Behavioral Sciences

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Multigenerational Issues of Generation X and Y Employees in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Thailand: The Moderation Effect of Age Groups on Person–Environment Fit and Turnover Intention

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060489 - 09 Jun 2023

Abstract

Multigenerational employees can evidently impact human resource management practices in terms of effective employee retention. Arguably, a high turnover intention of young employees can hinder a company’s human resource development, while a high volume of retirement of senior employees can create a skill [...] Read more.

Multigenerational employees can evidently impact human resource management practices in terms of effective employee retention. Arguably, a high turnover intention of young employees can hinder a company’s human resource development, while a high volume of retirement of senior employees can create a skill deficit and even a labor management dilemma. This study explored how a supportive work environment can retain employees of different age groups in Thailand’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly Generation X and Y. It modeled a supportive work environment that impacts the behaviors of Generation X and Y employees, taking into consideration the relationship among factors such as person–job fit, person–group fit, person–supervisor fit, person–organization fit, person–environment fit, and turnover intention. This paper statistically analyzed a set of data drawn from an attentive survey of a total of 400 employees of SMEs in 4 populous provinces in Thailand using structural equation modeling (SEM) and multigroup analysis (MGA) with the moderation effect of generations. This paper then found that person–job fit, person–group fit, person–supervisor fit, person–organization fit, person–environment fit, and turnover intention can influence an employee’s intention to remain in his/her job. Additionally, the relationship manipulation among the aforementioned variables might influence Generation X and Y employees differently. Under the circumstances, supervisory support with less group involvement may encourage the retention of Generation Y employees, whereas a sufficient focus on job suitability could improve the retention of Generation X employees. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Dual-Task Performance, Balance and Aerobic Capacity as Predictors of Falls in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Disease: A Comparative Study

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Heitor Silveira

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Juliana Lima

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Jessica Plácido

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José Vinícius Ferreira

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Renan Ferreira

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Jerson Laks

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Andrea Deslandes

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060488 - 09 Jun 2023

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are highly prevalent and strongly associated with the risk of falls in the elderly. Falls are associated with impairments in cognition and functional or gait performance; however, little is known about these associations in the elderly population with CVD. In [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are highly prevalent and strongly associated with the risk of falls in the elderly. Falls are associated with impairments in cognition and functional or gait performance; however, little is known about these associations in the elderly population with CVD. In this study, we aimed to clarify the possible associations of physical capacity and functional and cognitive outcomes with the incidence of falls in older adults with CVD. In this comparative study, 72 elderly patients were divided into fallers (n = 24 cases) and non-fallers (n = 48 controls) according to the occurrence of falls within one year. Machine learning techniques were adopted to formulate a classification model and identify the most important variables associated with the risk of falls. Participants with the worst cardiac health classification, older age, the worst cognitive and functional performance, balance and aerobic capacity were prevalent in the case group. The variables of most importance for the machine learning model were VO_2max, dual-task in seconds and the Berg Scale. There was a significant association between cognitive-motor performance and the incidence of falls. Dual-task performance, balance, and aerobic capacity levels were associated with an increased risk of falls, in older adults with CVD, during a year of observation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Aging)

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Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Validity and Reliability of a French Version of the Child Feeding Questionnaire among Black Mothers Living in Ottawa (Canada)

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Alexandra M. Bodnaruc

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Cris-Carelle Kengneson

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Rosanne Blanchet

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Isabelle Giroux

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060487 - 09 Jun 2023

Abstract

The Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) is a well-established tool used to assess parental beliefs, attitudes, and child feeding practices, with a focus on childhood obesity proneness. To date, there is no French version of the CFQ, nor any Canadian studies assessing its construct [...] Read more.

The Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) is a well-established tool used to assess parental beliefs, attitudes, and child feeding practices, with a focus on childhood obesity proneness. To date, there is no French version of the CFQ, nor any Canadian studies assessing its construct validity. The aim of this study was to assess the construct validity and the reliability of a French version of the CFQ among Black mothers (n = 136) of school-aged children living in Ottawa (Canada). The final best fitting model included 7 factors, 20 items, and 1 error covariance. This model was retained as the final model as it (1) excluded two items with very low factor loadings; (2) had the lowest χ², AIC, BIC, RMSEA, and SRMR values; and (3) had CFI and TLI values ≥ 0.95. Internal consistency ranged from poor to good; the restriction subscale had the lowest internal consistency, followed by the perceived responsibility, pressure to eat, perceive child weight, concern about child weight, and monitoring scales, respectively. Our results showed that a seven-factor model with minor modifications was best fitted to the current data. Future studies are needed to test the validity and reliability of the CFQ in other population groups and among fathers. Full article

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Open AccessSystematic Review

Factors Influencing Participation in Physical Activity, Sports, and Exercise in Children and Adolescents with Spinal Pain or Spinal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060486 - 09 Jun 2023

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is an effective treatment for paediatric spinal pain. However, participation rates remain low and review evidence is needed to establish why. This review identifies factors influencing participation in sports, exercise, and physical activity in those aged 18 or under with [...] Read more.

Background: Physical activity is an effective treatment for paediatric spinal pain. However, participation rates remain low and review evidence is needed to establish why. This review identifies factors influencing participation in sports, exercise, and physical activity in those aged 18 or under with spinal pain or spinal conditions. Trends or differences between discrete sub-populations are identified. Methods: A meta-ethnographic review was undertaken. Qualitative papers were identified and appraised using the JBI checklist. Thematic trends were mapped onto the biopsychosocial model and subthemes identified. Uniqueness was calculated and the confidence in the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE-CERQual tool. Results: Data were gathered from nine qualitative papers (384 participants). Three themes were identified: (1) biological: physical challenges and bladder and bowel care; (2) psychological: perceptions of differences to peers, struggle, anger, sadness, adjustment, and acceptance; and (3) sociological: influence of friends, social acceptance, negative attitudes from others, and the influence of their disability on family routine. Conclusions: Sociological factors were most influential on exercise participation alongside related psychological and biological factors. Adolescents over 14 years offered greater critical insight compared to the younger children. Results are best applied to neuromuscular conditions with further robust evidence required in paediatric musculoskeletal spinal pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)

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Open AccessArticle

Self-Help Groups within Nursing Homes: The Experiences of Family Caregivers in Northeastern Italy

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060485 - 08 Jun 2023

Abstract

Older adults and their family caregivers experience nursing home placement as a particularly critical time of life. The present study explored the experiences of family caregivers of nursing home residents taking part in a self-help group for caregivers. The sample was composed of [...] Read more.

Older adults and their family caregivers experience nursing home placement as a particularly critical time of life. The present study explored the experiences of family caregivers of nursing home residents taking part in a self-help group for caregivers. The sample was composed of six caregivers of older adults residing in a nursing home in the northeast of Italy. The respondents, aged 57 to 71, were part of a self-help group set up by the facility between 2017 and 2019. In this qualitative methodological design, we applied the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two main themes emerged from the interviews: (a) challenges in constructing experience as caregivers; and (b) shared experiences as stabilizing tools. The findings highlight the importance of self-help groups in fostering the well-being of caregivers of older adults living in nursing homes. The self-help group enabled caregivers to deal with nursing home placement and the sense of guilt deriving from it; understand and accept the disabilities affecting their loved one; comprehend the experience of ambiguous loss; and learn to listen to their own needs, thus avoiding physical and emotional exhaustion. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Evidence for Using ACQUIRE Therapy in the Clinical Application of Intensive Therapy: A Framework to Guide Therapeutic Interactions

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Stephanie C. DeLuca

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Mary Rebekah Trucks

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Dorian Wallace

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Sharon Landesman Ramey

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060484 - 07 Jun 2023

Abstract

Intensive therapies have become increasingly popular for children with hemiparesis in the last two decades and are specifically recommended because of high levels of scientific evidence associated with them, including multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Common features of most intensive therapies [...] Read more.

Intensive therapies have become increasingly popular for children with hemiparesis in the last two decades and are specifically recommended because of high levels of scientific evidence associated with them, including multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Common features of most intensive therapies that have documented efficacy include: high dosages of therapy hours; active engagement of the child; individualized goal-directed activities; and the systematic application of operant conditioning techniques to elicit and progress skills with an emphasis on success-oriented play. However, the scientific protocols have not resulted in guiding principles designed to aid clinicians with understanding the complexity of applying these principles to a heterogeneous clinical population, nor have we gathered sufficient clinical data using intensive therapies to justify their widespread clinical use beyond hemiparesis. We define a framework for describing moment-by-moment therapeutic interactions that we have used to train therapists across multiple clinical trials in implementing intensive therapy protocols. We also document outcomes from the use of this framework during intensive therapies provided clinically to children (7 months–20 years) from a wide array of diagnoses that present with motor impairments, including hemiparesis and quadriparesis. Results indicate that children from a wide array of diagnostic categories demonstrated functional improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shifting the Therapeutic Paradigm for Children with Neuromotor Disabilities to Maximizing Development)

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Open AccessArticle

Creative Performance and Conflict through the Lens of Humble Leadership: Testing a Moderated Mediation Model

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060483 - 07 Jun 2023

Abstract

This study developed and tested a moderated mediation model by examining the relationships between humble leadership (HL), emotional intelligence, employee conflict (EC), and creative performance (CP), using resource-based theory as the theoretical foundation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 322 employees and their [...] Read more.

This study developed and tested a moderated mediation model by examining the relationships between humble leadership (HL), emotional intelligence, employee conflict (EC), and creative performance (CP), using resource-based theory as the theoretical foundation. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 322 employees and their immediate supervisors (n = 53) from the telecom sector in Pakistan. The data was analyzed using AMOS 21 and SPSS 26. The results demonstrate that HL has a positive effect on creative performance and a negative relationship with employee conflict. Furthermore, employee conflict has a negative impact on CP and mediates the impact of HL on CP. Moreover, a leader’s emotional intelligence moderates the negative relationship between HL and EC. Finally, this study reveals that EI moderates the indirect effects of HL on CP. The conclusions and implications are discussed at the end of this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)

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Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Follower Identity on Followership: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy

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Weixi Zeng

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Zheming Xu

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Lixia Zhao

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060482 - 07 Jun 2023

Abstract

Followership is as crucial as leadership for organizational success. Significant efforts have been made by numerous researchers to examine how leadership influences followership; however, not enough attention has been paid to the influence of internal factors of followers on followership from the followers’ [...] Read more.

Followership is as crucial as leadership for organizational success. Significant efforts have been made by numerous researchers to examine how leadership influences followership; however, not enough attention has been paid to the influence of internal factors of followers on followership from the followers’ perspective. This study relies on identity theory to understand the relationship between the influence of followers’ perceived self-following traits (FTP) and followership prototype (FP) on followership, and the mediation role of self-efficacy in the relationship between FTP-FP consistency and followership. In order to avoid common method bias and ensure good discriminant validity of the variables, a two-wave time-lagged data collection design was used to collect 276 valid questionnaires from front-line business staff and junior supervisors in private and public sector organizations of China. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis were used to investigate the effect of FTP-FP consistency on followership. The empirical findings indicated that (1) the more consistent FTP-FP, the stronger the followership; (2) compared to the ‘low FTP-low FP’, employees with ‘high FTP-high FP’ had stronger followership; (3) employees with ‘high FTP-low FP’ had stronger followership than ‘low FTP-high FP’; (4) self-efficacy played a mediating role between FTP-FP consistency and followership. These findings contribute to management practice by revealing antecedents to followership from the perspective follower identity and the effect of follower identity on followership. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Receipt and Type of Therapy Services in the NICU

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Karen D. Hendricks-Muñoz

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060481 - 07 Jun 2023

Abstract

Understanding the type and frequency of current neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) therapy services and predictors of referral for therapy services is a crucial first step to supporting positive long-term outcomes in very preterm infants. This study enrolled 83 very preterm infants (<32 [...] Read more.

Understanding the type and frequency of current neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) therapy services and predictors of referral for therapy services is a crucial first step to supporting positive long-term outcomes in very preterm infants. This study enrolled 83 very preterm infants (<32 weeks, gestational age mean 26.5 ± 2.0 weeks; 38 male) from a longitudinal clinical trial. Race, neonatal medical index, neuroimaging, and frequency of therapy sessions were extracted from medical records. The Test of Infant Motor Performance and the General Movement Assessment were administered. Average weekly sessions of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy were significantly different by type, but the magnitude and direction of the difference depended upon the discharge week. Infants at high risk for cerebral palsy based on their baseline General Movements Assessment scores received more therapy sessions than infants at low risk for cerebral palsy. Baseline General Movements Assessment was related to the mean number of occupational therapy sessions but not physical therapy or speech therapy sessions. Neonatal Medical Index scores and Test of Infant Motor Performance scores were not predictive of combined therapy services. Medical and developmental risk factors, as well as outcomes from therapy assessments, should be the basis for referral for therapy services in the neonatal intensive care unit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shifting the Therapeutic Paradigm for Children with Neuromotor Disabilities to Maximizing Development)

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Open AccessArticle

Professional Identity and Career Adaptability among Chinese Engineering Students: The Mediating Role of Learning Engagement

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060480 - 07 Jun 2023

Abstract

Due to the rapid development of science and technology, economic development has changed dramatically, resulting in the transformation of career characteristics. Individuals need to convey a higher career adaptability than ever before in order to face the rapid changes brought by development. Especially [...] Read more.

Due to the rapid development of science and technology, economic development has changed dramatically, resulting in the transformation of career characteristics. Individuals need to convey a higher career adaptability than ever before in order to face the rapid changes brought by development. Especially for college students in the critical period of career development, having good career adaptability is of great significance to their future career choice and development. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey of 692 engineering undergraduates at a top engineering university in China and used the data to investigate the relationship between the professional identity (professional interest, professional strength, career prospects, and professional satisfaction) and career adaptability of college students, as well as to discuss the mediating role of learning engagement in the relationship between professional identity and career adaptability. The results of the correlation analysis showed that professional identity was positively correlated with career adaptability. The mediation effect model indicated that learning engagement played a mediating role in the relationship between the professional identity and career adaptability of Chinese college students. In other words, professional identity had a direct positive impact on career adaptability, while professional identity, mediated by learning engagement, had a positive impact on career adaptability. The study recommends that colleges provide students with a more conducive academic environment and more opportunities for career practice. We also encourage educators to provide more emotional support and identity for students to enhance students’ career adaptability by creating a favorable academic and emotional atmosphere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Causes, Counseling and Prevention Strategies for Maladaptive and Deviant Behaviors in Schools)

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Open AccessArticle

Role of Cue Training, Context, and Stimulus Intensity on Fear Generalization in Humans

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060479 - 07 Jun 2023

Abstract

Fear generalization is a crucial mechanism underlying maladaptive behavior, but factors influencing this process are not fully understood. We investigated the effects of cue training and context on fear generalization and how cognitive rules influence responses to different conditions. We also examined the [...] Read more.

Fear generalization is a crucial mechanism underlying maladaptive behavior, but factors influencing this process are not fully understood. We investigated the effects of cue training and context on fear generalization and how cognitive rules influence responses to different conditions. We also examined the role of stimulus intensity in fear generalization to provide insight into fear generalization mechanisms. Participants (n = 104) completed a fear emotion task with two stages: acquisition and generalization testing. Subjective fear expectancy ratings were used as outcome measures. Participants who received single threat cue training exhibited stronger fear generalization responses than those who received discrimination training with threat and safe cues. Participants who received discrimination training and used linear rules had the strongest fear response to the largest stimulus. Therefore, a safe cue may mitigate fear generalization but could increase fear responses to more intense stimuli. Altering context did not change the fear generalization response because fear generalization is mainly governed by the association between the conditioned stimulus and the unconditioned fear stimulus. The present study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of fear generalization and the importance of examining multiple factors to understand this phenomenon. These findings elucidate fear learning and provide insights needed for effective interventions for maladaptive behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatric, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders)

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Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Influencing Factors of Audiences’ Attitudes toward Virtual Concerts: Evidence from China

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Jing Deng

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Younghwan Pan

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060478 - 06 Jun 2023

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate and validate the influencing factors of audiences’ attitudes toward virtual concerts. In order to address this issue, the current study proposes a conceptual model integrating player experience factors (autonomy, relatedness, and engagement) and the technology [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to investigate and validate the influencing factors of audiences’ attitudes toward virtual concerts. In order to address this issue, the current study proposes a conceptual model integrating player experience factors (autonomy, relatedness, and engagement) and the technology acceptance model (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment). An online questionnaire on virtual concert experiences was conducted among Chinese audiences who had attended virtual concerts previously. Structural equation modeling was then used to establish the relationships between variables. The results suggested that autonomy, relatedness, and engagement positively impacted perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment. Furthermore, the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment were significant predictors of audiences’ attitudes. The findings of this study could provide a reference for relevant virtual entertainment providers and could also serve as a point of development and exploration for the technology acceptance model and player experience in the field of virtual concerts. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of θ High Definition-Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex on the Dominance of Attention Focus in Standing Postural Control

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060477 - 06 Jun 2023

Abstract

Attention focus affects performance in postural control while standing, and it is divided into internal focus (IF) and external focus (EF). Each individual has a predominant attention focus, and research has revealed that the dominance of attention focus may be an acquired trait. [...] Read more.

Attention focus affects performance in postural control while standing, and it is divided into internal focus (IF) and external focus (EF). Each individual has a predominant attention focus, and research has revealed that the dominance of attention focus may be an acquired trait. However, the impact of non-invasive brain stimulation on attention-focus dominance remains unexplored in the current literature. Here, we examined the effect of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) on θ waves in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) on standing postural control tasks in an EF condition for IF- and EF-dominant groups. The effect of θ HD-tACS on the ACC differed between IF- and EF-dominant groups, and θ HD-tACS in the IF-dominant group decreased the performance of standing postural control under the EF condition. The forced activation of the ACC with θ HD-tACS may have conversely reduced the activity of brain regions normally activated by the IF-dominant group. Additionally, the activation of ACC prioritized visual information processing and suppressed the superficial sensory processing that is normally potentially prioritized by the IF-dominant group. These results highlight the importance of changing the type of rehabilitation and sports training tasks to account for the individual’s dominance of attention focus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Neuron to Neuropathology: Innovation in Conceptual Frameworks, Diagnosis, Interventions and Treatment)

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Open AccessReview

Effectiveness of the 5A Counseling Model-Based Interventions on Physical Activity Indicators in Adults: A Systematic Review

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Paulo Henrique Guerra

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Letícia Aparecida Calderão Sposito

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Filipe Ferreira da Costa

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Rogério César Fermino

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Camila Bosquiero Papini

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Cassiano Ricardo Rech

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060476 - 06 Jun 2023

Abstract

Background: To identify and appraise the effectiveness of the 5A-counseling-model-based interventions on indicators of physical activity in adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from systematic searches in Embase, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science, involving studies published from its [...] Read more.

Background: To identify and appraise the effectiveness of the 5A-counseling-model-based interventions on indicators of physical activity in adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from systematic searches in Embase, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science, involving studies published from its inception until May 2022. To avoid potential losses, searches also were made in Google Scholar and in reference lists. The assessment of studies, data extraction, and synthesis were carried out independently by two researchers. Results: Four studies composed the synthesis, which involved people with an average age between 40 and 55 years, most of the samples being women. It was observed that counseling was carried out in conjunction with other strategies, such as drawing up an action plan, sending text messages, and offering educational material. Only one study showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the “daily number of steps” indicator. Conclusions: Based on available studies, 5A-counseling-model-based interventions did not reflect significant findings in relation to physical activity. However, given the potential of the model, future studies are recommended with a better description of the strategies, as well as a more robust methodology, to strengthen the evidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health: Social Psychology Perspective)

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Open AccessSystematic Review

Social Media Use and Depression in Adolescents: A Scoping Review

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060475 - 06 Jun 2023

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to investigate the association between depression and social media use among adolescents. The study analyzed 43 papers using five databases to identify articles published from 2012 to August 2022. The results revealed a connection between social media use and [...] Read more.

This scoping review aimed to investigate the association between depression and social media use among adolescents. The study analyzed 43 papers using five databases to identify articles published from 2012 to August 2022. The results revealed a connection between social media use and depression, as well as other negative outcomes such as anxiety, poor sleep, low self-esteem, and social and appearance anxiety. Surveys were the most used study strategy, with multiple common scales applied to assess depression, social media use, and other factors such as self-esteem and sleep quality. Among the studies, eight reported that females who use social media showed higher depression symptoms than males. This scoping review provides an overview of the current literature on the relationship between social media use and depression among adolescents. The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring social media use and providing support for individuals struggling with depression. However, more research is needed to better understand the factors contributing to this relationship and to develop more standardized assessment methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adolescent Risk Behaviors: Harm from Social Networking and Alcohol Use)

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Open AccessArticle

Do Moral Judgments in Moral Dilemmas Make One More Inclined to Choose a Medical Degree?

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060474 - 05 Jun 2023

Abstract

The role of moral intuitions and moral judgments has become increasingly prominent in educational and academic choices. The present research aims to examine if the moral judgments elicited in sacrificial trolley dilemmas have a distinct pattern for the decisions made by junior medical [...] Read more.

The role of moral intuitions and moral judgments has become increasingly prominent in educational and academic choices. The present research aims to examine if the moral judgments elicited in sacrificial trolley dilemmas have a distinct pattern for the decisions made by junior medical students, in comparison to those of senior high school students. We work with this sample because it represents the population out of which medical students are recruited in the case of Bucharest, Romania. Our findings show that moral judgments are indeed a significant predictor for a respondent’s status as medical students. This result, albeit with limitations, bears multiple practical implications, from developing empirically informed medical ethics courses in medical schools to evidence-based policy designs which consider factors such as morality alongside financial outcomes and incentives. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Cooperating with Different Types of Strangers: The Influence of Guanxi Perception, Trust, and Responsibility

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060473 - 05 Jun 2023

Abstract

This study explored people’s estimation of cooperative intention when paired with people with different types of relationships, and the mediating roles of trust and responsibility between guanxi perception and the estimation of cooperative intention. We recruited 398 university students from the Greater Bay [...] Read more.

This study explored people’s estimation of cooperative intention when paired with people with different types of relationships, and the mediating roles of trust and responsibility between guanxi perception and the estimation of cooperative intention. We recruited 398 university students from the Greater Bay Area of China to complete two public goods dilemma experiments. Study 1 manipulated the type of partner to be either family member, classmate, and stranger, representing different types of guanxi. Study 2 manipulated the type of partner to be either stranger with intermediary, stranger within ingroup, and complete stranger. In both studies, the mediating roles of trust and responsibility in the relationship between guanxi perception and the estimation of cooperative intention were tested. The results of study 1 showed that the participants’ estimation of cooperative intention with a family member was higher than with acquaintances or with strangers. In study 2, the estimation of cooperative intention with stranger with intermediary was higher than with a stranger within one’s ingroup or with a complete stranger. Multivariate analysis verified the mediating effects. The results are discussed with reference to why Chinese people treat different types of guanxi distinctly, especially to different types of strangers, and how guanxi perception, trust, and responsibility work together to the influence of the estimation of cooperative intention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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Open AccessArticle

The Temporal Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Loneliness: The Moderating Role of Self-Compassion

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Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060472 - 05 Jun 2023

Abstract

Loneliness and depression are significant mental health challenges among college students; however, the intricate relationship between these phenomena remains unclear, particularly in the context of self-compassion. In this comprehensive study, we employ a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis to investigate the symptom-level association [...] Read more.

Loneliness and depression are significant mental health challenges among college students; however, the intricate relationship between these phenomena remains unclear, particularly in the context of self-compassion. In this comprehensive study, we employ a cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis to investigate the symptom-level association between depression and loneliness while exploring the potential moderating influence of self-compassion. Our sample consisted of 2785 college students, who were categorized into high- and low-self-compassion groups based on scores from the Self-Compassion Scale. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, while the UCLA Loneliness Scale-8 measured loneliness expressions. Our findings indicate that self-compassion plays a crucial role in the relationship between depression and loneliness. Specifically, we observed distinctive patterns within the high and low-self-compassion groups. In the low-self-compassion group, “energy” emerged as the most influential symptom, whereas “motor function” exhibited the highest influence in the high-self-compassion group. Furthermore, among individuals with high self-compassion, the pathway from depression to loneliness was characterized by “guilt—being alone when desired,” while the reverse path from loneliness to depression encompassed “left out—feeling sad” and “left out—anhedonia.” Conversely, in the low-self-compassion group, depression and loneliness demonstrated a more intricate mutual triggering relationship, suggesting that self-compassion effectively moderates the association between these variables. This study provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms driving the interplay between depression and loneliness, shedding light on the pivotal role of self-compassion in this intricate dynamic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)

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Open AccessArticle

Expanding the Trauma-Informed Care Measurement Toolkit: An Evaluation of the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC-45) Scale with SUD Workers in PIMH

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Alicia Mendez

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Emily A. Bosk

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Amanda Keller

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Abigail Williams-Butler

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Tareq Hardan

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Debra J. Ruisard

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Michael J. MacKenzie

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060471 - 05 Jun 2023

Abstract

Human service organizations (HSO) have increasingly recognized the value of employing trauma-informed care (TIC) in a variety of practice settings. Evidence suggests that effectively adopting TIC has shown client improvements. Organizational barriers to TIC implementation, however, exist. To improve TIC practice, the attitudes [...] Read more.

Human service organizations (HSO) have increasingly recognized the value of employing trauma-informed care (TIC) in a variety of practice settings. Evidence suggests that effectively adopting TIC has shown client improvements. Organizational barriers to TIC implementation, however, exist. To improve TIC practice, the attitudes related to trauma-informed care (ARTIC) scale was developed to measure staff attitudes and beliefs towards TIC. The ARTIC has been widely adopted by researchers without evaluating its psychometric performance in diverse practice settings. The purpose of this study was to independently validate the ARTIC scale drawn from a sample of staff (n = 373) who provide services to substance-using parents. Psychometric tests were conducted to evaluate how the ARTIC performs with our HSO population. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis showed poor fit (X² = 2761.62, df = 2.96; RMSEA = 0.07 [0.07, 0.08]; CFI = 0.72). An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to analyze how the data fit with our specific population, yielding 10 factors. Finally, a qualitative inter-item analysis of these factors was conducted, resulting in nine factors. Our findings suggest that measuring TIC attitudes and beliefs may vary according to field of practice and ethno-racially diverse workers. Further refinement of the ARTIC may be necessary for various services domains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Trauma-Responsive Care)

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