Search Results (796)

Musical performance anxiety (MPA) is a common phenomenon among conservatory students that has direct effects on their academic performance and psychological well-being. This study examines the impact of MPA on students at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Canarias, employing a multidimensional approach that integrates psychological variables, coping strategies, physical activity, and entertainment habits. The K-MPAI, DPAA, and MLTPAQ questionnaires were applied using descriptive analysis, nonparametric tests, correlations, and a mediation model. Cognitive anxiety was identified as the main component of MPA, while self-confidence acted as a protective and mediating factor against motivation. Visualization was associated with motivation and coping with differences by specialty (pedagogy and interpretation), and no links were found between physical activity and MPA. The results indicate the need for MPA to be addressed comprehensively, incorporating technical training, psychological support, and wellness strategies. Full article

In an increasingly centralized digital society, the widespread reliance on third-party cloud services has heightened user concerns about data privacy and control, driving a significant movement toward self-hosted solutions. This study investigates factors influencing continued use of self-hosting, proposing an extended research model that combines classic TAM constructs with domain-specific factors like perceived autonomy, privacy concerns, perceived trust, personal innovativeness and perceived enjoyment. A quantitative survey was conducted with $n=2158$ active self-hosting users, and the data was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The findings reveal that perceived enjoyment, perceived autonomy and perceived usefulness are the most significant positive drivers of continuance intention, confirming that intrinsic satisfaction and the desire for control are powerful motivators for sustained engagement. The study also found that the relationship between intention and usage is significantly moderated by perceived competence, highlighting that a user’s technical skill strengthens the link between their intent and actual use. The research offers key insights for developers and policymakers and contributes to academic discourse on sustained technology use by providing a validated measurement scale for self-hosted software usage and underscoring the importance of user empowerment and an enjoyable experience to foster the sustained engagement of decentralized digital solutions essential for the socio-technical sustainability of the digital society. Full article

A professional development program (PDP) combining direct and indirect promotion of self-regulated learning (SRL) was conducted with secondary school teachers in two parts. In the first part, the teachers were encouraged to promote student cognitive engagement through the inclusion of more interactive and constructive compared to passive and active lesson tasks in their teaching. In the second part, the teachers were provided with information which emphasized the importance of the direct promotion of SRL knowledge and strategies. The teachers were provided with excerpts from videos of classroom instruction to analyze and reflect upon. The results were based on an analysis of the talk and action of the teachers from videoed observations of their own classrooms before the PDP (Round 1), after the first part (Round 2), and after the second part (Round 3). The PDP influenced the teachers’ indirect promotion of SRL through the inclusion of more interactive and constructive and fewer passive and active lesson tasks in their teaching. Direct SRL promotion was also influenced although to a lesser extent, through the teachers’ inclusion of more motivational, metacognitive support statements to students to encourage them to keep on trying, as well as more explicit strategy promotion and reference to the benefits of SRL strategies. Full article

Remote, self-managed neuroempowerment protocols are emerging as promising tools for promoting psychophysical well-being in healthy individuals through scalable, home-based interventions. Rooted in positive psychology, applied psychophysiology, and embodied awareness practices, these protocols increasingly leverage wearable technologies and digital platforms to support self-regulated training in cognitive, emotional, and physical domains. This scoping review explores the current literature on such interventions, guided by a triadic model of subjective well-being encompassing neurocognitive efficiency, psychological balance, and physical fitness. A systematic search across major scientific databases identified 28 studies meeting inclusion criteria, with a focus on home-based interventions targeting healthy adult populations using embodied awareness practices, applied psychophysiology techniques, and empowerment-based strategies. Findings indicate that these interventions yield improvements in attention regulation, stress reduction, and subjective well-being, particularly when combining digital feedback systems with embodied practices. However, significant methodological limitations persist, including the overreliance on self-report measures, lack of longitudinal follow-up, and insufficient integration of objective, multimodal assessment tools. Moreover, few studies explicitly address the role of participant engagement and agency—key elements in neuroempowerment frameworks that conceptualize the individual not as a passive recipient of treatment, but as an active agent in the training process. This review highlights the need for more rigorous and theoretically grounded research, advocating for integrative, adaptive intervention models supported by wearable neurotechnologies. Such approaches hold the potential to enhance motivation, personalize feedback, and promote sustainable well-being in ecologically valid, participant-centred ways. Full article

This study demonstrates that nature play meaningfully supports children’s well-being, engagement, sense of belonging, and connection to nature. Over 10 weeks, Year One students (n = 25) from a metropolitan government school in Sydney Australia, participated in a Bush School program, experiencing it as a space of joy, calm, challenge, and growth. Children came to see Bush School not as a break from learning but as a different kind of learning: active, relational, and purposeful. Using a quasi-experiment mixed-methods design, including reflective journals, self-report tools, and class assessments, the study found no negative impact on reading or mathematics outcomes, addressing concerns about lost instructional time. Instead, nature play enhanced number and algebra development, self-regulation, collaboration, and motivation to learn. The findings from this study highlight the potential of nature play to complement formal education in a developmentally appropriate way. Moreover, embedding nature play into mainstream schooling provides a timely and relevant response to current challenges facing education. The study also highlights the importance of listening to children as capable meaning-makers with valuable perspectives. In an era of growing pressure on children and schools, nature play invites a shift in mindset; to slow down, trust children, and embrace the natural world as a co-teacher. Full article

The stages of change have been identified as a valuable framework for understanding the transition toward a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to recognize change through other psychosocial variables, such as motivation and self-efficacy. The objective of this study was to explore weight control over the course of an academic year (nine months) through three behaviors: the stage of change toward weight control (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance), healthy and unhealthy eating behaviors for weight control, and the frequency of physical activity (PA). Furthermore, we wanted to ascertain whether the three distinct types of motivation (autonomous, controlled, and amotivation) and self-efficacy could account for fluctuations in weight control over time. The sample consisted of 303 adolescents (205 female and 98 male) between the ages of 15 and 23 (M = 17.26; SD = 1.65). Chi-square, t-test, and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were employed. The results indicated that a higher proportion of adolescents were in the precontemplation and action stages at Time 2. Concurrently, an increase in the frequency of moderate-to-vigorous PA and an increase in healthy and unhealthy behaviors were observed during the school period. The present study posits that autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and self-efficacy can explain healthy eating behaviors for weight control and the frequency of moderate-to-vigorous PA, while only controlled motivation explains unhealthy eating behaviors for weight control. The conclusion of the study points out that healthy behaviors can change over time due to individual regulation of motivation and increased self-perception of efficacy in one’s own abilities to perform a specific action to control weight. Full article

Background: Physical activity (PA) is essential for the overall physical, mental, and psychological health of university students. However, participation rates remain low, particularly in developing regions such as Libya. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 768 university students who completed self-administered questionnaires assessing PA engagement, motivations, and barriers to participation. Results: The findings revealed that 60.5% of participants were physically inactive, highlighting a significant public health concern. Among inactive participants, the most prevalent external barriers were time constraints (3.45 ± 1.07), limited resources (3.22 ± 0.97), and lack of support (2.96 ± 1.01). values are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The primary motivating factors for PA were health improvement (3.95 ± 0.96) and revitalization (3.93 ± 1.01). Notably, gender differences emerged: male students reported higher motivation for competition and enjoyment, while female students were primarily motivated by weight management. Furthermore, female students reported significantly higher scores for both internal and external barriers than their male counterparts, indicating greater challenges faced in engaging with PA. The study also found a pronounced decrease in PA levels during the college years, suggesting that the transition to university life contributes to reduced activity. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need for focused strategies to increase student participation in PA and address the identified barriers. Understanding both motivational aspects and barriers is essential for promoting healthier lifestyles among university students in Libya, which could ultimately lead to better health outcomes and fostering a more physically active student community. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSKP) affects up to 40% of adolescents and leads to substantial disability, reduced quality of life, and long-term health risks. Physical activity is central to treatment, but adherence to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is inconsistent. We evaluated higher-resilience constructs—self-efficacy, pain acceptance, motivational stage, and affect—and hypothesized that higher resilience would be associated with greater objectively measured physical activity, better daily functioning, and higher quality of life in adolescents with CMSKP. Methods: Forty-three adolescents (13–18 years) with CMSKP completed measures of physical activity-specific self-efficacy, acceptance (AFQ-Y), motivational stage (PSOCQ-A), and affect (PANAS-C). Participants wore activPAL monitors to assess MVPA, light activity, and sedentary time. Physical function endurance was measured by the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI); quality of life by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Spearman’s correlations assessed associations among resilience variables, physical activity metrics, 6MWT distance, FDI, and PedsQL. Results: MVPA was correlated positively with 6MWT distance (ρ = 0.48, p = 0.002) and negatively with FDI scores (ρ = −0.56, p < 0.001). Self-efficacy related to higher MVPA (ρ = 0.41, p = 0.009), better endurance (ρ = 0.36, p = 0.017), and lower disability (ρ = −0.38, p = 0.013). Acceptance was correlated with PedsQL total (ρ = 0.45, p = 0.004); motivation (specifically maintenance) scores were correlated with higher quality of life (ρ = 0.33, p = 0.027). Light activity and sedentary time were not significantly linked to functional or psychosocial outcomes. In a step-wise regression, only physical activity self-efficacy for ambulation at school predicted MVPA, B = 1.56, p = 0.008. Conclusions: Resilience constructs—including self-efficacy, acceptance, and readiness to change—were meaningfully associated with MVPA, daily functioning, and quality of life, and may have implications for treatment development. Full article

Self Determination Theory posits that individuals may be more likely to initiate and maintain behaviors tied to intrinsic (vs. extrinsic) motivations and may provide a useful framework for understanding youth participation in novel sports. Using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and Patient-Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Plus Nutrition (PACE+) surveys, motivation and physical activity habits were explored in 27 children/adolescents (ages 7–16) enrolled in Parkour, an individual, non-competitive youth sport. Fifteen Parkour participants were also interviewed to gain an understanding of their motivations for participating. Study participants had high median IMI subscale scores related to interest/enjoyment (6.71/7) and perceived choice (6.40/7) compared to the whole scale. Similarly median sub-scale Pros and Self-Efficacy scores for physical activity from the PACE+ were high (4.25/5 and 3.91/5, respectively). The themes of autonomy and enjoyment were consistently reported in the qualitative interviews, expanding on the quantitative results. Other themes included appreciation for camaraderie, creativity, and a drive for improvement. These results provide early evidence that Parkour, and similar lifestyle sports, may be tied more to intrinsic than extrinsic motivations and could have potential for adoption and maintenance by youth with low motivation to engage in physical activity to promote healthy behaviors. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing public health challenge in Poland and worldwide, associated with serious long-term health consequences. Effective prevention requires family-centered, evidence-based interventions that actively engage both children and their caregivers. This study presents the Finnish Smart Family practice—an evidence-based lifestyle counseling method developed by the Finnish Heart Association—and describes its adaptation and implementation in Poland as part of the EU Health4EUkids project. The study emphasizes the method’s practical utility for professionals working with families of children with obesity. Methods: The Smart Family approach is a structured lifestyle counseling method based on findings from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) that is grounded in health psychology and strength-based counseling principles. Unlike traditional counseling, which focuses mainly on information transfer, Smart Family promotes motivation, families’ active participation, and recognition of their strengths in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and oral hygiene. The method uses practical tools including the Smart Family card, other supporting materials, and dedicated online platforms for both families and healthcare providers. These tools enable families to self-assess their lifestyle, select discussion topics during visits, and set achievable goals while supporting professionals in initiating non-judgmental, collaborative conversations. In Poland, the program was adapted using culturally appropriate materials and professional training, followed by pilot implementation in primary healthcare and educational settings that included pre-implementation planning, practical training sessions, the application of intervention tools, and outcome evaluation. Results: Pilot implementation demonstrated high usability and effectiveness. The approach enabled non-judgmental, supportive engagement with families, facilitated active participation in setting health goals, and promoted sustainable lifestyle changes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other health behaviors. Evaluation highlighted the importance of supporting program objectives at the national level, standardizing child healthcare practices, and engaging media and local authorities to create a supportive ecosystem. Conclusions: The Polish experience confirms that Smart Family is an evidence-based intervention that strengthens professional competence, provides practical tools for family-centered care, and supports the long-term prevention of child-hood obesity and related non-communicable diseases. Its integration into healthcare and educational settings offers a promising strategy for improving public health outcomes. Full article

Construction waste reduction is crucial for conserving resources, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable development. However, few studies have explored the factors that may prompt construction waste reduction behavior among contractors in the Chinese construction industry. To address this gap, this study aims to examine the psychological drivers of contractors’ waste reduction behavior by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Norm Activation Model. This integrated approach allows for an analysis of motivations from both self-interested and altruistic viewpoints. Survey data were collected from 437 Chinese contractors and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) to empirically test the proposed theoretical model. The findings of this study reveal that reduction intention and perceived behavioral control are the most critical drivers of contractors’ waste reduction behavior. Subjective norms and personal norms also exert significant influence, with personal norms demonstrating a full mediation effect through reduction intention on behavior. Crucially, government monitoring significantly and positively moderates the relationship between reduction intention and actual behavior. This research not only deepens the theoretical understanding of contractors’ waste reduction behavior but, more importantly, provides robust empirical support for developing composite governance strategies that can simultaneously activate contractors’ internal norms and external motivations. Full article

Teacher identity emerges from the intertwined relationship of past, present, and future experiences, shaped through active reflection within individual, social, and cultural contexts. This study investigates how initial teacher education programs for future primary school teachers and future mathematics teachers influence their perceptions of mathematics education. Questionnaires with predominantly open-ended questions were distributed to 369 students: 195 enrolled in mathematics teacher education programs and 174 in primary school teacher education programs. The survey examined their preferences for school subjects in prior education, motivations for choosing teaching as a profession, important teacher qualities, and attitudes toward mathematics. The results reveal significant differences between the two groups: future primary school teachers emphasize the focus on children and relational aspects of teaching, while future mathematics teachers highlight mathematics as a scientific discipline. Both groups’ responses reflect their respective educational programs and experiences. The findings suggest that adopting a holistic approach in teacher education, integrating content knowledge with pedagogical practice, and supporting reflective processes can foster deeper self-understanding and the development of a professional teacher identity. Full article

This study aimed to examine what makes a teacher resilient by investigating the psychological and contextual characteristics that distinguish more resilient educators from their peers. Specifically, it explored the relationships of psychological resilience with emotional intelligence, meaning in life, burnout, and self-efficacy among primary and secondary school teachers. Drawing on data from two independent but methodologically aligned studies (N = 222 and N = 407, respectively), cluster analyses identified two distinct teacher profiles in each study: high-resilience and lower-resilience. Teachers in the high-resilience group consistently reported higher emotional intelligence (in Study 1), greater self-efficacy, and lower levels of burnout (in Study 2). Interestingly, while the presence of meaning in life did not differ significantly between groups, high-resilience teachers were more actively engaged in the search for meaning (in Study 1). Analyses of teachers’ demographics revealed modest associations between resilience and gender or marital status, with women and partnered individuals more frequently represented in the high-resilience profile. No significant differences were observed concerning age, experience, or educational background. These findings support theoretical models that conceptualize resilience as a dynamic, multidimensional construct shaped by emotional, motivational, and social resources rather than fixed demographic traits. Implications for teacher training, institutional policy, and future resilience research are discussed. Full article

The digital transformation of civic life has created new opportunities for older adults to engage in virtual volunteer activities. However, their participation still remains limited. This study investigates the factors that influence older adults’ interest in virtual volunteering. It integrated theoretical framework combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Self-Efficacy, and Digital Divide Theories to examine the drivers of virtual volunteerism interest among this target population. This study presents ordered logistic regression models with data on 814 adult volunteers in multiple imputation procedures. The final reduced model identifies two key predictors: a preference for virtual activities and interest in technology training, respectively, representing TAM and the Digital Divide Theory. While the self-efficacy-related variable showed statistical significance in earlier models, its explanatory power diminished when controlling for other factors. The findings indicate that older adults’ interest in virtual volunteering is primarily shaped by perceived usefulness of digital tools and their willingness to improve technical competence. This study confirms the relevance of the TAM and Digital Divide theories regarding virtual volunteerism. In practical terms, the findings indicate that program design should combine usability-focused platform features and targeted support that lower both technological and motivational barriers for older adults interested in virtual volunteering. Full article

Anxiety disorders represent a significant global health challenge, yet a substantial treatment gap persists, motivating the development of scalable digital health solutions. This study investigates the potential of integrating passive physiological data from consumer wearable devices with subjective self-reported surveys to predict state–trait anxiety. Leveraging the multi-modal, longitudinal LifeSnaps dataset, which captured “in the wild” data from 71 participants over four months, this research develops and evaluates a machine learning framework for this purpose. The methodology meticulously details a reproducible data curation pipeline, including participant-specific time zone harmonization, validated survey scoring, and comprehensive feature engineering from Fitbit Sense physiological data. A suite of machine learning models was trained to classify the presence of anxiety, defined by the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (S-STAI). The CatBoost ensemble model achieved an accuracy of 77.6%, with high sensitivity (92.9%) but more modest specificity (48.9%). The positive predictive value (77.3%) and negative predictive value (78.6%) indicate balanced predictive utility across classes. The model obtained an F1-score of 84.3%, a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.483, and an AUC of 0.709, suggesting good detection of anxious cases but more limited ability to correctly identify non-anxious cases. Post hoc explainability approaches (local and global) reveal that key predictors of state anxiety include measures of cardio-respiratory fitness (VO₂Max), calorie expenditure, duration of light activity, resting heart rate, thermal regulation and age. While additional sensitivity analysis and conformal prediction methods reveal that the size of the datasets contributes to overfitting, the features and the proposed approach is generally conducive for reasonable anxiety prediction. These findings underscore the use of machine learning and ubiquitous sensing modalities for a more holistic and accurate digital phenotyping of state anxiety. Full article