Search Results (1,410)

Background/Objectives: Mental health screening in athletes is an essential process to support well-being and sustainable performance. The Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) represents the ten-item triage step of the Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool-1 (SMHAT-1), created by the International Olympic Committee. We aimed to gather relevant information concerning the validity of the APSQ in different cultural settings. Methods: The study was designed as a scoping review and included 19 articles from Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Articles were written in English and tested the APSQ validity. Results: Different studies used the original or the translated version of APSQ and tested its benchmarked validity against other validated questionnaires, ran confirmatory and exploratory analyses, test–retest stability, calculated diagnostic metrics, and internal consistency. Most studies agreed on the good internal consistency, with optimal Cronbach’s alpha values, test–retest reliability, three-factor solution, convergent validity with scales assessing distress, divergent validity with well-being scales as demonstrated by significant correlation coefficients. The cut-off showed good accuracy for anxiety and depressive symptoms in terms of AUC, sensitivity, and specificity, but, in some cases, a limited ability (based on the AUC) to detect sleep concerns, alcohol misuse, substance use, and disordered eating (as measured by BEDA-Q). Some authors suggested that using different cut-offs, including all questionnaires from SMHAT-1 Step 2, or using a clinical interview, might mitigate these concerns. Conclusions: Different cultural environments might influence the validity of APSQ. A structured translation and validation study is advised before implementing APSQ in a different language. Full article

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

As social media becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, understanding the psychological mechanisms that shape users’ digital experiences is essential for promoting healthy, sustainable digital behavior. This study examines two motivational life-orientation strategies—prioritizing meaning and prioritizing positivity—and investigates how they are differentially associated with patterns of social media use, digital flourishing, and psychological well-being. A sample of 414 adults completed validated measures of digital and psychological outcomes, including a Hebrew adaptation of the Digital Flourishing Scale (DFS), and measures of prioritizing meaning and prioritizing positivity. Across seven regression models, prioritizing meaning was consistently associated with more adaptive digital outcomes, including lower screen time, reduced FoMO, higher digital flourishing, greater self-compassion, and lower psychopathology. In contrast, prioritizing positivity was associated with greater social media engagement and elevated social comparison but showed no associations with digital flourishing or psychological well-being. These findings support a dual-pathway framework, suggesting that meaning-oriented individuals tend to interact with digital platforms more intentionally and resiliently, whereas positivity-oriented individuals engage in more affect-driven and evaluative patterns that do not translate into well-being benefits. The study advances current understanding of digital behavior by identifying motivational factors that shape how users navigate online environments and highlights implications for designing digital well-being interventions and platform features. Full article

Aim: As the global population is aging rapidly, promoting physical activity in later life is increasingly seen as a good strategy to enhance and sustain the social and psychological well-being of older adults from a positive aging perspective. This study explored how social capital influences the relationship between playing football and happiness in veteran footballers. Specifically, it aimed to understand if social capital acts as a mediator between these two factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on a convenience sample of 423 veteran footballers aged from 38 to 59 years who completed a survey at 35th Sakarya Veterans Football Tournament in Sakarya in north-west Turkey. Football participation was assessed using the Serious Leisure Inventory. Social capital was assessed in both cognitive and structural aspects. A single-item scale assessed general happiness. Data were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficients and were calculated using SPSS (version 24) to assess the direction and strength of the links between the investigated variables. Path coefficients were calculated through regression analyses. For testing mediation effects, the study utilized Hayes’ bootstrapping method, executed with the Version 4.2 Beta of the PROCESS macro. Results: According to the research findings, the direct effect of football participation on happiness was determined to be 0.43 (p < 0.01). While community involvement played a significant mediating role with a coefficient of 0.11 (95% CI [0.05, 0.15]), the social trust and neighborhood dimensions of social capital did not yield statistically significant effects. Collectively, the model explains 24% of the variance in happiness (R² = 0.24), with a total effect of football participation calculated at 0.57 (p = 0.000). Conclusions: it is believed that social environments that include participation in sport can contribute to successful and comfortable aging by greatly enhancing the overall well-being and happiness of older athletes/adults. Full article

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder causing physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments that affect daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). Psychological distress, cognitive deficits, and reduced physical activity often co-occur, yet their associations with QoL across disability levels are unclear. This study examined these relationships in people with relapsing–remitting MS, stratified by disability severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 149 adults with RRMS. Disability severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe using the Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale. Psychological distress was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21), cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). QoL was evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire. Stratified comparative analyses were conducted to examine differences in overall and domain-specific QoL according to levels of psychological distress, cognitive function, and physical activity within disability categories. Results: In participants with mild and moderate disability, higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with lower QoL scores, particularly in domains related to activities of daily living, psychological well-being, and symptoms. Higher cognitive function and greater physical activity were associated with more favorable QoL across several domains. In those with severe disability, associations between psychological distress and QoL were less consistent, although stress remained associated with selected QoL domains. Conclusions: Psychological distress, cognitive function, and physical activity show distinct patterns of association with daily functioning and QoL across disability levels in RRMS. Although causal inferences cannot be drawn from this cross-sectional design, disability-stratified analyses provide clinically relevant insights into how these factors co-vary with QoL at different stages of disease severity. Full article

Background: and objective: Globally, breast cancer (BC) raises global health concerns, being the most common cancer. Women with BC experience a significant increase in perception of stress. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the stress levels and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors among BC women in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2025. Women diagnosed with BC, who were at least 18 years old, were recruited conveniently from outpatient and inpatient departments in King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected in the Arabic language through self-reported questionnaires, including sociodemographic/clinical characteristics and the Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Results: A total of 200 participants were included in the study. The mean stress perception score was 26.52 ± 7.34. A high proportion (71.5%) of the sample reported elevated stress. A significant association was observed between age and stress levels. Most women aged 20–40 and 41–60 reported high stress, compared to women in the 61–80 age group (p = 0.003). Among all predictors, age was the only variable significantly associated with stress scores. Increasing age was associated with lower stress levels (B = −0.179, p = 0.013), indicating that younger participants tended to report higher stress. This corresponds to an adjusted decrease of approximately 1.8 points in the PSS-10 score per 10-year increase in age. Although participants with Stage IV cancer showed higher stress scores compared to those with Stage I cancer, this association approached but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.054). Conclusions: This study highlights the substantial psychological burden experienced by women living with BC in Saudi Arabia. The majority of participants reported high levels of perceived stress. Younger women were particularly vulnerable to elevated stress. These findings highlight the need for targeted psychosocial support within oncology care to improve emotional well-being and quality of life. Full article

Examinations are central to higher education, yet students consistently describe them as detrimental to well-being. Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), we conducted three studies to examine whether multiple-choice examinations could be redesigned to satisfy students’ basic psychological needs (BPNs) and support well-being. In Study 1 (n = 400), we developed and validated the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale for Classroom Assessment (BPNSF-CA). Using bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (bifactor ESEM), results supported a well-defined single global need fulfillment factor (G-factor) alongside six specific factors (autonomy support/frustration, competence support/frustration, relatedness support/frustration) as well as evidence of validity. In Study 2 (n = 387), we conducted a randomized experiment with three versions of a multiple-choice exam serving as the independent variable (flawed items, high-quality items, and high-quality + need-supportive features). Results showed that high-quality items improved performance, while only the addition of need-supportive features satisfied BPNs with differential patterns for the single G-factor and S-factors. In Study 3 (n = 101), we applied the intervention in a real classroom and tested the mediational role of BPN satisfaction. Results showed that redesigned exams (high-quality + need-supportive features) significantly enhanced perceptions of fairness and success via BPNs. We conclude with a discussion of all three studies, including implications and limitations. Full article

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

This study examined the psychological and occupational impact of harassment from clients and their family members on disability welfare professionals in Japan. Specifically, it investigated how such harassment affects post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and work engagement, and whether PTSD mediates this relationship. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among 280 disability welfare workers. All 280 participants completed the nine-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Of these, 100 participants (35.71%) who reported having experienced harassment from clients or their family members also completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Results showed that 21% of participants who experienced harassment exceeded the clinical threshold for probable PTSD. Those with harassment experiences also demonstrated significantly lower work engagement. Regression analysis indicated that PTSD symptoms were a significant negative predictor of work engagement. Mediation analysis further confirmed that PTSD fully mediated the association between harassment exposure and reduced engagement, suggesting that harassment undermines work motivation primarily through its psychological impact. Harassment from clients and their family members poses a psychological risk to disability welfare professionals. Individuals with harassment experiences show higher PTSD symptoms. Future discussion should explore protective factors and interventions to support the psychological well-being and work engagement of welfare professionals. Full article

Self-rated health is a comprehensive indicator reflecting an individual’s subjective assessment of their overall health status. The health condition of students in elite universities is directly related to the quality of talent reserves and the long-term development of the country. However, the multiple challenges they face make them prone to subhealth issues. To understand and effectively intervene in the health dilemmas of this group from a psychological perspective, this study constructed a cross-lagged model to examine the potential bidirectional relationship between anxiety and self-rated health. We utilized two-wave longitudinal data from a sample of 896 undergraduate students (mean age 21.37 years, 60.27% male, 92.08% Han nationality) from five elite universities in Beijing, China. Anxiety was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, while self-rated health was assessed via a single-item score. The study revealed that during the two survey periods, the anxiety levels of elite university students decreased (7.682/7.462), whereas their self-rated health scores increased (81.781/83.255). Higher levels of anxiety were significantly associated with lower levels of self-rated health in both the concurrent and cross-lagged analyses (r = −0.299~−0.173, p < 0.01). Prior anxiety could predict later self-rated health (β = −0.081, p < 0.05), but the reverse path from self-rated health to anxiety was not confirmed. Our findings indicate that anxiety among elite university students has a unidirectional prospective effect on self-rated health. On the basis of these findings, universities should integrate mental health services into their routine work systems, and students should also increase their sense of personal responsibility for their own health, actively seeking effective pathways to improve their physical and mental well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Social media’s impact on adult well-being varies by engagement patterns, highlighting the need for evidence to inform digital well-being strategies. This study examines the association between social media use and self-esteem, a key psychological indicator linked to adult well-being, with the aim of identifying modifiable behavioral targets relevant to clinical, workplace, and public health contexts. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 81 Greek adults assessed daily social media use, engagement patterns, and self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Analyses included linear and exploratory quadratic regression models, multiple regression with demographic covariates (age, gender), and descriptive group comparisons. Results: A small but statistically significant negative association was observed between daily social media use and self-esteem (R² = 0.078), indicating limited explanatory power. Exploratory analyses did not provide strong evidence of non-linear effects. Demographic factors and usage categories were not significant predictors, likely reflecting limited statistical power. Participant self-reports highlighted potentially disruptive patterns such as intensive use at specific times/conditions, perceived sleep impact, and cognitive preoccupation with social media, as well as motivation to reduce or stop use. Conclusions: Time spent online is a weak predictor of self-esteem, underscoring the importance of engagement quality over frequency. From a management perspective, the findings support shifting attention from generic screen-time reduction to targeting specific potentially high-risk patterns of engagement in future policy and practice. This exploratory pilot study provides initial, hypothesis-generating evidence within a Greek adult sample and highlights the need for larger, population-based studies to confirm and extend these findings. Full article

Teacher burnout is a pressing global issue with significant implications for educational quality. Although work–family conflict (WFC) is a well-documented cause of teacher burnout, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently understood and warrant examination through the lens of individual resources and positive psychology. This study investigated the relationship between work–family conflict (WFC) and burnout among Chinese elementary and middle school teachers, with a specific focus on the mediating and moderating roles of hope and a stress-is-enhancing mindset. Data were collected from 452 teachers (including 355 females) using well-validated scales. The results revealed that: (1) WFC was found to be directly and positively associated with burnout, as well as indirectly associated through the mediating role of hope. (2) A stress-is-enhancing mindset moderates the negative association between WFC and hope. Specifically, the negative association between WFC and hope was significantly weaker among teachers with a high level of this mindset compared to those with a low level. These findings suggest that fostering hope and cultivating a stress-is-enhancing mindset can mitigate burnout risk, pointing to a viable pathway for promoting occupational well-being by developing teachers’ psychological resources. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, quiet quitting has attracted increasing attention in nursing research and is conceptualized as a phenomenon in which nurses perform their professional duties at a minimal level without physically leaving their jobs. This study aimed to adapt the Quiet Quitting Scale into Turkish, evaluate its psychometric properties, and examine the relationships between stress of conscience, compassion fatigue, and quiet quitting among nurses. Methods: This is a descriptive, correlational, and methodological study. This study was conducted between 20 February and March 2025 with the participation of 205 nurses working in a university hospital in Turkey. The data were collected using the Nurse Descriptive Information Form, Stress of Conscience Questionnaire, Compassion Fatigue-Short Scale, and Quiet Quitting Scale. Results: The results indicated positive associations between stress of conscience, compassion fatigue, and quiet quitting. Mediation analysis revealed that compassion fatigue had a significant indirect effect on the association between stress of conscience and quiet quitting, while the direct relationship remained significant, suggesting partial mediation. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of supportive work environments where nurses can address ethical concerns and access interventions aimed at preventing compassion fatigue. Organizational strategies that promote psychological well-being may help sustain nurses’ work engagement and reduce quiet quitting. Full article

Background: Postpartum mental health challenges are increasingly recognized as a major public health concern, particularly during the early months after childbirth when emotional vulnerability is heightened. Although aerobic exercise is known to be associated with mood improvement, few large-scale studies have examined the acute psychological effects of a single exercise session in postpartum women, especially in contexts where environmental barriers restrict opportunities for physical activity. Methods: A total of 628 postpartum mothers (2–6 months postpartum) residing in a snowbound region of northern Japan participated in a single-session indoor bounce-based aerobic exercise program. Mood states were assessed immediately before and after the session using the validated Japanese short-form Profile of Mood States (POMS). Open-ended comments were also collected and analyzed thematically. Results: Paired analyses demonstrated significant acute improvements in key mood domains. Tension–Anxiety decreased (mean difference −7.91, 95% CI [−8.82, −7.00]; d = −0.68), and Anger–Hostility decreased (−4.61, 95% CI [−5.40, −3.82]; d = −0.45), while Vigor increased (11.82, 95% CI [10.47, 13.17]; d = 0.69) (all p < 0.001). In contrast, Depression–Dejection showed no significant change (−0.33, 95% CI [−1.30, 0.64]; p = 0.613). Conclusions: A single session of indoor bounce-based aerobic exercise was associated with immediate improvements in emotional well-being among postpartum women, particularly in anxiety-related and activation-related mood states. Because this exercise modality can be performed safely at home and is well suited to regions where outdoor physical activity is restricted, it may represent an accessible strategy for supporting postpartum mental health. Future research should examine longitudinal effects, controlled designs, and optimal program frequency to determine sustained benefits. Full article

In the last decade, the interdisciplinary field of neuroarchitecture has grown significantly, revealing measurable links between architectural features and human neural processing. This review synthesizes current research at the nexus of neuroscience and architecture, with a focus on how emerging virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are being utilized to understand and enhance human spatial experience. We systematically reviewed literature from 2015 to 2025, identifying key empirical studies and categorizing advances into three themes: core components of neuroarchitectural research; the use of physiological sensors (e.g., EEG, heart rate variability) and virtual reality to gather data on occupant responses; and the integration of neuroscience with AI-driven analysis. Findings indicate that built environment elements (e.g., geometry, curvature, lighting) influence brain activity in regions governing emotion, stress, and cognition. VR-based experiments combined with neuroimaging and physiological measures enable ecologically valid, fine-grained analysis of these effects, while AI techniques facilitate real-time emotion recognition and large-scale pattern discovery, bridging design features with occupant emotional responses. However, the current evidence base remains nascent, limited by small, homogeneous samples and fragmented data. We propose a four-domain framework (somatic, psychological, emotional, cognitive-“SPEC”) to guide future research. By consolidating methodological advances in VR experimentation, physiological sensing, and AI-based analytics, this review provides an integrative roadmap for replicable and scalable neuroarchitectural studies. Intensified interdisciplinary efforts leveraging AI and VR are needed to build robust, diverse datasets and develop neuro-informed design tools. Such progress will pave the way for evidence-based design practices that promote human well-being and cognitive health in built environments. Full article