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Assessing the perceived influence of religion on brain health among adults in the United Arab Emirates—the Global Brain Health Survey: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundA healthy brain is essential for independent and participatory life. Religion may play a key role in brain health. This study investigated the influence of religion on brain health among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study among adults in the UAE based on the Global Brain Health Survey (GBHS). Information on demographics, knowledge and beliefs about brain health, and religious perceptions and practices related to brain health was collected. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with religious activities and attitudes toward brain health, and results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsA total of 887 participants (65% women) were included. About 78% of women and 73% of men believed that religion strongly influences brain health. About 47% of participants reported frequent practice of religion for their brain health. Frequent thoughts about one’s brain health (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.47–4.31), frequent engagements in religious activities (OR = 33.42, 95% CI = 18.58–60.11), being married (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.23–0.90), and having had COVID-19 (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.27–0.97) were associated with purposeful use of religious activities for brain health.ConclusionOur study found a significant link between religious practices and brain health, suggesting that faith- and spirituality-based approaches may be important for addressing brain health issues. These findings highlight the need for programs that incorporate religious beliefs to improve brain health, offering practical solutions for communities and healthcare providers.

From classic models to new pathways: unraveling the anatomy and function of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus in language processing

IntroductionThis study explores the anatomy and function of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), focusing on its role in language processing. Through a comprehensive systematic review and detailed anatomical dissections, we aim to elucidate the IFOF’s anatomical organization, its contributions to language processing, and its complex three-dimensional configuration, ultimately enhancing the safety and precision of neurosurgical practices.MethodsThis study employed a two-part methodology: (1) anatomical dissections using Klinger’s technique on three human brains, which were fixed and frozen; and (2) a systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines, with a search of the EMBASE and PubMed databases on January 1, 2025, analyzing 510 studies on IFOF anatomy and function, with a focus on its role in language processing and implications for neurosurgical practice.ResultsAnatomical dissections identified the IFOF as a prominent anterior–posterior white matter tract with distinct dorsal and ventral components. The dorsal component links the pars triangularis and pars orbitalis of the frontal lobe to the superior parietal lobe and posterior occipital gyri, while the ventral component connects the inferior occipital gyrus and posterior basal temporal region to the dorsolateral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices. The IFOF was found to traverse through key areas, including the extreme capsule, insula, and claustrum, and was closely associated with the uncinate fasciculus. The systematic literature review included 15 studies, highlighting the IFOF’s critical role in cognitive and linguistic functions, particularly in semantic language processing, reading, naming, and integrating visual information for meaning interpretation. It plays a key role in language comprehension by connecting posterior visual regions to anterior semantic areas. The IFOF also contributes to visual attention and spatial processing, underscoring its importance in contemporary linguistic models. Damage to the IFOF can cause semantic paraphasia, reading difficulties, spatial neglect, and aphasia, highlighting its crucial role in language and cognitive functioning.ConclusionThe IFOF plays a pivotal role in integrating visual, motor, and semantic information, facilitating complex interactions between cognitive, linguistic, and visuospatial functions. Its dorsal component aids visuospatial integration, while the ventral component underpins semantic processing. The IFOF’s anatomical and functional complexity underscores its critical consideration in neurosurgical planning.

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.

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.

“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.

The relationship between the principals’ emotional intelligence and conflict management: based on latent profile analysis

IntroductionThe emotional intelligence (EI) of principals is a critical factor influencing leadership effectiveness and school management. This study aims to explore the heterogeneity of principals’ EI and investigate the differences in conflict management behaviors among principals with varying EI traits.MethodsA total of 363 principals from 27 provinces and autonomous regions in China were recruited for this study. The Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and the Conflict Management Test (M8L4) were used to assess principals’ EI and conflict management behaviors, respectively. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct EI profiles among the participants.ResultsThe LPA revealed three distinct EI profiles among principals: “low EI,” “middle EI,” and “high EI.” Significant differences were observed in conflict management behaviors across these profiles, particularly in problem-solving, forcing, and avoiding behaviors. Principals with higher EI levels demonstrated more effective problem-solving strategies, while those with lower EI levels tended to rely more on forcing or avoiding behaviors.DiscussionThe findings highlight that the differences in EI among Chinese principals are primarily reflected in their levels, which significantly influence their conflict management approaches. These results underscore the importance of emphasizing EI in the selection and training of school principals. Enhancing EI can promote effective conflict resolution and improve overall school management efficiency.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prevention strategies against academic burnout: the perspective of Romanian health sciences students in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundBurnout in academia can have important long-term consequences. This study aimed to investigate academic burnout and the perception of its prevention strategies among Romanian health sciences students.MethodsThree hundred and five health sciences students (from General Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Midwifery and Nursing) (36 men, 269 women, mean age 21.9, standard deviation 1.911) self-rated their burnout using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) and a visual analog scale, and answered a survey with open and closed questions about the most effective coping strategies to prevent burnout.ResultsAbove average scores (mean = 3.05; SD = 0.67) on burnout were met (with the highest scores on exhaustion and psychological distress and the lowest on mental distance and psychosomatic symptoms). Women were more affected than men by burnout and associated emotional impairment and secondary symptoms. Participants rated supportive relationships as the most effective in preventing burnout (mean = 3.75; SD = 0.55), followed by relaxation-meditation (mean = 3.32; SD = 0.85), while they also positively valued cognitive-behavioral therapy (those with high burnout scores), and physical activity (those with low burnout scores). Organizational strategies have included re-evaluating the university curriculum (mean = 3.83; SD = 0.48) and increasing access to psychological support programs (mean = 3.72; SD = 0.58) and to programs that increase self-efficacy and resilience (mean = 3.65; SD = 0.61). The qualitative analysis showed that freely chosen individual strategies included, in descending order, detachment, active actions, healthy lifestyle, and specialist help, while the most preferred organizational were better academic organization and program optimization.ConclusionThese results may be useful in designing more sustainable and effective burnout prevention strategies in health sciences academic settings.

Editorial: Methodological issues in consciousness research, volume II

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.

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.

Editorial: Teacher responses to bias-based bullying

Reduction of death anxiety in patients with advanced cancer in short-term psychotherapy

IntroductionThe fear of one’s own dying, death anxiety, has increasingly become the focus of research in recent years. So far, we know little about the reduction of death anxiety through psychotherapeutic interventions in patients with advanced cancer and possible predictors of this reduction. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which death anxiety is reduced during the course of psychotherapeutic interventions and whether specific socio-demographic, psychological or medical variables can predict such reduction over time.Materials and methodsThis study is a secondary data analysis of the randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) Therapy, a short-term psychotherapy used to reduce depression and psychological distress in patients with advanced cancer. The active control group, a non-specific psychotherapeutic counselling intervention (SPI), showed equal effects on depression and distress and consequently both groups are investigated together in this study. Within the present study, we analyze the reduction of death anxiety from baseline to 3- and 6-months follow-up. Data were collected using validated questionnaires; death anxiety was assessed using an adapted version of the Death and Dying Distress Scale (DADDS). Predictors of the reduction of death anxiety were investigated using multiple linear regression models.ResultsThe sample comprised 194 patients (average age 58 years, 62% female, all with a UICC stage of III or IV). There was a significant reduction of death anxiety over time, in particular between the baseline and 3 months follow-up [t (148) = 5.26, p < 0.001, d = 0.43] and between the baseline and 6 months follow-up [t (120) = 5.48, p < 0.001, d = 0.50]. The UICC disease stage III (p = 0.05) as well as an elevated death anxiety score/level at baseline (p = 0.01) were found to be predictors for the reduction of death anxiety. No further sociodemographic and medical predictors were found within the study.ConclusionThe study results suggest that psychotherapeutic interventions could reduce death anxiety in patients with advanced cancer. A time effect cannot be excluded and further studies using a care-as-usual control group are necessary. Nevertheless, this study sheds light on the role that psychotherapeutic interventions play in reducing death anxiety and complements the use of palliative medical treatments to alleviate patients’ discomfort.