Search Results (3,084)

Background: Children with disabilities and special educational needs show heterogeneous developmental profiles that may be associated with executive functioning and family factors. This study examined functional developmental profiles in primary education and their associations with executive functions, behavioural indicators, and parental mental health. Methods: Participants were 106 children aged 6–12 years attending mainstream schools, including a subgroup with special educational needs. Parents completed the Developmental Profile-3 (DP-3) and a family mental-health record, while teachers completed the Screening of Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Children (SPECI) and Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF-2) based on structured ratings derived from daily interaction with the child. Correlational and regression analyses were conducted. Results: Executive functions—particularly working memory and planning/organisation—were consistently associated with global, adaptive, and social development. Parental overload showed negative associations with several developmental domains. Associations with behavioural indicators were modest. Conclusions: Developmental functioning in children with and without special educational needs is associated with executive functions and family factors as perceived by parents and teachers. Findings should be interpreted as relational and inform future assessment and inclusive educational planning. Full article

Researchers are increasingly engaged in studies to determine and correct negative welfare consequences of animal husbandry and behaviour modification procedures, not least in response to industries’ growing need to maintain their social licence through demonstrable welfare standards that address public expectations. To ensure that welfare recommendations are scientifically credible, the studies must be rigorously designed and conducted, and the data produced must be interpreted with full regard to conceptual, methodological, and experimental design limitations. This commentary provides guidance on these matters. In addition to, and complementary with, the ARRIVE guidelines that deal with animal studies in general, there is a need for additional specific advice on the design of studies directed at procedures that alter behaviour, whether through training, handling, or restraint. The COMPASS Guidelines offer clear direction for conducting welfare-focused behaviour modification research. They stand for the following: Controls and Calibration, emphasising rigorous design, baseline measures, equipment calibration, and replicability; Objectivity and Open data, ensuring transparency, validated tools, and data accessibility; Motivation and Methods, with a focus on learning theory, behavioural science, and evidence-based application of positive reinforcers and aversive stimuli; Precautions and Protocols, embedding the precautionary principle, minimising welfare harms, listing stop criteria, and using real-time monitoring; Animal-centred Assessment, with multimodal welfare evaluation, using physiological, behavioural, functional, and objective indicators; Study ethics and Standards, noting the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement), welfare endpoints, long-term effects, industry independence, and risk–benefit analysis; and Species-relevance and Scientific rigour, facilitating cross-species applicability with real-world relevance and robust methodology. To describe these guidelines, the current article is organised into seven major sections that outline detailed, point-by-point considerations for ethical and scientifically rigorous design. It concludes with a call for continuous improvement and collaboration. A major purpose is to assist animal ethics committees when considering the design of experiments. It is also anticipated that these Guidelines will assist reviewers and editorial teams in triaging manuscripts that report studies in this context. Full article

Background: Self-harm is a growing public health concern and the strongest predictor of suicide in young people (YP). The “Supporting Adolescents with Self-Harm” (SASH) intervention was developed with YP with lived experience and expert clinicians. It involves rapid follow-up after ED attendance and up to six intervention sessions. The intervention has three components: Therapeutic Assessment (TA) of self-harm; an enhanced safety plan (SP); and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Depending on the YP’s preference, carers can join sessions. Carers can also receive two individual sessions. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of SASH is being evaluated in a randomised controlled trial across nine emergency departments in three NHS Trusts in London, England. A total of 154 YP were recruited between May 2023 and March 2025 and randomised on a 1:1 ratio to SASH alongside Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU. A logic model describes the SASH inputs, activities, mechanisms, outcomes and longer-term impacts. The aim of this paper is to (1) illustrate how TA, SP, and SFBT were implemented in practice by presenting intervention materials and session recordings for four YP cases and one carer case and (2) explore how the case study materials/recordings reflect the intervention mechanisms in the SASH logic model. Methods: Each case focused on a different component of the intervention. Intervention materials (TA self-harm diagram and completed SP) and recorded SFBT sessions with four YP and one carer were analysed using a descriptive case study approach. The TA diagram and SP were extracted from medical records. Audio/video recordings of intervention sessions were identified. Recordings of intervention sessions and qualitative interviews were transcribed. Quotes from qualitative interviews with the same participants were included where relevant. Results: Across the four YP cases, some core themes emerged. The role of friendships for young people, particularly at school, was important in both negative and positive ways. Experiencing difficulties with friends at school led to feelings of sadness and stress, which could become overwhelming, leading to thoughts of self-harm (“I just need to hurt myself”), triggering self-harm behaviour. YP described mood changes and signs that they were becoming stressed, which improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between their feelings and self-harm behaviour. They reflected on what kept them feeling calm and overcoming their fear of burdening others by sharing how they were feeling, as this helped them not to self-harm. They also described difficult feelings stemming from a need to please everyone or needing validation from others. Overcoming these feelings led to less social anxiety and more confidence. This made it easier to go to school and to be more social with friends/student peers, which in turn improved their mood. Conclusions: These case studies demonstrate how YP improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between feelings and self-harm behaviour and identified personal strategies for managing difficult feelings and situations. The carer case study demonstrates how sessions with carers can facilitate carers better supporting their YP’s mental health. Supporting YP and carers in this way has the potential to reduce the risk of future self-harm. Full article

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 advocates for equitable access to and participation in quality inclusive education for all learners. Inclusive education has gained worldwide recognition for promoting equity and social justice for students with special educational needs. Although the existing literature acknowledges the significant role of teachers’ intention and behaviour towards the successful implementation of inclusive education, this area is under-researched in Sub-Saharan countries, including Ghana. In this study, applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), 484 teachers at pilot inclusive schools completed an online survey assessing the factors predicting their intention and teaching behaviour towards inclusive education. A path analysis of the TPB variables revealed that only attitude and self-efficacy significantly predicted the teachers’ intention to teach in inclusive classrooms. Moreover, both self-efficacy and intention were found to significantly predict inclusive behaviour. This study’s findings will strengthen the national commitment to implementing inclusive education policy and guide future research aimed at improving and expanding inclusive education in Ghana. Full article

Background: Dementia poses a significant health concern among Australia’s First Nations peoples, who experience higher prevalence and earlier onset compared to non-First Nations populations. Despite growing research attention, the overall scope and characteristics of existing literature on dementia in these communities remain unclear. Objective: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise existing evidence on the burden of dementia among First Nations peoples, focusing on associated risk factors and culturally responsive approaches to prevention, intervention, and care. Methods: Following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Indigenous Studies Portal, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published between 2004 and 2025. Search terms combined dementia and cognitive impairment with First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and related concepts, alongside terms for risk factors, intervention, prevention, care strategies, and health disparities. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data using a standardised template. Of the 620 records identified, 324 were screened, 130 were assessed in full, and 75 met the inclusion criteria. Data were narratively synthesised to identify key themes and evidence gaps. Results: The review revealed a disproportionate burden of dementia among First Nations peoples, characterised by earlier onset and higher prevalence than in non-First Nations populations. Major modifiable risk factors included social determinants of health, lifestyle behaviours, and inequitable access to healthcare. Studies emphasised the importance of culturally safe, community-led, and multidisciplinary approaches; however, many interventions remain poorly adapted to the diverse cultural contexts of First Nations communities. The review also identified gaps in diagnostic tools, culturally appropriate care pathways, and the integration of traditional knowledge and digital innovations in dementia management. Conclusions: Addressing dementia inequities among First Nations Australians demands transformative, community-driven action that extends beyond descriptive research. Future work should prioritise co-designed, culturally grounded interventions that embed First Nations knowledge systems, strengthen healthcare capacity, and foster long-term community empowerment. Embedding cultural safety within policy and clinical frameworks, and shifting toward preventive, strengths-based approaches, will advance equity in dementia care and provide valuable insights for First Nations health systems globally. Full article

Crescendo is a music-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programme designed for primary/elementary school children living in disadvantaged communities. It is a community-led, orchestra-delivered, and evidence-informed initiative aimed at improving children’s musical and SEL outcomes through sustained engagement. Children growing up in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas often experience challenges with SEL and limited access to orchestral music education. However, emerging research suggests a relationship between music participation and SEL development. This study evaluated the initial impact of Crescendo on 559 children aged 5–6 in their first year of participation (Year 1 of 7). A quasi-experimental, rolling cohort design compared pupils in four participating Crescendo schools with pupils in four matched control schools not receiving the programme. Outcome measures included music skills (beat, pitch, and reaction to music) and SEL (behavioural self-regulation). The findings indicated significant positive effects of the programme across all outcome domains, with moderate effects observed in self-regulation (Cohen’s d = 0.29) and reaction to music (Cohen’s d = 0.21) compared to control schools. These results suggest that collaboration between orchestral musicians and educators can positively influence young children’s musical and SEL development in resource-constrained settings. The findings also underscore the importance of clearly defined programme models to support replication and scalability. Full article

Understanding the movement behaviour of male ruffs (Calidris pugnax) during the breeding season requires integrating recent telemetry data with long-standing theory on conditional reproductive strategies, lek dynamics, and behavioural polymorphism. A large-scale tracking study revealed extensive within-season movements among many males, with individuals visiting 1 to 23 sites, but also documented prolonged residency, with site tenures exceeding 40 days. Such variation is not contradictory but expected in a species whose reproductive system combines genetically fixed alternative strategies, governed by a supergene, with flexible conditional tactics expressed in response to ecological and social cues. Here, I synthesize movement ecology, state-dependent decision models, lekking theory, and previous empirical work to show that spatial behaviour in ruffs reflects a continuum of tactics rather than a homogeneous nomadic mode. Telemetry data thereby enrich our understanding of how individuals navigate fluctuating environments, competitive pressures, and mating opportunities. Embracing behavioural heterogeneity is essential for interpreting movement patterns and for understanding how reproductive diversity evolves and is maintained in lekking systems. Full article

This study investigates parents’ experiences of partnerships with their children’s preschool teachers in Sweden, focusing on two questions: (1) How do parents describe communication with preschool teachers, and what information about their child is valued? (2) How do parents position preschool in their child’s life? Framed through Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, the analysis examines how parents’ dispositions, values, and prior experiences shape engagement with early childhood education. Data were collected via interviews with 25 parents across three counties in western Sweden and analysed using narrative methods. Findings show that parents prioritise communication about children’s well-being and social development as central to partnership, while instructional information is largely viewed as the teacher’s domain. Preschool is primarily seen as a context for socialisation, developing norms, values, and behaviours, rather than formal academic preparation. By exploring consistencies and contradictions in parental accounts, the study offers a nuanced understanding of how habitus informs parental expectations and communication practices, highlighting the complex interplay between family dispositions and preschool engagement. Full article

The rapid rise in cryptocurrency presents both opportunities and challenges for retail investors due to its volatility and technological complexity. Research on investment decisions has primarily focused on behavioural finance, often overlooking how learning and literacy shape investor actions. This study addresses this gap by examining how herding behaviour, financial literacy, and digital literacy impact cryptocurrency investment decisions. Grounded in Social Learning Theory and supported by UTAUT to operationalise digital literacy, this study examines how herding behaviour, financial literacy, and digital literacy shape cryptocurrency investment decisions. We analyse survey data from 138 Indonesian retail investors through PLS-SEM. Key findings show that financial literacy (β = 0.443, t = 5.041) and digital literacy (β = 0.495, t = 4.246) are primary determinants of investment decisions, while herding behaviour (β = 0.016, t = 0.628) does not directly influence them but does so indirectly by enhancing investor literacy. This demonstrates that social observation and learning can convert herd-driven impulses into rational choices when mediated by literacy. By extending Social Learning Theory into digital investment contexts, this study provides insights for investors and policymakers seeking to enhance financial and digital literacy. Full article

Rapid climate change and its anticipated impacts trigger significant worry and distress among vulnerable groups, including young adults. Little is known about how Dutch young adults experience and cope with climate change within their specific social and environmental context. This study examines Dutch young people’s emotional responses to climate change, their perceived emotional and psychological needs arising from these experiences, and the barriers they encounter in engaging in pro-environmental behaviour, with the aim of informing public health strategies to better support and empower this vulnerable group. Data were drawn from a large online survey among a representative sample of 1006 Dutch young adults (16–35 years; 51% women). The questionnaire included fixed-answer sections assessing emotional responses to climate change, as well as two open-ended questions exploring participants’ perceptions of their emotional and psychological needs related to climate change and the barriers they perceive to pro-environmental behaviour. Descriptive statistics were used for the fixed-response items, and thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended responses. Many Dutch young adults reported worry and sadness about climate change and its impacts, with approximately one third experiencing feelings of powerlessness. A large percentage of respondents attributed responsibility to large companies, and nearly half indicated that they still had hope for the future. One third (31%) felt that nothing could make them feel better about climate change, and another third (36%) reported to experience no climate-related emotions. Key emotional needs included more action at personal, community, and governmental levels, and more motivating positive news. Almost half (46%) of young adults said they already lived sustainably, while perceived barriers to pro-environmental behaviour were mainly financial (21%), knowledge-related (8%), and time-related (7%). This exploratory study highlights key practical and emotional barriers to pro-environmental behaviour reported by Dutch young adults 16–35, who expressed diverse emotional needs while coping with climate change. The findings underscore the need for a multi-level public health response to climate-related emotions, that simultaneously addresses emotional needs, structural barriers, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Lowering barriers to pro-environmental behaviour and fostering supportive environments that enable sustainable action among young adults may enhance wellbeing and strengthen their sense of agency. Public health supports this by reducing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour in young adults, through targeted support, clear information, and enabling social and structural conditions that promote wellbeing and sustained engagement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wearable fitness trackers (WFTs) are growing in popularity as tools to motivate physical activity and support healthier lifestyles. Evidence suggests that they can have both positive and negative effects on user behaviour and well-being. However, little is known about their impact in Saudi settings, considering its unique cultural context. This study aims to investigate the perceived positive and negative impacts of WFTs on adults’ health behaviours and well-being in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudi adults aged 18 years or older who currently use or have previously used WFTs, using an online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms in May 2025. The survey was developed based on evidence from the literature. It included demographic items, five-point Likert-scale questions assessing positive (9 items) and negative (10 items) effects of WFTs, and an open-ended question. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Results: A total of 154 adults participated. The mean composite score for positive effects was 3.26 (SD = 0.73), indicating general agreement on the benefits of WFTs, while the negative effects score was 2.15 (SD = 0.66), showing low endorsement of adverse outcomes. No significant differences appeared between gender (positive: p = 0.34; negative: p = 0.24) or age groups (positive: p = 0.56; negative: p = 0.19). However, users of over two months had higher positive scores (M = 3.43, SD = 0.66) than newer or former users (p = 0.01). Open responses showed 62% positive experiences; 27% reported stress, guilt, or obsessive monitoring. Conclusions: This study provides initial insights into WFT use and perceptions in Saudi Arabia. However, its cross-sectional nature limits the ability to draw causal conclusions. While most users experienced beneficial health outcomes, a significant proportion reported negative psychological experiences. These findings highlight WFT users’ dual experiences and the need for further longitudinal research and diverse recruitment strategies to better understand sustained engagement and psychological effects. Full article

Despite the increasing number of social media users and the advantages linked to agility in other areas, the implementation of agility within a social media framework remains unexamined. This study aims to examine how perceived social media agility influences customer-based brand equity through the mediating roles of customer engagement and customer motivation. A quantitative method was utilized. Data was collected from 420 Social Networking Site users in Turkey using a questionnaire. The study utilised convenience sampling method to gather the data. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data, employing SmartPLS 4. The results show that perceived social media agility has a positive impact on customer-based brand equity, customer engagement, and customer motivation. Customer engagement and customer motivation were found to impact customer-based brand equity significantly. Furthermore, customer motivation has no significant impact on customer engagement. Change-seeking has a positive influence on customer engagement and customer motivation. Customer engagement and customer motivation were found to significantly mediate the link between perceived social media agility and customer-based brand equity. The study contributes to the literature by integrating social media agility into established frameworks of brand equity and consumer behaviour. Practically, the results suggest that firms should develop agile and responsive social media strategies to enhance customer engagement and strengthen brand equity. Full article

Road running tourism events continue to grow worldwide and are increasingly leveraged by destinations seeking diversification and seasonality reduction. This study examines the motivational structure of participants in the 2025 Half Marathon Magaluf (Mallorca, Spain)—a mature Mediterranean resort undergoing tourism repositioning—and analyses how motivation-based segments relate to socio-demographic, sporting and tourism behaviours. Data were collected through a self-administered online survey (N = 306). An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), followed by a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), validated a five-factor motivational structure: sport-related hedonism, socialisation, personal challenge, inclusiveness and digital interaction. A k-means cluster analysis identified five distinct segments—Digital Enthusiasts, Inclusive Enjoyers, Socializers, Hedonic Achievers and Inclusivists—each exhibiting differentiated patterns in Experience-Use History (EUH), origin, gender, and running-club membership. Notably, Socializers recorded the longest stays, Inclusive Enjoyers were overrepresented among first-time visitors, and Digital Enthusiasts and Hedonic Achievers included a higher share of international runners. These findings expand traditional motivational models by incorporating inclusiveness and digital interaction as emerging drivers and offer actionable recommendations for event organisers and destination managers seeking to enhance overnight stays and support destination repositioning strategies. Full article

This study aimed to identify relationships between variables by integrating green consumption value (GCV), attitude toward food, and brand evangelism for farm-to-table (FTT) foods in the context of green food tourism. Moreover, the study aimed to provide insights into the travel behaviour of tourists. The study sample comprised 473 South Koreans who participated in FTT events held in a rural area. Data analyses consisted of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Data analyses showed that health value had the greatest influence on attitude toward FTT foods, followed by emotional value, environmental consciousness, quality value, and social value. Moreover, a positive relationship was found between attitude toward FTT foods, purchase intention, and positive and oppositional brand referrals. In particular, the importance of health value, environmental consciousness, and social value, as well as the relationship between the sub-variables of brand evangelism, was a finding that differed from previous food tourism studies. Understanding tourists’ consumption value for FTT foods in the context of green food tourism is crucial for effectively measuring tourist behaviour. However, the relationship between GCV, attitude toward food, and brand evangelism for FTT foods has not yet been investigated. Suitably, this study is the first attempt to discuss these tourist behaviours. Full article

This paper examines the forecasting and modelling of consumer demand for organic agricultural products in the context of sustainable development and digital marketing. The study is based on an online survey of 423 consumers in Ukraine and Slovakia and applies factor analysis, regression modelling, and scenario forecasting. The results indicate that demand formation is driven by a combination of economic, social, and behavioural factors, with income level, price sensitivity, trust in certification, and awareness of organic benefits playing a central role. The findings further confirm that digital marketing tools significantly influence purchasing decisions by enhancing information transparency and strengthening consumer trust. From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes to the literature by integrating economic determinants of demand with digital marketing and sustainability-related factors within a unified analytical framework. From a managerial perspective, the results provide practical guidance for organic producers and marketers regarding the communication of environmental value and the effective use of digital channels to stimulate demand and build long-term consumer loyalty. The novelty of the study lies in the combined application of demand modelling and digital marketing analysis within a comparative cross-country context, offering an integrated approach to forecasting organic product demand and supporting the development of sustainable marketing strategies. Full article