Search Results (103)

Grassland communities consist primarily of perennial herbaceous species, with grasses forming a dominant or significant component. These ecosystems have been utilised for economic purposes since the earliest periods of human history. In the natural environment, they fulfil numerous critical functions that, despite increasing awareness of climate change, often remain undervalued. Grasslands contribute directly to climate regulation, air purification, soil conservation, flood mitigation, and public health—all of which positively affect the well-being of nearby populations. Moreover, they satisfy higher-order human needs known as “cultural” services, providing aesthetic enjoyment and recreational opportunities. These services, in tangible terms, support the development of rural tourism. The objective of this study was to examine the perception of cultural ecosystem services provided by different types of grassland communities—meadows, pastures, and lawns. The study employed a structured questionnaire to evaluate the perceived significance and functions of these communities. Respondents assessed their aesthetic and recreational value based on land-use type. To quantify these dimensions, the study applies the Recreational and Leisure Attractiveness Index (RLAI), the Aesthetic Attractiveness Index (AAI), ranking methods, and contingent valuation techniques. Based on the respondents’ declared WTP (willingness to pay) and WTA (willingness to accept) values, statistically significant differences in the perceived value of land-use types were identified. Lawns were rated highest in terms of recreational attractiveness, meadows in terms of aesthetics, while pastures achieved the highest economic values. Significant differences were also observed depending on respondents’ place of residence and academic background. The results indicate that the valuation of cultural services encompasses both functional and psychological aspects and should be integrated into local land-use and landscape planning policies. Full article

This study examines the psychological mechanisms through which BTS’s perceived star attributes—expertise, authenticity, likability, and similarity—influence fan loyalty within fandom-driven tourism. Anchored in activity theory and content theory of motivation, the proposed model identifies psychological need fulfillment and emotional satisfaction as sequential mediators linking celebrity perception to loyalty behaviors. Data were obtained from 916 BTS fans across six English-speaking countries via a structured online survey. To test the hypothesized relationships, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed. Results demonstrate that perceived star attributes significantly enhance psychological need fulfillment, which subsequently predicts emotional satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, the attributes exert direct effects on emotional satisfaction, supporting both reflective and intuitive engagement pathways. All hypothesized paths were statistically significant, and the model exhibited strong overall fit (SRMR = 0.039; NFI = 0.875). Theoretically, this study advances loyalty research by foregrounding the roles of symbolic consumption, emotional resonance, and identity-based alignment in global fandom contexts. Practically, the findings offer insights for tourism marketers, destination planners, and entertainment brands seeking to design emotionally immersive, narrative-rich tourism experiences. Recommendations are provided for developing BTS-themed content aligned with fans’ identity motivations to foster sustained emotional engagement and destination loyalty. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight is steadily increasing, representing a pressing public health concern due to its persistence during adolescence and adulthood and its association with elevated morbidity and mortality risks. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the potential association between overweight/obesity and the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children aged 6 to 9 years. Methods: A total of 4098 children from various urban and rural regions in Greece were enrolled. Data was collected through maternal questionnaires capturing sociodemographic characteristics, perinatal outcomes, anthropometric measurements, breastfeeding practices, and physical activity levels. Children fulfilled the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children—State form (STAIC-S) to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Results: Childhood overweight/obesity was independently and significantly associated with a more than two-fold increased likelihood of presenting depressive and anxiety symptoms. Childhood overweight/obesity was also significantly associated with maternal obesity, gestational weight gain, childbirth weight, mode of delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, and children’s physical activity. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity in children aged 6–9 years are significantly associated with an elevated risk of psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health policies and nutritional interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle practices from early childhood. Educational efforts should also support new mothers in adopting and sustaining health-promoting behaviors to mitigate the long-term consequences of childhood obesity. Full article

Background: Physical exercise is crucial for the physical and mental health of college students, yet improving their exercise adherence remains a pressing challenge. Based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), physical education (PE) teacher support may enhance students’ self-determined motivation by satisfying their basic psychological needs, thereby promoting exercise adherence. However, the dynamic relationships among teacher support, self-determined motivation, and exercise adherence have not been fully explored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the dynamic impact of PE teacher support on college students’ exercise adherence and to verify the mediating role of self-determined motivation. Methods: A longitudinal design was adopted, with three waves of data collection (T1, T2, T3) from 555 college students. Cross-lagged models and longitudinal mediation models were constructed to analyze the dynamic relationships among variables. Results: This study found that T1 teacher support significantly and positively predicted T2 self-determined motivation (β = 0.187, p < 0.001) and T2 exercise adherence (β = 0.379, p < 0.001). Self-determined motivation mediated the relationship between teacher support and exercise adherence (mediation effect = 0.039, 95% CI = [0.007, 0.072]). Additionally, bidirectional predictive relationships existed between self-determined motivation and exercise adherence, although the bidirectional relationship between teacher support and exercise adherence was inconsistent across time points. Conclusion: PE teacher support exerts a significant longitudinal impact on college students’ exercise adherence, primarily through direct effects and the mediating role of self-determined motivation. These findings provide theoretical support for college physical education practices, emphasizing the critical role of teacher support in fulfilling students’ basic psychological needs and enhancing exercise adherence. Future research should expand sample sizes and extend tracking periods to comprehensively reveal the dynamic mechanisms among variables. Full article

Background/Objectives: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition with not fully understood causes, though evidence points to immune system involvement and possible autoimmunity. ME/CFS could be triggered by various infectious pathogens, like SARS-CoV-2; furthermore, a subset of the post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) patients fulfill the diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS. According to the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC), the presence of specific symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertional malaise, sleep dysfunction, pain, neurological/cognitive manifestations, and symptoms from at least two of the following categories lead to the diagnosis of ME/CFS: autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune manifestation. In this study, the patient selection was based on the identification of ME/CFS patients with elevated autoantibodies, regardless of the triggering factor of their condition. Methods: The aim of this study was to identify ME/CFS patients among long COVID patients with elevated autoantibodies. In seven cases, plasmapheresis (PE) and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) with repetitive autoantibody measurements were applied: four PE sessions on days 1, 5, 30, and 60, and a low-dose IVIG therapy after each treatment. Antibodies were measured before the first PE and two weeks after the last PE session. To monitor clinical outcomes, the following somatic and psychometric follow-up assessments were conducted before the first PE, 2 weeks after the second, and 2 weeks after the last PE: the Schellong test, ISI (insomnia), FSS (fatigue), HADS (depression and anxiety), and EQ-5D-5L (quality of life) questionnaires. Results: There was a negative association between both the β2-adrenergic and M3-muscarinic receptor autoantibody concentration and the quality of life measurements assessed with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Per 1 U/mL increase in the concentration levels of β2-adrenergic receptor antibodies or M3-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antibodies, the EQ-5D-5L index score [−0.59 to 1] decreased by 0.01 (0.63%) or 0.02 (1.26%), respectively. There were no significant associations between the ISI, HADS, and FSS questionnaires and the β1-adrenergic and M4-muscarinic receptor antibodies titers. Conclusions: After a thorough selection of patients with present autoantibodies, this pilot study found negative associations concerning autoantibody concentration and somatic, as well as psychological wellbeing. To validate these promising feasibility study results—indicating the potential therapeutic potential of antibody-lowering methods—further investigation with larger sample sizes is needed. Full article

With increasing substance misuse among older adults, we examined the question of whether older adults may be less likely to endorse certain DSM-5 criteria for alcohol and cannabis use disorders (AUD and CUD). We used the 2021–2023 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (N = 17,494 for AUD and N = 12,264 for CUD) and descriptive statistics to compare the 65+ and under 65 age groups in their endorsements of 11 DSM-5 criteria. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted for each criterion as the dependent variable with the age group as the independent variable and other characteristics as covariates. For AUD, the 65+ age group was associated with lower odds of endorsing seven out of eleven DSM-5 criteria, including social impairments (e.g., failure to fulfill role obligations (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.16–0.56); social problems (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.30–0.71); given-up activities (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47–0.94); hazardous use (aOR = 0.53, 95% Yes CI = 0.34–0.81); and physical/psychological problems (aOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.37–0.70). For CUD, the 65+ age group was less likely than the under 65 age group to endorse hazardous use (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01–0.17) and withdrawal (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.20–0.73 for criterion A and aOR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.48 for criterion B). Clinicians should be aware that older adults might not express the full range of symptoms in the same way as the younger age groups. A more nuanced understanding of older adults’ social context may be needed for accurate diagnosis. Full article

The institutionalisation of older adults is often associated with negative perceptions from the past, influenced by asylums and hospices that were seen as marginalising older people. These views have contributed to a dominant social representation of residential care as undesirable, being associated with the ideas of social death, isolation and confinement. However, changes in family structures and longer life expectancies have increased the need for residential care. It is thus essential to rethink these institutions as integral parts of the community rather than isolating and marginalising them. Bridging the generation gap and integrating care institutions can help to combat negative perceptions, such as ageism, and promote a more inclusive view of elderly care. One way of involving older adults and recognising their rights and contributions is through community initiatives such as choirs. Community choirs can enhance social cohesion and music learning, offering older adults personal fulfilment, community involvement and resilience. These initiatives underscore respect for autonomy and emphasise their continuing value to society. This study explores the potential impact of community music on relieving feelings of loneliness among older adults in formal care settings. The project engaged 216 participants in singing classes held twice a week over six months. Utilising ethnographic observations and collective interviews with the participants, institutional staff, and family members, in this paper, the changes in participants’ self-perception of loneliness and perspectives from family members and staff are analysed. The findings indicate positive effects on the participants, especially in the psychological, educational and social dimensions, including increased autonomy, active participation, learning and social integration. The project engendered trust, empathy, mutual support and a sense of belonging and community, suggesting that community music contributes to mitigating loneliness and enhancing overall well-being. Full article

Despite the ubiquitous application of gamification in livestreaming commerce, the mechanisms driving its impact on consumer participation remain underexplored. To address this research gap, this study integrated two theoretical frameworks: the “Gamification Affordances–Psychological Outcomes–Behavioral Outcomes” framework and the Uses and Gratifications Theory. We investigated how gamification affordances (achievement visualization, rewards, interaction, and competition) relate to the fulfillment of consumers’ diverse psychological needs (cognitive, affective, social, personal integrative, and social integrative). Furthermore, we examined whether meeting these psychological needs influences consumers’ intentions to continue watching and to purchase. We surveyed 354 livestreaming commerce consumers and employed structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The findings revealed that gamification affordances can motivate consumers’ continuous watching and purchasing behavior by satisfying their different psychological needs. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and managerial implications of our findings. Full article

From a positive psychological standpoint, access to decent work extends beyond fulfilling economic needs: it is a fundamental human right. While significant efforts have been made to examine the societal implications of decent work, surprisingly little attention has been directed toward its impact on individual employees. Integrating the Conservation of Resources theory and the Self-Determination theory, this study aims to advance understanding of this topic by exploring the dynamic and reciprocal interplay among decent work, flourishing (namely, an indicator of strong individual well-being), and job performance. Data were collected from 426 Italian employees (62.7% female) by administering a survey in three waves with a one-month lag. A Cross-Lagged Panel Model approach was employed. The findings highlight that (a) decent work is positively associated with later flourishing; (b) flourishing positively affects later job performance; (c) flourishing fully mediates the relationship between decent work and job performance; and (d) the relationship between flourishing and decent work is reciprocal, with flourishing also enhancing the perception of decent work over time. Our study contributes to advancing the understanding of decent work and its implications, demonstrating the importance of promoting a decent work environment to foster flourishing and performance. This creates a mutually reinforcing cycle of well-being and productivity. Full article

This study contributes to the understanding and promotion of mental health among sexual minority college students by examining a comprehensive range of mental health outcomes, including psychological distress and indicators of well-being. Using survey data from 521 students at a US state university, we applied the minority stress model and the minority resilience model, while also considering the minority mental health paradox, to compare mental health outcomes between sexual minority and heterosexual students. Our findings indicate that sexual minority students report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviors compared to their heterosexual peers. Additionally, they score lower on measures of positive mental health and well-being, including inner peace, environmental mastery, happiness, life satisfaction, life purpose, self-perceived health, and fulfilling relationships. We further found that sexual minority students exhibit lower resilience, largely due to insecurities related to safety, food, and housing. These findings underscore the need for targeted programs and services to support the well-being of sexual minority students and foster healthier college environments. Full article

Background. A major goal for a significant portion of the osteopathic community is to update osteopathic principles, satisfying three needs: sourcing from the origin, proposing original and unique practical approaches, and describing the entire process in a scientifically updated way. On this line, several interprofessional proposals for healthcare providers have already been made by implementing patient-centered care and touch-based strategies informed by the enactive model. Enactivism principles can provide a foundation for rethinking osteopathic care by integrating environmental, psychological, social, and existential factors to facilitate the patient’s biobehavioral synchronization with the environment and social context, address health needs, and enhance the quality of multiprofessional healthcare services. However, there is a need to develop a conceptual model that offers a framework for organizing and interpreting disciplinary knowledge, guiding clinical observation and practical strategies, and defining both interprofessional collaboration and the unique focus of the profession. This scoping review and integrative hypothesis aim to fulfill the need for a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the distinctive osteopathic care to biobehavioral synchrony, emphasizing both interprofessional collaboration and the profession’s unique competencies. Methods. The present article was developed in accordance with established guidelines for writing biomedical scoping reviews. Results. A total of 36 papers were considered for thematic and qualitative analyses, which supported the integrative hypothesis. Considering the current tenets for osteopathic rational practice, we propose an integrative hypothesis to focus on a practical framework for osteopathic patient biobehavioral synchronization. Patient–practitioner–environment synchronization could be promoted through a four-step process: (1) a narrative-based sense-making and decision-making process; (2) a touch-based shared sense-making and decision-making process; (3) hands-on, mindfulness-based osteopathic manipulative treatment; (4) patient active participatory osteopathic approaches to enhance person-centered care and rational practice. Conclusions and future directions: The proposed model fosters patient–practitioner synchronization by integrating updated traditional osteopathic narratives and body representations into practice, offering a culturally sensitive approach to promoting health, addressing contemporary health needs, and improving inclusive health services. Future studies are required to assess the transferability and applicability of this framework in modern settings worldwide. Full article

This article investigates the transformative impacts of regular nature-based adventure activity engagement and its long-lasting effects on eudaimonic well-being (EWB), specifically mental health. Although extant research highlights a wide range of well-being and mental health benefits from participation in such pursuits, less is known about experienced outdoor adventure enthusiasts for whom adventure is a fundamental and transformational part of their lives. The study builds on an existing conceptual framework that synthesizes pertinent research concepts on nature-based activity engagement and subjective well-being benefits. It presents key findings from 40 semi-structured in-depth online interviews with respondents from the UK, Germany, and Serbia. Interview data were collated and analyzed using a thematic framework approach. The findings highlight the importance of outdoor adventure activity engagement for respondents’ mental and physical health and long-term well-being. Regular activity participation can be transformational in reducing feelings of ill-being and enhancing EWB. It can improve self-efficacy and identity development and promote the fulfilment of psychological needs, facilitated by key transformational catalyzers. Continually entering a liminal state, experiencing emotions, and overcoming challenges and risks during engagement are crucial to “successful” long-lasting transformation. Further research should continue to explore adventure’s transformational and EWB benefits to develop long-term data. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have profoundly influenced both professional environments and personal lives. In the rapidly developing sector of AI education, fostering essential AI literacy among university students has become vital. Nevertheless, the factors that determine AI literacy remain insufficiently defined. This research, grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), seeks to investigate the relationships among three components: the fulfillment of university students’ three psychological needs, self-regulated learning strategies (SRLSs), and AI literacy. The aim is to enhance human capital efficiency and prepare students to tackle future workplace challenges effectively. To examine these connections, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 1056 university students. The findings reveal that satisfying the three psychological needs—perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness—plays a pivotal role in advancing AI literacy among university students. Additionally, four SRLSs—cognitive engagement, metacognitive knowledge, resource management, and motivational beliefs—acted as mediators between these psychological needs and AI literacy. Consequently, this study not only enhances our understanding of the psychological and behavioral development of university students during their engagement with AI education but also provides theoretical support and practical guidance for fostering their AI literacy. Full article

Maternity rights are perceived and fulfilled differently according to women’s psychosocial characteristics, leading to varying maternal experiences and outcomes. It is necessary to know the impact of cultural context, emotional well-being, and resource availability on the maternal woman’s clinical care experience. The aim is to identify if these factors contribute to disparities in the perception of maternity rights fulfillment in Spain and Colombia. This retrospective observational study focused on women who received maternity-related healthcare in Spain or Colombia. A total of 185 women were included (Spanish = 53; Colombian = 132). Data collected included social and obstetric history, as well as psychological variables such as resilience, positive and negative affect, derailment, and maternity beliefs. The study also assessed women’s knowledge of healthcare rights (MatCODE), perceptions of resource scarcity (MatER), and the fulfillment of maternity rights (FMR). C-section was more prevalent in Colombia, where women also scored higher on maternity beliefs as a sense of life and as a social duty compared to Spanish women. Conversely, FMR was higher in the Spanish context. Colombian women reported lower levels of social support and less involvement in medical decision-making. The FMR was positively correlated with positive affect, MatCODE, and MatER. Predictive modeling identified negative factors for FMR, including giving birth in Colombia (β = −0.30 [−0.58; −0.03]), previous miscarriage (β = −0.32 [−0.54; −0.09]), C-section in the most recent labor (β = −0.46 [−0.54; −0.0]), and higher MatER scores. Positive predictors included gestational age, maternal age, and previous C-section (β = 0.39 [0.11; 0.66]). The perception of the fulfillment of maternity rights depends on socio-healthcare contexts, women’s age, obstetric history, and resources. It is suggested to apply culturally sensitive strategies focused on women’s needs in terms of information, emotional and social support, privacy, and autonomy to manage a positive experience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Basic psychological needs are essential for fostering motivation, self-regulated behaviors, and overall well-being. For cancer survivors, fulfilling these needs is crucial for coping with the various challenges of survivorship and for enhancing psychosocial health. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (K-BPNSFS) in a cancer survivor population. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 367 community-dwelling cancer survivors. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis with multiple fit indices, while convergent validity was examined through Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, inter-item correlations, and item-total correlations. Results: The findings confirmed a robust six-factor structure of the K-BPNSFS, which includes satisfaction and frustration dimensions corresponding to autonomy, relatedness, and competence needs. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations with relevant constructs, aligning with the scale’s theoretical underpinnings. Reliability analysis demonstrated high internal consistency across all dimensions, with strong Cronbach’s alpha values and substantial item-total and inter-item correlations. Conclusions: This study establishes the K-BPNSFS as a valid, reliable, and culturally relevant instrument for assessing the basic psychological needs of Korean cancer survivors. Application of this scale provides critical insights into the unique psychological needs of this population, supporting the development of targeted healthcare strategies to enhance intrinsic motivation, self-care, and overall quality of life. Full article