Search Results (1,221)

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that high anxiety is associated with biased processing of threat-related stimuli and that anxious individuals may be particularly sensitive to facial expressions of fear or anger. In addition, these effects may result from a specific pattern occurring in the early stages of visual information processing. Methods: Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded in response to task-irrelevant pictures of faces presented in either an upright or inverted position in two groups differing in trait anxiety, as assessed by scores on the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Behavioural responses and ERP activity were also recorded in response to simple neutral visual stimuli presented during exposure to the facial stimuli, which served as probe-targets. Results: A typical Face Inversion Effect was observed, characterised by longer latencies and greater amplitudes of the early P1 and N170 ERP components. Differences between low- and high-anxious individuals emerged at parieto-occipital sites within the time window of the early P1 component. The later stage of face processing, indexed by the N170 component, was not affected by the level of trait anxiety. Conclusions: The results of this experiment indicate that anxiety level modulates the initial stages of information processing, as reflected in the P1 component. This may be associated with anxiety-related differences in the involuntary processing of face detection of emotional expression. Consequently, a greater attentional engagement appears to occur in highly anxious individuals, leading to delayed behavioural responses to concurrently presented neutral stimuli. Full article

This article re-interprets V. S. Naipaul’s “Tell Me Who to Kill” from In a Free State (1971) through a Heideggerian lens, focusing on the ‘groundlessness’ of existence and the dialectics of ‘danger’ that structure the unnamed narrator’s life within colonial ‘modernity’. Using Hiedegger’s phenomenology as a rhetorical hermeneutic, it traces how ordinary existential structures—fear, anxiety, boredom, curiosity, idle talk, and ambiguity—surface in the narrator’s and other characters’ comportments and speech. In Heidegger’s sense, these moods do not simply describe psychological states but reveal the conditions of Dasein’s being-in-the-world and the ontological disclosures of a being unhomed by empire. By situating Heidegger’s concepts of Dasein, thrownness, and fallenness within Naipaul’s world of migration, labour, and racial precarity, the paper reveals how metaphysical homelessness becomes historically tangible. The narrator’s obsessive drive for success, his failed fraternal duty, and his descent into estrangement dramatize a colonial subjectivity torn between aspiration and abjection. In reframing Heidegger through the postcolonial experience, the article both provincializes European existentialism and reclaims phenomenology as a site for interrogating the psychic economies of empire. Ultimately, the novella becomes a poetics of nihilism—where the search for authenticity collapses under the weight of displacement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infectious disease outbreaks are recurring global crises that particularly impact older adults, who are vulnerable both biologically and psychosocially. Older adults living in the community, often depending on informal support rather than institutional care, may be especially at risk during extended outbreaks. This study examined psychosocial predictors of anxiety and depression with a focus on the novel integration of multidimensional infectious-disease-related stress and differentiated functional pathways of social support. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involved 178 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older in South Korea. Validated tools measured anxiety (K-GAI), depression (K-GDS-SF), infectious disease-related stress (fear of infection, anger toward others, and social distancing difficulties), social support (emotional, informational, material, and appraisal), and chronic illness status. Data analysis included correlation analyses and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Difficulties adhering to social distancing were the strongest stress-related predictor of both anxiety and depression, while emotional support emerged as the most powerful protective factor against both outcomes. Material support uniquely mitigated depressive symptoms, and older adults with chronic illness showed heightened vulnerability to depression. Conclusions: Infectious-disease-related stress is multidimensional, extending beyond fear of infection to include social-participation disruption and relational strain. Findings highlight that different types of social support exert distinct protective effects through function-specific mechanisms, reinforcing the importance of targeted intervention design. Practical implications include strengthening emotional-support infrastructure, implementing hybrid digital–offline outreach models, and prioritizing resource allocation for medically vulnerable older adults as part of preparedness planning for future prolonged public-health emergencies. Full article

Background/Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented societal changes globally and negatively impacted the psychosocial health of pregnant women. This study aimed to explore how direct, indirect, and unrelated factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic influenced stress levels among pregnant women. Methods: This interpretivist qualitative study employed open-ended survey questions to capture the lived experiences of 313 pregnant women in the third trimester residing in Florida between January and March 2022, during the Omicron surge. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by the Stress and Coping Theory and the Stress Buffering Theory. Results: Participants described a range of stressors directly and indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected pregnant women. Themes related to increased stress were (1) fear, worry, and anxiety related to COVID-19 infection, (2) fear, worry, and anxiety related to preparedness for birth/baby due to pandemic restrictions, (3) prevention concerns associated with COVID-19, (4) lack of social support, (5) return to normalcy, (6) health-related social needs, (7) physical health issues, and (8) navigating conflict and grief. Conversely, stress-reducing factors were (1) preventive measures during the pandemic, (2) coping strategies, (3) not having to work, and (4) social support. Conclusions: Pregnant women experienced heightened stress due to a complex interplay of factors related directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that maternity care, mental health and health-related social needs screenings and referrals, and tailored interventions are integrated into public health crises preparedness plans to limit the stress that pregnant women experience and support their well-being. Full article

Toxic romantic relationships, a popular term referring to intimate partner violence (IPV) characterized by psychological, physical, and sexual violence, are a growing concern among young people. This pilot study aimed to preliminarily validate the vignette task on IPV, the “Mind 4 partner abuse” task, and to investigate the cognitive patterns and emotional profiles concerning IPV. Our research involved 228 university students from the University of L’Aquila who participated in an online psychoeducational program to raise awareness of the risks of IPV. Participants completed the “Mind 4 partner abuse” task, which included five vignettes depicting escalating violence in relationships. The task assessed participants’ emotional responses (anger, anxiety/fear, sadness, shame/guilt) and cognitive responses (functional-assertive or dysfunctional) to each vignette. In addition, for convergent validation, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) was administered to assess empathic abilities. Five distinct factors were identified: active coping and legal awareness (ACLA), emotional distress (ED), assertiveness and autonomy defense (AAD), assertive reaction and self-empowerment (ARSE), and refusal of public humiliation and dignity assertion (RDA). One factor out of the five, emotional distress (ED), identified a dysfunctional cognitive pattern. The instrument showed a good convergent validity with the IRI. The correlation analysis showed that the IRI personal distress scale was negatively associated with ACLA and positively associated with ED. The IRI Empathic Concern scale was positively associated with RDA. In the dysfunctional cognitive pattern, as measured by the “Mind 4 Partner Abuse” vignette task, the ED factor was positively correlated with anxiety, sadness, shame, and guilt. The potential of the vignette task to identify high-risk cognitive profiles is promising, but it has yet to be confirmed. Given the limitations of the study, the findings offer only preliminary indications of cognitive patterns in young adults and their perceptions of romantic relationships, as assessed through a psychoeducational intervention. Further research with larger and more diverse samples, as well as more robust task designs, is necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn. Full article

The Aramaic term psḥ(ʾ) and its possible relation to the Hebrew psḥ (recorded in the Hebrew Bible) are associated with “the Passover” feast in Judaism and Samaritanism and, by extension, with Easter in Christianity. This lexeme is exceedingly rare in extra-biblical sources and my goal with the present article is to closely examine the only two unambiguous sources available to us—both of which are found on Aramaic ostraca associated with the Yahwistic community at Elephantine and both share an acute sense of impending trepidation and anxiety. The article is divided into two parts. The first offers a new epigraphic analysis of the two ostraca on which this term appears—building upon a recent publication of one and offering a new publication: reconstruction, translation, and detailed commentary of the other. The second presents a multifaceted analysis—combining etymological and contextual data with insights from social psychology, archeology, and anthropology—supporting the connection of the term psḥ(ʾ) with apotropaic magic rituals tied to the fear of evil-eye, disease, malicious spirits, demons, curses, etc. Finally, insights from these first-hand documents are applied to the ongoing debate regarding the origins and etymology of the term psḥ(ʾ) and its use in the biblical narrative. Full article

Background: Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the psychosocial impact of skin cancer remains relatively underexplored. The aim of this study was to explore the emotional experiences of people diagnosed with melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and their evolution over time. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was employed, taking into account gender, age, tumour type and tumour stage. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Thirty-six patients were recruited (18 with melanoma and 18 with SCC). Overall, 61.1% were men and the mean age was 63.8 years (SD 10.8). The analysis revealed three main themes: feelings, relationships and life changes. Patients in both groups experienced a range of emotions following diagnosis, such as anxiety, relief and fear of recurrence. Family dynamics played a crucial role in patients’ experiences, acting as both a source of support and a cause of concern. The diagnosis prompted changes in everyday life, affecting work, daily activities and patients’ sense of identity. Conclusions: The diagnosis of melanoma or SCC has a profound emotional and existential impact on patients. Personalised care is crucial to address their evolving concerns and information needs. Further research is needed on the long-term impact of skin cancer and the benefits of psycho-oncological support. Incorporating patients’ perspectives into current skin cancer guidelines should be considered. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sociocultural factors, including migration and acculturation, may influence the clinical profile and course of eating disorders (EDs). This study examined differences between immigrant and native-born Spanish patients with EDs in (1) clinical presentation and (2) treatment response. Methods: Consecutive outpatients from the Eating Disorders Unit at Bellvitge University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) were assessed using the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), and Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, ANOVA, Cox regression for dropout, and logistic regression for predictors of poor outcome, adjusted for ED subtype. Results: The sample included 1104 patients (947 native-born; 157 immigrants). Immigrant patients showed a distinct clinical profile, with lower drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction but higher interpersonal distrust, maturity fears, perfectionism, anxiety-related symptoms, and self-transcendence. They also presented a worse treatment response, including higher dropout rates, poorer outcomes, and lower remission rates. Predictive models identified different risk factors for poor treatment response in each group: among native-born patients, younger age of ED onset, higher novelty seeking, and lower self-directedness were associated with worse outcomes, whereas among immigrant patients, greater ED severity, lower harm avoidance, and lower self-transcendence predicted poorer results. Conclusions: Immigrant patients with EDs exhibit a differentiated clinical presentation and less favorable treatment response compared to native-born patients. The differential predictors of poor outcome highlight the need for culturally informed and individually tailored interventions that consider both sociocultural context and personality-related vulnerabilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity alleviates symptoms and may slow Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression, yet many individuals with PD remain sedentary. Kinesiophobia, the fear of movement, may represent a significant but underexplored psychological barrier to physical activity in this population. Virtual reality (VR), already effective in phobias, may represent a promising approach to address this challenge. This review initially aimed to systematically examine exposure-based interventions in VR (E-IVR) directly targeting kinesiophobia in PD. Methods: Database searches using keywords such as “kinesiophobia,” “fear of movement,” and “VR” combined with “PD” yielded no eligible studies. Consequently, the scope was broadened to include populations with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, and a narrative review format was adopted to synthesize the available evidence. Furthermore, relevant studies of interventions in VR applied in PD, although not specifically addressing kinesiophobia, are detailed to provide evidence of efficacy and feasibility of VR interventions in PD. Finally, directions are offered to support the creation of E-IVR targeting kinesiophobia in individuals with PD. Results: Meta-analyses in neurological and musculoskeletal populations demonstrate moderate to large reductions in kinesiophobia following VR interventions, although effects vary depending on assessment tools, degree of immersion, and exposure design. In PD, VR has been applied to rehabilitation, anxiety reduction, and quality of life enhancement. These interventions achieved high adherence (≥90%), were well tolerated, and reported no major adverse events. Conclusions: Kinesiophobia is prevalent in PD and could contribute to physical inactivity. E-IVR appears feasible, safe, and innovative for addressing kinesiophobia in people living with PD. Full article

The authors examine the emotions contained in 2 Cor 7:5–16. They refer to the nativist approach, in particular to Jaak Panksepp’s theory of primary emotions and Jonathan Haidt’s five foundations of morality. The emotions of Paul, Titus, and the Corinthians described in 2 Cor 7:5–16 can be classified into Panksepp’s categories of FEAR/anxiety, GRIEF/separation distress, CARE/nurturing, and RAGE/anger. They serve as a response to the pain and threat posed by the community’s separation from Paul and aim to repair and strengthen the family/parental relationship with the apostle. Following Haidt’s typology, most of the emotions in 2 Cor 7:5–16 can be located in the care/harm module, related to Paul’s care about his spiritual children in Corinth. In addition, other modules can be engaged to link various emotions in 2 Cor 7:5–15: fairness/reciprocity, focused on reciprocal altruism, in-group/loyalty, reinforcing mutual loyalty, authority/respect, working for Paul’s authority in Corinth, and purity/sanctity serving the holiness of the community and their belonging to Christ. The nativist approach to Pauline emotions smoothly transitions into a socio-cultural approach, pointing to their complementarity. This combination allows for the appreciation for the role of emotions in making moral judgments and helps understand the similarities and differences between ancient and modern views of emotionality. It also aids in grasping the interconnectedness and adaptive functions of emotions, serving the individual and the community. Full article

The study delves into the experiences of Arab–Israeli academic leaders during the Iron Swords War, revealing their emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and reflections on leadership amidst the conflict. The study highlights a range of intense negative emotions experienced by the leaders, including fear, anxiety, helplessness, and despair, reflecting a state of secondary traumatic stress. Despite facing significant challenges, some leaders demonstrated proactivity through their work duties and support from Jewish friends. However, a prevailing sense of pessimism about the future and feelings of isolation and silencing were also prominent themes in their narratives. The results underscore the complex interplay between personal experiences and the broader socio-political context, emphasizing the need for resilience-building initiatives in academia during times of crisis. The study provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by minority Arab academic leaders in higher education during prolonged conflict, shedding light on the importance of support systems and leadership development to navigate the complexities of wartime environments. Full article

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the assessment of the health and emotional well-being of children and adolescents from Wroclaw, including the frequency of diseases, health symptoms, overweight, and obesity. Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study between 2019–2023, ultimately involving 1232 children aged 7–17 years. The data were collected in the form of interviews with caregivers. The study used a health questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Overweight and obesity were determined based on Polish body mass index (BMI) percentile tables in accordance with pediatric society guidelines. For the purposes of analysis, participants were divided into three age groups: 6–9, 10–12, and 13–17 years old. Results: The most common diagnosis was allergies, affecting about 36% of those surveyed. In total, 32.8% of children reported difficulties with concentration, memory, and learning. Emotionally, over one-third of children experienced anxiety or fear and outbursts of anger, 26% experienced inadequate sadness, and about 22% complained of chronic fatigue and excessive agitation. About 15% of participants reported symptoms of depression. Overweight and obesity were present in about 18% of children, with the frequency increasing with age. Moreover, it was shown that gender and age were the most important factors differentiating the risk of emotional symptoms, while body weight had no significant effect on any of the analyzed symptoms. Conclusions: The study revealed a significant prevalence of emotional disorders among children and adolescents, an increasing prevalence of allergies with age, and the growing problem of overweight and obesity. The results indicate the need for the implementation of systematic preventive measures and the early diagnosis of chronic diseases. An effective response to these challenges requires the development of an interdisciplinary healthcare model that integrates pediatric, psychologist, dietary, and social support. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stress experienced by pregnant women during the pandemic may be associated with an increased level of fear of childbirth. Psycho-social resources such as a sense of coherence and social support may be associated with better psychological outcomes. The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a relationship between pandemic stress, fear of childbirth, sense of coherence, and social support in pregnant women and whether pandemic stress, sense of coherence, and social support were explanatory variables for fear of childbirth. Method: The study involved 232 pregnant women. The following research methods were used in the study: the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), Labor Anxiety Questionnaire (KLP II), and Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS). Results: The study showed that pandemic stress is positively correlated with infection and Preparedness Stress (infection stress: r = 0.57 ***; Preparedness Stress: r = 0.34 ***). Stress and fear of childbirth are negatively related (infection stress: r = 0.33 ***; Preparedness Stress: r = 0.4 ***), and fear of childbirth is negatively associated with the sense of coherence (r = −0.33 ***) and, to a small extent, with some types of social support. The research shows that obstetric variables related to the organization of childbirth are of significant importance for the psychological functioning of women. Preparedness Stress and sense of coherence were explanatory variables for fear of childbirth in multiple linear regression analyses (F(5, 224) = 19.48; adjusted R² = 0.29). Conclusions: The sense of coherence turned out to be a more important resource for the psychological functioning of pregnant women than social support. The lack of control over such an important event as childbirth is associated with higher stress and the inability to use resources. In clinical practice, it is important to strengthen the resources for women who experience a strong fear of childbirth. Full article

The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal relationship between death anxiety (DA) and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at baseline and 3 months post-discharge. A total of 426 women with breast cancer completed the Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory at hospital discharge and 3 months later. Cross-lagged panel analysis (CLPA) was used to describe the relationship of the two variables (DA and FCR) over time and identify the optimal intervention symptom nodes for breast cancer patients in different stages. The findings suggest that the specific symptoms of DA, known as “cognition”, predict the subsequent symptom development for a variety of mental health problems in the network structure. The “Psychological distress” symptom in FCR is the most susceptible to other symptoms. In addition, death-related cognition may be a bridge symptom that connects the co-occurrence of DA and FCR. Death-related “time awareness” is the optimal symptom node for intervention in early-stage breast cancer patients, while it is “cognition” in advanced patients. The death-related cognition and emotional regulation of death may be the best target for interventions among breast cancer patients, considering their DA coincides with FCR. The best intervention for patients with early-stage breast cancer may be the time awareness of death, while it may be more effective for patients with advanced cancer to be educated about disease and death, as well as to enhance correct perception. Full article

Background/Objectives: Due to ongoing medical and scientific progress, the number of cancer survivors is steadily increasing worldwide. However, this population remains particularly vulnerable to experiencing psychopathological symptoms and Fear of Disease Progression, which is often associated with lower Quality of Life scores. The present study aims to evaluate these variables among cancer survivors of the Portuguese Beira Interior Region, providing insight into this understudied population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 55 cancer survivors from the Beira Interior Region (69.1% female; M = 62.27 years), assessed through a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, alongside the PHQ-9, GAD-7, FoP-Q-SF, and QLQ-C30 instruments. Results: Overall, 60.9% of participants exhibited depressive symptoms, 43.6% reported generalized anxiety, and 54.5% showed normative levels of Fear of Disease Progression. Significant differences in Fear of Disease Progression were observed between sexes and educational levels. Positive correlations emerged between Fear of Disease Progression and both generalized anxiety (r_s = 0.66) and depressive symptoms (r_s = 0.43), while all three variables were negatively associated with Quality of Life. Although individual predictors did not reach statistical significance, the combined model, including Fear of Disease Progression, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, explained 21% of the variance in Quality of Life. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of assessing and monitoring Fear of Disease Progression among cancer survivors to support the development of early and tailored interventions, given Fear of Disease Progression’s predictive role in generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced Quality of Life in this population. Full article