Search Results (1,579)

Previous studies have found that support that is uplifting in nature (i.e., positive social support) can have a positive influence on the spiritual well-being of individuals with chronic diseases. However, few studies have explored positive and negative social support’s (i.e., the individual receiving the support feeling unsupported) impact. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between positive and negative social support and spiritual well-being among individuals of African descent with chronic illnesses. Survey items that focused on positive and negative social support as well as spiritual well-being were obtained from a secondary dataset, the National Survey of American Life. Missing imputation models were adjusted by demographic characteristics (gender, age, income, education, marital status, employment, length of stay in the U.S., insurance, and religious service attendance). Findings from the analysis revealed a positive association between positive social support and spiritual well-being (β: 0.07, SE: 0.01, p < 0.0001). No significant associations were observed between negative social support and spiritual well-being (β: 0.01, SE: 0.01, p = 0.51). Future researchers should continue to explore the impact of social support on the spiritual well-being of individuals of African descent through the implementation of a culturally tailored program designed to reduce chronic diseases within this population. Full article

This paper assesses the correlates of perceived well-being among young women aged 18 to 30 in five Balkan cities: Athens, Greece; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Bucharest, Romania; Nis, Serbia; and Shtip, North Macedonia, by integrating urban, travel behavioural, and socio-economic features. A cross-sectional survey was employed using standard questionnaires including the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the adapted ALPHA environmental questionnaire. To answer research questions, linear regression models were developed to analyse predictors of well-being at both regional and national levels. Results show that neighbourhood and mobility features play a significant role in shaping mental well-being. Access to walkable sidewalks, green spaces, mixed land-use structure, and attractive local facilities (e.g., shops, recreational centres in the neighbourhood) were consistently associated with higher levels of well-being. Conversely, perceived insecurity, especially at night or regarding bicycle theft, significantly reduced well-being. Physical activity levels, particularly days of walking and vigorous activity, showed strong positive associations, underscoring the role of active lifestyles in promoting mental health. Socio-economic variables, including financial status, relationship status, and work status, were also found to be linked to perceived well-being. Cycling-related variables may affect Greek well-being up to 16.5 times. Perception of crime during the night may negatively affect both Bulgarian and Serbian well-being (up to 10 times), while Romanian well-being is mostly affected by the existence of shopping facilities. Finally, the most impactful factors for well-being in North Macedonia refer to cycling safety and scooter accessibility. Full article

Objective: This pilot study assessed the psychological and physical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum women that gave birth during the pandemic, and evaluated the feasibility of remote monitoring for maternal mental health. The study also proposes a conceptual framework to strengthen remote maternal care in future public health emergencies. Methods: Conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Reggio Emilia, one of Italy’s ten hardest-hit provinces during the early COVID-19 outbreak, this study enrolled 21 pregnant women (10 COVID-19-positive at delivery, 11 COVID-19-negative controls). Psychological and physical health were assessed using validated instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety, the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) for trauma-related stress, and the SF-36 for physical functioning. Additional measures included breastfeeding experience and resilience. Remote assessments were conducted between 6 and 12 months postpartum to evaluate psychological recovery and satisfaction with perinatal care. C test was used to compare the two groups of women. Results: COVID-19-positive women reported significantly higher depressive symptoms (BDI: 13.50 ± 8.14 vs. 6.73 ± 4.73; U = 27, p = 0.048), and elevated state anxiety levels (STAI-S: 41.60 ± 10.23 vs. 33.64 ± 10.15; U = 27, p = 0.048) compared to controls. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were also higher among COVID-positive participants (IES-R total: 41.10 ± 19.33 vs. 30.64 ± 7.99; U = 24.5, p = 0.029). No significant differences emerged in EPDS or trait anxiety scores. Conclusions: Remote data collection proved feasible for postpartum women during the pandemic and highlighted elevated depressive, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms in COVID-19-positive mothers. These findings support the development of flexible digital care frameworks for maternal well-being in crises. The introduction of the “10 Gold Rules for Remote Maternal Healthcare in Critical Situations” offers a forward-looking, expert-informed conceptual framework to guide the development of scalable, trust-based digital care models that go beyond monitoring to include proactive, patient-centred support. Full article

Background: Goal setting has always been a crucial management factor for workforce motivation and is quite complex due to multiple goal characteristics. Considering that the emergence of Quiet Quitting (QQ) has inflicted harm on employees’ mental well-being in the healthcare field, urgent attention needs to be paid to the impact of goal setting on QQ. This study aimed to assess the current state of work goal setting and QQ among primary health professionals and to explore the effect of goal characteristics on QQ. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 520 primary health professionals from 11 primary health centers. The Modified Goal Setting Scale and Quiet Quitting Scale were utilized to measure goal characteristics and QQ. Descriptive analysis, cluster analysis, and multiple regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean score of QQ was 2.12. The eight goal characteristics were clustered into five categories. Among them, two categories demonstrated significant negative effects on QQ: Goal Specificity and Identity (Category 1; β = −0.096, p < 0.05) and Goal Fulfillment and Organizational Support (Category 2; β = −0.466, p < 0.001). Conversely, three categories showed significant positive effects: Goal Difficulty (Category 3; β = 0.112, p < 0.05), Goal Attainability (Category 4; β = 0.142, p < 0.01), and Goal Conflict (Category 5; β = 0.185, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The phenomenon of QQ requires attention among Chinese primary health professionals. Setting work goals scientifically may prove to be beneficial in curbing its spread. From a practical perspective, goal setting should be specific, moderately challenging, yet attainable, recognized and accepted by employees, and strongly supported by the organization. This approach is valuable for reducing QQ and fostering supportive work environments in primary healthcare. It should be noted, however, that while this study identifies significant associations, its cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, and the findings are context-specific to Chinese primary healthcare institutions. Full article

Background: The transition to university represents a crucial period for the consolidation of health-related behaviors that may persist into adulthood. Examining gender and field-of-study differences can help identify factors shaping students’ well-being and lifestyle habits. Methods: This study assessed lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being in 202 university students (125 females, 77 males; mean age = 19.76 ± 2.40) including 157 medical and 45 non-medical students. At the beginning and end of the academic year, participants completed questionnaires assessing diet (MEDAS), physical activity (IPAQ, VEQ-I), and psychological well-being (PSS-10, WHO-5, PGWB-S). Results: Males showed higher BMI, greater volitional resources supporting goal-directed behavior (VEQ-VF), and psychological well-being, while females reported greater stress (PSS-10) and lower volition (p < 0.05). Non-medical students scored higher on the WHO-5 (p = 0.041). Males and non-medical students were more frequently in the high IPAQ category (p < 0.01). Physical activity correlated positively with volition and well-being and negatively with stress. Conclusions: These results suggest that volitional resources support adaptive behaviors and are linked to both physical activity and psychological health. Promoting volitional skills, particularly among medical students and females, may enhance well-being and encourage healthier lifestyles during their university years. Full article

(1) Background: Attending universities in foreign countries is a great challenge for international students, especially when adapting to a new culture and meeting specific university requirements. In this context, the present study investigates the relationship between students’ personal (i.e., psychological capital) and social resources (i.e., teachers’ support, perceived support of family, friends, and significant others), the satisfaction and frustration of their psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and how these factors contribute to their overall well-being (i.e., academic engagement and burnout). (2) Methods: A sample of 185 international students enrolled at a medical university in Romania completed six questionnaires. Stepwise linear regression analysis was conducted to verify the study’s hypotheses. (3) Results: The results indicated that students’ engagement was positively associated with psychological capital, teachers and family support, and autonomy need satisfaction. Also, autonomy needs’ satisfaction was negatively related to burnout, while autonomy and relatedness needs’ frustrations were positively associated. (4) Conclusions: Based on these findings, specific strategies were proposed to significantly enhance international students’ well-being in the medical university environment. Full article

Background/Objective: The sequelae of COVID-19 on geriatric health is profound, yet its consequences on mental well-being remain insufficiently elucidated, particularly in older adults with musculoskeletal conditions. This study aimed to explore the interrelationships and magnitude of the effects of fear of COVID-19, fear of falls, physical activity, and social frailty on depressive symptoms in this population. Methods: Purposive sampling was applied to recruit 292 older adults with musculoskeletal conditions. Data were collected through structured interviews (face-to-face and telephone) using standard questionnaires. Path analysis with Satorra–Bentler correction examined the relationships in the proposed model of depressive symptoms. The model fit indices were evaluated using the chi-square (χ²); the goodness-of-fit test was assessed with standard criteria of the comparative fit index (CFI ≥ 0.95), the Tucker–Lewis index (TLI ≥ 0.95), the root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA < 0.08), and the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR < 0.05). Results: Mean participant age was 70.30 ± 6.56 years, with 74.3% female. The path analysis model demonstrated an excellent fit indicating χ² = 0.007 (p = 0.933), CFI and TLI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.000, SRMR = 0.001. Fear of COVID-19 negatively indirectly impacted depressive symptoms (β = −0.07, p = 0.017), while physical activity had a positive direct effect (β = 0.16, p = 0.004). Fear of COVID-19 directly influenced social frailty (β = 0.18, p = 0.003) but had a negative direct impact on physical activity (β = −0.37, p = 0.000). However, fear of falling did not show a significant relationship with the other study variables. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms entail physical and psychosocial consequences. Physical activity has a positive effect on depressive symptoms. Fear of COVID-19 increases social frailty, while increasing physical activity reduces this fear. Future research should evaluate longitudinal effects and investigate evidence-based public health interventions or tailored cognitive–behavioral interventions to reduce pandemic-related fear and prevent mental health sequelae. Full article

The paper focuses on exploring ways to achieve sustainability in the manufacturing process through targeted optimization and ergonomic improvements of the work environment. The introductory section emphasizes the importance of sustainability from the perspectives of worker well-being, occupational safety, and efficient resource utilization. The paper presents a digital approach to workstation design with an emphasis on sustainability, which includes the creation of a 3D model of the assembly station using SolidWorks (v.2017) and Jack software (v.8.3), where the work movements of a virtual mannequin with realistic parameters are simulated. The analytical section is dedicated to evaluating workstation ergonomics using the RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment), SSP (Static Strength Prediction), OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis), and Lower Back Analysis methods, with the aim of identifying operations that reduce the sustainability of the work process due to excessive physical strain. Badly designed operations have a negative impact on sustainability in the meaning of physical workload strain (social dimension), low effectivity and quality (economic dimension), and higher resource (material, energy, transport, etc.) usage (environmental dimension). All these dimensions can be measured and expressed by number, but this paper focuses on workload only. Based on the results, specific measures were proposed with a focus on sustainability—raising the working height of pallets, optimizing the positioning of tools, and adjusting work movements. Repeated analyses after the implementation of these changes confirmed not only a reduction in physical strain and increased safety but also the enhancement of the sustainability of the working environment and processes. The results of the article clearly demonstrate that digital simulation and ergonomic design, oriented toward sustainability, are of crucial importance for the long-term efficiency and sustainable development of manufacturing organizations. The novelty of the work is in contribution to empirical validation on the role of digital twins, virtual ergonomics, and human factors in Industry 5.0 contexts, where the synergy between technological efficiency and human-centric sustainability is increasingly emphasized. The proposed approach represents a practical model for further initiatives aimed at improving the sustainability of assembly workstations. Full article

This study analyzes suicidal ideation in Colombian adolescents from an ecological perspective, considering family, school, religious, and psychological factors. A total of 1372 high school students participated. The findings demonstrate that family functionality was directly and positively associated with lower levels of negative suicidal ideation, positioning it as the most influential factor in mitigating risk. This effect was both independent and substantially stronger than that of personal religiosity or school satisfaction, which exerted their influence primarily through indirect pathways mediated by psychological well-being and spirituality. Structural equation modeling confirmed the direct effect of family functionality on suicidal ideation, whereas school satisfaction and religiosity operated exclusively through mediating variables. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive preventive interventions that strengthen the family and school environment and promote the spiritual and emotional development of adolescents. Full article

This study investigates how smartphone app usage diversity (SAUD)—defined as the breadth of applications individuals actively engage with—relates to quality of life, and how these effects are conditioned by age and digital literacy. Drawing on Uses and Gratifications Theory and Cognitive Load Theory, we conceptualize SAUD as having both beneficial and detrimental potential, depending on users’ cognitive and demographic characteristics. Using cross-sectional, self-reported data from the annual nationwide surveys on smartphone overdependence in South Korea, we analyzed a final sample of 20,967 adults (48.4% male, 51.6% female; M_age = 46.0, SD = 13.7; age range 20–69). Results demonstrate that SAUD is positively associated with quality of life among younger and digitally literate users, but negatively associated among older adults and those with lower digital literacy, suggesting the presence of conditional effects. The hypothesized three-way interaction between SAUD, age, and digital literacy was not supported. These findings extend the literature by moving beyond simplistic time-based metrics of smartphone use, offering a more differentiated understanding of mobile technology’s impact on well-being. Practically, the study highlights the need for tailored digital literacy programs and policy interventions that recognize demographic and cognitive diversity in technology engagement. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs and objective behavioral data to further validate these insights. Full article

Background/Objectives: There are generally no mandates for law enforcement officers to maintain career fitness. Evidence documenting the motivation of officers who are physically active could support training and health and wellness initiatives, while preventing disease (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic) in this population. This cross-sectional study derived relationships between motivation, physical activity (PA), resistance training (RT) participation, and health and fitness in officers. Methods: Sixty officers completed a questionnaire assessing PA (weekly strenuous, moderate, mild exercise sessions; activity score) and RT (RT frequency [RTF]; weekly sessions over 3 months [RT3M]; sessions in past 7 days [RT7D]). Motivation (amotivation, external, introjected, identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation) was measured via the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. Health and fitness tests included resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, skeletal muscle mass (SMM%) and fat mass (FM%) percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, sit-and-reach, grip strength, push-ups, sit-ups, and step test. Spearman’s correlations (p < 0.05) derived relationships between motivation and all other variables. Results: All intrinsic motivation styles correlated with strenuous exercise sessions, RTF, RT3M, and push-ups (ρ = 0.286–0.670). Identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation correlated with activity score and sit-ups (ρ = 0.287–0.472). Identified (ρ = 0.444) and integrated (ρ = 0.341) regulation related to RT7D. Amotivation related to RTF (ρ = −0.295) and RT3M (ρ = −0.290). External, introjected, and identified regulation correlated with RHR (ρ = ±0.270–0.338). Integrated and intrinsic regulation positively related to SMM% and negatively related to FM% (ρ = ±0.265–0.323). Conclusions: Internally motivated officers completed strenuous exercise and RT, and had better RHR, body composition, and muscular endurance. Training staff should develop intrinsic motivation styles in personnel to enhance their well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Menopause is a significant, universal hormonal transition, with symptoms impacting ~80% of women. Research shows that menopause can be professionally disruptive, contributing to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and early exit from the workplace. The objective of this study was to describe the landscape of menopause among Canadian women physicians and explore its potential impact on work performance, job satisfaction, and absenteeism. Methods: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, Canadian physicians self-identifying as women and peri-menopausal or menopausal were invited to participate in an online survey between May–September 2023. Demographic and practice characteristics data were collected. A modified Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) was used to quantify symptom burden. Qualitative data describing the menopausal experience were collected as well. Primary outcome was self-reported work performance. Secondary outcomes included perceived impact of menopause on promotional opportunities, absenteeism, and job satisfaction. Multivariable regression was used to examine associations between MRS scores and outcomes of interest. Results: Among 217 respondents, 47.7% reported a severe menopausal symptom burden; 40% felt menopause negatively impacted work performance, and 16.1% expressed job dissatisfaction. However, fewer than 10 respondents (4.6%) ever took time off for menopausal symptoms. Increasing MRS scores were significantly associated with negative perceived work performance (p < 0.001), fewer promotional opportunities (p < 0.001), and lower job satisfaction (p = 0.006) when controlling for confounders. Qualitative responses were provided by 43 participants, 6 of whom reported positive aspects of the menopausal transition, whereas 20 elaborated on the challenges. Conclusions: Canadian women physicians can experience severe menopausal symptoms, often without support. This needs assessment highlights an important occupational health issue and suggests that opportunities remain for medical institutions and employers to formally recognize and study this life stage of women physicians to improve well-being for this valuable workforce. Full article

The present study investigates the twofold effect of home–work spillover on life satisfaction through intrinsic work motivation and meaning derived from work, with family flexibility as a moderator. Based on Self-Determination Theory and the Work–Home Resources model, we test a moderated parallel mediation model whereby both positive and negative spillover from home affect life satisfaction through motivational and meaning pathways, depending on the level of family flexibility. 735 working adults completed validated measures of work-related flow, work meaning, home–work interaction (negative and positive), family flexibility, and life satisfaction. PROCESS macro (Model 59) via 5000 bootstrapped samples indicated that home negatively influencing work was associated with lower life satisfaction, mainly via reduced work meaning, particularly for individuals with low family flexibility. Conversely, positive work–home interaction was associated with higher work meaning and, indirectly, greater life satisfaction, with this effect being stronger when family flexibility was lower. Intrinsic motivation was associated with life satisfaction through mediation only when family flexibility was higher. These results indicate work meaning and family context compensatory and buffering effects on well-being. The research adds to integrative work–life interface models by delineating conditional psychological processes that enable employee flourishing. Full article

Background: Conflicts are an inevitable part of interpersonal relationships, and personality traits influence how they are resolved. In the nursing work environment, conflicts often arise from poor communication and stress, negatively impacting nurses’ well-being and quality of care. The “Big Five” personality model highlights how traits such as extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability shape conflict approaches. Understanding these traits aids in developing effective conflict management strategies. This study investigates intragroup conflicts among nurses by identifying their types and examining how sociodemographic factors and personality traits predict their occurrence. The aim is to provide insights that support targeted interventions and improve team dynamics in nursing practice. Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis within the University Hospital Centre Osijek from March to August 2024, involving nurses and technicians. Data was collected using structured questionnaires with clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire included the Process Conflict Scale, the Big Five Inventory, and a Demographic questionnaire. Appropriate statistical analyses were conducted, including descriptive statistics, normality testing with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, non-parametric Spearman and Point-Biserial correlations, and linear regression to examine predictors of intragroup conflicts. All assumptions for regression were met, with significance set at p < 0.05, and analyses were performed using JASP software version 0.17.2.1. Results: The research reveals significant differences among various types of team conflicts, where personality traits such as neuroticism increase, while conscientiousness decreases conflicts. The professional competence of respondents also positively correlates with logistical conflicts, and personality explains the variance in conflicts among nurses. Conclusions: Intragroup conflicts among nurses, particularly task-related, stem from communication issues and high care standards. Neuroticism negatively affects team dynamics, while conscientiousness can reduce conflicts but may also lead to disagreements if expectations are unmet. Education on conflict management and clearly defined roles can improve teamwork and quality of care. Full article

The present controlled experimental research addresses the effects of exposure to nature on workers’ well-being and job performance in a work-confined setting. Ten individuals working in an open-space office inside a Portuguese military bunker were exposed to simulated nature (audio sounds and/or video images of nature). Quantitative physiological (heart rate) and self-reported measures (perceived positive and negative emotions, environment restorativeness, and work performance) were taken. Results indicate that exposure to nature during working time in confined places, through simulating a window with a view of nature and/or by introducing sounds of nature, promotes physiological and emotional well-being at work (heart rate significantly decreases, positive emotions significantly increase, and negative emotions decrease), and significantly increases employees’ perception of workplace restorative qualities. The results on work performance were non-significant. The present findings contribute to the evidence of the restorative effects of nature exposure during work. The research bridges a gap by considering workplaces where real nature exposure is not feasible and examining the evidence on the beneficial biophilic interventions (the restorative effects of simulated nature) within confined environments. The strategy to use videos and audio of nature may improve the structural conditions of work, benefiting well-being in these types of work settings. Full article