Total: 13 journals.

Psychology Research Digest

Frontiers in Psychology

Frontiers in Psychology

Frontiers in Psychology is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes original research and reviews on various topics in psychology. It covers clinical, cognitive, social, and animal psychology, as well as interdisciplinary fields such as neuroscience, education, and media.

How (and why) languages became more complex as we evolved more prosocial: the human self-domestication view

This paper aims to re-examine the problem of the emergence of present-day languages from the specific perspective of the self-domestication account of human evolution. According to this view, our species went through an evolutionary process that parallels the changes experienced by domesticated mammals. Relying on evidence of diverse kind (from paleogenetic to clinical), the paper argues that our self-domestication might have potentiated the cognitive and behavioral features of the human phenotype with an impact on language acquisition and use. Specifically, it might have facilitated the creation of the cultural niche that favors the complexification of languages via a cultural mechanism. The paper further proposes a model of language complexification in the past under the effects of human self-domestication, including the complexification of the structural aspects of language (grammar, prosody, and semantics) and the potentiation of its functional properties (pragmatics). The paper concludes with some suggestions for any future research aimed to test and improve this view.

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Pilot implementation of two specific problem lists before and after solid organ transplantation into routine care

IntroductionPsychosocial distress and mental health problems are common in patients before and after solid organ transplantation and can negatively affect morbidity, mortality, and adherence. Even though regular screening is recommended to identify patients with high levels of distress, the implementation in routine care has been insufficient so far.MethodsTwo newly developed problem lists for patients before and after transplantations were pilot implemented for 8 weeks at the Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE) to identify factors facilitating and impeding their implementation.ResultsHealth care professionals evaluated its appropriateness, feasibility, and the cooperation with the psychologists before (HCPs: n = 23) and after (HCPs: n = 19) the implementation. Four psychologists assessed the appropriateness and feasibility by answering to open-ended and close-ended questions. Additionally, patients before (n = 8) and after (n = 100) transplantation filled out the screening and rated its acceptance. Only the data of the patients after transplantation were analyzed due to the small sample size of patients before transplantation. HCPs and psychologists rated the screenings as very appropriate [HCPs: M = 3.84 (SD = 0.77) to M = 4.32 (SD = 0.58)]. It was also highly accepted among patients [M = 4.23 (SD = 0.85) to M = 4.68 (SD = 0.65)]. Contentment with the psychological support and understanding of the mental health problems among HCPs increased significantly from before to after the implementation (U = 107.50, p < 0.05, r = 0.33; U = 107.00, p < 0.05, r = 0.34). The feasibility of the problem list post-Tx in routine care, however, was seen as challenging [HCPs: M = 3.11 (SD = 1.05) to M = 3.47 (SD = 1.07)].DiscussionThe distress screening was accepted and improved the cooperation between different professions. Barriers to implementation can be lack of staff and resources. Future studies should assess the adoption and sustainability of the screening in routine care.

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Mechanisms of foreign language learning anxiety and enhancement strategies among Chinese tertiary students: a grounded theory approach

Given the dynamic and contextual nature of foreign language learning anxiety (FLLA) and its impact on language acquisition, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the factors and mechanisms that underlie FLLA. Utilizing Nvivo 12 and grounded theory, the study conducts a coding analysis of interview data from tertiary students from 16 higher institutions in China, and reflection journals from two classes at a vocational college in China. The analysis identifies two core categories of anxiety: external sociocultural factors and internal self-regulation issues. The study constructs a model which indicates that external factors, such as maladaptation to the academic transition, disconnection between high school and university curricula, and intense academic competition, directly contribute to this anxiety. Intense academic competition raises students’ self-expectations, exacerbates time management difficulties, and further intensifies their anxiety. Additionally, a vicious cycle develops between students’ foreign language learning anxiety and their internal motivation and self-efficacy. To alleviate this anxiety, the study proposes teaching strategies to foster positive emotions, including enhancing self-regulation, instilling a growth mindset, promoting flow experiences, cultivating a positive self-concept, and creating a supportive classroom atmosphere. Future research should adopt a dynamic complexity theory perspective to explore trends in anxiety and its relationships with other affective factors, with the goal of developing more effective interventions.

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Is PTSD symptomatology a mechanism of emotional regulation? Insights from an interdisciplinary point of view

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology has historically been considered a psychic ailment that is part of a mental disorder. However, it has often been proposed that it could play an adaptive role, in that it would prevent individuals from being exposed to content or situations that they would not be prepared to process. Within the literature on emotional regulation (ER), PTSD symptomatology has commonly been linked to the concept of emotional dysregulation (ED). However, some definitions open the possibility that traumatic symptomatology could be considered ER, from which delicate conclusions would follow. To resolve this dilemma, we turn to interdisciplinary dialogue, specifically with the aid of Thomistic anthropology, whose concepts allow us to understand precisely the relationship between voluntary and involuntary processes and the close relationship between the concepts of reason and regulation. Even though part of the PTSD symptomatology involves psychic mechanisms aimed at modifying emotional states, it is concluded that it is necessary to continue conceptualizing it as ED. The theoretical and practical implications of this discussion are reviewed.

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Patient empowerment: a critical evaluation and prescription for a foundational definition

IntroductionThe evolution of healthcare continues to display an incongruence between delivery and outcomes. Current healthcare paradigms for patient empowerment warrants analysis. A lacking operational application for and agree upon assessment of patient empowerment contributes to healthcare’s incongruence. Interchangeable psychosocial concepts and specific patient contextual factors associated with health-related behavioral change have escaped an applicable definition of empowerment. The aim of this theoretical perspective review is to support a comprehensive and contextual understanding of patient empowerment that frames a definition for future consensus research.Methods and mechanismsA theoretical perspective review of patient empowerment including interchangeable concepts and patient contextual factors such as personal suffering and resilience; self-determined meaning and purpose; and autonomy, competence, and self-efficacy are critically analyzed. This analysis builds on adjacent concepts including therapeutic alliance, communication, motivation, and trust. The inclusion of specific patient contextual factors that relate to behavioral change elevate the need to reinforce coping and self-management skills as mechanism for patient empowerment. Practice gaps for those experiencing chronic disease, pain, and mental health disorders in rehabilitation setting are specific populations who benefit from healthcare providers unifying the variables associated with patient empowerment.Results and discussionThe review of associated concepts synthesized an actionable definition of patient empowerment that serves as a foundation for future research. Behavior related changes occur through the evolution in one’s identity, perceptions, and abilities. Interventions that inspire autonomy, competence, and relatedness with a renewed sense of purpose establish resilience and self-efficacy. The totality of this inspired self-determined plan of care establishes the mechanisms required for behavioral change and sustainable transformation. The cumulative experience becomes patient empowerment.

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Levels and related factors of occupational stress among nurses: hospital-based evidence from China, 2023

BackgroundChina’s birth rate continues to decline, reaching only 6.39% in 2023. In light of this trend, hospitals may need to reassess their allocation of resources, including funding, staffing, and facilities. Nurses may face job insecurity and uncertainty regarding their roles, which could prompt some to consider transitioning to different specialties. This study aimed to investigate the levels of occupational stress among nurses in the context of low fertility in China in 2023 and to identify the factors contributing to this stress. In addition, the study sought to explore the relationship between family dysfunction, low fertility rates, and occupational stress levels.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study involved 270 nurses working in hospitals, who were recruited between December 2023 and January 2024 through a Chinese free web-based platform (Sojump) to complete online questionnaires. In addition to demographic information, the Nursing Job Stressors Scale (NJSS) and the Family APGAR Index were utilized for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. For continuous variables, the mean, standard deviation (SD), median, and interquartile range were reported, while counts and percentages were used for categorical variables. The independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were employed for univariate analysis. Multiple linear regression was utilized for multivariate analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe participants’ average scores for the NJSS and Family APGAR Index were 1.76 ± 0.58 and 6.35 ± 3.30 points, respectively. In addition, workload and time pressure were rated highest among the sub-scales of the NJSS. The top five job stressors for nurses were Q3 (Wages and other benefits are low), Q1 (The social status of nursing is too low), Q5 (Frequent shift work), Q12 (Too much useless paperwork), and Q16 (Fear of mistakes and accidents at work). The score of the Family APGAR Index demonstrated a negative correlation with occupational stress (r = −0.19, p < 0.001). The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that a high level of worry about losing one’s job (SE = 0.044, β = 0.152, t = 2.567, p = 0.011) and poorer family APGAR scores (SE = 0.035, β = −0.202, t = −3.406, p < 0.001) were associated with higher NJSS scores.ConclusionThe nurses reported experiencing a moderate level of occupational stress in the context of low fertility in China. The key predictors of occupational stress among the nurses included concerns about job security and the Family APGAR classification. Implementing fair compensation and providing more effective family-oriented support programs are essential for reducing occupational stress among nurses.

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A cross-sectional study to explore the relationship between the technology acceptance model and burnout and depression among pharmacists working with a pharmacy robotic dispensing system

ObjectivesThis study compares hospitals using a pharmacy robotic dispensing system (RPDS) with those using manual dispensing systems regarding burnout and depression among pharmacists in Emirates Health Services (EHS) hospitals. Furthermore, this study aims to bridge the gap in the literature concerning the relationship between burnout and the technology acceptance model (TAM).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine whether burnout and TAM differed between hospitals with RPDS and those with manual dispensing system. The study was carried out in ten hospitals governed by the EHS.ResultsA total of 256 respondents completed the survey. Burnout and depression levels among pharmacists working with RPDS did not differ significantly from those using manual dispensing systems. However, the median of personal burnout levels in female pharmacists (Mdn = 50) differed significantly from those using manual dispensing systems (Mdn = 25; U = 3497.5, z = −7.8, p < 0.001, r = −0.49). In contrast, male pharmacists exhibited higher levels of technology acceptance (U = 11,357, z = 5.58, p < 0.001, r = 0.35; U = 10,391, z = 4.0, p < 0.001, r = 0.25).ConclusionThis study explored the differences in burnout, depression levels, and TAM among employees working in public hospitals in the United Arab of Emirates. Overall, automation had both positive and negative effects on workplace stressors experienced by pharmacy staff.

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Interrogating artificial agency

Can artificial systems act? In the literature we find two camps: sceptics and believers. But the issue of whether artificial systems can act and, if so, how, has not been systematically discussed. This is a foundational question for the philosophy of AI. I sketch a methodological approach to investigating the agency of artificial systems from architectural and behavioural perspectives.

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Mapping neuro-disabilities and their dimensions among under 5 years of age children in the southern agricultural corridor of Tanzania: a preliminary baseline survey

BackgroundNeuro-disabilities involve impairments of the nervous system, affecting brain development and functioning. Due to limited scientific data on neuro-disabilities in Tanzania, this study examines maternal characteristics in high-risk areas, such as the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor (SAGCOT).MethodsThis cross-sectional study sampled 286 children aged 0–5 years and their mothers in the SAGCOT region. Each mother selected the youngest child within the specified age range. Multi-stage sampling was used to choose clusters and areas for the study. The Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (M-DAT) was used to assess the children’s developmental levels. Descriptive analysis determined distribution patterns, while multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant factors. Modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe study included 286 mother–child pairs from four clusters: Ihemi, Kilombero, Ludewa, and Mbarali. The children’s median age was 24 months, with the majority aged between 13 and 48 months. Boys constituted a slight majority (59.4%). The majority of mothers were married (72.4%), had primary education (56.6%), and were engaged in non-farming occupations (56.3%). Neurodevelopmental assessments revealed that 11.2% of children were fully developed, while 88.8% exhibited development delays. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals identified significant associations between developmental domains and demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, and maternal occupation.ConclusionThe study highlights a high prevalence of neuro-disability among children in Tanzania’s southern corridor, revealing disparities across regions and the impact of factors such as gender and marital status. Targeted interventions are essential to address these developmental challenges effectively and promote optimal child development and wellbeing.

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A lesson for post-COVID healthcare: assessment of physical and psychosocial risk factors on perceived pain intensity among urban individuals

BackgroundPerceived pain intensity is an important determinant of health-related quality of life. A lack of studies has investigated the co-influences of physical and psychosocial risk factors on perceived pain intensity and the shifts in effects after pandemic. As a post-COVID symptom, it is important to re-assess the risk factors for post-COVID heath care.MethodsFour dimensions of physical/psychosocial risk factors were assessed: medical history, personal wellbeing and psychological distress, lifestyle, and socio-demographic characteristics. We first identified subgroups with significant increase in perceived pain intensity after pandemic by a comparison with the baseline group (all participants). Based on the variables associated with a severe increase in pain score (NRS), multivariate regression models were applied to identify risk factors on perceived pain intensity.ResultsAmong 3,237 urban individuals in Hong Kong, 20.95 and 30.58% were with severe pain (NRS > = 4) before and after pandemic. Participants with respiratory disease had the most significant increase in perceived pain intensity (increase in NRS: 1.29 [0.65, 1.93]), seconded by those with known psychiatric diseases and living with special needs. After pandemic, insomnia, known psychiatric diseases, female, and low household income remained as significant risk factors, and insomnia remained as the most significant (estimate: 1.018 [CI: 0.814, 1.221]). The effect sizes of these factors were increased after pandemic. Respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and low education (secondary school or below) were additional risk factors.ConclusionIt is necessary to develop up-to-date interventions targeting vulnerable populations, particularly individuals with known psychiatric diseases and insomnia, for pain reduction.

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Manipulating self and other schemas to explore psychological processes associated with paranoid beliefs: an online experimental study

BackgroundInformation about the self and others is organized in cognitive-affective structures that influence and guide interpersonal behavior. These structures are referred to as relational schemas and are thought to be influenced by early interpersonal experiences with significant others leading to secure or insecure attachment patterns as adults. When insecure, these patterns appear to contribute to paranoid interpretations about the intentions of others by indirect pathways such as negative self-esteem and a bias toward untrustworthiness. Experimental studies employing classical conditioning (CC) interventions have been successful in manipulating these schemas, finding significant effects on various psychological outcomes such as attachment styles, implicit self-esteem, and paranoid beliefs. However, no study to date has explored these effects on trustworthiness judgments.ObjectiveThis study aims to replicate the findings from previous experiments and also testing the effect of manipulating relational schemas on trustworthiness evaluations.MethodsA convenience online sample of 266 participants completed a series of tasks and questionnaires measuring attachment styles, explicit and implicit self-esteem, paranoia, and trustworthiness evaluations before and after a brief CC intervention, which involved being randomly allocated to three conditions. In each of these conditions, information about the self was always paired with either positive face stimuli (proximity-seeking condition), negative face stimuli (self-threat condition), or neutral face stimuli (control condition).ResultsThis study failed to replicate findings as previously reported in published experiments (i.e., self-esteem, paranoia), only finding a significant effect on attachment styles on the proximity-seeking CC condition. Moreover, no effect was found regarding trustworthiness judgments.DiscussionLimitations such as the online nature of the study and methodological aspects are discussed.

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Setting the tone: crossmodal emotional face-voice combinations in continuous flash suppression

Emotional stimuli are preferentially processed in the visual system, in particular, fearful faces. Evidence comes from unimodal studies with emotional faces, although real-life emotional encounters typically involve input from multiple sensory channels, such as a face paired with a voice. Therefore, in this study, we investigated how emotional voices influence preferential processing of co-occurring emotional faces. To investigate early visual processing, we used the breaking continuous flash suppression paradigm (b-CFS): We presented fearful, happy, or neutral faces to one eye, which were initially inaccessible to conscious awareness due to the predominant perception of a dynamic mask presented to the other eye. Faces were presented either unimodally or paired with non-linguistic vocalizations (fearful, happy, neutral). Thirty-six healthy participants were asked to respond as soon as the faces reached conscious awareness. We replicated earlier findings that fearful faces broke suppression faster overall, supporting a threat bias. Moreover, all faces broke suppression faster when paired with voices. Interestingly, faces paired with neutral and happy voices broke suppression the fastest, followed by faces with fearful voices. Thus, in addition to supporting a threat bias in unimodally presented fearful faces, we found evidence for crossmodal facilitation.

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Validation of existential fulfillment scale in Chinese university students

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Existential Fulfillment Scale (EFS) in a Chinese university student sample, emphasizing the cultural fit of the scale.MethodsA cohort of 1,600 undergraduate students from six universities in Fujian Province completed questionnaires including the EFS, Meaning of Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Index of Well-Being (IWB), and Self-Depression Scale (SDS). We conducted item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and assessments of criterion-related validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.ResultsThe Chinese EFS consists of two dimensions—self-acceptance and self-breakthrough—across 14 items, reflecting cultural distinctions from the original model by combining the dimensions of self-actualization and self-transcendence. This revised structure aligns with Chinese cultural perspectives on individual growth, where self-actualization often integrates aspects of self-transcendence. The scale showed positive associations with the MLQ and IWB and a negative association with the SDS, supporting the scale’s criterion-related validity. Internal consistency ranged from 0.87 to 0.97, and test-retest reliability ranged from 0.75 to 0.83.DiscussionThese findings indicate that the Chinese EFS is a reliable tool for assessing existential fulfillment among Chinese university students.

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Opportune moments for task interruptions: examining the cognitive mechanisms underlying interruption-timing effects

IntroductionSeveral studies showed that task interruptions at high mental workload moments are more harmful than task interruptions at low mental workload moments. In the present study, we used a theory-driven approach to define the mental workload during primary-task execution and to examine the effects of the interruption timing on primary-task performance.MethodsParticipants performed a primary task comprising a pre-defined sequence of six subtasks, with task interruptions occasionally occurring before the second, third, or fourth subtasks. Critically, the subtasks were organized either in two lag-2 repetition triplets or in two lag-2 switch triplets (e.g., ABA-CBC vs. CBA-CAB). This set-up allowed us to test two predictions about the effects of interruption timing on the resumption costs (i.e., the performance in subtasks following an interruption compared to the performance in the same subtask in non-interrupted primary tasks). First, we expected task interruptions before the fourth subtask being the less detrimental due to the presumed chunking of the six subtasks into two triplets. Second, in lag-2 switch triplets, task interruptions before the second and third subtasks were predicted to result in comparable resumption costs. In contrast, in lag-2 repetition triplets, task interruptions before the third subtask were hypothesized to be more disruptive than those before the second subtask. This is because the mental workload should be higher due to the need to overcome subtask inhibition.ResultsWe found an interruption-timing effect with higher resumption costs for task interruptions occurring before the third subtask compared to interruptions before the second and the fourth subtasks. However, this effect did not differ across lag-2 repetition sequences and lag-2 switch sequences.DiscussionThese findings are discussed from a memory perspective and a context reconstruction perspective.

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Interactional practices accomplished by index-finger pointing directed at the addressee in Hebrew face-to-face interaction

This study uses Hebrew data to examine the practices accomplished by index-finger pointing toward the addressee, with a focus on interactional purposes beyond merely indexing the reference. The data were taken from the Haifa Multimodal Corpus of Spoken Hebrew, which consists of video recordings of naturally occurring casual conversations collected between 2016 and 2023. By employing the methodologies of interactional linguistics and multimodal conversation analysis, the study elaborates on the social actions that are accomplished via this gesture, showing that pointing at the addressee in Hebrew talk-in-interaction can be explained from different perspectives. The study suggests that non-referential pointing primarily serves as an attention-drawing device. However, similar to other gestural or verbal attention-drawing devices, in some contexts, the gesture can also be considered to be a cue whereby conveying a negative stance or displaying epistemic authority is recognized. Additionally, it can be employed as an abrupt way of interrupting or as an attempt to elicit a response from the addressee.

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Family functionality as a mediator in the relationship between humanization and academic burnout in adolescents

IntroductionDuring adolescence, personal competencies serve as protective factors against social exclusion and are crucial for promoting psychological well-being and creating opportunities for growth. Family and educational systems play a pivotal role in supporting these competencies. This study aims to analyze the relationships between humanization competencies, academic burnout, and family functionality, to examine sex differences in these variables, and to explore the mediating effect of family functionality.MethodsThe sample comprised 1,092 secondary school students (584 females and 508 males) from Almería, Spain, aged 12 to 17 (M = 14.5 years).ResultsThe findings show that family functionality is positively associated with humanization competencies and academic efficacy, and negatively associated with emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Notable sex differences emerged, with males scoring higher in optimism, self-efficacy, and affect, while females scored higher in sociability and cynicism. Mediation analysis revealed that family functionality partially mediates the relationship between humanization competencies and academic burnout, specifically impacting cynicism, academic efficacy, and emotional exhaustion.DiscussionThese results highlight the critical role of a supportive family environment in enhancing adolescents’ psychological resilience and academic outcomes. The study suggests that interventions targeting family functionality could be effective in reducing academic burnout and promoting overall well-being among adolescents.

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A cross-lagged analysis of the relationship between marital quality and depression among the older adults: gender effects of socioeconomic status

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the mechanism and gender effect of socioeconomic status on the relationship between marital quality and depression among the older adults, with the intention of providing a practical foundation for enhancing the quality of life of the older adults.MethodsThe data sourced from the third (conducted in 2015, denoted as the first survey) and fourth (carried out in 2018, regarded as the second survey) installments of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) were meticulously analyzed through the utilization of cross-lagged analytical techniques and moderating effect examination methodologies.ResultsAmong the older adults, there exists a reciprocal causal relationship between marital quality and the level of depression. Specifically, the marital quality as measured in the first survey was found to significantly prognosticate the depression level in the second survey (β = 0.05, p < 0.05). Conversely, the depression level in the first survey was also demonstrated to significantly forecast the marital quality in the second survey (β = 0.15, p < 0.01). Regarding the moderating role of socioeconomic status, it was observed that among the older adult women, socioeconomic status exerted a moderating influence on the impact of depression on marital quality (β = 0.05, p < 0.05), whereas among the older adult men, their socioeconomic status failed to display a significant moderating effect (β = 0.02, p > 0.05). In a contrasting manner, for the older adult men, the socioeconomic status played a moderating role in the effect of marital quality on depression (β = −0.05, p < 0.01), while for the older adult women, it did not exhibit a moderating effect (β = −0.01, p > 0.05).ConclusionThere exists a reciprocal causal nexus between the marital quality and depression among the older adults. To enhance the life quality of the older adults, it behooves communities and families to proactively focus more on the older adults with subpar marital quality or afflicted by depression, and to disrupt the cyclic interplay between these two variables.

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The impact of physical exercise on primary school teachers’ professional ethics: the mediating role of self-control

BackgroundPhysical exercise has been shown to positively impact psychological and behavioral outcomes, yet its influence on professional ethics in educators remains underexplored. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this relationship is essential for developing interventions to promote ethical behavior in educational contexts.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the relationship between physical exercise and professional ethics among elementary school teachers, with a specific focus on the mediating role of self-control.MethodsA sample of 380 elementary school teachers was recruited from Guangxi and Shandong provinces in China. Data on physical exercise, self-control, and professional ethics were collected using validated scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of physical exercise on professional ethics.ResultsThe findings revealed a significant positive correlation between physical exercise, self-control, and professional ethics. Self-control was found to partially mediate the relationship, with physical exercise having both a direct positive effect (β = 0.25, p < 0.01) and a stronger indirect effect (β = 0.50, p < 0.001) on professional ethics through self-control. The indirect effect accounted for 57.3% of the total effect.ConclusionThis study highlights the dual-pathway mechanism through which physical exercise enhances professional ethics, directly and indirectly via self-control. Practical implications include promoting physical activity and self-regulatory training as strategies to foster ethical behavior in educators. These findings provide a foundation for future research and interventions in educational settings.

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Imprint of ancestral and modern threats in human mind – experience of fear, disgust, and anger

IntroductionThreats to our survival are often posed by the environment in which humans have evolved or live today. Animal and human ancestors developed complex physiological and behavioral response systems to cope with two types of threats: immediate physical harm from predators or conspecifics, triggering fear, and the risk of infections from parasites and pathogens leading to the evolution of the behavioral immune system (BIS) with disgust as the key emotion. Here we ask whether the BIS has adapted to protect us from pandemic risks or poisoning by modern toxic substances.MethodsWe have developed a survey comprised of 60 vignettes describing threats evoking fear and disgust belonging to one of the three main categories of threats: (1) ancestral, (2) modern, and (3) pandemic of airborne disease. Each vignette was evaluated on a 7-point Likert scale based on fear, disgust, and anger. Respondents also completed an assessment battery.ResultsThe results show that the strongest fear is triggered by modern threats (electricity, car accidents), while the highest disgust is evoked by ancient threats (body waste products, worms). Disgust does not respond to modern threat stimuli such as toxic substances or radioactivity as these evoke mainly fear and anger. A discriminant factor analysis classified nine out of 10 pandemic disgust vignettes into the ancestral disgust category, convincingly assigning the pandemic disgust threats to the ancestral type. Gender, age, and type of education were significant moderators of emotional responses across all threat categories.DiscussionOur study reveals that while fear is more context-dependent, particularly triggered by modern threats, disgust operates on an evolutionarily hardwired basis, making it less effective against contemporary risks. Furthermore, disgust experienced during a pandemic outbreak is more closely aligned with ancestral disgust-related threats tapping into evolutionary ancient survival circuits of the BIS. However, as disgust declines with age, the brain must adaptatively shift the emotional processing from disgust to fear to protect older adults from contamination risks. Finally, our study reveals that pandemic fear is better predicted by specific behaviors rather than general anxiety, suggesting a need for new assessments.

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Psychometric assessment of the Beck anxiety inventory and key anxiety determinants among Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic

IntroductionThe full-scale Russian war has caused Ukrainian female refugees to experience many stressful events which may have an adverse impact on their mental health. Understanding the prevalence and determinants associated with anxiety is essential for psychosocial support. The study aimed: to evaluate the psychometric validity of the Ukrainian version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) among Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic, to determine the prevalence of anxiety, and to identify key determinants for anxiety in this population.MethodsAnxiety was measured by BAI, which was validated by applying confirmatory factor analysis. Linear regressions were run to understand associations between social, physical and mental health determinants and anxiety, adjusted by socio-demographics.ResultsThe BAI had a high level of internal consistency. External consistency was confirmed through: structural validity via CFA, indicating that a four-factor model, including cognitive, autonomic, neuromotor, and panic factors, were the most appropriate for the Ukrainian version of BAI; and convergent validity, shown by significant correlations between the total scores of the BAI and coping strategies, perceived stress, depression as well as self-reported physical and mental health. The study revealed that more than half of the participants had moderate to concerning symptoms of anxiety. The analysis indicated that poor perceived health, ineffective coping strategies, high perceived stress, and hampered daily activities due to health issues, are significant predictors of increased anxiety. Conversely, positive or stable social relations with relatives, neighbors, and locals, and the absence of discrimination, were shown to be crucial in reducing anxiety levels.

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The purpose of psychology is to give us a completely different idea of the things we know best.

- Paul Valéry, Regards sur le monde actuel (1931) 

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