Journal Description
Behavioral Sciences
Behavioral Sciences
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, behavioral biology and behavioral genetics published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Psychology, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 21.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.6 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.2 (2022)
Latest Articles
Toward Maximizing Assessment Efficiency: A Synthesized Trial-Based Functional Analysis and Competing Stimulus Assessment
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050372 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Despite the success of the standard functional analysis (FA), some limitations to conducting an FA in practice include time, resources, ecological relevance, and safety, which have led to the development of procedural adaptations such as trial-based and synthesized FA formats. The purpose of
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Despite the success of the standard functional analysis (FA), some limitations to conducting an FA in practice include time, resources, ecological relevance, and safety, which have led to the development of procedural adaptations such as trial-based and synthesized FA formats. The purpose of this case study was to identify the function(s) of self-injurious behavior (SIB) for a 3-year-old female with developmental disabilities using a brief trial-based FA with ecologically relevant synthesized contingencies, based on caregiver input, to minimize opportunities for SIB. We identified that positive physical attention likely functioned, at least in part, as a reinforcer for SIB, in less than 42 min. Overall harm to the child as a result of the synthesized trial-based FA was minimal, and the caregiver viewed the modified conditions favorably. We then assessed the role of competing stimuli on SIB rates with the child’s mother and identified two potential items that may compete with attention as a reinforcer for SIB. Our findings highlight the utility and importance of individualized assessment as the first step in the safe treatment of severely challenging behavior.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Open AccessArticle
Parental Educational Expectations and Academic Achievement of Left-Behind Children in China: The Mediating Role of Parental Involvement
by
Jian Li, Eryong Xue and Huiyuan You
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050371 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Migrant workers from rural China often leave their children at home to be raised by grandparents or other family members. This study explored the relationship between parents’ educational expectations, parental involvement, and the academic performance of left-behind children in China. A total of
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Migrant workers from rural China often leave their children at home to be raised by grandparents or other family members. This study explored the relationship between parents’ educational expectations, parental involvement, and the academic performance of left-behind children in China. A total of 19,487 student samples were obtained from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), and 5078 of these met the criteria for being considered as ‘left behind’ children. Results indicated: (1) a significant positive correlation between parents’ educational expectations and left-behind children’s academic achievement; (2) parental education involvement plays a partial mediating role between parents’ educational expectations and left-behind children’s academic performance; (3) a significant negative correlation between parental intellectual involvement and educational expectations of left-behind children; (4) parental management involvement was not significantly correlated with parents’ educational expectations and left-behind children’s academic performance; and (5) a significant positive correlation between parental emotional involvement and educational expectations of left-behind children. The findings highlight the important role of parental educational expectations and have implications for the improvement of educational outcomes in China.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Mental Health among Students)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Impact of a Supportive Work Environment on Chinese L2 Teachers’ Emotions: A Partial Least Squares-SEM Approach
by
Yonghong Zeng, Jiaying Yu, Hanwei Wu and Wentao Liu
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050370 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Second language (L2) teachers’ emotions can influence their well-being and students’ performance. However, most of the existing studies have focused on the role of individual factors in affecting L2 teachers’ emotions, while leaving environmental factors underexplored. To fill this gap, this study aimed
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Second language (L2) teachers’ emotions can influence their well-being and students’ performance. However, most of the existing studies have focused on the role of individual factors in affecting L2 teachers’ emotions, while leaving environmental factors underexplored. To fill this gap, this study aimed to examine how the four dimensions of a supportive work environment (SWE) (perceived climate, PC; supervisory relationship, SR; peer group interaction, PGI; and perceived organization support, POS) relate to L2 teachers’ emotions (enjoyment, anxiety, pride, and anger). A sample of 406 Chinese L2 teachers completed two valid scales to measure their SWE and emotions. The data were analyzed by Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS 3 software. The results showed that (1) PC, PGI, and POS had a positive and significant effect on enjoyment, while SR had no significant effect; (2) PGI and POS had a negative and significant effect on anxiety, while PC and SR had no significant effect; (3) PGI had a positive and significant effect on pride, while the other three dimensions had no significant effect; and (4) POS had a negative and significant effect on anger, while the other three dimensions had no significant effect. The study concludes with some implications for L2 teachers’ education.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Interplay of Psychology and Work-Related Health and Well-Being)
Open AccessArticle
Do Decision-Making Styles Predict Vagal Control? The Role of Resting Heart Rate Variability
by
Adrián Alacreu-Crespo, Raquel Costa, Francisco Molins, Diana Abad-Tortosa, Noemí SanMiguel, Philippe Courtet and Miguel Ángel Serrano
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050369 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Decision-making styles are a habit-based propensity that drive behavior and affect daily life. Rational and intuitive decision-making styles have been associated with good mental health. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In the last decade, high basal levels of heart rate variability
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Decision-making styles are a habit-based propensity that drive behavior and affect daily life. Rational and intuitive decision-making styles have been associated with good mental health. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In the last decade, high basal levels of heart rate variability (HRV) have been proposed as an index of health and emotional control, and this could be one of the variables involved in the effects of decision making on health. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the capability of decision-making styles to predict resting HRV. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 199 (119 women) young university students, and a resting ECG was recorded to extract frequency domain HRV variables. Subsequently, participants completed sociodemographic data and the General Decision-Making Style questionnaire (GDMS). Results showed that the intuitive style predicted high-frequency HRV, while the avoidant style predicted less low-frequency HRV. This study presents new data on the relationship between decision-making style and HRV, suggesting that the intuitive style has a cardioprotective effect, while the avoidant style is related to lower HRV, which has been associated with health vulnerability. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of HRV and its potential as a biomarker for cognitive styles that may improve health.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)
Open AccessArticle
Maternal Involvement in Education, Bicultural Acceptance, and School Adjustment: An Autoregressive Cross-Lagged Modeling Study among Adolescents from Multicultural Families
by
Yangmi Lim
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050368 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study examined the associations between maternal involvement in education and bicultural acceptance and school adjustment during the first year of middle school among adolescents from Korean multicultural families as well as the reciprocal relationships between bicultural acceptance and school adjustment during the
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This study examined the associations between maternal involvement in education and bicultural acceptance and school adjustment during the first year of middle school among adolescents from Korean multicultural families as well as the reciprocal relationships between bicultural acceptance and school adjustment during the three years of middle school. The present study used three-wave longitudinal data of 1185 dyads of adolescents (50.8% girls; mean age = 12.96 ± 0.35 years at the first wave) and their immigrant mothers (mean age = 43.54 ± 5.19 years at the first wave), who participated in the Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study. An autoregressive cross-lagged modeling analysis revealed that maternal involvement in education was significantly and positively associated with adolescents’ bicultural acceptance and school adjustment in the first year of middle school. Individual levels of bicultural acceptance and school adjustment among adolescents remained moderately stable over the three years. Whereas the positive effects of school adjustment on bicultural acceptance were significant over time, the effects of bicultural acceptance on school adjustment were not. Finally, this study highlights the roles of intervention programs (e.g., parent and multicultural education) in facilitating maternal involvement in education and school adjustment as well as in increasing bicultural acceptance among minority youths.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of the Interaction of Parenting Practices and Environment on Children’s Outcomes)
Open AccessArticle
Evidence-Based Reconstruction of Memories of a Disdainful Hookup: Identifying Risk Factors and Preventing Further Victimization
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Lidia Puigvert, Ramon Flecha and Sandra Racionero-Plaza
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050367 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Autobiographical memories of close relationships have been shown to have strong influence in health and life. Yet, there is no research published about longitudinal memory reconstruction of violent sporadic relationships while reading and discussing scientific evidence on gender violence victimization. This article presents
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Autobiographical memories of close relationships have been shown to have strong influence in health and life. Yet, there is no research published about longitudinal memory reconstruction of violent sporadic relationships while reading and discussing scientific evidence on gender violence victimization. This article presents a novel case of the reconstruction throughout time of the memory of a disdainful hookup experienced by a young woman. The victim’s diary and an interview were the sources of data collection. The analytical categories were developed in dialogue with the participant. The results indicate that, as the subject learned scientific evidence on gender violence in sporadic relationships, she progressively recalled details of the episode that she had self-censored before, became aware of the very violent nature of the hookup, rejected the relationship, and freed her desire for satisfactory romantic relationships.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Risk Behaviors in Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Romantic Relationships)
Open AccessArticle
Flourishing in Education: Psychometric Properties of the Flourishing Scale in a Sample of Romanian Teachers
by
Beatrice Adriana Balgiu and Andrei Simionescu-Panait
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050366 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Flourishing Scale (FS) is one of the most well-known tools for assessing psychological flourishing. However, its psychometric properties have been little analyzed in the case of teachers. This study aimed to examine the validity of the scale in the case of a
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The Flourishing Scale (FS) is one of the most well-known tools for assessing psychological flourishing. However, its psychometric properties have been little analyzed in the case of teachers. This study aimed to examine the validity of the scale in the case of a sample of Romanian teachers and to analyze the latter’s level of flourishing. In this regard, 323 Romanian teachers from the pre-university education system were recruited. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the construct validity of the scale, and Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω indices were used to assess internal consistency. The convergent validity was assessed by associating the FS with other instruments related to well-being: the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form and the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience. Network analysis was performed to examine the items that are particularly influential in the scale. As a result of the CFA, the one-factor structure of the scale was certified (χ2/df = 1.39; CFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.035). The internal consistency is excellent (both α and ω = 0.89). The FS correlates with both of the scales which operationalize components of well-being. The teachers’ flourishing level is above average. The network approach showed that the items related to self-acceptance, optimism, and respect had the highest indicators of centrality, and the item related to supportive social relationships was the least informative in the network. For the male subsample, flourishing means optimism about the future and respect for others, and for the female respondents, it is related to self-acceptance and respect. The results provide support for using the scale in assessing flourishing among teachers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment Instruments for Measuring Individual and Organizational Wellbeing)
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Open AccessArticle
Differences in Cold and Hot Decision-Making between Gambling and Other Addictions
by
Sara Meca, Francisco Molins, Maragda Puigcerver and Miguel Ángel Serrano
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050365 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Behavioral and biological addictions can impair decision-making processes, mainly by means of a dysfunction in brain regions associated with reward and frontal areas that may lead to disadvantageous choices. Understanding these differences helps establish appropriate terminology and enhances our ability to recognize, prevent,
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Behavioral and biological addictions can impair decision-making processes, mainly by means of a dysfunction in brain regions associated with reward and frontal areas that may lead to disadvantageous choices. Understanding these differences helps establish appropriate terminology and enhances our ability to recognize, prevent, and treat these disorders effectively. Thus, while behavioral and biological addictions share some common elements, their underlying mechanisms and impact on decision-making vary significantly. Moreover, decision-making can be measured through questionnaires (stable or “cold” measures) or dynamic tasks (hot decisions) such as the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), which can reflect different dimensions of this process. The aim of this study was to compare decision-making from different perspectives—stable and dynamic measures—in patients with gambling addiction (GA) (n = 42) and patients with biological addictions (BA) (n = 43). Decision-making was assessed using GDMS (Decisional Styles) and the LCT (Loss Aversion), as cold decision-making measures, as well as a hot or situational task called the IGT (Iowa Gambling Task). The results revealed that GA patients exhibited lower rational style scores compared to BA patients. Additionally, GA patients showed greater loss aversion according to the LCT questionnaire. On the other hand, when analyzing the IGT results, no differences were observed between groups in the overall IG index, learning curves, or the loss aversion parameter. However, GA patients showed higher sensitivity to feedback and less consistency in their decisions. These findings highlight the differences between different types of addictions and highlight the importance of considering the type of measure used to evaluate decision-making.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Relationship between Addictive Use of Short-Video Platforms and Marital Satisfaction in Older Chinese Couples: An Asymmetrical Dyadic Process
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Jinsong Deng, Menmen Wang, Weiqi Mu, Siying Li, Ninghao Zhu, Xiong Luo, Lan Yi, Yahan Wu, Kexin Wang and Mingjie Zhou
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050364 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that the addictive use of social media can have a detrimental effect on marital satisfaction, due mainly to the decrease in time and focus given to one’s spouse. However, the impact of social media use among older couples remains under-investigated,
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Increasing evidence indicates that the addictive use of social media can have a detrimental effect on marital satisfaction, due mainly to the decrease in time and focus given to one’s spouse. However, the impact of social media use among older couples remains under-investigated, and the research that does exist relies on individual-level data that do not allow the exploration of the dynamics between the dyadic partners. Therefore, the present study focused on older adults’ use of short-video platforms, as these have been shown to be particularly addictive for older adults. A sample of 264 older couples was gathered (mean age = 68.02, SD = 8.68), and both spouses completed surveys reporting addictive use of short-video platforms, negative emotions, and marital satisfaction. Using an actor–partner interdependence model, we found an asymmetrical dyadic process in that the addictive use of short-video platforms by the wives was not only related to their own negative emotions, but also those of their spouse, as well as to decreased marital satisfaction. Meanwhile, addictive use by the husbands seemed to relate only to their own increased negative emotions, as well as to decreased marital satisfaction. Together, the findings from this study reveal dyadic dynamics with delineated pathways through which the addictive use of short-video platforms can damage older couples’ interactive processes and marital satisfaction.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)
Open AccessArticle
Differential Risk: Gender and Racial Differences in the Relationship between Trauma, Discrimination, and Schizotypy
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Mahogany A. Monette, Madisen T. Russell, Danielle B. Abel, Jarrett T. Lewis, Jessica L. Mickens, Evan J. Myers, Megan M. Hricovec, David C. Cicero, J. Wolny, William P. Hetrick, Michael D. Masucci, Alex S. Cohen, Christopher J. Burgin, Thomas R. Kwapil and Kyle S. Minor
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050363 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Traumatic experiences are associated with increased experiences of positive schizotypy. This may be especially important for People of Color, who experience higher rates of trauma and racial discrimination. No study to date has examined how racial disparities in traumatic experiences may impact schizotypy.
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Traumatic experiences are associated with increased experiences of positive schizotypy. This may be especially important for People of Color, who experience higher rates of trauma and racial discrimination. No study to date has examined how racial disparities in traumatic experiences may impact schizotypy. Furthermore, of the studies that have examined the relationship between trauma and schizotypy, none have examined racial discrimination as a potential moderator. The present study examined if racial discrimination moderates the relationship between trauma and multidimensional (positive, negative, and disorganized) schizotypy. In a sample of 770 college students, we conducted chi-squared analyses, analyses of variance, and stepwise regressions. We found that Black students experienced significantly higher racial discrimination and trauma than Latinx and Asian students. Furthermore, Black and Latinx students experienced significantly more multidimensional schizotypy items than Asian students. Trauma and racial discrimination explained 8 to 23% of the variance in each dimension of schizotypy. Racial discrimination did not moderate the relationships between trauma and multidimensional schizotypy. Our findings suggest that we need to examine risk factors that may prevent recovery from psychotic disorders. Additionally, disorganized schizotypy showed the most robust associations and may be a critical site of intervention.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Recovery in People with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders)
Open AccessArticle
How Does Digital Leadership Foster Employee Innovative Behavior: A Cognitive–Affective Processing System Perspective
by
Pengbin Gao and Yinghui Gao
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050362 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Employee innovative behavior is crucial for organizations to engage in innovative activities and gain competitive advantages in the context of digital transformation. Despite many studies having focused on the relationship between leadership and employee innovative behavior, the role of digital leadership and the
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Employee innovative behavior is crucial for organizations to engage in innovative activities and gain competitive advantages in the context of digital transformation. Despite many studies having focused on the relationship between leadership and employee innovative behavior, the role of digital leadership and the underlying mechanisms for employee innovative behavior remain unclear. Using the cognitive–affective processing system framework, the study investigated the dual mediating role of psychological empowerment and affective commitment between digital leadership and employee innovative behavior and the moderating role of a proactive personality in such relationships. Employing data from 359 employees, the study conducted structure equation modeling to examine the hypotheses. The results show that digital leadership influences employee innovative behavior through psychological empowerment but not affective commitment. Furthermore, a proactive personality does not moderate the direct effect of digital leadership on psychological empowerment and affective commitment or the indirect effect of digital leadership on employee innovative behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)
Open AccessArticle
Burnout and Quality of Work Life among Physicians during Internships in Public Hospitals in Thailand
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Vithawat Surawattanasakul, Wuttipat Kiratipaisarl and Penprapa Siviroj
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050361 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Physicians are exposed to occupational stress and burnout, which have been identified as contributing to a decrease in the quality of work life (QWL). Thailand’s medical education program, consisting of a six-year curriculum with government tuition support followed by three years of internships,
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Physicians are exposed to occupational stress and burnout, which have been identified as contributing to a decrease in the quality of work life (QWL). Thailand’s medical education program, consisting of a six-year curriculum with government tuition support followed by three years of internships, provides the context for this investigation. This study aimed to assess the QWL among intern physicians (IPs) in public hospitals and investigated the association between burnout and QWL. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 IPs in public hospitals in Thailand utilizing an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included a Thai version of a 25-item QWL scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel. Data analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression. A significant proportion of IPs experienced low to moderate QWL (72.6%), with low levels of home–work interface (39.4%) and employee engagement (38.6%). In the exploratory model, after adjusting for sex and age, IPs with high depersonalization and low personal accomplishment demonstrated an association with low QWL (adjusted OR, aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.31; aOR 2.74, 95% CI 1.40 to 5.39). Healthcare organizations should regularly assess intern physicians’ QWL and burnout, prioritizing interventions; ensure reasonable work hours, schedule adjustments, and open communication; and develop support systems for cost-effective interventions. Further research on the dynamic relationship between burnout and QWL is crucial for targeted and culturally sensitive interventions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Healthcare Workers)
Open AccessArticle
Latent Profile Analysis of Suicidal Ideation in Chinese Individuals with Bipolar Disorder
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Yanmeng Pan, Huaizhi Wang, Yimeng Geng, Jianbo Lai and Shaohua Hu
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050360 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have a greater suicide risk than the general population. In this study, we employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to explore whether Chinese individuals with different phases of BD differed at the levels of suicidal ideation. We recruited 517
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Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have a greater suicide risk than the general population. In this study, we employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to explore whether Chinese individuals with different phases of BD differed at the levels of suicidal ideation. We recruited 517 patients. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24), and manic symptoms were evaluated using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The extent of suicidal thoughts was determined through the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI). The scores of HAMD and YMRS were used to perform LPA. LPA categorized participants into three classes: one exhibiting severe depressive and mild manic symptomatology, another showing severe depressive and severe manic symptomatology, and the third one displaying severe depressive and intermediate manic symptomatology. Suicidal ideation levels were found to be remarkably elevated across all three classes. Additionally, the three classes showed no significant differences in terms of suicidal ideation. Our research confirms the link between depressive symptoms and suicide, independent of the manic symptoms. These findings carry meaning as they provide insight into the suicide risk profiles within different phases of BD.
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Open AccessArticle
How COVID-19 Information Fear of Missing out Increases the Risk of Depression and Anxiety: Roles of Resilience and Personality Types
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Yuling Tang, Binbin Wang, Chunyan Xu and Xiaochun Xie
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050359 - 25 Apr 2024
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During major health emergencies (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) people often fear missing relevant information. COVID-19 information fear of missing out (FOMO) is a phenomenon where people feel anxiety about losing control of COVID-19-related information. The present study aimed to examine how COVID-19 information
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During major health emergencies (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) people often fear missing relevant information. COVID-19 information fear of missing out (FOMO) is a phenomenon where people feel anxiety about losing control of COVID-19-related information. The present study aimed to examine how COVID-19 information FOMO relates to mental health (e.g., depression and anxiety), the mediating role of resilience, and the moderating role of personality types during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 1442 Chinese undergraduates (Mage = 21.68 ± 2.35 years) on the relevant variables. The results showed that COVID-19 information FOMO was positively associated with depression and anxiety, and resilience mediated these associations. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified three personality types (undercontrolled, adaptive, and overcontrolled). Personality types moderated the mediation models, in which the indirect effects were only significant in the participants classified in the undercontrolled group rather than the participants classified in the other two groups. This study told us that undergraduates’ mental health, particularly that of the undercontrollers, should be paid attention to when responding to a major public health emergency (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic).
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Body Awareness as a Protective Factor against Suicidal Orientations in College Students
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Olga Lucia Montoya-Hurtado, Renato Sobral-Monteiro-Junior, Cyndi Yacira Meneses-Castaño, Consuelo Sancho-Sánchez, Antonio Martínez-Sabater, Pilar Andrés-Olivera, Pilar Sanchez-Conde, Jesús Pérez Sánchez-Toledo, José María Criado-Gutiérrez, Laura Criado-Pérez, Juan Luis Sánchez-González and Raúl Juárez-Vela
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050358 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this study, binary logistic regression and linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between interoceptive body awareness and suicidal orientation among Colombian university students. Additionally, the bootstrap technique was employed to resample and estimate the distribution of the data. The
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In this study, binary logistic regression and linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between interoceptive body awareness and suicidal orientation among Colombian university students. Additionally, the bootstrap technique was employed to resample and estimate the distribution of the data. The results support the idea that greater interoceptive awareness may protect against suicidal orientation by improving emotional regulation. An inverse relationship was found between interoceptive awareness and suicidal ideation. These findings align with previous literature emphasizing the importance of body awareness for emotional well-being. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore this relationship more deeply.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Health Questionaries)
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Open AccessArticle
Early Support for People Who Hear Voices: Exploratory Research on Family Medicine Physicians’ Clinical Practice and Beliefs
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Antonio Iudici, Giulia Alecu, Maria Quarato and Jessica Neri
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050357 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Nowadays the phenomenon of hearing voices represents a very fertile and discussed field of research. In psychological and psychiatric fields, the phenomenon has been described as a normal phenomenon, but also as a prodromal stage and as a symptom of psychosis. Through a
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Nowadays the phenomenon of hearing voices represents a very fertile and discussed field of research. In psychological and psychiatric fields, the phenomenon has been described as a normal phenomenon, but also as a prodromal stage and as a symptom of psychosis. Through a qualitative research methodology, the aim was to explore how family medicine physicians configure the phenomenon and its clinical and interactive implications. The present research involved 35 family medicine physicians as figures of primary importance in the approach toward people who start to hear voices. Semi-structured interviews have been used and they have been analyzed by the method of discourse analysis. The results show a remarkable difficulty in understanding the phenomenon in all its complexity and the tendency to consider it a symptom or a prodromal stage of psychopathology. Increasing the knowledge of doctors on the subject is necessary so that their evaluation and choice of intervention match the needs of each patient. We also discuss the importance of promoting the knowledge of the potential meanings taken on by the voices in the context of the personal and family background of the individual hearer, and of collaboration with other relevant professionals and services.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Shaping of Services for Health Promotion)
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of the Global Pandemic on Veterans with Serious Mental Illness (SMI): Healthcare Utilization and Mortality
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Isabella Soreca, Monique Boudreaux-Kelly, Yeon-Jung Seo and Gretchen Haas
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050356 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) experience barriers to accessing and engaging with healthcare, which may have been exacerbated during the emergence of the global pandemic and the rapid shift to telemedicine platforms, substantially decreasing healthcare utilization for non-COVID-19 disorders. Important repercussions
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Background: Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) experience barriers to accessing and engaging with healthcare, which may have been exacerbated during the emergence of the global pandemic and the rapid shift to telemedicine platforms, substantially decreasing healthcare utilization for non-COVID-19 disorders. Important repercussions on morbidity and mortality may be seen in the months and years to come, which may disproportionately affect high-risk populations, such as patients with SMI, with reduced access to technology platforms. In this study, we explored the impact of the pandemic on healthcare utilization and all-cause mortality rate in SMI compared to non-SMI individuals for the months of March–September 2020 and the same two quarters in 2019. Methods: Data were obtained from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), a data repository from clinical and administrative VA systems. The sample included veterans with ≥1 outpatient clinical encounter nationally between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. Results: The cohort for this study included 1,018,047 veterans receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration between 2019 and 2020. Of those, 339,349 had a diagnosis of SMI. Patients with SMI had a significantly larger pre–post-pandemic decrease in outpatient (49.7%, p < 0.001), inpatient (14.4%, p < 0.001), and ED (14.5%, p < 0.001) visits compared to non-SMI patients. Overall, 3752 (1.59%) veterans without SMI and 4562 (1.93%) veterans with SMI died during our observation period. Veterans without SMI who died during the observation period were more likely to have had a positive COVID-19 test compared to veterans with SMI. Unadjusted analyses showed that veterans with SMI were approximately 2.5 times more likely to die than veterans without SMI during the first 6 months of the pandemic, compared to the same two quarters of the previous year. However, after adjustment by pertinent covariates, the predictors associated with an increased risk of death from SMI were older age, being male, a higher CAN score, more inpatient stays in the pre period compared to post, and a positive COVID-19 test. Discussion: Consistent with our initial hypothesis, all the indices of healthcare utilization, namely the number of outpatient, inpatient, and ED visits, significantly decreased between pre- and post-pandemic and did more so for veterans with SMI, despite having more chronic medical illnesses and being prescribed more medications than veterans without SMI. On the other hand, while mortality was greater post-pandemic, factors such as age, morbidity, and having a positive COVID-19 test predicted mortality above and beyond having an SMI diagnosis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Recovery in People with Schizophrenia and Related Disorders)
Open AccessArticle
Visual Field Restriction in the Recognition of Basic Facial Expressions: A Combined Eye Tracking and Gaze Contingency Study
by
Melina Boratto Urtado, Rafael Delalibera Rodrigues and Sergio Sheiji Fukusima
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050355 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Uncertainties and discrepant results in identifying crucial areas for emotional facial expression recognition may stem from the eye tracking data analysis methods used. Many studies employ parameters of analysis that predominantly prioritize the examination of the foveal vision angle, ignoring the potential influences
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Uncertainties and discrepant results in identifying crucial areas for emotional facial expression recognition may stem from the eye tracking data analysis methods used. Many studies employ parameters of analysis that predominantly prioritize the examination of the foveal vision angle, ignoring the potential influences of simultaneous parafoveal and peripheral information. To explore the possible underlying causes of these discrepancies, we investigated the role of the visual field aperture in emotional facial expression recognition with 163 volunteers randomly assigned to three groups: no visual restriction (NVR), parafoveal and foveal vision (PFFV), and foveal vision (FV). Employing eye tracking and gaze contingency, we collected visual inspection and judgment data over 30 frontal face images, equally distributed among five emotions. Raw eye tracking data underwent Eye Movements Metrics and Visualizations (EyeMMV) processing. Accordingly, the visual inspection time, number of fixations, and fixation duration increased with the visual field restriction. Nevertheless, the accuracy showed significant differences among the NVR/FV and PFFV/FV groups, despite there being no difference in NVR/PFFV. The findings underscore the impact of specific visual field areas on facial expression recognition, highlighting the importance of parafoveal vision. The results suggest that eye tracking data analysis methods should incorporate projection angles extending to at least the parafoveal level.
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(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)
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Open AccessArticle
Music Therapy Assessment for Older Adults: Descriptive Mixed-Methods Study
by
Amy Clements-Cortés
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050354 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this inquiry was to test the new ‘Music Therapy Assessment for Older Adults’ (MTAOA) tool in Canada and the United States, and to establish its content and predictive utility. Methods: A pilot study using an explanatory descriptive methods design
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Background: The purpose of this inquiry was to test the new ‘Music Therapy Assessment for Older Adults’ (MTAOA) tool in Canada and the United States, and to establish its content and predictive utility. Methods: A pilot study using an explanatory descriptive methods design was chosen; n = 18 music therapists completed an online survey about their experiences in administering the assessment and 50% (n = 9) were invited for a follow-up interview. Results: The results indicated that the MTAOA was a beneficial assessment tool that contained relevant domains (89%) to develop a music therapy treatment plan; 89% of music therapists also noted they would continue to use and recommend the MTAOA. The data produced beneficial information that were used to revise the assessment form to ensure inclusive language and reduce any potential inherent or unconscious biases. Conclusions: Future research is needed to assess the utility of the revised MTAOA in other global regions where music therapists work with older adults.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Music Based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing)
Open AccessArticle
Understanding and Perception of Automated Text Generation among the Public: Two Surveys with Representative Samples in Germany
by
Angelica Lermann Henestrosa and Joachim Kimmerle
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050353 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Automated text generation (ATG) technology has evolved rapidly in the last several years, enabling the spread of content produced by artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, with the release of ChatGPT, virtually everyone can now create naturally sounding text on any topic. To optimize
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Automated text generation (ATG) technology has evolved rapidly in the last several years, enabling the spread of content produced by artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, with the release of ChatGPT, virtually everyone can now create naturally sounding text on any topic. To optimize future use and understand how humans interact with these technologies, it is essential to capture people’s attitudes and beliefs. However, research on ATG perception is lacking. Based on two representative surveys (March 2022: n1 = 1028; July 2023: n2 = 1013), we aimed to examine the German population’s concepts of and attitudes toward AI authorship. The results revealed a preference for human authorship across a wide range of topics and a lack of knowledge concerning the function, data sources, and responsibilities of ATG. Using multiple regression analysis with k-fold cross-validation, we identified people’s attitude toward using ATG, performance expectancy, general attitudes toward AI, and lay attitude toward ChatGPT and ATG as significant predictors of the intention to read AI-written texts in the future. Despite the release of ChatGPT, we observed stability across most variables and minor differences between the two survey points regarding concepts about ATG. We discuss the findings against the backdrop of the ever-increasing availability of automated content and the need for an intensive societal debate about its chances and limitations.
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