SIB) described within restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). In individuals with ASD, NSSI may be associated with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, social, medical, and demographic factors, and it differs from SIB typically observed among individuals with severe intellectual disabilities. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 that assessed NSSI in individuals with a formal ASD diagnosis were included. Etiological/clinical correlates, explanatory mechanisms, and management challenges were examined. Sixteen studies were selected from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Findings were synthesized using narrative and thematic approaches. Results: The prevalence of NSSI among individuals with ASD ranged from 24% to 50%. Associated factors included emotion dysregulation (including alexithymia and affective distress), behavioral dysregulation (e.g., impulsivity/hyperactivity and aggression), sensory processing difficulties, communication and social impairments, and medical comorbidities (i.e., gastrointestinal and sleep problems), with preliminary evidence also implicating perinatal factors. NSSI was linked to emotion regulation, sensation seeking, and social communication processes. Early intervention and parental involvement were identified as protective factors. Conclusions: NSSI in ASD is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon frequently linked to emotion-regulation needs. Affective imbalance represents a central—though not exclusive—pathway. The review supports standardized terminology, function-based assessment, and clearer differentiation from SIB/RRBs, with implications for individualized interventions and sustained monitoring in persistent or severe cases. Routine screening for medical and sensory contributors may further improve case management and reduce preventable clinical burden. Full article

Difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) have been consistently associated with eating disorders (EDs). However, little is known about how this association operates during early adolescence, and the specific influence of sex. Objectives: This study aims to assess if maladaptive ER strategies predict greater ED symptomatology, while adaptive strategies predict lower levels of EDs symptoms among early adolescents. Additionally, the moderating effect of sex will also be assessed in these associations. Method: Ninety-eight Spanish-speaking adolescents aged 12–15 years (55 girls, 43 boys) participated in this study and completed a baseline assessment, including measures of EDs, adaptative (i.e., cognitive reappraisal) and maladaptive (i.e., expressive suppression and rumination) ER strategies. Independent sample t-tests were used to examine sex differences in age, ER, and ED symptoms. Hierarchical regression models assessed whether sex moderated the associations between ER strategies and ED symptoms. Results: Girls reported significantly higher levels of both brooding and reflective rumination compared to boys, but no sex differences were found in other measures. Regression analyses showed that expressive suppression and brooding rumination significantly predicted higher ED symptomatology, independent of sex. In contrast, cognitive reappraisal and reflective rumination were not associated with ED symptoms. No moderating effects of sex were observed in any model. Conclusions: Findings indicate that maladaptive ER strategies, particularly expressive suppression and ruminative brooding, predict greater ED symptom severity in early adolescence. However, sex did not moderate these relationships. These results underscore the importance of targeting maladaptive ER processes in adolescent prevention programs. Interventions focused on reducing maladaptive ER may be especially relevant at this developmental stage, when cognitive capacities for adaptive ER are still maturing. Full article

Neurocognitive and metacognitive impairments are well-documented in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). However, the relationship between these two domains remains underexplored, despite increasing interest in their combined impact on recovery and functional outcomes. Neurocognition refers to processes such as attention, memory, and executive functioning, and the neural systems that support these processes, both of which are frequently abnormal in SSDs and contribute to significant functional difficulties. Metacognition, in contrast, refers to the capacity to reflect on and integrate thoughts, emotions, and experiences into a coherent understanding of oneself and others. Although both domains are often studied in isolation, emerging evidence suggests a potential interdependence between neurocognition and metacognition, particularly regarding their influence on outcome. This scoping review explores empirical studies examining associations between neurocognition and metacognition in individuals with SSDs, specifically in the context of functional outcomes. We aim to clarify how these domains interact and explore their combined implications for recovery-oriented interventions and clinical practice. Findings may inform more integrated models of cognition and guide the development of dual-targeted treatment approaches to improve functional recovery in SSDs. Full article

Inclusive AI-mediated mathematics education for students with learning difficulties refers to a human-centered approach to mathematics teaching and learning that uses artificial intelligence (AI), adaptive technologies, and data-rich environments to support learners who experience persistent challenges in mathematics. These challenges may take the form of a formally identified developmental learning disorder with impairment in mathematics, broader learning difficulties, low and unstable achievement, irregular engagement, or heightened mathematics anxiety that places students at risk of disengagement and poor long-term outcomes. This approach integrates early screening, personalized instruction, and affect-aware support to address both cognitive difficulties and the emotional burden associated with mathematics anxiety. Situated within digitally augmented schools, homes, and community spaces typical of smart cities, it seeks to reduce stress and anxiety, prevent the reproduction of educational inequalities, and promote equitable participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways. It emphasizes Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ethical and transparent use of learner data, and sustained collaboration among teachers, families, technologists, urban planners, and policy-makers across micro (individual), meso (school and community), and macro (urban and policy) levels. Crucially, AI functions as decision support rather than replacement of pedagogical judgment, with teachers maintaining human-in-the-loop oversight and responsibility for inclusive instructional decisions. Where learner data include fine-grained logs or affect-related indicators, data minimization, clear purpose limitation, and child- and family-friendly transparency are essential. Implementation should also consider feasibility and sustainability, including staff capacity and resource constraints, so that inclusive benefits do not depend on high-cost infrastructures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are confronted with complex clinical situations that impact their physical condition and psychological well-being. Psycho-emotional disorders such as pain, anxiety and post-traumatic stress are highly prevalent in this context, significantly affecting both the patient’s experience and the quality of care provided. Effective communication can help manage patients’ psycho-emotional states and prevent post-ICU disorders. To evaluate the effectiveness of the CONECTEM communicative intervention in improving the psycho-emotional well-being of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit, regarding pain, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Methods: A quasi-experimental study employed a pre–post-test design with both a control group and an intervention group. The study was conducted in two ICUs in a tertiary Hospital in Spain. A total of 111 critically ill patients and 180 nurse–patient interactions were included according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Interactions were classified according to the level of the patient’s consciousness into three groups: G1 (Glasgow 15), G2 (Glasgow 14–9), and G3 (Glasgow < 9). Depending on the patient’s communication difficulties, nurses selected one of three communication strategies of the CONECTEM intervention (AAC low teach, pictograms, magnetic board, and musicotherapy). Pain was assessed using the VAS or BPS scale, anxiety using the STAI, and symptoms of PTSD using the IES-R. The RASS scale was utilized to evaluate the degree of sedation and agitation in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Data analysis was performed using repeated ANOVA measures for the pre–post-test, as well as Pearson’s correlation test and Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis statistical tests. Results: The results showed pre–post differences consistent with pain after the intervention in patients with Glasgow scores of 15 (p < 0.001) and 14–9 (p < 0.001) and in anxiety (p = 0.010), reducing this symptom by 50% pre-test vs. 26.7% post-test. Patients in the intervention group with levels of consciousness (Glasgow 15–9) tended to decrease their post-traumatic stress symptoms, with reductions in the mean IES scale patients with a Glasgow score of 15 [24.7 (±15.20) vs. 22.5 (±14.11)] and for patients with a Glasgow score of 14–9 [(Glasgow 14–9) [30.2 (±13.56) 27.9 (±11.14)], though this was not significant. Given that patients with a Glasgow score below 9 were deeply sedated (RASS-4), no pre–post-test differences were observed in relation to agitation levels. Conclusions: The CONECTEM communication intervention outcomes differed between pre- and post-intervention assessments in patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15–9 regarding pain. These findings are consistent with a potential benefit of the CONECTEM communication intervention, although further studies using designs that allow for stronger causal inference are needed to assess its impact on the psycho-emotional well-being of critically ill patients. Full article

Background: Spine surgeries present challenges for patients, including postoperative pain and difficulties with mobilization. Studies indicate that fear and anxiety prolong recovery; multidisciplinary care, including psychoeducation, which informs patients about their condition, addresses emotional challenges, and teaches coping strategies have benefits on recovery. Objectives: This study investigated whether preoperative psychoeducation improves outcomes in spinal surgery by reducing postoperative analgesic use and accelerating mobilization, with the hypothesis that it decreases medication needs and shortens recovery time. Methods: Data of 100 patients operated on spinal disease were analysed: 50 of them underwent microscope-assisted discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and 50 were treated with transpedicular posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for monosegmental instability. Each group was subdivided into a psychoeducation group (N = 25) and a control group (N = 25). All patients completed the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ). Postoperative analgesic use and time to mobilization were analysed. Results: Patients receiving psychoeducation in both groups reported lower preoperative anxiety, required fewer analgesics, and, in the PLIF group, achieved earlier mobilization. A strong correlation was found between SFQ scores and analgesic consumption (p < 0.01). Discussion: Preoperative psychoeducation reduced anxiety, decreased postoperative analgesic use, and enhanced mobilization, suggesting clinical and economic benefits if integrated into standard care. Full article

Breastfeeding is a complex biopsychosocial process influenced not only by biological mechanisms but also by a woman’s previous psychological experiences and past traumas. The aim of this review was to analyze current research on the impact of early traumatic experiences, perinatal trauma, psychological difficulties, and previous interpersonal stressors on the initiation, continuation, and emotional course of breastfeeding. Women with a history of trauma are more likely to struggle with emotional regulation difficulties, increased stress, depressed mood, and problems bonding with their child. These factors translate into an increased risk of discontinuing lactation, discomfort during feeding, and reduced self-esteem regarding maternal competence. The literature also emphasizes the role of psychological and social support, which can help mothers cope with emotional tension and promote a positive breastfeeding experience. Consideration of the mother’s previous psychological and traumatic experiences is crucial for a more complete understanding of lactation difficulties and the development of effective forms of support for women in the perinatal period. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bereavement in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood is associated with a range of grief responses, and a subset of bereaved individuals develop persistent or severe grief symptoms. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of prolonged grief symptoms is important for guiding supportive care. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, MedLine, Embase and PsycINFO for all studies comparing the prevalence and prognostic factors of prolonged grief-related symptoms among young individuals following parental or sibling death from cancer. Young individuals were defined as those not more than 25 years old before losing a parent or sibling to any cancer. Prolonged grief-related symptoms were defined as the presence of grief symptoms at least six months following the death of a parent or sibling of the bereaved person. Retrospective cross-sectional studies were included for evaluating prognostic factors affecting prolonged grief-related symptoms, but were not used for meta-analyses. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for the primary analysis. Results: From 1561 records identified, thirteen studies were included with five for quantitative pooling in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of self-reported prolonged grief-related symptoms was 48% (95% CI: 29–67%). Stratified analyses suggested a prevalence of 28% (95% CI: 7–65%) after parental death and 59% (95% CI: 45–72%) after sibling death. Factors associated with elevated prolonged grief-related symptoms included pre-existing depression, emotional difficulties, and insomnia. As no included studies conducted diagnostic clinical interviews, prolonged grief disorder according to the ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR criteria could not be assessed. Conclusions: Prolonged grief-related symptoms appear common among young individuals bereaved by loss of a parent or sibling to cancer, especially after sibling loss. However, interpretation remains limited by substantial heterogeneity, such as outcome measures, symptom thresholds, assessment time window, non-validated symptom measures, and predominance of cross-sectional studies. Future larger and methodologically rigorous studies using validated grief instruments across diverse settings are needed to clarify grief trajectories and guide developmentally appropriate intervention strategies. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between emotion dysregulation (ED), impulsivity, and symptom severity in emerging adults (16–25 years) diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Specifically, it sought to determine which ED dimensions differentiate BPD from non-clinical, independently of anxiety and depression, and how these relate to clinical features of BPD. Methods: A total of 184 participants (BPD = 44, non-clinical group = 140) completed standardized assessments, including the DERS (ED), UPPS-P (impulsivity), DIB-R (BPD), BDI-II (depression), and STAI-T (trait anxiety). Analyses included Mann–Whitney tests, quantile and logistic regressions, and Spearman correlations, adjusting for clinical covariates. Results: BPD participants scored significantly higher on all DERS subscales (p < 0.001). Adjusted regressions identified Impulse, Awareness, and Clarity as key discriminators (ORs: 5.91, 3.56, 2.90), and a total DERS score >129 increased BPD likelihood twelvefold. ED dimensions were associated with DIB-R symptom severity, especially Impulse and Strategies. Only Clarity showed a negative correlation with suicide attempts, suggesting greater emotional confusion was linked to fewer reported attempts. ED also correlated with urgency traits on the UPPS-P. Conclusions: ED—particularly emotional impulsivity, poor awareness, and low clarity—emerges as a core marker of BPD in emerging adulthood. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention strategies targeting emotional identification, modulation, and impulsivity control to mitigate clinical severity and long-term risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: The dopaminergic system regulates motivation, executive functions, motor learning, and emotional responses—processes that are key in both sport and esports. Although many studies analyse dopaminergic gene polymorphisms, their impact on psychophysical predispositions remains unclear. This narrative review aims to summarise current knowledge about the mechanisms of dopamine action and genetic determinants that may influence athletic and cognitive performance. Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (publications from January 2010 to December 2025) were searched using keywords related to the DRD1–DRD5, COMT, SLC6A3/DAT1, and TH genes, as well as the terms ‘sport’ and ‘esport.’ Studies of athletes were included in which the relationship between dopaminergic polymorphisms and motivational and personality traits was assessed, and the results of neuroimaging and epigenetic studies were also considered. Results: Dopaminergic polymorphisms are associated with differences in reward processing, cognitive flexibility, motivation, and stress resilience. The most essential critical effects concern the DRD2 and DRD4 variants, which are associated with novelty seeking, reward dependence, and coping with stress. The COMT Val158Met polymorphism affects dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, modulating executive functions. The effects of individual polymorphisms are moderate, and conclusions regarding esports remain speculative due to limited research in this area. Conclusions: Dopaminergic predispositions involve interactions among genetics, neural activity, and the environment. However, current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, a predominance of European populations, scarce data on esports players, and difficulties in separating genetic effects from training-related adaptations. Full article

Background: Moral development (MD) arises from the interaction of attachment, temperament, emotion regulation, and decision-making. Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently show impairments across these domains, suggesting increased vulnerability to disruptions in MD. However, the mechanisms linking ADHD to MD remain poorly understood. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed was searched for studies published between January 2014 and November 2024 examining MD-related constructs, including moral reasoning, fairness, aggression, bullying, callous–unemotional (CU) traits, decision-making, and reward sensitivity, in individuals aged 0–18 years with diagnosed or subclinical ADHD. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design, measures, and outcomes, a qualitative synthesis was performed. Results: Of the 2104 records identified, 23 studies met inclusion criteria. Insecure or disorganized attachment, difficult temperament, and emotional dysregulation consistently emerged as developmental risk factors for impaired MD. Hyperactivity–impulsivity and deficient inhibitory control were strongly associated with aggressive and antisocial behaviors. Children with ADHD demonstrated a pronounced preference for immediate over delayed rewards, altered decision-making in social contexts, and reduced sensitivity to positive feedback. CU traits and aggression were frequently identified as behavioral correlates of MD impairments, particularly in interaction with family adversity and comorbid externalizing conditions. Social dysfunction, including bullying involvement, peer rejection, and interpersonal difficulties, was common and contributed to elevated long-term psychosocial risk. Conclusions: ADHD is associated with multidimensional vulnerabilities in MD through intertwined cognitive, emotional, and relational pathways. Interventions targeting attachment security, emotion regulation, reward processing, and social skills may foster MD and reduce later social difficulties. Longitudinal and cross-cultural research is needed to clarify causal mechanisms and inform developmentally sensitive prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

Canada’s ageing population continues to grow rapidly and significantly more diverse, which will require unique health and home service needs. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges in Canada’s healthcare system and demonstrated the need for long-term care (LTC). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 decision makers, managers, and leaders in long-term ethnically focused facility care. Braun & Clarke’s six-stage process of thematic analysis was applied using an iterative, deductive approach to examine the experiences of stakeholders involved in the operational, managerial, financial, and clinical aspects of an ethnicity-focused LTC. Findings highlighted salient characteristics of impactful ethnicity-focused care and factors were uniquely shaped by the delivery of culturally specific care. Key subthemes included social isolation and emotional impact, operational and logistic difficulties during COVID-19, mitigation measures implemented in response, and the social, behavioural, and health benefits observed among seniors living in these LTC homes. Participants identified political and economic constraints (e.g., provincial funding) to establishing ethnicity-focused care homes but proposed several solutions and highlighted potential benefits that could support successful implementation. Analysis of experiences of operational challenges in safely and adequately running ethnicity-focused LTC reinforces the value of ethnicity-focused LTC during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as they provide a culturally safe and familiar space with preventive measures applied in a timely manner for seniors to engage with their peers in an environment that meets their health needs, ensuring safety standards. Full article

Language delay is a fairly frequent phenomenon in young children, with associated negative outcomes across the academic, social, and emotional areas of their lives. This qualitative study was designed to deeply examine mothers’ experiences and the ways in which they promote the development of their children with language delay. Twenty mothers of children with language delay (aged four to nine), who were recruited through advertisements posted by language preschool/school teachers, participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed themes relating to the challenges of raising a child with language delay, along with how mothers create a safe emotional environment for their child’s development, find opportunities and encourage social interactions, utilize their day-to-day routines to promote language and learning, and actively engage with their children’s educational framework. These results highlight how mothers serve as the “architects” of their children’s development. Despite the difficulties they encounter, such as high stress levels, mental health challenges, isolation, and guilt, and the far-reaching implications of their children’s language delay on their day-to-day living, mothers shape the home environment to promote their children’s academic, social, and emotional development. The study thus indicates that mothers intuitively promote their children’s development and that practitioners and others can support mothers’ own initiatives along with providing guidance. Full article

Background: Among many deleterious effects on the well-being of children and youth, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a surge in youth mental health distress. This, coupled with pre-existing prolonged wait times for mental health care, highlighted the need for accessible community-based mental health supports. The Healthy Living Project (HELP) is a virtual lifestyle change support program aimed at promoting positive lifestyle changes and improved mental well-being among youth with mental distress. A pilot feasibility study explored youth engagement with HELP e-resources, and preliminary mental health and lifestyle measures over a 3-month period. Methods: Youth were enrolled in a 3-month pilot of the HELP e-resource. Feasibility metrics (recruitment, retention, and platform engagement) were documented, while exploratory self-reported data on emotional and behavioral difficulties, youth quality of life, sedentary behavior (screen time), sleep hygiene, and physical activity were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Results: Twenty-three youth (mean age 15.7 years, SD 1.7) completed baseline assessments and started the intervention, with ten participants retained by the end of the study. Compared with non-completers (n = 13), study completers (n = 10) tended to report higher quality of life and healthier habits (lower screen time, improved sleep hygiene, and higher activity). Ongoing access to HELP over 3 months was associated with suggestive trends toward improvement in emotional and behavioral difficulties and sleep hygiene. Engaged participants who received screen time education tended to report lower screen times as compared to unengaged counterparts. Conclusions: This study provides early insights into the implementation and acceptability of HELP e-resources among youth experiencing mental distress, with suggestive trends toward potential benefit. Low recruitment and high attrition preclude definitive conclusions, and the findings should be interpreted as exploratory. Lessons from this pilot will inform the design of a subsequent trial to more rigorously evaluate feasibility and the potential impact of HELP on youth with mental distress. Full article