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The relationship between perceived peer support and academic adjustment among higher vocational college students: the chain mediating effects of academic hope and professional identity

PurposeAcademic adjustment is essential for the academic success of higher vocational college students. Although previous research has explored the role of perceived peer support in the academic adjustment of general undergraduate students, its role and underlying mechanisms in this group remain unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between perceived peer support and academic adjustment, focusing on the chain mediating roles of academic hope and professional identity.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 9,075 students from 35 higher vocational colleges across 15 provinces and cities in China, using multi-stage stratified random sampling. Validated scales were used to measure perceived peer support, academic adjustment, academic hope, and professional identity.ResultsThe findings revealed that perceived peer support not only directly influences academic adjustment but also exerts an indirect effect through the individual mediation of academic hope and professional identity, as well as through the sequential mediation from academic hope to professional identity.ConclusionPerceived peer support, academic hope, and professional identity significantly promote academic adjustment among higher vocational college students. These findings provide theoretical insights into the mechanisms of academic adjustment and offer practical implications for educational strategies, emphasizing the importance of fostering perceived peer support, academic hope, and professional identity to enhance students’ academic success.

Cognitive control: modeling the impact on mental health

The current study identified and investigated four leading models of the relationships among cognitive control, mental health, and psychological disorders. The Norwegian model of cognitive control emphasizes that the inability to disengage from irrelevant stimuli is related to a hyperreactive state of mind, high levels of anxiety, and deteriorated mental health. Motivational accounts of cognitive control highlight the decisive influence of perceived self-efficacy, which is positively related to mental health and negatively related to psychological disorders. Clinical-health psychological theories of cognitive control focus on the influence of cognitive control on the ability to regulate emotions. The dual competition model highlights the predominant impact of negative affect on cognitive control. This study had a cross sectional and descriptive design (N = 122). Ten Preacher and Hayes mediation analyses were conducted to compare all the models. The bootstrap sample was elevated to 5,000 to reach sufficient power for the statistical analyses. In sum, the findings of this study support most models. I propose a theoretical framework of cognitive control and mental health that integrates existing models and is applicable to various areas of life, such as clinical and neuropsychological practice, work, education, health, and personal relationships. This framework offers practical strategies for intervention and prevention, fostering resilience and well-being across various contexts while simultaneously reducing the risk of mental illnesses.

A meta-analysis of the impact of technology related factors on students’ academic performance

IntroductionThe relationship between students’ smartphone addiction, social media use, video games play, and their academic performance has been widely studied, yet the existing literature presents inconsistent findings. This meta-analysis synthesizes current research to provide a comprehensive examination of the impact of these technologies on academic achievement.MethodsA total of 63 studies (yielding 64 effect sizes) were included, encompassing a sample of 124,166 students from 28 countries. The meta-analysis utilized correlation coefficients and sample sizes, reporting results based on the random effects model. Key statistics such as the Fisher’s Z value, confidence intervals, and heterogeneity (Q) test results were considered, and publication bias was assessed using Begg and Mazumdar’s rank correlation test, with the Kendall Tau coefficient determining bias significance.Results and discussionThe meta-analysis revealed a small but statistically significant negative association between smartphone use, social media use, video game playing, and students’ academic performance [Q(64) = 2501.93, p < 0.001, d = −0.085]. It is concluded that increased use of these technologies was associated with poorer academic outcomes, potentially impacting key cognitive skills essential for academic success. The implications for educational psychology research and future research directions are discussed.

Antecedents of perceived teacher work ability: a comprehensive model across work and non-work domains

IntroductionThis study investigates the antecedents of perceived teacher work ability, a critical construct for addressing challenges associated with extending working lives and maintaining sustained professional engagement in the teaching profession. Grounded in the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this cross-sectional study investigates the relationships between job demands (quantitative, cognitive, and emotional), job resources (supervisor support, coworker support, and autonomy), burnout, and work-life conflict in shaping perceived teacher work ability.MethodsData were obtained from 841 Czech primary and lower secondary school teachers (86.1% female) with a mean age of 45.9 years (SD = 10.8). The full SEM model was developed and estimated based on the proposed hypotheses.ResultsThe findings suggest that burnout is the most significant antecedent of perceived teacher work ability, with quantitative and emotional job demands indirectly influencing it through burnout. While supervisor and coworker support directly enhance perceived teacher work ability, autonomy primarily alleviates quantitative and emotional job demands, thereby indirectly mitigating burnout. Work-life conflict partially mediates the relationship between job demands and burnout but does not directly impact perceived teacher work ability.DiscussionThese results contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between job demands, job resources, and burnout in enhancing teachers' capacity to meet the multifaceted demands of their profession effectively.

Who gets frustrated? Identifying individuals prone to frustration using a latent profile analysis

IntroductionFrustration is a complex negative emotion with multifaceted components that significantly influence cognitive and behavioral responses. While previous studies have explored frustration, identifying distinct groups of individuals prone to frustration has yielded inconsistent findings. This study employs a person-centered approach to identify clusters of drivers based on frustration triggers and emotional responses to frustrating events.MethodsA total of 2,219 drivers participated in an online survey assessing frustration experiences in various frustrating scenarios. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify subgroups based on frustration triggers and emotional responses. Predictor variables included Driving Behavior Dimensions (violations, errors, and lapses), user group categories (car-sharing, ownership, leasing), and demographic factors (age and gender).ResultsLPA identified four distinct frustration profiles: Minimal, Low, Moderate, and Severe. These profiles were associated with different frustration triggers (i.e., goal blockage, limited control) and emotional responses (i.e., anger, stress, and irritation). The Severe profile, characterized by a high probability of individuals being highly prone to frustration, exhibited the highest frustration levels and was predominantly composed of older drivers (>45 years), particularly women, from car-sharing and leasing user groups. Emotional response patterns and the likelihood of frustration arousal are consistent across profiles, varying primarily in intensity.DiscussionThese findings offer insights into frustration susceptibility and underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance emotion regulation in driving contexts. Future research should explore personalized strategies to mitigate frustration based on individual and group characteristics.

How physical exercise enhances life satisfaction in Chinese senior college students: mediating roles of self-efficacy and resilience

ObjectiveThis study explored the relationship between physical exercise and life satisfaction among senior college students by focusing on the mediating roles of self-efficacy and resilience, thereby providing theoretical support for the mental health benefits of physical exercise for senior students.MethodsA survey was conducted with 600 senior students from 10 universities using the physical exercise rating, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and resilience scales. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 for descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and reliability and validity assessments. In addition, AMOS software (version 24.0) was used to construct a structural equation model to test the hypothesized pathways and the effects of potential mediating variables.ResultsThere were significant positive correlations among the variables of physical exercise, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and resilience (r = 0.11–0.62, all p < 0.01). The structural equation model revealed that resilience fully mediated the relationship between physical exercise and life satisfaction among senior students (95% CI: 0.105–0.243), while self-efficacy did not mediate this relationship (β = 0.02, p = 0.77). However, a chain mediating effect involving self-efficacy and resilience was observed between physical exercise and life satisfaction (95% CI: 0.127–0.235).ConclusionEnhanced physical exercise can improve self-efficacy and resilience among senior college students, thereby increasing their life satisfaction.

The role of innovation and entrepreneurship employee training programs in enhancing organizational commitment from the perspective of industry–education integration

This study aims to explore the role of employee training programs in enhancing organizational commitment. In the context where organizational commitment is crucial for enterprises’ stable development and employee training programs are an important part of human resources development, understanding their relationship is of great significance. Qualitative research methods were employed. Specifically, semi - structured interviews were carried out with employees from diverse industries. Then, thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Through the thematic analysis, several key themes emerged. The relevance of training content to employees’ job roles and career aspirations has a significant impact on training effectiveness. Employees highly value practical and work - applicable training, which is closely linked to job satisfaction. The quality of trainers is also crucial, as competent and engaging trainers can enhance the perceived value of training. Moreover, knowledge sharing promoted by training programs benefits employees’ personal and professional development and strengthens the organization’s collaborative culture. The results highlight that these findings have practical implications for managers. They should design training programs that match employees’ needs and career goals, invest in improving trainers’ capabilities, and create a knowledge - sharing - friendly environment. By taking these actions, managers can enhance employees’ job satisfaction, skills, and career growth, thereby strengthening organizational commitment. Looking ahead, future research could conduct longitudinal studies to track the long - term effects of training on organizational commitment. Also, exploring the influence of organizational culture and individual differences on training outcomes can offer more targeted training strategies for different organizations and employees.

Commentary: Outlining a novel psychometric model of mental flexibility and affect dynamics

Factorial validity and measurement invariance of a self-reported scale of paradoxical leadership behaviours: evidence from sport industry leaders

IntroductionOrganisational leaders across all sectors are often faced with a dynamic, unpredictable and complex business landscape. Understanding leadership style is integral to optimising leadership and organisational culture and performance. One such leadership style that warrants further investigation is Paradoxical Leadership. This study examines the factorial validity and measurement invariance of a self-report version of the Paradoxical Leadership Scale (PLS) among a diverse sample of sport industry leaders. These sport industry leaders (n = 345) provided a platform to explore paradoxical leadership in a seldom-examined sector.MethodsParticipants were recruited through an online campaign, partnering with the sports media company, SportsPro. Factorial validity of the self-reported PLS was examined using Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (ESEM), and measurement invariance testing was conducted using Multiple Indicator Multiple Causes (MIMIC) modelling across demographic and contextual factors.ResultsResults confirmed the second-order five factor model as the best fit, with partial deviations in item loadings but maintaining overall structural integrity. The scale showed full invariance across managerial levels, experience, gender, and regions, with partial invariance across age groups, indicating its robust applicability.DiscussionThis is the first study to explore the factorial validity and measurement invariance of a modified, self-report scale measuring paradoxical leadership behaviours in a diverse sample of sport leaders. The findings support the use of this scale for both research and practical application in this context. Further research applying this scale across sectors is recommended.

Teacher-student relationship, coping style and sports anxiety among middle school students: a situational study based in Shanghai

ObjectiveThe present research aims to explore the relationship between coping style, teacher-student relationship, and sports anxiety among middle school students.MethodsA total of 289 Chinese middle school students from three schools in Shanghai participated in the survey.Results(1) A negative teacher-student relationship significantly affects sports anxiety, and conversely, sports anxiety significantly impacts the negative teacher-student relationship, demonstrating a strong mutual effect; (2) Both active coping style and negative coping style significantly influence sports anxiety, while sports anxiety also significantly affects active coping style among middle school students. In the two-way model of teacher-student relationship (including positive and negative dynamics) and sports anxiety, the mediating effect of coping style is not significant.Conclusion and perspectiveThis study enhances our understanding of the roles of student-teacher relationship and sports anxiety, providing a concrete sample and example for educational authorities in developed countries to identify relevant issues in the field of physical education.

Bibliometric analysis of global research on dialectical behavior therapy from 1987 to 2024

ObjectiveThis study explores researches of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in mental health to provide an overview of current knowledge landscape and predict future development trends of DBT.MethodThe bibliometric approach was used in the study. Articles on DBT-related research were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database up to December 31, 2024, and analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.ResultsA total of 2,723 articles were analyzed. DBT research has grown significantly since the 1990s, with the United States leading in publication volume, citation impact, and academic collaboration. Research is primarily conducted in developed countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, with limited contributions from emerging economies. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice is the most prolific journal in DBT research. Key topics include borderline personality disorder (BPD), suicide, adolescent interventions, forensic psychiatry, and family therapy. Recently, keywords such as “emotion dysregulation” and “mobile phone” have become research hotspots.ConclusionDBT research has evolved from early focus areas like BPD and suicide to studies on emotion dysregulation mechanisms and digital interventions. While the United States dominates the field, expanding participation from emerging countries and strengthening global collaboration could advance DBT research and improve mental health accessibility. This bibliometric analysis provides a global perspective and long-term trend insights, highlighting future directions in neurobiological mechanisms, methodological innovation, and technological integration.

The psychologically rich life questionnaire: Italian validation and exploration of its relationships with mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive fusion within the health psychology framework

IntroductionBased on the theoretical framework that a fulfilling life encompasses happiness, meaning, and psychological richness, this study introduces the Italian translation of the Psychologically Rich Life Questionnaire (PRLQ-I), exploring its connection with mindfulness, self-compassion, cognitive fusion, and anxiety, positing psychological richness as a critical, yet distinct, component of well-being. Psychological richness, characterized by diverse and interesting experiences, complements the hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions of well-being, offering a broader perspective on what constitutes a meaningful life.MethodsAfter a subsequent back translation procedure, the resulting questionnaire version was checked for the comprehensibility of the items. Then, the PRLQ-I’s reliability and single-factor structure were evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in a large sample (N = 418) of the Italian population, as well as convergent and discriminant validity.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis confirmed the original PRLQ structure, indicating one dimension, namely psychological richness, and the excellent internal consistency of the questionnaire. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit of the model for the one-factor structure. We then showed that psychological richness is positively associated with mindfulness and self-compassion, confirming that psychological richness is related to other happiness constructs but appears to be distinct from them. Moreover, psychological richness is inversely related to anxiety and cognitive fusion.DiscussionThese results demonstrate the optimal reliability of the scale, even in its Italian version. They moreover provide suggestions for incorporating these related dimensions into programs designed to promote psychological richness, confirming its role in enhancing psychological well-being.

Psychosocial hazards and work-life balance: the role of workplace conflict, rivalry, and harassment in Latvia

BackgroundEven though the link between the psychosocial work environment and work-life balance (WLB) has been thoroughly researched, there is limited evidence evaluating the impact of workplace violence, sexual harassment, conflicts, and rivalry on WLB.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,471 respondents in Latvia from December 20, 2021, to July 14, 2022. WLB was measured through a survey question assessing the frequency of work-life imbalance, with responses categorized into dichotomous variables. The study evaluated the association between the selected workplace psychosocial hazards (conflicts, rivalry, psychological abuse, physical abuse, and sexual harassment), work characteristics, socio-demographic factors, and WLB by using binomial logistic regression.ResultsOur study reveals a significant lack of WLB among Latvian employees. A striking one-third of the respondents (30.9%, n = 762) reported experiencing this imbalance. The odds of WLB decrease with age, with the youngest age group having twice the odds compared to the oldest age group. Lower education levels and lower income groups also show significantly lower odds of WLB. Notably, those who have experienced selected workplace psychosocial hazards, such as sexual harassment or psychological abuse, have five- and three-times higher odds of work-life imbalance (aOR = 4.90 with 95% CI 2.06–11.67 and aOR = 3.47 with 95% CI 2.75–4.35, respectively). All types of conflicts at work significantly increase the odds of a lack of WLB. Our findings also indicate that WLB varies depending on various work characteristics, such as job position, work sector, company size, length of service, and remote or on-site work.ConclusionOur study highlights the importance of addressing WLB in the context of workplace conflicts, rivalry, violence, and harassment. It provides indirect evidence favoring leadership quality and manager training instead of employee training in diminishing psychosocial hazards. Practical implications include prioritizing leadership development programs focusing on conflict resolution and fostering a supportive organizational culture to improve employee WLB.

The effect of shared leadership on employee resilience: wielding the double-edged sword

IntroductionThis investigation delves into the ambidextrous impacts that shared leadership imparts on the resilience of employees through the incorporation of the Job Demands-Resources framework to delineate the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, it explores the organizational boundary factors that enhance employees' resilience, so as to explore the ways to improve employees resilience.MethodsThis research chose to use an online questionnaire at two time points with a analysis of 246 valid questionnaires. Surveys were disseminated electronically through esteemed third-party survey platforms so jump.ResultsEmpirical findings illustrate that SLP fosters resilience by bolstering FWA while concurrently heightening role overload and hampering resilience. Furthermore, the study examines how goal clarity modifies these conflicting outcomes. Empirical evidence corroborates the positive moderating role of goal clarity in enhancing the influence of SLP on FWA, and the hypothesized moderating impact of goal clarity on the association between SLP and employees' perception of role overload is also affirmed.DiscussionThis research contributes to the scholarly discourse by illuminating a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between shared leadership and employee resilience, and further deepens insights into the moderating factors influencing employees resilience by assessing the moderating effect of goal clarity. It also offers practical insights into implementing shared leadership in a manner that harnesses its potential while mitigating its downsides on employee resilience.

Exploring marriage beliefs from the perspectives of married students

IntroductionIranian university students have a positive outlook on marriage; however, certain beliefs may impact their satisfaction with marriage and the quality of their relationships. By examining these beliefs and considering the experiences of married students, valuable information can be gathered to develop policies that protect family rights and support the younger generation.AimThis study aimed to explore the beliefs about marriage from the perspectives of married students.MethodA qualitative study was conducted. University students were selected through purposive sampling at Hamadan University Medical Sciences,…, Iran. Data was collected from October 2022 to January 2023. Semi-structured interviews were held with 24 married students, and the analysis was conducted using conventional content analysis.ResultsIn our research, we thoroughly analyzed 51 beliefs about marriage held by students, categorizing them into eight subcategories, including “empathy and simplifying life,” “keeping affection alive,” “effective and transparent communication,” and others. These beliefs were further condensed into three overarching categories: “intimacy and companionship,” “establishing a secure environment,” and “equity and upholding preexisting convictions.”ConclusionThe research explored the intricate interplay of beliefs shaping university students' beliefs toward marriage. Beliefs surrounding empathy, simplifying life, sustaining affection, and effective and transparent communication contribute to marriage intimacy and compassion. Notably, beliefs concerning security, commitment, and conflict resolution strategies were identified as pivotal for creating a safe marital atmosphere. Furthermore, the presence of beliefs supporting women's autonomy was deemed crucial for fostering equality within marital partnerships, while beliefs endorsing male dominance, religious biases, sexism, and cultural bigotries were found to impact spousal relationships potentially detrimentally.

Death and beauty: mortality salience and creatureliness increase self-objectification not only in females but also in males

BackgroundSelf-objectification, the tendency to perceive oneself as an object subject to external evaluation, negatively impacts wellbeing, contributing to issues such as anxiety and eating disorders. While objectification theory outlines its societal underpinnings, it provides limited insight into the psychological mechanisms that sustain its prevalence. Terror Management Theory (TMT) posits that self-objectification functions as a defense against death anxiety, operating through two pathways: cultural worldview compliance (adherence to objectifying societal norms) and suppressing the awareness of creatureliness (avoiding awareness of humans’ biological vulnerability and animalistic nature). This research explores these mechanisms and their gender-specific dynamics under mortality salience (MS).MethodsThis study includes three experimental studies. The study 1 examined baseline gender differences in perceived creatureliness and adherence to objectification culture. Study 2 used a 2 (MS/control) × 2 (gender: male/female) design to investigate the effects of MS and gender on self-objectification with cultural worldview compliance as a continuous moderator. Study 3 employed a 2 (MS/control) × 2 (creatureliness: heightened/reduced) × 2 (gender: male/female) design to assess the effects of creatureliness salience on self-objectification.ResultsStudy 1 revealed that women were more culturally objectified, whereas men exhibited higher perceived creatureliness. However, Study 2 and Study 3 found no significant gender-related interactions in self-objectification. Study 2 showed that MS increased self-objectification across genders, with women displaying higher self-objectification due to stronger adherence to objectification cultural norms. Study 3 demonstrated that heightened creatureliness salience amplified self-objectification under MS for both genders, highlighting the universal role of creatureliness suppression in existential defenses.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence for dual pathways—cultural worldview compliance and creatureliness suppression—underlying self-objectification as a defense against death anxiety. However, while cultural compliance explains gender differences in self-objectification at baseline, creatureliness suppression appears to function universally across genders. This study clarifies the boundaries of gender differences, emphasizing that the observed gender differences were limited to perceptions of objectification and creatureliness, rather than self-objectification itself. These insights contribute to interventions targeting the maladaptive effects of self-objectification, advocating for gender-sensitive approaches to enhance psychological wellbeing.

Factors that influence participation in physical activity in Chinese teenagers: perspective of school educators and parents in respect of the social ecology model

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to explore the viewpoints of parents, teachers, and administrators on the factors influencing adolescent physical activity in China.MethodsThe study employed semi-structured interviews with school teachers, school principals, government officers, and parents. Twenty-five participants were recruited from Jiangsu Province, China, and completed the interview.ResultsThe data collected were analysed using grounded theory within the social ecology model framework. The analysis identified 49 concepts across 19 subcategories and five main categories.DiscussionThe resulting theoretical model, constructed using grounded theory, integrated five main categories: individual factors, family environment, school environment, community environment, and policy. This model provides a foundational understanding of the multifaceted influencing factors of adolescent physical activity in China.

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Intuitive Exercise Scale for young adults

BackgroundThe Intuitive Exercise Scale (IEXS) is a scale designed to evaluate the positive relationship with exercise, including their ability to tune in to bodily cues, maintain mindfulness while moving, and utilize diverse movement patterns. As that the psychometric properties of the IEXS have not been thoroughly established across cultures and various age groups, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the translated IEXS among young Chinese adults.MethodsWe translated and culturally adapted the IEXS for a sample of 630 Chinese young adults (M = 19.61 SD = 1.13) who agreed to complete the scale online. The psychometric evaluation included item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA), and assessments of reliability, predictive validity, and criterion validity.ResultsThe mean IEXS score was 47.23 (SD = 7.28), and EFA identified four latent constructs: emotional exercise, exercise rigidity, body trust, and mindful exercise. The CFA confirmed the model’s fit (CFI = 0.98; SRMR = 0.06). Item-total correlations ranged from 0.639 to 0.753, with item loadings between 0.635 and 0.760. Also, the reliability metrics demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.869) and test–retest stability (ICC = 0.721, p < 0.01). Predictive validity was confirmed through significant correlations with the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), and criterion validity showed moderate correlations (0.342–0.615) with validated scales.ConclusionThe Chinese IEXS is a robust and valid tool for assessing intuitive exercise tendencies in Chinese young adults.

Effects of indoor biophilic environments on cognitive function in elderly patients with diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe prevalence of cognitive impairment in elderly diabetic patients is increasing, highlighting the importance of exploring strategies to prevent and ameliorate cognitive impairment in this population. Previous studies have focused mostly on improving cognition in elderly diabetic patients through three methods: medication, cognitive training, and lifestyle intervention. However, few studies have investigated the role of indoor biophilic environments in improving cognition. Biophilic environments improve human health by integrating natural elements into indoor architectural settings and have demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress and improving cognition. Therefore, it is worth exploring the effects of indoor biophilic environments on cognition in elderly diabetic patients. This study aims to investigate the effects of indoor biophilic environments on cognition in elderly diabetic patients, and the potential mechanisms.MethodsThis is a single-center, randomized controlled trial, which includes a short-term VR intervention and a long-term real environment intervention. In the short-term intervention trial, 64 diabetic patients over 60 years old are randomly assigned to 1 of 7 intervention groups or a control group. All intervention groups are constructed by single or various combinations of the 3 indoor biophilic elements: natural decorative paintings, indoor potted plants, and ornamental fish. The primary outcome of the short-term intervention trial is the cognitive scores assessed by DSST and BDS. In the long-term intervention trial, 240 diabetic patients over 60 years old will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The biophilic elements in long-term intervention will be determined based on the results of the short-term VR intervention trial. The primary outcomes of the long-term intervention trial are cognitive scores measured by DSST and MoCA, as well as concentrations of plasma p-tau181, esRAGE, and IL-6.ConclusionThe findings will be utilized to develop a restorative living environment for elderly patients with diabetes to improve cognition.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier [ChiCTR2300072329].

Unconscious overtone manipulation and transmission in flute performance: insights into musical expression and perception

This study aims to elucidate the overtone structure of the flute, examine the impact of acoustic parameter alterations on timbre perception, and foster a shared vocabulary among players and listeners. Employing principal component analysis (PCA) and listening experiments, the investigation delves into the ways in which players subconsciously adjust timbre and the manner in which these adjustments are perceived by listeners. The analysis concentrated on overtone components up to the fifth overtone (5f0) utilizing flute long-tones. PCA revealed that the first principal component (PC1) predominantly captured variations in the overall strength of overtones, whereas PC2 and PC3 were indicative of a balance around specific overtones. Furthermore, the coordinates of PC1, PC2 and PC3 for sounds deliberately produced with varying timbres were found to diverge. This finding indicates that the flute's timbre is influenced by both the overall loudness and the balance of overtones, and that players modify the overtone structure for expressive purposes. A listening experiment involving 28 participants ascertained that listeners were capable of distinguishing between different timbres, revealing significant differences in the percentage of coincident judgment based on the player and the musical register. Notably, professional players were more adept at conveying the intended timbre to the listener, and the middle register was identified as having the greatest potential for expressive variation.