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A multilevel perspective of developmental feedback and employee creativity

Drawing from the broader feedback literature and the creativity literature, we offer a multilevel perspective to examine how receiving developmental feedback could positively influence one’s creativity. We resolve a key puzzle in the feedback–creativity literature—why feedback sometimes predicts creativity and sometimes does not—by theorizing developmental feedback as a multilevel system rather than a single-source input. Integrating supervisor and team developmental feedback shows that creativity emerges when developmental cues align across levels to facilitate early-stage problem identification, thereby advancing creativity theory from outcome explanations to process-based accounts. We identified both individual-level and team-level mediating mechanisms linking developmental feedback to creativity. We collected data from a large telecommunication company in China. Hierarchical linear modeling results based on 642 employees nested in 103 teams functioning in four areas supported our hypotheses. Both supervisor developmental feedback (SDF) and team developmental feedback (TDF) were positively related to employee creativity. Employees’ problem identification mediated the relationship between SDF and creativity, while team reflexivity mediated the relationship between SDF and problem identification as well as creativity. Our findings suggest that developmental feedback that is informational, motivational, and future-oriented in nature from one’s supervisor and the team contributes to the generation of both novel and useful ideas. We also discuss implications for research and address the limitations of this research.

Correction: Flowing toward toughness: serial mediation of flow and mental toughness in gamified XR soccer instruction

Enhancing deep learning in AI-enhanced education: a dual mediation model of cognitive load and learning motivation through interaction quality

This research develops and validates a dual mediation framework examining the pathways through which interaction quality in artificial intelligence educational systems is positively associated with deep learning outcomes via cognitive load reduction and motivational enhancement. Utilizing covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM), we analyzed survey data from 570 university teachers engaged with AI-powered learning platforms. Findings demonstrate that high-quality human-AI interaction significantly reduces cognitive burden, which in turn is positively related to learning motivation and shows pathways to deep learning approaches. Bootstrap procedures confirmed robust sequential mediation effects, with this pathway accounting for 53% of the total variance. The model achieved excellent fit indices and explained 31.5% of variance in deep learning outcomes. By synthesizing Cognitive Load Theory with Self-Determination Theory, this study contributes to educational technology scholarship by elucidating the psychological mechanisms linking interface design to learning depth. The empirical evidence provides actionable insights for developing AI educational systems that strategically minimize cognitive demands, foster motivational engagement, and support meaningful learning experiences.

Perceived parental autonomy support and moral behavior in youth athletes: applying the trans-contextual model

IntroductionThis study empirically examined the role of perceived parental autonomy support in promoting moral behavior among student-athletes through the Trans-Contextual Model (TCM).MethodsUsing data from 355 Korean high school athletes across 16 sports, we investigated the effects of autonomy support on autonomous and controlled motivations in everyday and sport contexts, and their subsequent influence on moral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and prosocial and antisocial behaviors.ResultsStructural equation modeling revealed that parental autonomy support positively influenced both autonomous and controlled motivations in daily life, which then transferred to sport contexts. Autonomous motivation significantly predicted moral beliefs and intentions, leading to increased prosocial and decreased antisocial behaviors. Interestingly, controlled motivations also positively impacted subjective norms, suggesting complex motivational processes underlying moral conduct.ConclusionThese findings extend previous research by integrating Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, highlighting the importance of motivational quality and contextual transfer in shaping athletes’ moral actions. Practical implications for coaching, parental education, and athlete development programs are discussed, along with directions for future longitudinal and cross-cultural research.

Latent profiles of exercise motivation and exercise-induced emotions: associations with physical activity and gender among Chinese college students

Although the specific reasons for exercise motivation and the emotions felt during it are both important for physical activity (PA), little is known about how they combine to form distinct psychological profiles. This study used a person-centered approach to identify these latent profiles based on specific exercise motives and exercise-induced emotions among Chinese college students, and examined their associations with gender and PA. We recruited 1,586 undergraduates from a university in southern China (Mage = 19.13, SD = 1.23; 468 males, 1,118 females). They completed the Motives for Physical Activities Measure-Revised (MPAM-R), the Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EFI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify subgroups based on their motivational and emotional patterns. The results supported a three-profile model: Low-Enjoyment and High-Exhaustion Profile (14.7%), Appearance-Driven and Ambivalent-Affect Profile (50.6%), and Enjoyment-Driven and High-Vitality Profile (34.8%). Gender significantly predicted profile membership, with male students more likely to belong to the Enjoyment-Driven and High-Vitality Profile. Physical activity levels differed significantly across the latent profiles in a specific pattern. The Enjoyment-Driven and High-Vitality Profile demonstrated a higher level of physical activity than both the Low-Enjoyment and High-Exhaustion Profile and the Appearance-Driven and Ambivalent-Affect Profile. No significant difference in physical activity was found between the latter two profiles. These findings reveal three distinct experiential patterns and highlight the large subgroup driven by appearance concerns as a key target for interventions aimed at fostering more autonomous motivation and positive affective experiences.

Longitudinal associations between generative artificial intelligence adoption and university PE teachers’ professional competence

BackgroundGenerative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly integrated into educational practice, yet longitudinal evidence regarding its role in teachers’ professional development remains limited, particularly in physical education contexts characterized by embodied teaching.MethodsThis study employed a three-wave longitudinal design over 1 year to examine the dynamic associations between GenAI adoption and professional competence among 558 university physical education teachers in China. Cross-lagged panel modeling was used to test the longitudinal mediating role of self-regulated learning and the moderating effect of teaching experience.ResultsThe results showed that GenAI adoption exhibited a significant and sustained positive association with teachers’ professional competence across time. Self-regulated learning functioned as a longitudinal mediator linking GenAI adoption to professional competence. Moreover, teaching experience negatively moderated this indirect pathway, such that the mediation effect was stronger among early-career teachers than among those with longer teaching experience.ConclusionBy integrating the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework with self-regulated learning and career stage perspectives, this study extends prior cross-sectional research by elucidating the dynamic mechanisms through which GenAI adoption is associated with teachers’ professional competence development. The findings highlight the importance of differentiated and targeted digital empowerment strategies in physical education.

Editorial: Bystanders' roles in workplace bullying: impacts and interventions

Correction: Physical literacy conceptions in teacher training: a longitudinal study

From stress to success: using physiological data to predict cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulation performance

Background and aimManaging stress is critical in emergency medicine, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rely on team dynamics. Although subjective and physiological markers assess stress, few studies have examined their combined effects during CPR simulations. The influence of team role (leader vs. member) and whether physiological data can predict performance also remain underexplored. This study addresses these gaps.MethodsThirty emergency residents attending the School of Emergency Medicine of the University of Padua (Italy) were recruited with previous certification in Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and randomly paired, each assigned to one of two roles: team leader (TL) or team member (TM). Randomization also considered baseline stress level (PSS-10). Each pair was then assigned to cardiac arrest with a shockable or non-shockable rhythm, including 2 min of uninterrupted chest compressions, following American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. The data collected included CPR performance metrics (compression depth, rate, recoil). Physiological data were collected before, during, and after CPR using Empatica E4 and eSense, Heart rate (HR), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Electrodermal Activity (EDA), and Skin conductance response (SCR).ResultsParticipants reported moderate baseline stress (PSS-10, VAS stress/anxiety). Baseline physiological measures were within normative ranges. ANOVA revealed a significant effect of group condition for HRV (p 

Beyond the hype: a psychological perspective on AI chatbots

The prospect of suicide biomarkers: from neurobiology to precision prevention

Suicide remains a global public health crisis, accounting for over 720,000 deaths annually. Despite progress in identifying risk factors and developing theoretical frameworks, suicide continues to be a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon that eludes comprehensive understanding. This review synthesizes current evidence on the neurobiological underpinnings of suicidal behavior, encompassing genetic and epigenetic vulnerabilities, systemic physiological dysregulations, and structural and functional brain alterations. Furthermore, it critically evaluates recent advances in biologically-targeted interventions and assesses the translational potential of biomarker research for precision psychiatry. While these developments provide promising avenues for objective risk stratification and targeted treatments, significant challenges persist in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical implementation. By integrating evidence across these disciplines, this review aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive reference to inform clinical practice and guide future research directions.

Predictive and prospective control strategies of elite batters during interception tasks: coupling of perception and action

IntroductionIntercepting fast-moving objects, such as during baseball batting, requires the seamless integration of visual perception and motor execution under severe temporal constraints. Although the critical role of visual information in visuomotor coordination is well established, it remains unclear how predictive and prospective control interact when certain phases of visual input are unavailable. This study aimed to elucidate their distinct contributions by examining visuomotor coupling under selectively occluded early and/or late visual information during a time-constrained interception task.MethodsFifteen skilled collegiate baseball players performed a computerized touchscreen interception task, intercepting a fast-moving stimulus (0.5, 0.67, and 1.0 m/s) at a target area. Stimulus visibility was manipulated across four occlusion conditions (full vision, early occlusion, late occlusion, and both occlusions). Eye and hand movements were recorded simultaneously to analyze gaze behavior, motor performance, and spatiotemporal coupling.ResultsAll temporal variables shortened as stimulus velocity increased. Under partial occlusion, participants employed distinct compensatory strategies: early occlusion accelerated movement initiation, whereas late occlusion adjusted completion timing. Hand timing error remained unaffected by occlusion, suggesting regulation by an internal timing model independent of immediate visual availability. In contrast, spatial accuracy (radial and spatial coupling errors) markedly declined when early predictive information was unavailable, particularly under both occlusions condition.ConclusionThese findings suggest that successful interception depends on dual control mechanisms—temporal efficiency maintained through flexible compensation and spatial accuracy governed by predictive planning based on early visual information. The concurrent loss of predictive and prospective control critically impairs spatial integration, underscoring the necessity of integrated feedforward-feedback coordination.

Deep learning-based classification of student GPA integrating psychological and family factors in the post-pandemic era

BackgroundIn the post-pandemic era, college students’ academic performance is influenced by a range of non-cognitive factors, which often reduces the accuracy of conventional Grade Point Average (GPA) prediction models. For this, we developed a deep-learning–based GPA classification framework that integrates family background and psychological evaluation indicators, and empirically revealed the underlying associations among these dimensions.MethodsData were collected from 1,692 undergraduates at a Chinese university. The dataset included family background factors such as gender, family economic situation, only-child, and left-behind years, as well as SCL-90 psychological evaluation scores and GPA records. Four deep learning models were evaluated: TabTransformer, DCNv2, AutoInt, and MLP-ResNet. In addition, a lightweight feature-gating mechanism was incorporated to improve feature selection in high-dimensional heterogeneous data. Model performance was evaluated using Accuracy and Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC). Associations among variables were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation, χ2 tests, and t-SNE visualization.ResultsThe TabTransformer with the gating mechanism achieved the highest performance among the tested models, with an Accuracy of 0.798 and an AUC of 0.833. GPA was significantly negatively correlated with SCL-90 domains, including depression and anxiety. Additionally, unfavorable family background factors—such as lower family economic status and longer periods of being left behind—were correlated with poorer psychological assessment outcomes.ConclusionThis study developed a deep-learning framework using family background and psychological evaluation factors to classify GPA, support academic risk identification, and inform targeted academic assistance and psychological interventions.

Anxiety symptoms and self-reported executive functioning in transgender and gender nonconforming adults: associations with autistic traits and depression

BackgroundBetween 4.8 and 26% of adults presenting to gender dysphoria clinics have autism. Both autistic people and transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people have higher rates of mental health conditions including anxiety and depression and more difficulties with executive functioning, all of which impact quality of life.MethodsWe characterized relationships among mental health, gender nonconformity, and autism in a sample of 54 TGNC individuals, 44.4% of whom were autistic (29.6% formally diagnosed and 14.8% self-identified). We analyzed traits continuously (using the Autism Spectrum Quotient).ResultsAnxiety was the strongest predictor of executive functioning scores, while the contributions of depression symptoms and autistic traits did not rise to the level of statistical significance.ConclusionFindings suggest that clinicians can support TGNC autistic people by helping them with their mental health, particularly with managing their anxiety.

Fostering therapeutic relationships in brief interventions: an exploratory qualitative study of the Ensemble program for informal caregivers of adults with psychiatric disorders

IntroductionInformal caregivers play a crucial and multifaceted role in the recovery of individuals with psychiatric disorders, but this role can negatively impact their own quality of life. Therefore, targeted interventions that address caregivers’ specific needs are essential. The Ensemble program is a brief, targeted intervention designed to enhance caregivers’ psychological well-being through a helping relationship centered on their lived experience. This qualitative study explored how dynamic, co-constructed therapeutic relationships develop between practitioners and informal caregivers, and how both parties experience these relationships.MethodsA qualitative design was employed, integrating semi-structured individual interviews with Ensemble practitioners and a focus group with informal caregivers. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Additional material was collected from post-program responses to the open-ended question, “What did you like most about this follow-up?”ResultsFour relational dimensions characterized the informal caregiver–practitioner relationship: (1) therapeutic alliance; (2) an empathic, respectful, partnership-oriented, and accepting stance; (3) relational authenticity; and (4) flexibility, adaptation, and co-construction. A strong therapeutic relationship was shown to develop rapidly within the five-session Ensemble intervention. Facilitating factors included practitioners’ deep understanding of caregivers’ experiences, their relatives’ clinical and social backgrounds, and the challenges inherent to the caregiving role. Attentive, accurate, and non-judgmental listening promoted caregiver engagement and active participation.ConclusionRelational reciprocity emerged as a key mechanism, supporting partnership-based dynamics and emphasizing the importance of flexible frameworks along with empathic, welcoming, and non-judgmental attitudes in fostering hope and sustained engagement.

Bedtime procrastination and psychological distress in university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis of their association

Bedtime procrastination (BP), the voluntary delay of sleep despite the opportunity and intention to sleep, is prevalent among university students, a population particularly vulnerable to both sleep problems and psychological distress. While theoretically linked to mental health, the magnitude and consistency of its associations with depression, anxiety, and stress remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify these associations and explore potential moderators. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, WanFang Data, and ProQuest from inception to 2025. Observational studies reporting correlations between BP and depression, anxiety, or perceived stress in university students were included. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to synthesize Pearson correlation coefficients (r). Moderator analyses examined geographic region, gender, and measurement tool. Eighteen studies (N = 35,097) were included. Meta-analyses revealed significant, positive associations between BP and overall psychological distress (k = 14, r = 0.34, 95% CI [0.23, 0.43]), depressive symptoms (k = 11, r = 0.28, [0.22, 0.34]), anxiety symptoms (k = 8, r = 0.30, [0.22, 0.37]), and perceived stress (k = 9, r = 0.38, [0.30, 0.46]). Effect sizes were moderate, with the strongest association observed for stress. Substantial heterogeneity was present (I2 > 90%). Moderator analyses indicated significantly stronger associations in samples from Asian regions compared to the non-Asian areas for overall distress and depression. Neither gender distribution nor the specific BP measurement tool significantly moderated the effects. Bedtime procrastination is a robust, transdiagnostic behavioral correlate of psychological distress in university students, showing a powerful link to perceived stress. Findings support theoretical models framing BP as a stress-contingent self-regulation failure. The association appears robust across methodological variations but is culturally contextualized. Targeting bedtime procrastination in interventions may offer a viable pathway for improving sleep and mental wellbeing in this population.Systematic review registrationhttps://osf.io/gy6pv/overview?view_only=cf344af529ec48a0a50e0ea09d6cb94d.

From surviving to thriving: a process–ecological model of psychological resilience in doctoral students

BackgroundDoctoral students worldwide face considerable mental health challenges. Predominant research, often grounded in a pathological paradigm, has treated psychological resilience as a static trait, thereby overlooking its dynamic construction and ecological embeddedness within person–environment interactions.AimThis study explores how doctoral students in high-pressure academic settings build psychological resilience through ongoing interaction with their ecosystems to transition from a state of survival to one of thriving.MethodsUsing a constructivist grounded theory approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 doctoral students from Chinese universities. Data were analyzed through a process of constant comparative method and iterative coding.ResultsThe analysis yielded a process–ecological model of psychological resilience. This model identifies a four-stage, nonlinear developmental pathway: stress perception, cognitive restructuring, strategy integration, and value transcendence. This progression is powered by a dual-engine mechanism in which meaning-making provides direction and agency activation supplies motivation, all nested within and shaped by the dynamic interplay of individual, relational, and institutional ecosystems.ConclusionThe process-ecological model frames psychological resilience as a dynamic practice that co-evolves with academic identity formation. We advocate for a fundamental paradigm shift in the doctoral student support system—from individual-level remedial interventions toward the systematic cultivation of an enabling, ecological resilience system.

Psychosocial issues of neonatal screening in the context of its major expansion: a scoping review

BackgroundNewborn screening (NBS) programs began in the 1960s in the US and Europe. Systematically offered at birth, these programs enable the early detection of serious, rare, inherited diseases, facilitating timely treatment and improving survival rates. The range of detectable diseases has expanded significantly, with inclusion criteria evolving since the programs’ inception. Recent advances in genomics now allow for the detection of all DNA variant, enabling the identification of conditions typically diagnosed later in life and/or for which no effective treatment or preventive interventions are currently available. This expansion raises ethical and psychosocial concerns.ObjectivesTo explore the psychosocial challenges associated with the expansion of NBS.MethodsBetween May 2022 and March 2024, a global scoping review was conducted using three databases and gray literature. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and thematic analysis was applied to synthesize findings.ResultsOf 623 articles identified between 1997 and 2024, 68 met inclusion criteria, with nine additional gray literature references, for a total of 77 publications. Most studies originated from North America (n = 45) and Europe (n = 26), predominantly in healthcare sciences (n = 41), particularly medicine (n = 29), and in humanities and social sciences (n = 23), especially psychology (n = 14). The literature mainly addressed parents’ experiences during the early years following an abnormal NBS result; few studies explored healthcare professionals’ or patients’ perspectives. Three core thematic categories were identified: (1) parents’ experience of abnormal results and the impact on parent–child relationships; (2) strategies to mitigate psychosocial risks, including professional and public education; and (3) challenges related to NBS expansion.DiscussionThese themes were interpreted as higher-level psychosocial constructs: (1) anxious and depressive dimensions of parental responses; (2) Vulnerable Child Syndrome as a construct shaping parental perceptions and caregiving practices; and (3) psychosocial implications of NBS expansion. Parental anxiety and depression were the most studied outcomes, particularly following abnormal or false-positive results. Current professional training and public education appear insufficient given rapid NBS evolution. Viewing NBS as a continuous process within family–healthcare relationships may help mitigate psychosocial risks.ConclusionFurther research in psychology and social sciences is critical to better understand and address psychosocial risks, particularly for late-onset conditions and those without current treatment or prevention options.

The relationship between teacher identity and learning engagement in sports training students: the mediating role of learning motivation

IntroductionIn the current educational context, the professional identity of physical education teachers serves as an important indicator of how prepared sports training students to enter the teaching profession.MethodsThis study used structural equation modeling to analyze questionnaire data from 588 sports training students from nine universities in China. The aim was to examine the relationship between physical education teacher identity, motivation, and commitment to learning.ResultsThe overall level of physical education teacher identity among sports training students was moderately to high. A positive correlation was found between physical education teacher identity, learning motivation, and learning engagement. Furthermore, Physical education teacher identity was a significant predictor of sports training students' academic engagement, with learning motivation acting as a mediator in this relationship.DiscussionThese findings offer valuable insights into how educational institutions can foster the development of physical education teacher identity by adapting their training programs, providing practical strategies for enhance students' motivation and engagement in learning.

Attitudes and behaviors toward hypnosis and hypnotic susceptibility in physiotherapy patients: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectivesHypnosis is a focused cognitive state with increased suggestibility and neurophysiological changes, but misconceptions remain despite its clinical value. This study examined physiotherapy patients' beliefs and behaviors about hypnosis, their hypnotic suggestibility levels, and the relationships among these factors.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study included voluntary adult participants aged 18–70 years who presented to the physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics. Individuals with psychiatric disorders, cognitive impairment, poor general health, illiteracy, or incomplete data were excluded. Demographic characteristics were recorded, and participants were asked to complete the attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis scale (VSABTH-T) and the Short Form of the Suggestibility Scale (SSS). The study evaluated participants' attitudes, beliefs, and levels of suggestibility, as well as the relationships among these variables. A significance level of p < 0.05 was accepted for all statistical analyses.ResultsThe study analyzed data from 399 participants (65.9% male, 34.1% female) with a mean age of 42.68 ± 16.75 years. 75.4% of participants had limited knowledge, and 3.5% had hypnosis experience. Predominantly expressed concerns regarding hypnotic procedures were 86.2% fear, 61.9% emerging from hypnosis, 51.8% losing control, and 33.3% of the participants defined hypnosis as dangerous. Participants had a mean attitude and behavior score toward hypnosis of 107.21 ± 15.8 and a mean hypnotizability score of 53.29 ± 8.76. Although age, occupation, and income level showed very weak but statistically significant correlations with the total VSABTH-T scores (p = 0.001), there was no correlation with total SSS scores (p > 0.05). Attitudes toward hypnosis and hypnotic suggestibility are significantly affected by age, education, occupation, income, and particularly the level of knowledge about hypnosis (p < 0.05). Total VSABTH-T and SSS scores were not correlated (p = 0.069), although very weak associations were observed between subdimensions (p < 0.05).ConclusionPhysiotherapy patients demonstrated limited hypnosis knowledge and experience and misconceptions. Demographic factors showed weak associations with attitudes and suggestibility. Findings highlight that personal beliefs and demographics interact complexly in shaping hypnotic responsiveness, emphasizing the need for targeted education to reduce misconceptions.