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Emotional contagion in dyadic online video conferences—empirical evidence based on self-report and facial expression data

IntroductionEmotional contagion is an essential and prevalent emotional process in social interaction and comprises the transmission of emotions between two or more individuals. The vast majoriy of prior research explored the emotional contagion in face-to-face human interaction. The present study explored the degree to which emotional contagion occurs in dyadic online video conferences, using subjective self-report and automatically coded facial expression data.MethodsIn a lab-based experimental approach, 104 participants (in 52 dyads) interacted via synchronized computers. They were prompted to talk to each other about recent personally relevant experiences that made them angry, happy, and sad (3 conditions). We recorded participants’ emotions by means of automated facial expression analysis and retrospective self-report after each condition.ResultsOur preregistered analyses provided evidence for emotional contagion of all three emotions during the video conferences based on the self-report data. Regarding facially expressed emotions, only joy seemed to be transmitted, while the frequency of facially expressed anger and sadness was generally very low, and did not differ across conditions. We further explored temporal co-occurrences of facially expressed joy through cross-recurrence quantification analysis. Those results showed that both interaction partners’ facial expressions of joy, but not of anger and sadness, co-occurred significantly above chance.DiscussionOverall, we conclude that emotions can be transmitted across interaction partners during online video interactions, but the face does not seem to be the key channel for those contagion processes, particularly not for negative emotions.

Early social communication and language development in moderate-to-late preterm infants: a longitudinal study

This study investigates early development and language acquisition in moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT) infants, focusing on social communication as a key factor. Using a longitudinal design, social communicative, cognitive and language outcomes were assessed at 12, 18, and 24 months in 106 infants, including 49 MLPT and 57 full-term (FT) infants. Standardized tools, including the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III), the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland-3), and the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance-Revised (SACS-R), were used to assess early developmental performance. Group differences and the interaction between group and assessment time points were analyzed to examine developmental patterns over time. Additionally, predictive models identified early indicators of receptive and expressive language performance at 24 months. The results revealed significant developmental delays in the MLPT group compared to their FT peers, with receptive language showing the most pronounced deficits. Early social communication behaviors, such as pointing, following a point, and attending to sounds at 12 months, emerged as strong predictors of both receptive and expressive language performance. Cognitive abilities also played a significant role, particularly in receptive language development. These findings underscore the utility of tools like the SACS-R in identifying early communication challenges and guiding tailored support strategies. Sustained developmental monitoring and targeted interventions that foster communication skills may promote positive language outcomes in MLPT infants, supporting their long-term developmental potential within this population with increased developmental needs.

Measuring the social support network in autistic clients: development and validation of the Network in Action-Interview

IntroductionAs social relationships are intertwined with mental health recovery, it is important to address a client’s social support network during mental health interventions. This seems even more important for autistic clients, because research suggests they have on average smaller networks and experience more loneliness than non-autistic individuals. Therefore, an interview assessing the social support network in relation to intervention goals was co-created together with stakeholders (autistic clients, mental healthcare professionals and a mother of an autistic client). In addition, the psychometric properties and acceptability of this Network-in-Action-Interview (NiA-I) were studied as pre-registered (AsPredicted #59767).MethodsThe Nominal Group Technique was used to co-create the NiA-I with stakeholders and it was administered to autistic clients (n = 44) recruited in a highly specialized mental health facility.ResultsNetwork-in-Action-Interview social support scores were significantly correlated with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, indicating sufficient convergent validity. Clients and professionals reported that the NiA-I provided the therapist with greater insight into the client’s social support network. Professionals reported the NiA-I could be improved regarding administration duration.DiscussionThis cross-sectional study shows that the NiA-I is a solid and helpful tool for including the social network in clinical practice. Addressing and including a client’s social support network is important for recovery-focused mental health treatment. The NiA-I can assist professionals in taking such actions.

Adolescent agency and behavioral characteristics: conformity, problematic behavior, need for cognition

The concept of human agency has attracted considerable interest in academic and expert discussions concerning various life domains and age groups, including adolescents. However, the field lacks a unified approach to measuring agency for adolescents and understanding its relationship with their behavioral characteristics and attitudes. This study addresses these gaps by introducing an Adolescent Agency Index and examining its associations with behavioral characteristics such as сonformity, problematic behavior, and the need for cognition. The data was collected from students in grades 4 to 8 (N = 4,603; Mage = 12.6, SD = 1.7; 50.3% female). The analyses indicated a negative relationship between agency and conformity and a positive relationship between agency and problematic behavior; moreover, a stronger positive relationship was found with the need for cognition. At the same time, the nature of the relationship between agency and these characteristics is complex, non-linear. These findings provide valuable insights for educational policymakers, researchers, and families.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression in rural Chinese hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of depression among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients in rural China during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 14 hemodialysis centers in northern Guangdong Province from April to October 2021. Depression was evaluated using the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify associated factors.ResultsOf the 450 MHD patients enrolled, 160 (35.6%) met the criteria for depression, with 91.8% cases being of mild severity. After adjusting for demographic, dialysis-related, laboratory, pandemic-associated lifestyle changes, and psychological variables, discomfort during dialysis [Odds ratio (OR) 1.654, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.105–2.474] and infection worry (OR 1.719, 95% CI 1.121–2.636) were significantly associated with an increased risk of depression. In contrast, college education was linked to a lower risk (OR 0.456, 95% CI 0.245–0.846).ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic in rural China, mild depression were common among MHD patients. Mandatory behavioral interventions did not contribute to depression, while discomfort during dialysis and infection worry emerged as risk factors, and college education was associated with a lower risk.

Rethinking knowledge systems in psychology: addressing epistemic hegemony and systemic obstacles in climate change studies

Climate psychology has emerged as a critical field examining how individuals and societies perceive, respond to, and engage with the climate crisis. However, the discipline remains deeply influenced by Western epistemologies, which privilege individualistic, anthropocentric, and positivist approaches to knowledge production. This perspective paper critically examines how Western bias shapes the theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and policy implications within climate psychology, often to the exclusion of non-Western epistemologies, particularly those from Indigenous and Global South communities. We argue that dominant Western paradigms, rooted in individualism, cognitive-behavioral models, and human-exceptionalist perspectives, constrain the field's ability to fully capture the complex, relational, and context-specific ways in which diverse populations engage with climate change. Moreover, the overreliance on quantitative and experimental methodologies systematically marginalizes Indigenous methodologies, such as storytelling, relational worldviews, and participatory research approaches, thereby limiting the inclusivity and ecological validity of climate psychology research. To address these limitations, we propose a decolonial approach to climate psychology, advocating for the integration of Indigenous epistemologies, pluralistic methodologies, and equitable research collaborations. By diversifying epistemic foundations and methodological tools, climate psychology can move beyond its Western biases, leading to more culturally responsive research and more effective and just climate interventions. This paper calls for a fundamental reorientation in climate psychology, one that values epistemic diversity as essential for addressing the multifaceted human dimensions of climate change.

Psychometric properties of the High Five Inventory in university students in Ecuador

IntroductionThe High Five Inventory (HFI) was developed to assess five positive personality traits: erudition, peace, joviality, honesty, and tenacity. Research on positive personality dimensions remains limited, emphasizing the importance of validating assessment tools in different cultural contexts. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the High Five Inventory (HFI) in a sample of Ecuadorian university students.MethodsAn instrumental study was conducted to evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the HFI. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the inventory's factorial structure. The sample consisted of 1,007 students (403 women, 39.9%) from various faculties at Salesiana Polytechnic University in Ecuador. Prior to data collection, a linguistic review was carried out by a panel of experts, including faculty members, researchers, and students, to ensure clarity and comprehension of the items. The final version of the inventory was administered after obtaining informed consent.ResultsThe CFA results indicated an adequate model fit: χ2 (220) = 859.969, p < 0.001, robust CFI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.054 (90% CI: 0.050–0.058), and SRMR = 0.045. Additionally, internal consistency was confirmed with Cronbach's Alpha (α) and McDonald's Omega (ω) coefficients ≥ 0.80, demonstrating strong reliability.DiscussionThe findings confirm that the High Five Inventory–Ecuador (HFI-E) exhibits robust psychometric properties, supporting its use in assessing positive personality traits within the Ecuadorian population. The study highlights the relevance of validating personality assessments across different cultural contexts and underscores the potential applications of the HFI-E in psychological and educational settings.

Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue in humanitarian aid workers: the relationship with shared trauma and coping mechanisms

IntroductionForced displacement constitutes a global crisis impacting millions of people especially in the Middle East, leaving them impacted by traumatic history. Humanitarian aid workers (HAWs) who support displaced individuals are exposed to high risk of burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS).MethodsThis study aimed to identify the prevalence of compassion satisfaction (CS) and compassion fatigue (CF), referring to burnout and STS, respectively, using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). The study explored the relationships between these factors and personal variables that are related to shared trauma, as well as coping mechanisms assessed using the Brief-COPE questionnaire among Middle Eastern HAWs working with displaced individuals.ResultsThe study involved 78 HAWs supporting displaced individuals in the Middle East. The mean age was 25.81 years (SD = ± 5.54); 55% were females, and the majority (88%) were Syrians. Approximately 90% of participants were engaged in Turkey and Syria. The most prevalent coping mechanisms were religion and planning. Being a graduate predicted burnout, whereas older age, previous mental diagnosis, and shared trauma predicted higher STS levels. Compassion satisfaction was predicted by active coping, and compassion fatigue was predicted by negative coping.ConclusionHAWs require education to recognize CF signs and psychological training to promote effective coping mechanisms, mitigate CF, and enhance higher levels of CS. More research is needed on the psychology of HAWs and the role of shared trauma and coping mechanisms.

Editorial: Teacher responses to bias-based bullying

Leading through performance crises: soccer coaches’ insights on their strategies—a qualitative study

IntroductionPerformance crises in sports are recognized as particularly stressful environments, where coaches are held responsible to a large extent for winning matches. During these challenging times, coaches play a crucial role, as their behaviors can significantly impact the course of a crisis, either improving or exacerbating the situation. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the various roles professional soccer coaches adopt during a performance crisis in order to manage them.MethodsSixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional soccer coaches aged between 32 to 54 years (M = 43.81, SD = 6.46), with coaching experience ranging from 7 to 23 years (M = 15.44, SD = 5.0). The qualifications of the participants included eleven UEFA Pro Licenses, two UEFA A Licenses, one UEFA Goalkeeping A License, and two coaches without a UEFA License. Using an inductive reflexive thematic analysis within a broader deductive framework, two fundamental roles (i.e., Self-Manager, People-Manager) and three soccer-specific roles (i.e., the Soccer Expert, the Psychologist, the Administrator) were identified.ResultsThe roles of the Self-Manager and People-Manager are essential for coaches to understand, regulate, and influence themselves and others, enabling them to effectively perform the specific behaviors associated with each soccer-specific role. The Soccer Expert encompasses soccer-specific knowledge and expertise, the Psychologist focuses on addressing the psychological needs of both individual players and the entire team, and the Administrator is characterized by overseeing the administrative and organizational elements.DiscussionEmphasizing the interpersonal dimension of coaching, advanced self-management and communication competencies are particularly highlighted. Overall, by exploring coaches’ experiences, this study may contribute to the growing body of literature on crisis management in sports and offers practical implications for coaches to support themselves and their players during performance crises.

Exploring the balance between functionality and aesthetics: an analytical framework and pragmatic consideration of the anthropomorphism of service robots

The phenomenon of anthropomorphism in service robots has gained significant traction across multiple service industries; however, there remains a lack of a robust theoretical framework that adequately elucidates the preference for anthropomorphic design. Following the systematic review methodology, our findings indicate that the design of service robots necessitates a careful equilibrium between functional capabilities and aesthetic considerations. Central to the concept of anthropomorphism in service robots is the attribution of human-like characteristics, motivations, intentions, and emotions to their perceived or actual behaviors, aimed at enhancing human comprehension of robotic actions and promoting meaningful social interactions. From a design standpoint, anthropomorphism fulfills cognitive requirements while also serving as a mechanism for inductive reasoning. Influential factors in the anthropomorphism of service robots include the activation of human subject knowledge, effectiveness motivation, and social motivation, alongside additional variables such as individual personality traits, contextual elements, developmental phases, and cultural backgrounds, all of which exert a direct impact. The anthropomorphism of service robots has engendered significant considerations regarding human expectations, the perceived intelligence of robots, and the management of anthropomorphic attributes. A thorough investigation into the mechanisms that underpin the anthropomorphic interpretation of service robots, along with the practical implications that emerge, can assist various service organizations in determining the appropriate types and levels of anthropomorphic service robots, while also facilitating customers’ engagement with these robots in a more rational and contextually appropriate manner.

Cultural perspective on religion, spirituality and mental health

Over the past decade, spirituality and religiosity have gained increasing recognition in the field of mental health, with more individualized approaches emerging. Many mental health professionals have begun integrating aspects of religion and spirituality into their practice and modern psychological therapies have also incorporated principles from ancient Eastern traditions and various worldwide religions. However, these integrations have remained at surface level, assimilating concepts and practices that have been stripped of their ontological framework. The intersection between culture, spirituality and mental wellbeing remains largely underexplored. This can contribute to misunderstandings regarding the conceptualization of mental illness across different cultures and may result in the tokenistic application of ‘culturally sensitive’ interventions, which can perpetuate the disillusionment that some individuals may experience towards mental health services. This cultural perspective paper examines the intersection between culture, religious/spiritual beliefs and mental health. It engages with some of the concepts described above and embodies an anti-colonialist stance, demonstrating the authors’ commitments toward the decolonization of the field of mental health.

Study on intervention effect of Wearable Cyborg HAL through narrative analysis

BackgroundThe medical effectiveness of Cybernics Treatment with the Wearable Cyborg HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) has been verified, and its treatment method has started to be used in many countries around the world. However, the focus of medical evaluations has predominantly been on simple measurement evaluation of physical function, while Patient Reported Outcome (PRO), which encompass various evaluation axes of patients, remain largely unexplored. The mental/psychological field has the potential to develop cutting-edge fields targeting individuals. As the social implementation of HAL progresses, it is important to capture how the physical intervention by HAL affects not only the physical function but also the mental state and social activities of individual users. This approach will help us understand the various aspects of the effects of Cybernics Treatment using HAL.ObjectiveIn order to elicit deeper narratives of HAL users, this study aims to capture how HAL users with limited physical functionality have changed physically, mentally and socially due to using HAL, through a narrative analysis utilizing counseling methods. Based on the results, the significance of using HAL will also be discussed.MethodsWe analyzed the narratives of nine HAL users who received the services of “Neuro HALFIT.” During the interview survey, we also visualized the narratives using mathematical engineering methods (cluster analysis, dendrogram) based on the similarity distance matrix between the association items and elicited them by deepening the narratives through counseling methods and captured the state of change in the physical, mental, and social aspects of the subjects.ResultsThe results suggested that “Neuro HALFIT” improved physical function and provided mental and social improvements. These three aspects influenced and circulated each other, advancing toward improvement and enhancement, and the “Mutual feedback structure model in physical, mental, and social aspects of patients” was proposed and presented. Based on the above analysis, it was considered that the greatest significance of using HAL was to help many people with fixed disabilities or those who were considered to have no treatment to turn the process of this model without losing hope and to participate in society with a sense of fulfillment in their lives.

Does the pursuit of perfection by Chinese people harm interpersonal relationships? Evidence from the Wenjuan

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanisms of the relationship between Perfectionism and interpersonal relationships.MethodsData were collected and research was conducted using the online platform Wenjuanxing, which distributed the Psychological Resilience Scale, Core Self-Evaluation Scale, Interpersonal Sensitivity Questionnaire, Perfectionism Scale, and Peer Relationships Scale.ResultsPerfectionism not only directly and significantly predicts interpersonal sensitivity, but it can also mediate interpersonal sensitivity through dual or triple mediation paths formed by Psychological Resilience, Peer Relationships, and Core Self-Evaluation.ConclusionPerfectionism can directly and significantly predict interpersonal sensitivity and can also indirectly predict interpersonal sensitivity through Psychological Resilience, Peer Relationships, and Core Self-Evaluation. The traditional Confucian educational philosophy in China advocates core values such as “benevolence,” “righteousness,” “propriety,” and “wisdom,” emphasizing that individuals should constantly cultivate themselves and their families to achieve moral perfection. This can lead to heightened interpersonal sensitivity and severe psychological repression. Modern education should build on traditional educational values while promoting inclusivity and tolerance, encouraging individuals to focus on the present, accept their emotions and experiences, respect human freedom of development, and safeguard psychological health.

Physiological and psychological effects of weight loss-induced stress before a competition in senior wrestlers

BackgroundIt is known that stress occurring through/against a phenomenon will have physiological and psychological effects on the human organism. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the physiological and psychological effects of weight loss-induced stress before a competition in senior wrestlers.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a purposeful sampling method to select participants. Two hundred and forty-three wrestlers participated in the study voluntarily. The perceived stress scale and athlete weight loss methodology and effects scale were used to determine the physiological and psychological effects of weight loss-induced stress. Independent samples t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used to analyze normally distributed data.ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the wrestlers’ body weight loss percentages, stress levels, and weight loss methods and effects sub-dimensions according to their gender and wrestling styles (p > 0.05). Despite this, there was a statistical difference in wrestlers’ stress levels, ergogenic aids sub-dimension from weight loss methods, and psychological effect levels according to body weight loss percentages (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a positive relationship between the body weight loss percentages of wrestlers with their stress levels (r: 0.461) and psychological effects (r: 0.240). Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between the stress levels of wrestlers with the average physiological (r: 0.298) and psychological (r: 0.508) effects. According to these results, it was determined that as the body weight loss percentages of wrestlers increased, their stress levels and the psychological effects they were exposed to would increase. It was also determined that as the stress level of wrestlers increased, the physiological and psychological effects they were exposed to would increase the weight loss-induced stress levels of wrestlers positively predicted their exposure to physiological and psychological effects at 8.5% (Adj. R2 = 0.085) and 25.8% (Adj. R2 = 0.258), respectively.ConclusionIt was determined that as the percentage of body weight loss increases in wrestlers, the stress level will also increase and the stress level increases, the physiological and psychological effects will also increase. It is thought that weight loss-induced stress has both physiological and psychological effects on wrestlers and may reduce their athletic performance.

Editorial: Methodological issues in consciousness research, volume II

Assessing the association between menstrual cycle phase and voice-gender categorization: no robust evidence for an association

IntroductionHormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are known to influence a wide variety of cognitive-emotional processes and behavior. Mate choice and changes in attractiveness ratings for faces and voices are often investigated in this context, but research on changes in voice-gender perception independent of attractiveness ratings is rare even though the voice is an essential element in social interactions. For this reason, we investigated the influence of cycle phase and levels of estrogen and progesterone on performance in a voice-gender categorization task. Our expectation was to find a more pronounced other-sex effect, so faster and more accurate reactions for masculine voices, in the follicular (fertile) phase than in the luteal phase.MethodsWe measured 65 healthy, naturally-cycling women, half of them in the follicular phase and the other half in the luteal phase. For the analyses, we used signal detection theory (SDT) measures in addition to reaction times and percent of correct reactions. The study was preregistered after measuring the first 33 participants and prior to any data analyses (https://osf.io/dteyn).ResultsCycle phase and hormone levels showed no significant effect on reaction time or SDT measures. This was the case both using frequentist analyses and Bayesian statistics. Reaction time was influenced by voice-gender, with faster reactions for feminine voices compared to masculine voices in both cycle phases.DiscussionTaken together, our results add to the increasing number of studies that do not find an interaction of menstrual cycle phase and reaction to gendered stimuli.

Do altruistic tendencies lead to the persistence of voluntary behavior? A moderated mediation analysis

BackgroundIn the postpandemic period, more attention has been given to the sustainability of volunteering in China. Do altruistic tendencies lead to the persistence of voluntary behavior in collectivistic culture? This study examined the relationship between altruistic tendencies and the persistence of voluntary behavior as well as the mediating effect of affective organizational commitment and the moderating effect of psychological collectivism.MethodsA two-wave study was conducted among 423 young volunteers in the Yangtze River Delta from February through April 2024. Model 4 and Model 7 from the SPSS macro PROCESS were used to test the model.ResultsThe sample data collected supported all the hypotheses. Specifically, the findings revealed that altruistic tendencies positively predicted the persistence of voluntary behavior among young volunteers. Affective organizational commitment partially mediated the relationship between altruistic tendencies and the persistence of voluntary behavior. Psychological collectivism positively moderated the relationship between altruistic tendency and affective organizational commitment and played a positive moderating role in the first half of the mediating path.DiscussionThis study tested a moderated mediation framework in collectivistic culture. It revealed the mechanism underlying the influence of altruistic tendencies on the persistence of voluntary behavior, thus identifying important implications concerning the effective guidance of voluntary behavior and volunteer management.

Behavior change wheel as a tool to promote physical activity in online intervention: a case study

IntroductionPhysical activity (PA) has significant health benefits. However, one in four adults does not meet the globally recommended levels of PA. Considering that PA behavior is influenced by various factors operating at multiple levels, including personal, social, and environmental factors, a single-subject behavioral change intervention was developed to promote PA behavior through online sessions.MethodBased on a one-to-one intervention, the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) methodology was used to design an intervention that was developed for 24 weeks, including eight weeks of online sessions and 16 weeks of follow-up.ResultsWe observed an increase of metabolic equivalent (MET-min/week; baseline = 2,970; eight weeks = 6,440; 24 weeks = 6,744) and daily steps (baseline = 8,372; eight weeks = 10,234; 24 weeks = 12,142), which provides some evidence for the efficacy of online methodologies, especially in the relation one-to-one.ConclusionThe intervention, designed through BCW, had a positive effect in promoting more PA in a subject of our case study and provided evidence that can be used in further interventions that aim to increase PA levels in the population; however, future studies must be conducted to expand the evidence in other domains.

“Fox-like. One eye open, one eye closed”: child supervision among Syrian refugee mothers in Canada

When children live through violent conflict and forced displacement, the associated disruptions in their environment can profoundly affect their wellbeing and development, undermining stability and family cohesion essential for healthy growth. Adequate child supervision is an important component of supportive parenting but is understudied in the refugee migration context. Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989), which emphasizes the protection, provision, and participation of children as rights-holders, this study explored how Syrian refugee mothers resettled in Canada between late 2015 and 2017 perceived and practiced child supervision. Using a cross-sectional, qualitative design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 mothers (half government-assisted refugees and half privately sponsored refugees) to examine their parenting across four migration stages: pre-conflict Syria, pre-flight conflict Syria, transit in various countries, and resettlement in Canada. Participants came from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds and spent varying times in transit (between 2 months to 5 years). Mothers’ narratives revealed how their approaches to children’s provision, protection, and participation evolved, shaped by material resources, social networks, and risks at each stage. Grounded in a critical children’s rights framework, the analysis of mothers’ daily negotiations highlights the dynamic and context-dependent nature of children’s rights, and the interconnections and tensions between provision, protection, and participation in child supervision. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how refugee mothers navigate and uphold children’s rights throughout migration trajectories, advocating for policies and interventions that recognize these dynamic processes and the critical role of caregivers in ensuring children’s dignity and wellbeing.