European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

13 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Ice on Shoulder Proprioception in Badminton Athletes

by Joel Marouvo, Nuno Tavares, Gonçalo Dias and Maria António Castro

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 671-683; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030051 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1940

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of the application of cryotherapy on shoulder proprioception in badminton athletes. Thirty federated badminton athletes were included in this study, all of whom belonged to three of the teams currently competing in national competitions (Portugal). Their [...] Read more.

This study aims to analyze the influence of the application of cryotherapy on shoulder proprioception in badminton athletes. Thirty federated badminton athletes were included in this study, all of whom belonged to three of the teams currently competing in national competitions (Portugal). Their mean ages were 21.00 ± 5.60 years, and their experience in the modality was 8.40 ± 6.93 years. They practiced in an average of 2.93 ± 1.26 training sessions per week. All of them used their right hand to hold the racket. Each participant’s dominant shoulder joint position and force senses were evaluated for four consecutive time points through the isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3. The experimental procedure consisted of applying ice for 15 min and the control procedure consisted of no therapeutic intervention. The proprioception outcomes were expressed using the absolute error, relative error, and variable error. All statistical analysis was performed using PASW Statistics 18 software (IBM-SPSS Statistics). There were no statistically significant changes in the joint position and force senses after the intervention, as well as during the subsequent 30 min. We conclude that, after this cryotherapy technique, there is no increased risk of injury associated with a proprioception deficit that prevents athletes from immediately returning to badminton practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Research in Clinical and Health Contexts)

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16 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perception of Bullying in Early Childhood Education in Spain: Pre-School Teachers vs. Psychologists

by María-Luz Fernández-Alfaraz, María Nieto-Sobrino, Álvaro Antón-Sancho and Diego Vergara

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 655-670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030050 - 20 Mar 2023

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Abstract

In this work, quantitative research is carried out on the perceptions of early childhood education teachers and child psychologists about the incidence of bullying behaviors in early childhood education (3 to 6 years old) and their knowledge and experience in this regard. For [...] Read more.

In this work, quantitative research is carried out on the perceptions of early childhood education teachers and child psychologists about the incidence of bullying behaviors in early childhood education (3 to 6 years old) and their knowledge and experience in this regard. For this purpose, two questionnaires were used, each of them oriented to one of the two groups of professionals analyzed, whose answers were subjected to statistical analysis. As for results, it has been obtained that early childhood education teachers express having received deficient training in school bullying and have little experience in its detection and treatment. Furthermore, the teachers’ conception of bullying occurring in their own schools is not realistic and differs from the knowledge they have of the existence of bullying behavior in other schools. Likewise, the existence of action plans against bullying in the school conditions the teachers’ assessments. The assessments held by psychologists differ significantly from those of teachers, mainly in the identification of the origin of bullying (which teachers attribute to the use of digital technologies and psychologists to the social and family environment of the aggressor). Finally, some implications and recommendations in terms of the training of educational professionals on bullying and the need for greater collaboration between teachers and psychologists are reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education)

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13 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Validation of the EPACODI-1 Scale: University Students’ Perceptions of Inclusive Education

by José-Antonio Morales-Endrino, Jesús Molina-Saorín and José-Antonio Marín-Marín

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 642-654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030049 - 20 Mar 2023

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Abstract

In the last fifteen years, changes have been taking place in education systems at the international and national levels that aim to achieve, in the near future, the objectives set by the UN International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (hereafter [...] Read more.

In the last fifteen years, changes have been taking place in education systems at the international and national levels that aim to achieve, in the near future, the objectives set by the UN International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (hereafter CRPD). Spain is no stranger to these objectives, as recognized in the new Organic Law for the Modification of the Law on the Organization of Education. This situation makes it necessary to know the perceptions that professionals in training (about to graduate) from faculties of education have about the legal content established by articles 4.1.i and 24 of the CRPD on inclusive education. In order to ascertain these perceptions, the EPACO-DI-1 instrument was used in a quantitative and confirmatory study by means of a multivariate factor analysis (CFA), applying the parallel estimation method of ordinary least squares (OLS) and principal axes with polychoric correlation and promax oblique rotation. This study involved 552 fourth-year students between the ages of 21 and over 45 from the specializations offered by the Faculty of Education of the University of Murcia. The obtained results are consistent and show the validity of the EPACODI-1 scale for determining the perceptions of professionals in training on inclusive education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

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16 pages, 1191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Health of Tourism Employees Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Test of Antecedents and Moderators

by Ibrahim A. Elshaer and Alaa M. S. Azazz

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 626-641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030048 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2374

Abstract

Many people are experiencing a lack of confidence in the security of their employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly employees in the tourism sector, which has caused adverse effects on their mental health. These adverse effects involve the management of stress, anxiety [...] Read more.

Many people are experiencing a lack of confidence in the security of their employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly employees in the tourism sector, which has caused adverse effects on their mental health. These adverse effects involve the management of stress, anxiety and depression, that may arise from the demands of the industry. However, few studies have explored how insecurity in the workplace and financial pressure from families affects mental health and can intervene in these relationships. In this study, the aim was to investigate job insecurity as an antecedent of employees’ mental health and family financial pressures as a moderator using a sample of 475 hotel and travel industry employees. The theoretical background of the study was built upon the theories of resource conservation and effort–reward imbalance. The participants completed an online survey that measured job insecurity, family financial pressure, depression, anxiety, and stress. The collected data were subjected to PLS-SEM data analysis. The findings of this study reveal that job insecurity had a significant influence on depression, anxiety, and stress among tourism employees, and family financial pressure worsened the negative consequences of job insecurity on mental health. This research highlights the significance of addressing the mental health of employees in the tourism sector after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the crucial role played by family financial pressures. The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing job insecurity in the tourism industry and its impact on employees’ mental health. This could involve implementing policies and practices that enhance job security, such as providing more stable work schedules, better benefits packages, and greater opportunities for professional development. The results also underscore the need to take into account the role of family financial pressure in moderating the impact of job insecurity on mental health. Practitioners and policymakers in the tourism industry should consider ways to alleviate financial pressure on employees and their families, such as offering assistance programs, flexible work arrangements, and supportive company policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: What Do We Know So Far?)

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13 pages, 646 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

From Passion to Abyss: The Mental Health of Athletes during COVID-19 Lockdown

by Liliana Pitacho, Patrícia Jardim da Palma, Pedro Correia and João Pedro Cordeiro

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 613-625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030047 - 14 Mar 2023

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Abstract

The outbreak and pandemic of COVID-19 forced people into extreme isolation and social distancing, with significant limitations on various activity sectors, including sports. This study aimed to assess the psychological health status of athletes during sports lockdown. Additionally, we intend to verify the [...] Read more.

The outbreak and pandemic of COVID-19 forced people into extreme isolation and social distancing, with significant limitations on various activity sectors, including sports. This study aimed to assess the psychological health status of athletes during sports lockdown. Additionally, we intend to verify the mediating role of sleep disorders in stress perception and subjective happiness. Our sample was composed of 1492 Portuguese athletes from eight different team sports. During sports lockdown, athletes were found to have high stress levels and low subjective happiness levels and experience sleep disorders. Finally, these results conclude that sports lockdowns harm athletes’ psychological health and well-being. Pay cuts to athletes are an extra stress factor that exacerbate these adverse effects on psychological health. Finally, sleep is a mediator variable between stress perception and subjective happiness levels. This study’s significant contributions, limitations, and future directions are discussed in the conclusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: What Do We Know So Far?)

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18 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sociodemographic Variables and Body Mass Index Associated with the Risk of Eating Disorders in Spanish University Students

by María-Camino Escolar-Llamazares, María-Ángeles Martínez-Martín, María-Begoña Medina-Gómez, María-Yolanda González-Alonso, Elvira Mercado-Val and Fernando Lara-Ortega

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 595-612; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030046 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1723

Abstract

Background: The passage through university is a complex experience that can heighten personal susceptibility to eating disorders. The objective of this research is to determine how gender, age, course, educational faculty, and body mass index (BMI) can influence the risk of eating disorders [...] Read more.

Background: The passage through university is a complex experience that can heighten personal susceptibility to eating disorders. The objective of this research is to determine how gender, age, course, educational faculty, and body mass index (BMI) can influence the risk of eating disorders among university students. Method: A transversal and descriptive study is conducted with a sample of 516 Spanish students (57.2% female, 42.8% male; M_age = 21.7, SD_age = 4.1) following 26 university degrees. The Inventory Eating Disorder-Reference criterion (EDI-3-RF) was administered to the students. Contingency tables were used between categorical variables with the chi-squared statistic, at a significance level of p < 0.05. The Student t-test was used for two independent samples and a one-way ANOVA test with the post hoc Bonferroni test for more than two groups. Pearson’s correlation and a simple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the variables in its quantitative version. Results: It was found that the female students enrolled in the second year presented a greater obsession with thinness and body dissatisfaction (p = 0.029; d = 0.338); the male students practiced more physical exercise to control their weight (p = 0.003); and that students under the age of twenty (p < 0.010; d = 0.584) and students from both the Health (p = 0.0.13) and Law (p = 0.021) educational faculties showed greater bulimic behavior (d = 0.070). More females are underweight (z = 2.8), and more men are overweight (z = 2.4). Normal-weight students scored significantly higher in thinness obsession (p = 0.033). Overweight students scored significantly higher on thinness obsession (p < 0.001) and body dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). Obese students scored significantly higher on body dissatisfaction (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The data obtained in this study, reinforce the hypothesis that the female gender, at an age within the limits of early adolescence, in the first year of the degree courses, with specific university qualifications, and a high BMI constituted factors that could provoke an eating disorder. Consequently, it is necessary to implement preventive measures adapted to the circumstances of each university student. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Research in Clinical and Health Contexts)

15 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Satisfaction with Online Learning Related to Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia Symptoms? A Cross-Sectional Study on Medical Undergraduates in Romania

by Claudiu Gabriel Ionescu, Anca Chendea and Monica Licu

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 580-594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030045 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1891

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate online learning satisfaction in a sample of university students and its relationship with depression, anxiety, insomnia, and the average number of hours spent online. A total of 463 medical students were recruited for an online [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate online learning satisfaction in a sample of university students and its relationship with depression, anxiety, insomnia, and the average number of hours spent online. A total of 463 medical students were recruited for an online survey conducted from February to March 2022 with the main objective of estimating online learning satisfaction, while secondary outcomes involved assessing the relationship between online learning and depression, anxiety, insomnia, and the average number of hours spent online. A total of 285 participants were female (71.4%) and the mean age was 20.2 years. The results revealed that depression, anxiety, and insomnia are negatively correlated with overall satisfaction with e-learning. The more time students spent online, the greater the overall satisfaction. There are significant differences regarding student perceptions of interactivity in online learning satisfaction outcomes (p < 0.05, η² partial Eta Squared-0.284). The opportunity to learn via chat-box presented differences in overall satisfaction while pleasant aspects of online learning, such as “no travel” and “economy”, were related to satisfaction. The students revealed that the higher the psychopathology scores, the less satisfied they were with online learning, while a higher number of hours spent online contributed positively to satisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: What Do We Know So Far?)

12 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Antecedents Predicting Students’ Active Use of Learning Strategies in Schools of Low SES Context within the Framework of Self-Determination Theory

by Agne Brandisauskiene, Loreta Buksnyte-Marmiene and Jurate Cesnaviciene

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 568-579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030044 - 06 Mar 2023

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Abstract

Meeting a student’s autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs is one of the conditions to help him/her learn effectively. In this study, we aim to understand how teacher support (relationship with students, their autonomy support) and general classroom atmosphere (equity, relationships between students) predict [...] Read more.

Meeting a student’s autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs is one of the conditions to help him/her learn effectively. In this study, we aim to understand how teacher support (relationship with students, their autonomy support) and general classroom atmosphere (equity, relationships between students) predict students’ learning; that is, the learning strategies they use. Data were collected from 24 secondary schools in 9 municipalities in Lithuania with low SES (socioeconomic status) contexts (N = 632 students; 330 girls and 302 boys). The following instruments were used in the research: What Is Happening in this Class? (WIHIC) questionnaire, a short form of the Learning Climate Questionnaire (LCQ), and the Learning Strategies scale. The results showed that girls use learning strategies statistically significantly more actively than boys. Students’ use of learning strategies in a sample of both boys and girls are predicted by perceived teacher support, student cohesiveness, and perceived autonomy support. Therefore, responding to the relatedness and autonomy needs of students from low SES is very significant because it can increase their engagement in the learning process. The difference found, that equity is a significant predictor of learning strategies in the sample of girls, but not in boys, encourages further research and interpretation of such research results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Study of Coping, Emotional Regulation, Prosocial Behavior, and Other Indicators of Psychological Well-Being)

12 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Newborn Feeding Knowledge and Attitudes among Medical Students

by Henrique Pereira, Ricardo Campos, Patricia Silva and Madalena Cruz

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 556-567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030043 - 05 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

This study sought to assess newborn feeding knowledge and attitudes among medical students. A sample of 649 Portuguese medical students completed an online survey containing a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Newborn Feeding Ability Questionnaire (NFA), and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale (IIFAS). The [...] Read more.

This study sought to assess newborn feeding knowledge and attitudes among medical students. A sample of 649 Portuguese medical students completed an online survey containing a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Newborn Feeding Ability Questionnaire (NFA), and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale (IIFAS). The overall sample showed moderate scores for all variables. Gender analysis identified significant differences only for the dimension related to the benefits of skin-to-skin contact between mother and newborn where women scored higher. Analysis by year of training found that students with more years of training scored higher on all variables of newborn feeding knowledge that were positively correlated and were positive predictors of newborn feeding attitudes. Students with fewer years of training scored higher on work practices interfering with newborn feeding ability, which were negatively correlated and were negative predictors of newborn feeding attitudes. These results demonstrate that medical students with more years of training are the most prepared, however, the moderate results of the sample raise concerns. Our results point to the importance of providing medical students with adequate knowledge in order to influence their attitudes toward newborn feeding and contribute to better working practices for future health professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Education: Achievements and Novelties)

3 pages, 227 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Preface of Special Issue “21st Century Health Communication Challenges: Public Health Emergencies”

by Carlos Ruíz-Núñez and Ivan Herrera-Peco

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 553-555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030042 - 05 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1228

Abstract

Over recent years, the tendency to seek health information has increased exponentially worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 21st Century Health Communication Challenges: Public Health Emergencies)

13 pages, 553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Emotional Skills (Competence) and Coping Strategies in Adolescent Depression

by Dario Vucenovic, Gabriela Sipek and Katarina Jelic

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 540-552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030041 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

Depression is a state of low mood that can lead to several negative outcomes on thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even physical state. With that in mind, it is important to detect individuals at risk of developing depressive symptoms early and identify protective factors. [...] Read more.

Depression is a state of low mood that can lead to several negative outcomes on thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even physical state. With that in mind, it is important to detect individuals at risk of developing depressive symptoms early and identify protective factors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents emerged as one of the most vulnerable groups, with deteriorated anxiety and depression due to imposed social isolation, reduced social activities, and concerns over household status, health, and peer support. Distance learning through public service broadcasts and online tools lasted for several months, posing the need for adjustment. This study aimed to assess emotional competence and coping styles as predictors of depression in a sample of adolescents. The study was conducted in-person on a sample of 142 high school students. A high percentage of participants reported above-average levels of depression (21.1% severely depressed). On average, girls reported higher levels of depression than boys (t = 3.86, p < 0.01). Gender differences were also found in emotion-focused coping and avoidance, with girls scoring higher on both (p < 0.05). However, there were no gender differences in problem-focused coping or emotional competence. Hierarchical regression analysis concluded that perceiving and understanding emotions, expressing and naming emotions, regulating emotions, and avoidance were significant predictors of depression. This regression model explained 53% of depression variance, with the regulation of emotions being the most powerful predictor (p < 0.01). No mediating effect of coping styles on the relationship between emotional competence and depression was found in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: What Do We Know So Far?)

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15 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Association between Attachment Style, Psychological Well-Being, and Relationship Status in Young Adults and Adults—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Elisabetta Sagone, Elena Commodari, Maria Luisa Indiana and Valentina Lucia La Rosa

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 525-539; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030040 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 11640

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze the associations of adult attachment styles with psychological well-being in relation to age groups (young adults vs adults) and relationship status (singleness vs close relationships). Method: The study sample consisted of 393 Italian young adults and [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the associations of adult attachment styles with psychological well-being in relation to age groups (young adults vs adults) and relationship status (singleness vs close relationships). Method: The study sample consisted of 393 Italian young adults and adults, aged 18 to 62 years, with stable close relationships (n = 219) or identified in this study as singles (n = 174). The Psychological Well-being Scale was used to analyze psychological well-being, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire was chosen to evaluate adult attachment dimensions. Results: Individuals with stable close relationships reported higher levels of psychological well-being than singles. Furthermore, compared to people with stable close relationships, singles had an attachment style associated with discomfort with closeness, relationships as secondary, and avoidance. Finally, in single people, psychological well-being was moderately and positively predicted by attachment style characterized by confidence but strongly and negatively by attachment characterized by the need for approval. Regarding individuals with stable relationships, psychological well-being was strongly and negatively predicted by attachment style characterized by the need for approval. Conclusions: In adult attachment styles, close relationships can be viewed as a protective factor for long-term emotional stability and psychological well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

13 pages, 850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Approach to Addictive Behaviors: A Study on Vulnerability and Maintenance Factors

by Alessio Gori, Eleonora Topino, Marco Cacioppo, Giuseppe Craparo, Adriano Schimmenti and Vincenzo Caretti

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(3), 512-524; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13030039 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2190

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationships among the variables involved in a Comprehensive Model of Addiction (CMA), which posits that the presence and severity of addictive behaviors are related to the configuration of seven psychological variables, namely childhood trauma, insecure attachment, affect [...] Read more.

This study aimed to explore the relationships among the variables involved in a Comprehensive Model of Addiction (CMA), which posits that the presence and severity of addictive behaviors are related to the configuration of seven psychological variables, namely childhood trauma, insecure attachment, affect dysregulation, dissociation, impulsivity, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness. A vulnerability model was proposed, in which it was suggested that affect dysregulation and complex trauma mediated the association between insecure attachment and dissociation. Furthermore, a maintenance model was elaborated, in which it was hypothesized that dissociation influenced affect dysregulation via impulsivity, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness. A clinical sample of 430 individuals with substance use disorder was involved. All participants received a DSM-5 clinical diagnosis of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders and were recruited from the Italian National Health System. A parallel mediation emerged, confirming the vulnerability model, with complex trauma and affect dysregulation mediating the relationship between insecure attachment and dissociation. Furthermore, a mixed serial–parallel mediation described the maintenance model, where impulsiveness, compulsiveness, and obsessiveness significantly mediated the relationship between dissociation and affect dysregulation. Our findings offer a better understanding of the variables associated with addictive disorders, thus providing important indications for both treatment and preventive interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education: 10th Anniversary)

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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ., Volume 13, Issue 3 (March 2023) – 13 articles

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