Search Results (639)

Background/Objective: Informal caregiving for individuals with severe mental disorders (SMDs) often leads to significant psychological distress. However, the specific coping strategies that determine mental health outcomes among siblings remain poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the predictive capacity of various coping strategies regarding health, perceived stress, self-esteem, and caregiving experience for siblings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of siblings of patients with SMDs (N = 60) from mental health service. Self-report measures were used to assess perceived health, perceived stress, self-esteem, coping strategies, and caregiving experience. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed for each dependent variable, controlling for collinearity. Results: The siblings reported a higher mean use of problem-focused coping strategies compared to emotion-focused coping strategies. Regression models were statistically significant for all analyzed variables, except for somatic symptoms. Emotion-focused maladaptive coping (EFMC) strategies emerged as the most consistent and powerful predictor, showing a significant association with positive caregiving appraisal (β = 0.657), depression (β = 0.500), poor health (β = 0.453), negative stress (β = 0.449), social dysfunction (β = 0.429), self-esteem (β = −0.390), and anxiety (β = 0.368). In contrast, problem-focused strategies were largely non-significant, except for an association with positive and negative aspects of caregiving (β_PFMC = 0.509, β_PFMC = 0.312, respectively), and positive stress (β_PFAC = −0.272). Conclusions: These results suggest that while siblings of people with SMDs report a greater use of problem-focused coping strategies, the adoption of EFMC strategies is the most detrimental factor observed, given their negative influence on mental health, self-esteem, and caregiving experience. Full article

Background and Objectives: Depression is a significant concern in Korea, where people with disabilities show a 3.7 times higher prevalence than the non-disabled. While disability acceptance is linked to positive outcomes like self-esteem, its direct association with depression is underexplored. This study examined the relationship between disability acceptance and depressive symptoms in this population. Materials and Methods: This study used data from the second wave of Korea’s Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED). The analysis included 4030 registered individuals with disabilities. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between disability acceptance and depressive symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Results: The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 18%. A strong dose–response relationship was observed: depression rates were 59.7% in the lowest disability acceptance group versus 5.1% in the highest. After adjustments, the lowest acceptance group was over 11 times more likely to experience depression than the highest group (OR = 11.35, 95% CI = 5.86–22.00, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Lower disability acceptance was significantly associated with a higher risk of depression, indicating it is a key protective factor for mental health. Interventions should therefore focus on enhancing disability acceptance through counseling, social support, stigma reduction, and policies promoting social integration. Full article

The previous literature has explored the various relationships among Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), identity distress, imposter phenomenon (IP), self-esteem, masking, and social media, but to our knowledge no studies have looked at all the variables together within in a single model. This study aimed to test the fit of a structural equation model (SEM) exploring the direct relationships between ADHD symptom severity, IP, identity distress and the mediating indirect effects of self-esteem, social camouflaging, and social media connections. Specifically, we tested if self-esteem, masking, and social media connections mediate the pathways between ADHD and IP and ADHD and identity distress. College students (N = 500, women 61.6%, men 34%) completed an anonymous online survey battery. Those whose self-report symptom scores suggested that they might meet the DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD had higher levels of IP, integration of social media use for communication, and identity distress and lower levels of self-esteem compared to students whose scores suggested that they probably would not meet the criteria for ADHD. A significant path was found from ADHD symptom severity to IP and to identity distress mediated through self-esteem, masking, and social media connections (emotional connection to social media and integration into life). This study is among the first to explore these relationships, in hopes of further informing clinicians’ planning prevention and intervention strategies for those who are struggling with ADHD and identity issues. Further results and their implications are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Folk dance represents an educational and cultural practice that is capable of promoting psychological well-being, social cohesion, and identity formation. However, few studies have integrated students’ voices regarding their lived experiences in these practices. This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of children and adolescents about their participation in school folk dances, exploring their impact on psychological well-being, self-confidence, and body awareness. Methods: A qualitative study with an exploratory and descriptive design was conducted with a purposive sample of 76 elementary and secondary school students who participated in the School Folk Dance Encounter “Heartbeats of My Land”, organized by the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences (Chile). Semi-structured interviews were applied, and a thematic analysis was performed on 285 statements, organized into two dimensions: Psychological Well-being and Self-Confidence (PWS) and Body Awareness, Expression, and Communication (CEC). Results: The analysis revealed a predominance of the (PWS) dimension (85.3%), focused on positive emotions, self-confidence, and emotional regulation. Students’ testimonies highlighted dance as a means of release, self-esteem, and joy. To a lesser extent (14.7%), the (CEC) dimension reflected the perception of the body as a vehicle for communication and symbolic expression. Conclusions: Folk dance emerges as an integral pedagogical space that enhances emotional well-being, self-confidence, and cultural identity. Its systematic inclusion in Physical Education is proposed as a strategy to foster meaningful learning, mental health, and social cohesion. Full article

Ageism refers to prejudice on the basis of a person’s age, often directed toward older adults. Arab culture represents a pertinent case, as this culture is historically known for its appreciation of older people, but recent studies have indicated high levels of ageism. This systematic integrative review aims to synthesize the attitudes toward older adults in Arab culture and their determining factors. Research was screened using the PRISMA guidelines, and 23 articles were included for synthesis. Thematic and content analyses were performed, from which five themes emerged: “demographic factors”, “psychological factors”, “knowledge of ageing”, “sociocultural factors and aspects” and “self-ageism and ageing experiences”. Knowledge of aging and close interpersonal relationships with older adults were associated with lower levels of ageism and more positive attitudes. Sociocultural aspects, including the low socioeconomic status in most Arab countries, seem to be associated with ageism. Moreover, individual factors like low self-esteem, low empathy, and high death anxiety were related to negative attitudes toward older adults. The review also underlines the experiences and self-ageism among older people. The article provides insights into ageism directed towards older adults in Arab culture and ties knowledge with practice by highlighting the social and policy implications of the findings. Full article

Breastfeeding is a complex biopsychosocial process influenced not only by biological mechanisms but also by a woman’s previous psychological experiences and past traumas. The aim of this review was to analyze current research on the impact of early traumatic experiences, perinatal trauma, psychological difficulties, and previous interpersonal stressors on the initiation, continuation, and emotional course of breastfeeding. Women with a history of trauma are more likely to struggle with emotional regulation difficulties, increased stress, depressed mood, and problems bonding with their child. These factors translate into an increased risk of discontinuing lactation, discomfort during feeding, and reduced self-esteem regarding maternal competence. The literature also emphasizes the role of psychological and social support, which can help mothers cope with emotional tension and promote a positive breastfeeding experience. Consideration of the mother’s previous psychological and traumatic experiences is crucial for a more complete understanding of lactation difficulties and the development of effective forms of support for women in the perinatal period. Full article

The research explores the educational potential of artistic mediation with children at risk of social exclusion, drawing on the narratives of twenty early years and primary school teachers. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, it examines perceptions of openness to the creative process, the use of art in teaching practice and its value as a socio-educational tool. The findings show that experiences of artistic mediation generate feelings of harmony, concentration and achievement, thus fostering a more collaborative and emotionally balanced classroom climate. The study also observes that art serves as a means for teachers’ reflective practice, encouraging critical thinking, the formulation of questions and an approach to assessment that focuses more on processes than products. In vulnerable contexts, artistic mediation proves particularly effective for expressing emotions, strengthening self-esteem and reinforcing group cohesion. Taken together, the findings suggest that artistic mediation should be understood beyond its instrumental value, recognising it as a transformative practice that promotes both educational inclusion and professional reflection on teaching, thereby helping to enhance the quality and humanistic purpose of pedagogical interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bullying refers to a specific form of mistreatment that occurs in the school setting and is characterized by intentionality and persistence over time. It should be noted that some elements, such as low self-esteem and lack of social skills, are usually present in both victims and aggressors, so interfering in these aspects can lead to a decrease in the incidence. Thereby, being a victim of bullying is a key factor in the development of multiple mental health issues, such as depression or even suicide. Consequently, mental health nurses play a fundamental role in health education in order to be able to act when necessary and to prevent these types of unfavorable circumstances that can lead to psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed primarily to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducational programs in reducing school bullying and, secondarily, to analyze their influence on children’s self-esteem. Methods: Data were obtained through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Scielo, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating evidence-based interventions, including the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP), the KiVa Anti-Bullying Program (KiVa), Positive Behavioral Support systems, and standardized social–emotional learning programs, were eligible for inclusion. Results: Findings revealed that most interventions showed a positive impact on bullying reduction and self-esteem improvement. However, effectiveness differed depending on contextual factors, such as the educational stage, school climate, cultural setting, and the degree of family involvement, as well as the extent to which each program was adapted to the specific needs of each school environment. Conclusions: Psychoeducational programs demonstrate overall effectiveness in reducing bullying behaviors and enhancing self-esteem in children. Nevertheless, outcomes differ depending on school characteristics, cultural context, and the level of family participation, highlighting the need for interventions tailored to each educational setting. 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

Sport persistence is a key factor in maintaining a sporting career and preventing dropout from sport. Among psychological and social factors, social support plays a prominent role as a protective factor that strengthens self-esteem and reduces the risk of burnout, as does the perfectionist climate, which is motivating in a supportive environment but places psychological burdens on athletes in its maladaptive forms. The research aimed to explore the extent to which the sport persistence of young athletes can be explained by different sources of social support (parental, teacher, peer) and the dimensions of the perfectionist climate (expectations, criticism, control, conditional respect, anxiety), as well as the role played by gender. We conducted a cross-sectional, quantitative study involving 1105 young people aged 14–25 who regularly participate in sports. We used validated questionnaires to measure sports persistence, social support and perfectionist climate. We used regression and mediation models to analyse the data. According to the analyses, parental and teacher support contributed to increased sport persistence, while peer support had no significant effect. Among the dimensions of the perfectionist climate, expectations were positively related to persistence, while criticism was negatively related. Gender also indirectly influenced sports persistence, with its effect partly mediated by social support and the perfectionist climate. The results indicate that parental and teacher support, along with an emphasis on healthy expectations, are vital for strengthening sports persistence. In contrast, a critical, controlling climate was associated with lower persistence among female athletes in the present sample. Full article

Middle school is a critical period for science education, yet the collective impact of socialization agents on students’ longitudinal science learning trajectories and subsequent STEM careers remains underexplored. This study investigates how seventh-grade (typically aged 12–13) socialization agents—parental educational encouragement, peer academic support, constructive school learning environment, and student self-esteem—collectively shape the developmental growth trajectories of science performance throughout middle school and predict the attainment of a college STEM degree and later engagement in STEM professions in adulthood. Using five-wave longitudinal data from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY, N = 3116), we employed latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) to analyze these relationships. Results indicated that all four grade-7 socialization agents significantly predicted a higher initial level of science achievement. In addition, parental encouragement and a constructive school learning environment also predicted a positive growth rate of science achievement. Furthermore, both the initial level and growth of science performance significantly predicted successful graduation with a STEM degree. These middle school science trajectories, along with obtaining a STEM degree, sequentially mediated the relationships between the grade-7 socialization agents and adult STEM career engagement. The findings underscore the necessity of educational policies and interventions that foster a synergistic pro-learning socialization context in middle school to bolster students’ science education and pave the way for long-term STEM success. Full article

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may co-occur and are associated with increased symptom burden, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Accumulating evidence suggests shared neurobiological mechanisms. Trauma-focused interventions targeting maladaptive memory processes may therefore represent a relevant therapeutic approach in this population. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary clinical associations of a brief reconsolidation-based therapy in women with comorbid FMS and PTSD. Methods: This multicenter pilot study included adult women diagnosed with FMS and PTSD who underwent six sessions of reconsolidation therapy combining traumatic memory reactivation with propranolol administration. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R), the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the SF-36. Changes over time were analyzed using paired statistical tests and linear mixed-effects models. Results: Fourteen participants completed the intervention and follow-up assessments. The intervention was feasible and well tolerated. Changes over time were observed in fibromyalgia-related quality of life (FIQ scores), PTSD symptom severity (IES-R), and depressive symptoms (MADRS, BDI), as well as in selected SF-36 domains, including vitality, social functioning, and mental health. A progressive decrease in IES-R scores was observed across treatment sessions. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that reconsolidation-based therapy is feasible in women with comorbid FMS and PTSD and was associated with changes in PTSD symptoms and fibromyalgia-related functional impact. Given the exploratory design and absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and warrant confirmation in larger, controlled trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Single-sided deafness (SSD) impairs speech perception, reduces spatial hearing, decreases quality of life, and is frequently accompanied by tinnitus. Cochlear implantation (CI) has become an established treatment option, but long-term prospective evidence across multiple functional and psychological domains remains limited. This study investigated auditory performance, subjective hearing outcomes, tinnitus burden, and psychological well-being over a two-year follow-up in a large SSD cohort. Methods: Seventy adults with SSD underwent unilateral CI. Assessments were conducted preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Outcome measures included the Freiburg Monosyllable Test (FS), Oldenburg Inventory (OI), Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ), Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and General Depression Scale (ADS-L). Longitudinal changes were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with effect sizes; Holm-adjusted p-values were applied for baseline-to-follow-up comparisons. Results: Speech perception improved markedly within the first 6 months and remained stable through 2 years, with large effect sizes. All OI subdomains demonstrated early and sustained improvements in subjective hearing ability. Several hearing-related quality-of-life domains assessed by the NCIQ, particularly social interaction, self-esteem, and activity participation, showed medium-to-large long-term improvements. Tinnitus severity decreased substantially, with marked reductions observed by 6 months and maintained thereafter; the proportion of tinnitus-free patients increased at follow-up, although tinnitus symptoms persisted in a substantial subset of participants. Perceived stress was reduced initially at the early follow-up and remained below baseline thereafter. Anxiety and depressive symptoms mostly stayed within nonclinical ranges, showing no lasting changes after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort, cochlear implantation was associated with durable improvements in auditory outcomes, tinnitus burden, and selected patient-reported quality-of-life domains over two years. Although significant functional and patient-centered improvements were noted, persistent tinnitus and diverse psychosocial outcomes underscore the need for personalized counseling and comprehensive follow-up that incorporate patient-reported outcomes and psychological assessments. Full article

Emerging adulthood is a critical time for the development of disordered eating attitudes. Low self-esteem is a known risk factor for unhealthy eating attitudes, but the mechanisms behind this link are not fully understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and eating attitudes in emerging adults, focusing on the mediating role of social physique anxiety and the moderating role of gender. The sample included 495 university students (68.9% women, mean age = 20.94 years, SD = 1.97). Self-esteem, social physique anxiety, and eating attitudes were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test-26, respectively. Mediation and moderation mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS macro. Women reported lower self-esteem, higher levels of social physique anxiety, and more frequent disordered eating behaviors. Mediation analysis indicated that social physique anxiety fully mediated the relationship between self-esteem and eating attitudes (path c’: b = 0.05, 95% CI [−0.12, 0.21]; indirect effect: b = −0.44, 95% CI [−0.57, −0.32]). Moderated mediation revealed that the indirect effect of low self-esteem on maladaptive eating attitudes through social physique anxiety was stronger among women (index of moderated mediation: b = 0.28, 95% CI [0.07, 0.51]). These findings indicate that low self-esteem can heighten body-related distress in social settings, increasing vulnerability to disordered eating, especially among women. By providing a better understanding of the mechanisms linking self-esteem and eating attitudes in emerging adults, the findings can inform the development of interventions targeting self-perception and body-related concerns, especially among women, to reduce the risk of eating disorders and promote healthier eating attitudes. Full article

Background: Ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, is characterized by a poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The present study examined the mediating role of self-perceived burden (SPB) in the impact of self-esteem on HRQoL and whether age moderated the associations among ovarian cancer patients. Methods: 203 patients effectively completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and SPB scale, respectively. For the FACT-G, physical (PWB), social/family (SFWB), emotional (EWB), and functional well-being (FWB) were scored separately. Results: Significant mediation of SPB in the impacts of self-esteem on PWB (a × b = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.018, 0.153), EWB (a × b = 0.048, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.125), and FWB (a × b = 0.056, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.114) were revealed. Age positively moderated the impact of self-esteem on SPB (β = 0.159, p < 0.05), and the associations of SPB with PWB (β = 0.173, p < 0.05) and EWB (β = 0.240, p < 0.01), indicating a moderated mediation. Conclusions: Ovarian cancer patients’ self-esteem could improve the PWB, EWB, and FWB domains of HRQoL by reducing SPB. Age could attenuate SPB’s mediation in the impacts of self-esteem on PWB and EWB, indicating stronger impacts in younger patients. Clinical programs integrating components that strengthen self-esteem and reduce SPB may be particularly beneficial for younger women with ovarian cancer. Full article