Request Appointment

The influence of exposure to foreign literature on Chinese readers’ out-group attitudes: the sequential mediating role of emotional investment and cultural empathy

IntroductionThis study examines the impact of exposure to foreign literature on out-group attitudes among Chinese readers.MethodsA sequential mediation model is tested, and the effect of exposure to foreign literature on out-group attitudes is mediated by emotional investment and cultural empathy. The study included 799 Chinese readers of foreign literature. Participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 48 years, with a mean age of 34.72 (SD = 5.03). Using a sequential mediation model, we explored how foreign literature might indirectly shape attitudes toward diverse social groups through heightened emotional and empathetic engagement.ResultsThe exposure to foreign literature significantly predicts positive out-group attitudes, both directly and indirectly. Specifically, emotional investment in foreign narratives facilitates a personal connection to characters from different backgrounds, enhancing cultural empathy and, in turn, more favorable out-group attitudes.DiscussionOur findings highlight that foreign literature is a valuable medium for fostering intercultural empathy by providing readers with indirect experiences of diverse cultural perspectives. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of carefully curated literary selections and structured educational approaches to maximize the positive impact of foreign literature on readers’ attitudes. These results contribute to understanding literature’s role in promoting inclusivity, with implications for educational practices that foster empathy and reduce prejudice. Future research should continue to investigate the specific genres, themes, and teaching techniques that most effectively cultivate cultural empathy and open-mindedness in an increasingly globalized society.

Bibliometric analysis of resilience in stroke from 2000 to 2024 using CiteSpace and VOSviewer

ObjectiveThis study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research literature on psychological resilience among stroke survivors published from 2000 to 2024, utilizing VOSviewer and CiteSpace.MethodsThe literature data was sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC). A total of 424 relevant articles, published between January 1, 2000, and April 30, 2024, were included. To analyze the literature, the software tools CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed, examining perspectives such as authorship, country of origin, institutions, journals, references, and keywords.ResultsSince 2015, the annual publication output has steadily increased, reaching a peak in 2022 (65 articles). The United States is the most prolific contributor, with Harvard University being the leading institution in this field. Zhang W and Vranceanu A have emerged as the authors with the highest productivity, each boasting five published articles. “Stroke” is the most co-cited journal (204 times) with a high impact factor (IF 2022, 8.4). The most frequently occurring keywords are “stroke,” “resilience,” “depression,” “health,” and “quality of life.” Emerging trends include research on post-stroke cognitive impairment, meta-analyses, population differences, guideline development, and symptom management.ConclusionThis bibliometric study indicates the increased scholarly interest in investigating psychological resilience among persons who have survived a stroke over the last 24 years. The United States and China have emerged as the leading contributors to this study area, with international collaboration on the rise. To enhance this subject, subsequent studies should target refining theoretical frameworks, enhancing assessment instruments, establishing evidence-based guidelines, and developing tailored therapies that increase psychological resilience and holistic well-being for stroke survivors.

Understanding the marital self-disclosure experience during chemotherapy for gastric cancer: a qualitative study

ObjectiveThis study explores the experiences of Chinese gastric cancer patients and their spouses in implementing marital self-disclosure and examines the barriers and facilitators to the acceptance of marital self-disclosure among gastric cancer patients. The study aims to assist nurses in developing effective communication strategies for patients and their spouses, thus promoting their psychological well-being.MethodsThe study employed purposive sampling with a maximum variation approach to select participants. From January to June 2024, 18 pairs of gastric cancer patients and their spouse caregivers, who were hospitalized in the oncology department of a tertiary hospital in Jingjiang, Jiangsu Province, participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data was transcribed within 24 h after each interview, supported by field notes. Directed content analysis was applied to qualitative content analysis.ResultsTraditional content analysis revealed five overarching themes and 15 sub-themes derived from the experiences of gastric cancer patients and their spouses during chemotherapy. The five themes identified were: (1) perception of marital self-disclosure, (2) the Influence of marital self-disclosure on Couples’ Well-Being, (3) addressing concerns about marital self-disclosure, (4) factors facilitating marital self-disclosure, and (5) the obstacles to marital self-disclosure.ConclusionNurses should recognize the importance of communication between spouses during chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients. Positive interventions should be adopted to alleviate one-sided, conflictual communication and avoidance behaviors. Nurses should focus on personalized communication issues, identify barriers to disclosure promptly, and provide tailored care. Furthermore, patient case management should be emphasized to facilitate the development of more effective communication strategies.

Narcissism between cold-blooded and hot-headed characters in toxic online behaviors. The moderating role of the R4 functional drivers

IntroductionPrevious studies on the association of narcissism with toxic online behaviors have shown mixed results, ranging from a weak relationship with cyberbullying to no relationship with trolling behavior. Moreover, there has been no clear distinction on which specific dimension (grandiose or vulnerable) is related to online aggressive behaviors. Therefore, the present study examined the relationships of the two variants of narcissism with cyberbullying and trolling behavior, taking into account the moderating role of four different functional drivers.MethodThree self-reported questionnaires were administered to 202 undergraduate students. The survey included a sociodemographic section, the grandiose and vulnerable Narcissism dimension, the tendency towards engaging in cyberbullying and/or trolling behaviors, and four functional drivers of cyber-aggression.ResultsFindings indicated individual differences between the two variants of narcissism associated with the two cyber-aggressive behaviors. Correlational analyses showed that (i) vulnerable narcissism was consistently related to cyberbullying and trolling behavior; (ii) grandiose narcissism was neither related to cyberbullying nor to trolling behavior. Moderation analyses indicated that (iii) grandiose narcissists were more likely to show trolling behavior if they exhibited high levels of functional driver (reward and revenge), and were less likely to be engaged in cyberbullying behavior if they displayed lower levels of revenge; (iv) vulnerable narcissists were more likely to show trolling behavior if they manifest high levels of revenge. Finally, the findings reported no other moderated effects of the motivational drivers on cyberbullying behavior for vulnerable narcissists.DiscussionThis study provided evidence for the dual behavioral mode of the variants of narcissism in cyber-aggression, thus discovering the antagonistic aspect underlying both variants of the trait in connection with the four functional drivers. Further studies should not only confirm such empirical evidence, but also develop effective moderation intervention tailored to a more detailed users’ personality profile for reducing trolling and cyberbullying behaviors.

Editorial: Current status of neural networks that subserve emotion and cognition – unraveling the complex brain through multidisciplinary contributions in awake brain surgery

Mini marvels: superhero engagement across early childhood

IntroductionSuperhero engagement is common in early childhood, particularly among boys, and tends to be related to negative outcomes, such as aggression. However, most research lumps all types of superhero engagement together and is conducted over a relatively short space of time. The current study is a five-year longitudinal study of four different types of superhero engagement (identification, toys, dress up, and media).MethodParticipants included 430 children (M age = 29.17 months at Wave 1) and their primary caregivers who were asked questions about superhero engagement and social behavior once a year for 5 years.ResultsOverall, superhero engagement was relatively high in early childhood and showed distinct trajectories depending on the type of engagement, with the most rapid growth occurring in superhero media. Boys and those who viewed high levels of television were more likely to have higher levels of superhero engagement. Additionally, early high identification with superheroes and playing with superhero toys and moderate but increasing superhero media predicted higher levels of aggression and aggressive defending over time. Dressing up as superheroes was related to very few outcomes during early childhood.DiscussionOverall, this study has implications for parents, educators, and creators of superhero media and merchandise.

Parental rejection and generalized anxiety disorder in early adolescents: the mediating role of alexithymia

The aim of this study is to extend our knowledge of the possible association between (maternal and paternal) parental rejection and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms in early adolescence by investigating the possible mediating role of alexithymia. A sample of Italian early adolescents (N = 234; Mage: 11.86, SD = 0.93; 47% male) was recruited from several schools in northwestern Italy. Participants completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire that included information on experience of parental rejection, alexithymia, and GAD symptoms. Our results show an association between parental rejection (both maternal and paternal) and GAD symptoms. Furthermore, the data show that alexithymia tends to mediate the relationship between maternal/paternal rejection and GAD. In this sense, parental rejection is associated with an increase in alexithymic symptoms, which in turn is associated with an increase in GAD symptoms in early adolescents. Limitations of the research and practical implications are discussed.

A scoping review of emotional contagion research with human subjects: identifying common trends of previous research and potential areas for future research

IntroductionEmotional contagion (EC) involves the automatic mimicry and synchronization of expressions, vocalizations, and movements, resulting in emotional alignment between individuals. Despite consistent scholastic explorations of the various nuances and tenets associated with emotional contagion processes and outcomes, there has yet to be a thorough review of human subjects-based emotional contagion research.MethodsThis review examines human subjects EC research trends, analyzing 277 articles (published from 1992 to 2022) to identify common conceptualizations, triggers, and measurement methods.ResultsAnalyses indicated that Hatfield et al.’s classic conceptualization is the most cited, and common triggers include facial expressions in images and videos, and real-time interactions - though many studies did not stimulate EC. While many studies did utilize validated EC scales, about 28% of the studies reviewed used non-validated questions to measure EC. Moreover, the EC research reviewed heavily relies on college-aged, predominantly white participants, indicating a need for more diverse samples.DiscussionFuture EC research should explore processes and nuances associated with EC among older adults, minoritized groups, and diverse contexts (e.g., healthcare, schools), using novel triggers and multiple measurement methods.

Simplified and shortened French adaptation of a self-esteem contingency measure

IntroductionThis study aims to validate a shortened and adapted French version of a self-esteem contingency measure specifically designed to evaluate how self-esteem depends on two fundamental psychological needs: competence and affiliation. To ensure a clear understanding and broaden the tool's validity across diverse populations, it was tested among three groups: students, job seekers, and employees.MethodsFour samples participated in the survey: students (N = 221, N = 507), job seekers (N = 270), and employees (N = 328). Participants completed the adapted self-esteem contingency scale along with other selected scales to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory analyses (CFA, ESEM, Bifactor-CFA, and Bifactor-ESEM) were conducted to explore the scale's structure.ResultsThe EFA revealed a two-dimensional structure, while the confirmatory analyses suggested a bifactorial model composed of one global factor and three specific factors: contingency regarding competence, self-criticism, and contingency regarding relationships. The bifactorial model demonstrated good internal consistency across all groups and satisfactory temporal stability. Correlation analyses with other constructs supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale.ConclusionOverall, the shortened and adapted French version of the self-esteem contingency measure is a valid and reliable instrument. It assesses global self-esteem contingency while accounting for the specificities related to the needs for competence and affiliation. This dual focus enhances the scale's applicability in both research and intervention contexts.

Neurobiological basis of autism spectrum disorder: mini review

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, with significant symptom variability. This multifaceted profile reflects a complex genetic architecture as well as diversity in morphological characteristics. Therefore, the objective of this review is to discuss the genetic and morphological aspects that may contribute to understanding autism. No temporal restrictions were applied for study inclusion, nor were there limitations regarding language. Scientific articles available in full text and directly related to the topic were included, while editorials, letters, conference abstracts, theses, dissertations, and books were excluded. The results of this review converge on two main aspects: (1) genetic and morphological findings are essential for a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder, providing an important basis for investigating its underlying mechanisms; and (2) despite their relevance, the results are still incipient and insufficient to explain the full clinical and behavioral heterogeneity associated with autism, highlighting the need for further studies.

Supporting parents of children with learning disorders: a systematic review of intervention strategies

IntroductionSpecific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting 5–15% of children worldwide, typically involving difficulties in reading, writing, and/or mathematics. Dyslexia is the most common subtype. These disorders impact both children and their parents, highlighting the need for emotional and educational support to help families manage SLD-related challenges. Although various parenting programmes exist, little is known about which features make some interventions more effective than others.MethodsThis systematic review assessed the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational parenting interventions. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases for studies published between 1950 and 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. From 1,519 records, 10 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria.ResultsThe included studies showed that parental support interventions improved parents’ emotional well-being and coping strategies. These improvements were linked to better academic, behavioural, and social outcomes in children. Interventions differed in format and delivery, but all focused on strengthening parental skills and knowledge.DiscussionParenting interventions that combine emotional and educational support appear beneficial for both parents and children. They foster environments that support children’s development. Further research is needed to identify the most effective components and delivery methods across diverse populations.

Benefit-finding experiences of liver transplant recipients who underwent perioperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment: a qualitative research

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the benefit-finding experiences of liver transplant recipients who undergo perioperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatments in order to provide targeted nursing care and promote mental health among these patients.MethodsThis study employed the phenomenological research approach within the framework of qualitative research. The determination of the sample size was predicated on achieving information saturation. Between June 2023 and March 2024, eight liver transplant recipients who underwent perioperative ECMO treatment at a qualified liver transplantation hospital in Guangxi were purposively selected for semi-structured interviews. In line with the cognitive adaptation theory, this study employed template analysis as the analytical approach, wherein each word in the text content was meticulously examined and categorized into their respective structures based on the theory's three frameworks. Throughout the analysis process, the researchers continuously refined and adjusted abstract content placed within templates while exploring the potential emergence of new themes.ResultsThe study involved a total of eight participants, comprising seven male and one female patient, aged between 43 and 68 years. Among the eight patients, seven had grade 3 or higher coronary artery disease, and one had severe arrhythmia, all of which were attributed to heart conditions necessitating ECMO support during liver transplantation. The ECMO types used were exclusively VA, with auxiliary durations varying between 5 h and 9.5 h. Three overarching themes and seven corresponding sub-themes were extracted: (1) the search for meaning, including a strong desire to survive, recognize the meaning of therapy; (2) gaining a sense of mastery, including a sense of control over one's body and psychological; (3) self-enhancement, including perceiving social support, strengthening self-management, and affirming self-worth.ConclusionsLiver transplant recipients who undergo preoperative ECMO treatment can have benefit-finding experiences. This study indicates that medical professionals should not only focus on timely and accurate treatment but also prioritize addressing patients' psychological needs while caring for critically ill individuals. Clinical medical staff can guide patients in engaging in positive psychological construction, exploring and providing effective social support resources, fostering patients' self-health management, and enhancing the level and patients' ability of benefit-finding by strengthening knowledge, education, and establishing psychological mutual assistance platforms after liver transplantation.

Development and validation of the scale of aesthetics and creativity in chess

This study examined the psychometric quality of the Scale of Aesthetics and Creativity in Chess (SACC) with the data collected from 132 expert and non-expert chess players. To analyze the validity, reliability, and item functioning within the scale, the Many-facet Rasch model was applied. The Rasch measure explained 50.59% of the variance in scores and provided evidence for the scale’s unidimensionality. The reliability indices for items and participants were 0.83 and 0.93, respectively. The expertise level of chess players predicted scores on the SACC; however, Intermediate level players showed the lowest scores in comparison with Expert, Advanced, and Beginner level participants.

School bullying and non-suicidal self-injury: the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of social support

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between school bullying and non-suicidal self-injury and the roles of depression and social support among high school students from single-parent families.MethodsThe School Bullying Questionnaire, the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior Rating Questionnaire, the Stream Call Depression Self-Rating Scale, and the Adolescent Social Support Scale were used to investigate 312 high school students from single-parent families.Results(1) School bullying positively predicted non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors among high school students from single-parent families; (2) depression mediated the relationship between school bullying and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors among high school students from single-parent families; and (3) social support negatively moderated the second half of the pathway and the direct pathway of this mediation model.ConclusionThere is a moderated mediating effect between school bullying and non-suicidal self-injury among high school students from single-parent families, depression is a mediating variable in the relationship, and social support mitigates the effects of school bullying and depression on non-suicidal self-injurious behavior.

On the measurability of consciousness

With the recent advances in neuroscience and brain scanning technologies, there is an increased interest in the measurement problem of consciousness (MPC). The development of a consciousness measurement system (CMS) is still in its infancy without a formal framework and established design approach. This article presents a novel consciousness measurement framework based on consciousness theories and engineering concepts such as measurement workflow, problem space analysis, and observability. The framework proposes measurability criteria, applies them to different use cases, and identifies whether existing theories and technologies can measure consciousness attributes for specific use cases. Researchers and engineers can use this framework to determine the feasibility of CMS for individual use cases.

From adversity to adaptation: the struggle between resilience and athlete burnout in stressful situations

Athlete burnout is considered a negative psychological consequence of stressors in sports, with the potential to adversely affect both the physical and mental well-being of athletes, as well as their overall performance. Resilience serves as a protective factor against stressors, enabling athletes to effectively manage the unique challenges they encounter in the sports environment, ultimately helping protect them from burnout. This narrative review aimed to summarize the direct evidence regarding the relationship between resilience and athlete burnout. By examining existing theories and empirical evidence, the relationship between resilience and athlete burnout was explored and discussed in terms of individual and environmental factors, theoretical models, and neurobiological mechanisms to construct effective intervention programs to prevent and control the occurrence of athlete burnout. At present, resilience can positively influence athlete burnout through individual factors (perceived stress, coping strategies, and motivation) as well as environmental factors (social support, motivational climate, family cohesion, and coach-athlete relationship). The theoretical models mainly include the stress coping process model of athlete resilience and the systematic self-reflection model. These models elucidate the relationship between resilience and athlete burnout from the viewpoints of stress coping and self-reflection, respectively. The neurobiological mechanisms through which resilience influences athlete burnout are explored primarily through the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the mesolimbic dopamine system. These mechanisms suggest that resilience has an effect on athlete burnout primarily through stress hormone levels and brain region activity related to reward and motivation. However, the pathways and mechanisms through which resilience influences athlete burnout require further in-depth investigation. Future research should combine the longitudinal perspective to track the dynamic impact relationship between resilience and athlete burnout and focus on examining the relevant theoretical framework from a multidisciplinary research perspective to provide a theoretical basis for coaches and sports managers to formulate scientific training programs. This will help enhance athlete resilience, effectively prevent and mitigate the risk of burnout, and promote the development of athletes’ physical and mental well-being.

Psychophysiological research in real-world environments: methodological perspectives from the SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory

Growing evidence demonstrates the importance of environmental quality for human health and wellbeing. Environmental psychology can inform planning and design of future environments, but previous research often used simulated settings, limiting ecological validity. To bridge this gap and enable studies in real environments, a new laboratory (SENSOLA) has been built at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The laboratory is designed to facilitate studies on human-environment interactions in real environments, with a particular focus on psychophysiology using wearable sensors. An important prerequisite of the endeavor is the ability to synchronize environmental data with biomarkers and participants’ self-reports over time. In this methodological paper, we describe the creation and implementation of the SENSOLA laboratory. Drawing on experiences gained from the first ten studies conducted within the laboratory, we summarize key considerations for conducting research in field settings. We discuss various methodological approaches and procedural considerations, highlighting challenges and possibilities, to serve as a peer-reviewed guideline for future studies in the lab and elsewhere.

Profiles of economic constraints and marginalization among Korean working adults: differences in work and life outcomes

IntroductionRecent research has explored profiles of economic constraints and marginalization based on the Psychology of Working Theory, but such investigations remain limited in Korea.MethodsThis study employed latent profile analysis to identify profiles of Korean working adults based on economic constraints and marginalization and examined their associations with demographic characteristics and job and life outcomes.ResultsAmong a sample of 481 Koreans, four distinct profiles emerged: privileged (38.5%), moderately marginalized (37.1%), economically constrained (14%), and disadvantaged (10.4%). The analysis revealed that individuals without a university degree were more likely to belong to the disadvantaged and economically constrained groups than to the privileged group, but no significant gender differences observed. Regarding job and life outcomes, the privileged group showed the highest levels of work volition, decent work, physical health, and life satisfaction. The moderately marginalized group exhibited lower levels than the privileged group. The economically constrained group demonstrated similar levels to the moderately marginalized group, except that life satisfaction and physical health were comparable to those of the disadvantaged group.DiscussionBased on these findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

How mindfulness influences restrictive eating through the mediation of body image: a diary report study

ObjectiveThis study investigated whether body image mediates the link between mindfulness (state/trait) and restrictive eating behaviors.MethodsA 6-day daily survey of 65 females with restrictive eating patterns incorporated correlation, regression, and multilevel mediation analyses.ResultsTrait mindfulness, state mindfulness, and body image were positively interrelated, while all three demonstrated inverse relationships with restrictive eating. Both state and trait mindfulness predicted reduced restrictive eating behaviors. Critically, body image fully mediated the effect of state mindfulness on restrictive eating at the intra-individual level, suggesting that daily improvements in mindfulness enhance body image, which subsequently reduces maladaptive eating.ConclusionState mindfulness mitigates restrictive eating by fostering positive body image, highlighting body image's role in mindfulness-based interventions. Further research should validate this pathway across diverse populations.

Editorial: Physical education, health and education innovation, volume II