Search Results (1,712)

Introduction. Chronic pain (CP) is a multidimensional condition that exerts a considerable impact on individuals’ quality of life and presents a wide range of clinical and psychological expressions. This study sought, firstly, to identify distinct clinical profiles among individuals with CP based on clinical indicators, and secondly, to examine the differences in psychological vulnerability and pain-related coping strategies according to the clinical profiles. Methods. A total of 251 adults diagnosed with CP and residing in Spain participated in the study. Participants completed the Purpose in Life Test, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Pain Coping Questionnaire. A two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups within the sample, followed by independent samples t-tests to assess psychological differences between clusters. Results. This study identified two clinical profiles among individuals with CP, distinguished by diagnostic delay, disease progression, and functional impact. Cluster 1 exhibited greater functional impairment, lower quality of life, and higher emotional distress (uncertainty, perceived burdensomeness, emotional dysregulation, and hopelessness). In contrast, Cluster 2 showed lower functional impairment, better quality of life, greater use of distraction strategies, and a higher meaning in life. Discussion. These findings suggest that both medical and psychological aspects appear to be associated with each other and may influence the perception, evolution and adaptation to CP. Full article

In light of the increasing interest in integrating mindfulness techniques into educational contexts, it is essential to examine their potential cognitive and emotional benefits for the child population. Pilot investigation, analyzed in this paper, aimed to study and assess the impact of a structured mindfulness-based intervention on executive functioning and dispositional mindfulness in young learners. The intervention sample consisted of 14 fourth-grade pupils (mean age = 10 years), enrolled in a public primary school. Pre-test–intervention–post-test quasi-experimental design with two conditions was adopted. Executive functioning was assessed using the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System subtests (D-KEFS), while trait mindfulness was assessed via the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Preliminary findings revealed statistically significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control, as well as qualitative changes in mindfulness trait levels post-intervention. The results suggest that mindfulness-based programs may represent a promising approach for fostering executive and emotional competencies in younger school-aged children, thereby contributing to their overall academic performance and psychological development. Further research employing larger and more heterogeneous samples, including active control conditions, is warranted to replicate these effects and explore the long-term efficacy of mindfulness interventions in school settings. Full article

(1) Background: Violence against healthcare professionals is becoming a growing concern for healthcare systems and a public health issue, and in Portugal it remains undocumented at a national level, leaving a critical knowledge gap. This scenario compromises the development of effective public policies and evidence-based institutional strategies, which are essential for guiding policymakers in the implementation of preventive measures and appropriate safety protocols to assess the nature, frequency, and key factors contributing to violence against healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses) in clinical settings. (2) Methods: This is a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. The sample size was 440 professionals (n = 440). Between January and May 2024, healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses) working in four local health units located in the south of Portugal were invited to participate in this study via institutional e-mail. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire on the healthcare professional’s sociodemographic and work-related characteristics and aspects related to violence towards healthcare professionals in the workplace. Unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to compute crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for the association between sociodemographic and work-related characteristics and violence at work. (3) Results: Nearly 40% of the healthcare professionals sampled reported having been victims of violence in the workplace, and, among these, the majority reported experiencing psychological violence (94.2%), followed by physical violence (46.2%), another type of violence (39.1%), and sexual violence (4.1%). Incidents were mostly occasional (65.5%), occurring during the daytime (51.5%) and on weekdays (84.8%). Healthcare professionals aged between 34 and 55 years old were approximately twice as likely to experience violence compared to those who were 56 years old or older (OR = 2.28; 95%CI 1.33–3.90). Also, those who had been with the organization for more than 4 years (5–7 years: OR = 2.37; 95%CI 1.05–5.37. ≥8 years: OR = 1.87; 95%CI 1.00–3.50), as well as those who worked shifts (OR = 1.84; 95%CI 1.25–2.72), reported incidents of violence more frequently. (4) Conclusions: The low response rate (12.5%) and cross-sectional design limit the generalizability of the results, which should be interpreted considering these methodological limitations. Workplace violence in Portugal is a reality, and it requires solutions. Information related to violent incidents must be comprehensively gathered to understand the full extent of the problem and develop prevention strategies based on potentially changeable risk factors to minimize the negative effects of workplace violence. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) profoundly shapes adolescents’ digital experiences, presenting both developmental opportunities and risks related to privacy and psychological well-being. This study investigates first the possible generational gap between adolescents and their parents in AI use and trust, and then the associations between the Trait Emotional Intelligence (trait EI), parenting styles, perceived social support, and parental involvement on adolescents’ use and trust in AI-based technologies. Participants were 170 adolescents (aged 13–17) and 175 parents from southern Italy, who completed standardized questionnaires assessing parenting styles, Trait Emotional Intelligence (Trait EI), social support, digital literacy, and use and trust in AI. Adolescents used AI more frequently than parents, especially for school- or work-related support and were more likely to seek behavioral advice from AI. They also showed higher trust in AI data security and the quality of behavioral advice than parents. Moreover, greater trait EI and more authoritative (vs. authoritarian) parenting were associated with less frequent AI use and lower use and trust in AI. In 47 matched parent–adolescent dyads, cluster analysis identified Balanced Users (higher trait EI, authoritative parenting, stronger support, cautious AI use) and At-Risk Users (lower trait EI, authoritarian parenting, lower support, heavier and more trusting AI use) Despite no causal inferences can be drawn due to the correlational nature of the data, the results suggested the importance of considering adolescents’ trait EI and authoritative parenting practices in supporting balanced and critical digital engagement, highlighting the concept of a “digital secure base” as essential for navigating the evolving digital landscape. Full article

Asbestos-related diseases (ARDs), including malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis, are known for their long latency periods and poor prognoses. Although the physical effects of ARDs have been widely studied, limited research has examined the psychological burden faced by affected individuals. This study investigated depressive and anxiety symptoms among 275 patients officially recognized as asbestos victims in Korea. Mental health was assessed using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The analysis revealed that the mean ± standard deviation of depression and anxiety levels among patients with asbestos-related diseases were 8.06 ± 6.27 for PHQ-9, 6.02 ± 5.64 for GAD-7, 7.09 ± 5.44 for HADS-A, and 8.41 ± 5.47 for HADS-D. Patients with asbestosis had higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms than those with malignant mesothelioma or lung cancer, with symptom severity increasing alongside asbestosis grade. When compared with national data from the 2020–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores among ARD patients, particularly those with Grade 1 asbestosis, were higher than the scores reported for all major cancer types. These findings highlight the substantial psychological distress experienced by individuals with ARDs and emphasize the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in this population. Full article

Background: Training planning in military environments is complex due to diverse operational demands and constant exposure to stressors. When combined with high training volumes and insufficient recovery, this can result in physical and mental overload. Regular assessments are crucial to monitor the condition of personnel and adjust training accordingly, though more research is needed to effectively track performance in real operational settings. Objectives: This study aims to monitor neuromuscular and psychological performance in relation to training load in a military school, addressing the research gap in tracking performance in operational settings. Methods: Overall, 27 marines (age: 27.9 ± 4.8 years; height: 178.1 ± 6.3 cm; weight: 79.1 ± 7.8 kg) were monitored over a 13-week academic-military training period to assess neuromuscular performance and psychological fatigue. Results: Laboratory tests included the countermovement jump (p = 0.002), isometric mid-thigh pull (p = 0.001), and handgrip strength for both dominant (p = 0.947) and non-dominant hands (p = 0.665). Field tests involved maximum pull-ups (p = 0.015), push-ups (p = 0.001), and the medicine ball throw (p = 0.334). Psychological evaluation via the POMS questionnaire showed the highest negative mood scores in Tension–Anxiety, Depression–Melancholia, and Fatigue–Inertia, while Vigor–Activity was the highest positive state. RESTQ-Sport results indicated total recovery was 68.9% greater than total stress. Conclusions: Despite improvements in some field tests, no significant neuromuscular gains were observed, likely due to excessive training loads, limited recovery, and sustained stress. Full article

While increasingly popular for their aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, reflective materials may also create harsh glare, disorientation, and psychological strain. Despite their prevalence in modern architectural design, the impact of these facades on mental well-being remains underexplored. Drawing from environmental psychology and perceptual science, this study assesses how different reflective materials influence both visual perception and psychological response, particularly among residents and students in Leicester. Two contrasting case studies, the reflective metal Highcross centre facade and the reflective glass Mattioli Woods PLC facade, served as focal points. Using a structured online questionnaire incorporating visual stimuli and Likert-scale questions, responses from 30 participants were analysed using descriptive and statistical analysis (i.e., one-way ANOVA) to determine differences in visual discomfort (due to brightness, glare, or shine), visual attractiveness, visual disorientation, and perception of the surroundings, as well as the associated physiological responses such as stress, tension, and mood. Results show that the Highcross Centre facade was consistently perceived as more visually discomforting and disorienting than the Mattioli Woods facade, with statistically significant differences. However, both facades were rated similarly high for visual interest, suggesting that aesthetic value can coexist with discomfort. Finally, the analysis shows that buildings’ reflective facades evoke only low levels of perceived stress, tension, or unease, with median scores remaining low overall. These findings highlight the importance of human-centred facade design, suggesting that, as cities adapt to climate change, architects and urban planners consider not only environmental performance but also perceptual and psychological effects. Full article

Underground spaces hold significant potential for enhancing urban resilience against disasters, a key dimension of sustainable urban development. However, due to persistent associations of underground environments with negative psychological perceptions, these spaces—despite their superior protective advantages—are often overlooked as viable refuge options during emergencies. Guided by the theoretical framework of environmental psychology, this research focuses on underground parking garages in Hangzhou, China as its primary research object. The target participants are residents of Hangzhou aged 18–58 years (encompassing diverse occupations such as students, office workers, and service industry employees), who represent potential users of such spaces as refuges. To explore human behavioral patterns, psychological responses, and needs related to underground refuge spaces, we employed a two-phase methodology: first, a questionnaire survey to capture broader behavioral tendencies and subjective perceptions; complementing this, Virtual Reality (VR) experiments—a more immersive method—utilizing semantic analysis and the Likert scale to assess psychological indicators influenced by underground environments. The experimental data were analyzed via mean analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis to identify the key environmental factors that influence psychological responses, as well as their optimal design parameters. These analyses reveal significant correlations between various environmental factors and psychological indicators. This research synthesizes individuals’ psychological tendencies in underground environments and proposes quantitative physical design guidelines to meet fundamental psychological needs. The findings provide theoretical and practical support for the design of underground space for refuge and the development of sustainable urban emergency shelter systems, thereby contributing to resilient and sustainable urban development. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical period of physical, psychological, and social development, during which athletes are particularly vulnerable to stress and injuries. Competitive anxiety has been identified as a psychological factor that may increase injury risk; however, its role among young soccer players remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the association between competitive anxiety and injury vulnerability in young male soccer players aged 10 to 15 years. Methods: A total of 322 male soccer players from youth categories (Alevin, Infantil, and Cadete) participated. Competitive anxiety was assessed using the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), and injury data were collected via a self-reported questionnaire covering the 2024–2025 season. Descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests. Results: A high incidence of injuries was observed, increasing progressively with age category. In the overall sample, injuries were associated with higher levels of Somatic Anxiety, as well as with age and sporting experience, variables also linked to increased Worry and reduced Distraction. When analysed by category, no significant associations between anxiety and injury were found in Alevin players. In the Infantil group, injury incidence showed a slight increase with age and experience, but no association with anxiety was detected. Among Cadete players, injuries were positively related to Somatic Anxiety and Distraction, highlighting the influence of psychological factors at this developmental stage. Conclusions: These findings underscore the relevance of competitive anxiety, particularly Worry and Distraction, as risk factors for injury in youth soccer. The implementation of preventive psychological interventions and ongoing monitoring is recommended to reduce anxiety levels and injury vulnerability, thereby promoting safer and healthier athletic development among young soccer players. Full article

Background: Following the idea that individuals engage with different strategies to regulate their emotional experiences, scholars in the field of psychology have shown increasing interest in the notion of emotion regulation flexibility. Despite growing attention to this construct, validated instruments for assessing individuals’ capacity to choose among different emotion regulation strategies effectively are limited, particularly in non-English-speaking contexts. The present study aims to extend the use of the Emotion Regulation Flexibility Questionnaire by providing a validation of the Italian version and supporting its generalisability. Methods: The Italian Emotion Regulation Flexibility Questionnaire (IT-ERFQ) was included in a cross-sectional study involving N = 887 participants (60.4% female). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, along with tests of measurement invariance across gender and age groups, assessments of internal consistency, and evaluations of external validity. Results: The IT-ERFQ showed a clear unidimensional structure, good internal reliability, and full measurement invariance across groups. The eight-item Italian version correlated negatively with emotion dysregulation and positively with well-being. Conclusions: These findings provide strong evidence for the psychometric soundness of the IT-ERFQ and support its use in both basic and applied research. Full article

Background: Depression is a significant global mental health concern, especially among medical students. This study combines two components: (1) a cross-sectional assessment of depression and related psychological and demographic factors among students at “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, and (2) a systematic review and meta-analysis of published Romanian studies on depression in medical students. Methods: For the cross-sectional component, 495 students (Years I–III) completed online questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), personality traits, procrastination, and sociodemographic factors. In the systematic review, studies from PubMed and Web of Science were synthesized following PRISMA guidelines, with prevalence data being pooled via random-effects meta-analysis. Results: In the Galați sample, 34.0% of students had clinically significant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10). Depression was associated with female gender, being in the third year of study, low social support, high neuroticism, and procrastination. The meta-analysis (six studies, N = 1546) yielded a pooled national prevalence of 19.99% (95% CI: 18.24–21.73%). Conclusions: Depression is highly prevalent among Romanian medical students, particularly in Galați. The findings support the need for targeted mental health interventions in Romanian universities. Registration: This systematic review has been registered in the Prospero database (registration number CRD420251056873). Full article

Background: University students are vulnerable to depression due to the transitional nature of their life stage, which often involves increased academic pressures and social changes. This study aims to examine the prevalence, symptoms, and associated risk factors for depressive symptoms among undergraduate students at non-medical universities. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at non-medical universities in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The presence and severity of depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Results: A total of 768 students participated in the study. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 35.7%. A significant proportion experienced loss of interest and pleasure (n = 516; 67.2%), felt easily tired (n = 373; 48.6%), and had difficulty making decisions (n = 303; 39.4%). A significant relationship was observed between age and depressive symptoms, with participants aged 25 and above reporting higher rates of depressive symptoms (53.2%) compared to those aged 18–24 (28.8%) (p < 0.001). Similarly, the year of study was significantly associated with depressive symptoms; fourth-year students had the highest proportion of depressive symptoms (64.3%), while first-year students had the lowest proportion (26.2%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that over one-third of undergraduate students in non-medical universities suffer from depressive symptoms. This high prevalence rate highlights an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions within university settings to prevent long-term academic, social, and psychological consequences. Campus counseling services should prioritize screening for key symptoms while developing stress-management programs tailored to academic progression challenges. Full article

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic placed substantial mental and physical burdens on healthcare workers, particularly nurses. In the post-pandemic period, sustained stress, elevated mental workload and disturbed sleep may continue to affect well-being and job performance. This study aimed to assess perceived stress levels, occupational stress, and sleep quality among Hungarian nurses, while identifying key demographic, occupational, and behavioral predictors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted from April to July 2022 among nurses employed in Hungarian general hospitals (N = 418). Data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire. Stress and sleep quality were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS), and Groningen Sleep Quality Scale (GSQS). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, post hoc tests, t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05). Results: The mean PSS-14 score was 27.82 (SD = 7.82), indicating moderate stress. Sleep quality was poor (mean GSQS = 7.29, SD = 4.28), with significant positive correlation with perceived stress (r = 0.442, p < 0.001). Low income, lower education, and high coffee or alcohol consumption, and multiple night shifts were significantly associated with higher stress and poorer sleep quality. Occupational stress and mental workload, as measured by ENSS, was highest in internal medicine (mean = 122.16, SD = 37.09; p = 0.033). The most burdensome ENSS subscale was “workload” (mean = 2.30, SD = 0.92), with “not enough staff to adequately cover the unit” identified as the most stressful item. Additional cognitive and emotional workload components included dealing with violent patients and a lack of emotional preparedness in supporting families. Conclusions: Post-COVID nurses in Hungary experience moderate stress and impaired sleep. Excessive workload, emotional demands, and shift patterns significantly contribute to psychological and cognitive strain. Institutional and policy-level interventions are needed to reduce occupational stress and promote workforce resilience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain disorder characterized by persistent intraoral burning sensations without visible mucosal lesions. Although its biopsychosocial complexity is increasingly recognized, cross-cultural comparison data remain limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 60 patients with BMS (30 Italian, 30 Romanian) who underwent standardized clinical, psychological, and sleep evaluations. Data collected included sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic history, comorbidities, and symptomatology. The assessment tools used included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short Form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Statistical comparisons were conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests with Bonferroni correction. Results: No significant differences were observed in age, sex, or body mass index. Italian patients had fewer years of education (p = 0.001), higher pain intensity (NRS, p < 0.001), poorer sleep quality (PSQI, ESS, p = 0.001), and more frequent pre-existing sleep disorders (p < 0.001). Romanian patients showed higher levels of anxiety (HAM-A, p < 0.001), longer diagnostic delays (p = 0.002), and more dysesthetic or perceptual symptoms, including tingling and oral dysmorphism (p < 0.05). Stressful events before onset were more common among Romanians (p < 0.001), while Italians more often received a correct diagnosis at first consultation (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This first cross-national comparison of BMS in Western and Eastern Europe shows that cultural, healthcare, and clinician education differences can shape symptom profiles, comorbidities, and diagnostic delays, underscoring the need for personalized, country-specific management strategies. Full article

(1) Background: Domestic violence (DV), including intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the puerperium, represents a major public health issue, significantly affecting maternal and child health. (2) Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, aimed to identify screening tools used to detect DV and IPV among pregnant and postpartum women and to estimate DV prevalence. The protocol was published in PROSPERO in advance (CRD42023473392). (3) Results: A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on 1 January 2024, resulting in 34,720 records; 98 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were conducted in over 40 countries, and most were cross-sectional. Commonly used screening tools included the WHO Women’s Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire, the Abuse Assessment Screen, and the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument. Meta-analyses showed that 10% of women experienced physical violence, 26% psychological violence, 9% sexual violence, 16% verbal violence, and 13% economic violence. The overall prevalence of IPV during pregnancy and the puerperium was 26%. Despite the widespread use of validated instruments, substantial heterogeneity was observed, underscoring the need for standardization. (4) Conclusion: These findings underline the urgent need to integrate routine IPV screening into maternal care pathways using validated, culturally adapted tools, ensuring women’s safety and confidentiality. Full article