Search Results (579)

This study developed and validated an integrated theoretical framework combining the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate how driving assistance technologies (DATs) influence risky driving behaviors among young urban Chinese drivers. Based on this framework, we proposed and tested several hypotheses regarding the effects of psychological and technological factors on risky driving intentions and behaviors. A survey was conducted with 495 young drivers in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, examining psychological factors, technology acceptance, and their influence on risky driving behaviors. Structural equation modeling revealed that the integrated TPB-TAM explained 58.3% of the variance in behavioral intentions and 42.6% of the variance in actual risky driving behaviors, significantly outperforming single-theory models. Attitudes toward risky driving (β = 0.287) emerged as the strongest TPB predictor of behavioral intentions, while perceived usefulness (β = −0.172) and perceived ease of use (β = −0.113) of driving assistance technologies negatively influenced risky driving intentions. Multi-group analysis identified significant gender and driving experience differences. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that model constructs significantly predicted actual traffic violations and accidents. These findings provide theoretical insights into risky driving determinants and practical guidance for developing targeted interventions and effective traffic safety policies for young drivers in urban China. Full article

Accepting a certain degree of investment loss risk is essential for long-term portfolio management. However, overconfidence bias within financial literacy can prompt excessively risky behavior and amplify susceptibility to other cognitive biases. These tendencies can undermine investment loss tolerance beyond the baseline level shaped by sociodemographic, economic, psychological, and cultural factors. This study empirically examines the association between overconfidence and investment loss tolerance, which is measured by the point at which respondents indicate they would sell their investments in a hypothetical loss scenario. Using a large-scale dataset of 161,765 active investors from one of Japan’s largest online securities firms, we conduct ordered probit and ordered logit regression analyses, controlling for a range of sociodemographic, economic, and psychological variables. Our findings reveal that overconfidence is statistically significantly and negatively associated with investment loss tolerance, indicating that overconfident investors are more prone to prematurely liquidating assets during market downturns. This behavior reflects an impulse to avoid even modest losses. The findings suggest several possible practical strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of overconfidence on long-term investment behavior. Full article

Promoting domestic fire safety is crucial for preventing and effectively managing risky situations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of virtual environments (VEs) in fire drills to improve citizens’ knowledge and safe behavior in domestic settings. Conducted at the Citizen School for Risk Prevention (CSRP) in Zaragoza (Spain), the experiment involved 20 participants facing a simulated kitchen fire using a combination of physical and virtual extinguishing equipment. A theoretical session accompanied the drills to reinforce learning. Participants were divided into two groups: one completed the drill before and after the theoretical session, while the other completed it only afterward. Performance was assessed based on the ability to extinguish, control, or lose control of the fire. Surveys administered before, immediately after, and three months after training measured knowledge retention and behavioral changes. The results indicate a significant improvement in fire safety awareness and lasting adoption of safe practices. Participants also emerged as safety advocates. This study highlights the potential of combining theoretical instruction with immersive practical training and identifies strategies for replicating this approach in other prevention schools. Full article

Reward processing is a vital function for health and survival and is impaired in various psychiatric and neurological disorders. Using a monetary gambling task, the current study aims to elucidate neural substrates in the reward network underlying the evaluation of win versus loss outcomes and their association with behavioral characteristics, such as impulsivity and task performance, and neuropsychological functioning. Functional MRI was recorded in thirty healthy, male community volunteers (mean age = 27.4 years) while they performed a monetary gambling task in which they bet with either 10 or 50 tokens and received feedback on whether they won or lost the bet amount. Results showed that a set of key brain structures in the reward network, including the putamen, caudate nucleus, superior and inferior parietal lobule, angular gyrus, and Rolandic operculum, had greater blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals during win relative to loss trials, and the BOLD signals in most of these regions were highly correlated with one another. Furthermore, exploratory bivariate analyses between these reward-related regions and behavioral and neuropsychological domains showed significant correlations with moderate effect sizes, including (i) negative correlations between non-planning impulsivity and activations in the putamen and caudate regions, (ii) positive correlations between risky bets and right putamen activation, (iii) negative correlations between safer bets and right putamen activation, (iv) a negative correlation between short-term memory capacity and right putamen activity, and (v) a negative correlation between poor planning skills and left inferior occipital cortex activation. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neural underpinnings of monetary reward processing and their relationships to aspects of behavior and cognitive function. Future studies may confirm these findings with larger samples of healthy controls and extend these findings by investigating various clinical groups with impaired reward processing. Full article

In this article, two generalized net models (GNMs) are proposed to study the behavior and effectiveness of intelligent virtual agents (IVA) working in a risky environment under different scenarios and training algorithms. The proposed GNMs allow for the selection of machine learning algorithms such as intensity of characteristics Q-learning (InCh-Q), as well as the modification of multi-plan reinforcement learning (RL), proximal policy optimization (PPO), soft actor–critic (SAC), the generative adversarial imitation learning (GAIL) algorithm, and behavioral cloning (CB). The choice of action, the change in priorities, and the achievement of goals by the IVA are studied under different scenarios, such as fire extinguishing, rescue operations, evacuation, patrolling, and training. Transitions in the GNMs represent the scenarios and learning algorithms. The tokens that pass through the GNMs can be the GNMs of the IVA architecture or the IVA memory model, which are enriched with knowledge and experience during the experiments, as the scenarios develop. The proposed GNMs are formally correct and, at the same time, understandable, practically applicable, and convenient for interpretation. Achieving GNMs that meet these requirements is a complex problem. Therefore, issues related to the design and use of GNMs for the reliable modeling and analysis of the behavior and effectiveness of IVAs operating in a dynamic and risky environment are discussed. Some advantages and challenges in using GNMs compared to other classical models used to study IVA behavior are considered. Full article

Mobile smartphones are prime targets for sophisticated surveillanceware, designed to covertly monitor specific individuals. While mobile operating systems implement various protection mechanisms, their defenses are frequently bypassed due to risky user behaviors or underlying software flaws, leading to persistent successful attacks. This paper addresses the critical research problem of how targeted mobile spyware can be effectively counteracted, particularly given its pervasive and evolving threat amplified by sophisticated evasion techniques. To contribute to this understanding, we comprehensively review mobile surveillanceware variants, namely stalkerware and mercenary spyware. We also critically review mobile OS protection mechanisms, and we detail how surveillanceware bypasses or exploits them. Our analysis reveals that, despite continuous efforts by mobile operating system and device manufacturers, both Android and iOS platforms struggle to protect devices and users, particularly against sophisticated mercenary spyware attacks, remaining vulnerable to these threats. Finally, we systematically review state-of-the-art countermeasures, identify their shortcomings, and highlight unresolved research challenges and concrete directions for future investigation for enhanced prevention and detection. Crucially, this future research must increasingly leverage artificial intelligence, including deep learning and large language models, to effectively keep pace with and overcome the sophisticated tactics employed by modern spyware. Full article

This study examined the relationship between margin trading and cryptocurrency investment using data from the 2018 and 2021 waves of the National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) Investor Survey. Guided by behavioral finance theory, which suggests that cognitive biases may influence risk-taking, the study explored whether margin loan use and margin calls are associated with higher cryptocurrency participation. Margin loans are inherently risky, as they must be repaid regardless of investment outcomes, and margin calls are triggered when an investor’s equity falls below a required threshold. The results showed a positive and statistically significant association between margin activity and cryptocurrency investment. Specifically, individuals with a margin loan were 17 percentage points more likely to invest in cryptocurrency, while those who have experienced a margin call were 23 percentage points more likely. Given the extreme volatility of cryptocurrencies, these results highlight the increased risks investors face when using leverage in speculative markets. The analysis is based on cross-sectional data from U.S. investors; therefore, the findings should be interpreted as correlational rather than causal. Full article

Background and Objectives: Women of the LGBTQ+ community, like heterosexual women, face a wide range of health issues and have a right to comprehensive healthcare. Unfortunately, they often do not seek healthcare due to concerns about possible discrimination or prejudice. The aims of this study were to analyze and compare experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and heterosexual women during OBGYN appointments in Lithuania as well as to analyze the health of individuals whose biological gender is female and their lifestyle’s effect on their health. Materials and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted. Respondents answered questions regarding their gender and social identity; obstetrical, gynecological, and general clinical history; sexual life characteristics; and their experiences of visiting OBGYNs in Lithuania. Results: This study revealed that some lifestyle habits of LGBTQ+ respondents are more similar to those of heterosexuals than is often hypothesized. However, it also underscored such issues as the more common consumption of psychotropic substances, higher rates of depression, and more prevalent risky sexual practices among the LGBTQ+ community, as well as some neglected topics of OBGYN care in Lithuania. Conclusions: This study is the first in Lithuania to analyze the characteristics of LGBTQ+ individuals whose biological sex is female in relation to the field of obstetrics and gynecology. It provides important insights for the further improvement of the healthcare system regarding this topic. Full article

Background: The current study explores the relationship between children’s risk willingness and their motor behavior in a virtual playground setting and its association with perceived gross motor competence. Methods: A total of 96 children aged seven to ten participated. They were categorized into high-risk-willingness (HRW) and low-risk-willingness (LRW) groups based on their exploratory behavior and engagement with riskier zones and tasks in the playground. Using whole-body motion capture and virtual reality data, the children’s motor behavior and variability were analyzed alongside self-reported perceived gross motor competence. Results: The results indicated that HRW children displayed significantly greater movement variability, including higher joint movement variability and increased exploration of challenging areas compared to LRW children. HRW children also covered greater distances, moved faster, and exhibited more frequent acceleration changes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher risk willingness is associated with greater adaptability and flexibility in motor behavior, aligned with the concept of freeing degrees of freedom. In contrast, no significant differences were found in perceived gross motor competence ratings between HRW and LRW groups. This indicates that perceived motor competence may not directly influence children’s willingness to take risks or their motor behavior in exploratory play. These findings emphasize the importance of studying dynamic interactions between risk-taking, motor behavior, and self-perception to understand the development of adaptive motor skills through risky play. Full article

Background/Objectives: In 2022, 2.2 million adolescents were diagnosed with substance use disorders, including 265,000 with opioid use disorder. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that 130,000 adolescents misused prescription pain medications, often obtaining them from friends or relatives. This age group perceives weekly heroin use as less risky than those younger or older. Methods: A questionnaire was developed for 7th to 12th graders in a rural Texas school district as part of a fentanyl awareness curriculum. The questionnaire included Likert scale, multiple choice, and yes/no questions. The participants were categorized into younger (grades 7th and 8th) and older students (grades 9th through 12th), and associations were explored between demographic characteristics, responses, and grade groups using chi-square tests. To assess confidence, behavior, and the impact of education, we used chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The participants (n = 94; 85.11%) identified as Hispanic or Latino, with a smaller percentage identifying as White or more than one race. An association was found between feeling more in control of actions related to substances and fentanyl (p-value = 0.04) after receiving education. No association was found between education and confidence in identifying fentanyl. Conclusions: This study aligns with a surge in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in a high-intensity drug trafficking region. Recent fentanyl overdoses among school-age children prompted legislative changes in 2023, making this study valuable for understanding the epidemic within the geographical context. These results suggest that school-based education may play a role in strengthening adolescents’ behavioral intentions to fentanyl exposure, though additional efforts are needed to improve risk identification. Full article

Background: Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods during which psycho-emotional factors can significantly influence disease management and increase the risk of complications. This systematic review aims to examine the impact of body image, self-image, self-perception, and other psycho-emotional variables on the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in this population. Methods: This review follows the Cochrane Handbook, PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the JBI Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. A comprehensive search was conducted across both general and discipline-specific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles) between March and April 2025. The inclusion criteria focused on studies involving adolescents with T1DM that addressed relevant emotional or psychological aspects. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI tools. Data extraction was performed independently by four reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Body image concerns were found to be highly prevalent among adolescents and young adults with T1DM, and were associated with adverse outcomes such as disordered eating behaviors and suboptimal glycemic control. Gender differences were consistently reported, with adolescent girls and young women displaying greater body dissatisfaction and engaging more frequently in risky weight management practices, including insulin omission. Other factors, such as self-perception, diabetes-specific stress, and identity formation, also played significant roles in treatment adherence and psychosocial adaptation. Notably, this review reveals a lack of interventions specifically designed to address the psychological dimensions of T1DM. Conclusions: Body image and self-concept exert a substantial influence on T1DM management in adolescents and young adults, affecting both glycemic outcomes and psychosocial well-being. There is a pressing need for gender-sensitive and developmentally appropriate interventions that address body image, self-concept, and disease acceptance. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs and the development and evaluation of targeted psycho-emotional support strategies. Full article

Background: Alcohol and substance use among young people is a well-documented public health concern, and is particularly prevalent in college populations. Problematic internet use is also an emerging issue, with potential negative effects on academic achievement. University dropout remains a critical challenge, especially among freshmen, with research highlighting the role of academic engagement factors such as motivation, self-efficacy, and university connectedness in students’ academic trajectories. Methods: This study explored the relationships among risky substance use, problematic internet use, academic engagement factors, and academic outcomes, identifying potential mediators. Freshmen from an Italian university were invited to complete an online survey assessing these variables. The study defined two academic outcomes: (i) academic performance (Grade Point Average, GPA) and (ii) dropout intentions. Spearman’s rho coefficients and multiple linear regression models examined the associations among risky substance/internet use, academic engagement factors, and academic outcomes. Mediation analyses assessed whether academic engagement variables mediated the relationship between risky substance/internet use and academic outcomes. Results: The results showed that only problematic internet use was significantly associated with GPA, with self-efficacy and lack of motivation fully mediating this relationship. Regarding dropout intentions, problematic internet use and the risky use of alcohol, cannabis, and sedatives were directly and positively associated with dropout intentions. Several motivation subscales, self-efficacy, and university connectedness mediated these relationships. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of academic engagement factors in mitigating the impact of risky behaviors on students’ academic trajectories, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the relationships between individuals’ perceptions of leisure boredom, internet usage habits, and gambling motivations, focusing on analyzing the predictive effects by age category in adults. Methods: The study employs quantitative research methods, adopting a relational survey model. The sample group comprises 310 adult (94 female and 214 male) individuals aged 18 and over. Data were collected using the Leisure Boredom Scale (LBS), targeting two subscales: negative (Boredom) and positive (Satisfaction) attitudes toward leisure time, the Leisure Internet Use Scale (LIUS) targeting four forms of leisure, and the Gambling Motivation Scale (GMS) with the following subscales: socialization, entertainment/excitement, escapism, and money-making. In the analysis conducted with SPSS 25.0, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses were applied. Results: The findings indicate that leisure boredom significantly predicts internet usage and gambling motivations. Notably, individuals who spend their leisure time on passive activities were found to have higher rates of internet usage, habits, digital addiction, and gambling behavior. The positive relationship between internet usage habits, digital addictions, and risky behaviors such as gambling becomes particularly pronounced among young adults. Conclusions: Leisure time management is critical for individuals’ psychological well-being. Cognitive awareness programs, digital literacy education, and promoting participation in healthy leisure activities are recommended as key strategies to prevent risky behaviors. Full article

Adolescents’ pervasive use of social media has been increasingly linked to aggression, including cyberbullying and hostile online interactions. While this association is well documented, the psychological and contextual mechanisms that mediate or moderate it remain unclear. This scoping review maps quantitative evidence on mediators and moderators between social media use and aggression among adolescents. A comprehensive search using ProQuest’s Summon platform was conducted across PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies, published between January 2020 and March 2025, included adolescents aged 11–18 and reported at least one statistical mediation or moderation analysis. Forty-four studies from 19 countries (N > 90,000) were thematically synthesized. Key mediators included problematic use, moral disengagement, depression, attention-seeking, and risky digital behaviors. Moderators included gender, body satisfaction, cultural setting, school type, and family attachment. Most of the studies used structural equation modeling or PROCESS macro, although cross-sectional designs predominated. Limitations included reliance on self-reports and inconsistent social media measures. The findings suggest that social media–aggression links are indirect and shaped by emotional, cognitive, and ecological factors. Multi-level interventions targeting digital literacy, moral reasoning, and resilience are needed. This review was not registered and received no external funding. Full article

Background: Suicide and self-injury are serious public health concerns, especially in young populations, owing to multiple social, cultural, and gender determinants. Qualitative evidence exploring narratives regarding the factors behind suicide among young women is rare in Pakistan. Objective: The present study aims to explore the complex dimensions of suicide or self-injury among young women of Southern Punjab. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a marginalized district in South Punjab, with participants consenting to in-person meetings at their homes or phone interviews. We collected detailed accounts of fifteen deceased girls or self-harm survivors, with insights provided by close relatives of the victims. Results: Our findings identified several conducive factors to suicidality, including receiving insults in front of others, low self-esteem, household pressures, work burdens, unfulfilled romantic desires, feelings of worthlessness, cheating in love, marriage without choice, and engagement in risky behaviors. These causes could be categorized into personal (such as an inferiority complex), social (a lack of family support and frequent conflicts), and cultural factors (forced marriages). Conclusions: Our study advocates for empowering women through education and restricting access to suicide means, such as pesticides or Paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Moreover, the government should take strict measures to discourage the forced marriage of young females in rural contexts. This study highlights the importance of integrating suicide prevention initiatives with research efforts within Pakistan’s healthcare system. Full article