The European Journal of Behavioral Sciences is a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal covering behavioral sciences. In addition, interdisciplinary research that integrates behavioral sciences and other fields are also solicited. Articles are welcome on research, practice, experience, current issues and debates. Please see the journal’s Aims & Scope for information about its focus and peer-review policy.
Mokslinės Leidybos Deimantas (Diamond Scientific Publication)
The Role of Empathy and Gratitude in NGO Schools: A Study at Diksha School in Gurgaon
This study explores the impact of empathy and gratitude on educational outcomes among adolescents at Diksha School, an NGO-run institution in Gurgaon, India serving students from marginalized backgrounds. A quantitative experimental design was employed, involving 69 students from grades 7 to 12. The respondents were further divided into control and experimental groups, with students from grade 7th and 12th being control group participants (N=35) and students in grade 8th and 10th being experimental group participants (N= 34). The participants in the experimental group received a structured intervention called the “Chit system” where students would list down good deeds done by their peers, and the chits directed towards the peer were read in front of the whole class once and aimed at fostering empathy and gratitude. Pre- and post-intervention assessments utilized the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire and the Gratitude Questionnaire–Six Item Form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis. Results indicated significant increases in both empathy and gratitude scores from pre- to post-test across groups, with the intervention group showing greater improvements in gratitude (p = .007) and a significant interaction between time and group (p = .031), highlighting the effectiveness of the intervention. Empathy scores also rose significantly (p .001), underscoring the value of targeted emotional development programs.The study concludes that integrating empathy and gratitude into educational practice can strengthen both social and emotional outcomes, offering a replicable model for other NGO schools seeking to create supportive, inclusive learning environments for disadvantaged youth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Archisha Dixit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Quantitative Analysis of Psychological and Economic Factors Affecting Sanitation Workers
The study examines the psychological and economic well-being of sewage workers in Gurugram through a quantitative approach with special emphasis on the health vulnerabilities they are exposed to. The paper aims to shed light on the problems faced by workers and their impact on workers’ well-being. The study utilises a mixed methods approach including quantitative surveys and personal interviews. A total of 100 sewage workers were surveyed. The study used the following scales: Hamilton Anxiety scale, Occupational Stress scale, WHOQOL BREF, Financial Well-being scale, and Knowledge about Health Risks scale. The data collected through the survey was used to conduct statistical tests like ANOVA, correlation, and regression. In addition to the surveys, 12 respondents were also interviewed, and their responses were thematically analysed. The study found that expenditure had a significant positive correlation with anxiety and a significant negative correlation with quality of life and financial well-being. Meanwhile, anxiety had a significant negative correlation with quality of life and financial well-being, and vice versa. Furthermore, it was found that most of the workers interviewed believed that schemes or savings accounts provide no help or benefit to unorganised workers, attempted to get a loan but had been denied one, and experienced significant stress and suffered from physical injuries while refusing to seek professional help due to the increased cost. Using quantitative and qualitative analysis tools, the study was able to better determine and understand the state of the workers while increasing awareness about the obstacles faced by them.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vedant Dhingra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gamification in Marketing: Analyses of the Impact Beyond Play and Fun
As marketers increasingly face the challenge of capturing and maintaining consumer attention in a saturated digital environment, gamification has emerged as a promising solution. Gamification has emerged as a transformative strategy in marketing, extending its influence far beyond play and entertainment. This conceptual paper employs a meta-analysis methodology, systematically synthesizing findings from academic, experimental, and applied research to uncover consistent patterns, theoretical developments, and evolving applications of gamification in marketing contexts. The choice of meta-analysis is particularly relevant as it allows for the integration of diverse empirical and conceptual studies, offering a comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of the field’s development over time. In addressing the first research question, the study explores how gamification has been conceptualized and applied, highlighting key elements such as points, leaderboards, challenges, and rewards, and examining their effects on consumer engagement, loyalty, and behavior through psychological mechanisms like intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The second research question identifies existing gaps in literature, including the need for longitudinal research, greater cultural diversity, and ethical scrutiny in the deployment of gamified systems. By integrating theoretical frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory, Flow Theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model, the paper not only clarifies how gamification works but also guides future research toward more responsible, inclusive, and effective applications. The findings offer valuable insights for scholars and marketing practitioners seeking to design gamified strategies that are not only engaging but also sustainable and ethically sound.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ljupka Naumovska, Gordana Petrusevska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Linking Peer Relational Aggression Victimization to Internalizing Symptoms during Adolescence
Some studies indicated that relational aggression victimization may impact adolescents’ internalizing symptoms; however, no related research has been done to demonstrate theoretical perspectives and the mediating or moderating mechanisms of relational aggression victimization’s impact on internalizing symptoms during adolescence. Therefore, this paper conducted a narrative review and proposed a framework to understanding the mediating and moderating mechanisms of the relationship between relational aggression victimization and internalizing symptoms during adolescence. In conclusion, three mediating mechanisms have been found: (1) Negative Self-evaluation System, (2) Adverse Interpersonal Situation, and (3) Poor Quality of Friendships, and may be moderated by gender, emotional support, and rumination. Due to some questions and issues in this research field had not been answered well, we suggested some implications for future research in the end of the paper.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chia-Hsien Lu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This paper integrates behavioral economic frameworks with comparative institutional analysis to explain tax compliance beyond traditional deterrence approaches. Drawing on empirical evidence from Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark), characterized by high trust and voluntary compliance, and contrasting them with low trust contexts (Israel and Greece), the study highlights the critical roles of intrinsic motivations, social norms, and institutional trust in shaping taxpayer behavior. The findings extend the "slippery slope" framework by demonstrating how institutional legitimacy fosters voluntary compliance more effectively than coercive enforcement. Practical insights for policymakers include enhancing transparency, civic engagement, procedural fairness, and targeted behavioral nudges.
Copyright (c) 2025 eldad bar lev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Addictive Behaviour Predicts Self-Harm in Adolescents
Self-harm is a growing and high-risk undesirable phenomenon that occurs primarily during adolescence and in young adulthood. It causes serious disruption to the physical and psychological integrity of an individual and can even be life-threatening. The severity and prevalence of this behaviour direct the attention of professionals to help affected individuals as well as to the most effective methods of its prevention. In this context, it is exceptionally important to know the concurrent and especially the risk factors of self-harm. One area that research focuses on is the identification of addictive features of self-harming behaviour as well as the possible connection of self-harm with various other addictions. This work focuses on verification of a relationship between addictive and self-harming behaviour, on exploration of the type of mutual connections as well as on the gender specifics of this relationship. The study was conducted on a sample of 203 participants aged 15 – 19 years (mean age = 16.62 years), 58.6% (N = 119) of whom were women. Spearman’s non-parametric correlation demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.001), moderately strong (rs = 0.549) positive correlation between addictive behaviour and self-harm. Linear regression analysis showed that addictive behaviour caused 40.3% of self-harm in the studied research sample of adolescents. The strength of the prediction is notably determined by gender – while for boys R2 = 0.252, for girls the coefficient of determination reached double the value at 0.520. It is evident from the results that addictive behaviour significantly influences the occurrence of self-harm, a fact that significantly affects not only the understanding of the typical features of self-harming behaviour, but also indicates the nature of the mechanisms sharing in its emergence and maintenance in the repertoire of maladaptive coping strategies. It is also an important implication for psychological intervention and therapy of self-harming adolescents, especially girls.
Copyright (c) 2025 Demuthova Slavka, Demuth Andrej, Chylova Sabina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Level of Aggressive Behavior among High School Female Students in Kuwait in Light of Certain Variables
This study aimed to explore the level of aggressive behavior among high school female students in Kuwait in light of certain variables, including academic performance, residential area, and socioeconomic status. This cross-sectional study relied on the descriptive quantitative approach. The study sample consisted of 235 high school female students in Kuwait, selected using a random sampling technique. To collect the study data, an Aggressive Behavior Scale was employed, and indicators of the scale's validity and reliability demonstrated that it possessed good and satisfactory psychometric properties. The results revealed a moderate level of aggressive behavior (overall score) among high school female students in Kuwait. Approximately 14.7% of the sample exhibited a high level of aggressive behavior, while about 14.2% showed a low level of aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior towards oneself ranked first, followed by aggressive behavior towards others. Aggressive behavior towards property and objects, along with deviation from norms and values, ranked second. Additionally, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between academic performance and the overall score on the Aggressive Behavior Scale, as well as its following dimensions: aggressive behavior towards others, aggressive behavior towards property and objects, and deviation from norms and values. While there was a statistically significant positive correlation between academic performance and aggressive behavior towards oneself, high school female students residing in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate exhibited statistically higher levels of aggressive behavior compared to other groups. Furthermore, high school female students with a medium socioeconomic status and income reported statistically higher levels of aggressive behavior compared to other groups.
Copyright (c) 2025 ‪Dana Alazemi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Behavioral Biases in Investment Decisions: A Comparative Analysis of the Stock Market and the Art Market
Investment decisions are often influenced by the behavior of the investor. To empirically evaluate, this study aims to comparatively analyze how behavioral biases differ between various investments, in particular, art and stocks. In addition, the research examined the gender differences within the biases for both art and stock investments. Therefore, three objectives were assessed in this paper: 1) To analyze the differences in behavioral biases between stocks and arts, 2) To assess how behavioral biases differ between females and males while investing in art, and 3) To evaluate how behavioral biases differ between females and males while investing in stocks. A detailed quantitative survey was used where participants (n=30), primarily from Singapore, answered 19 questions on the biases based on standardized scales. Data was processed using a paired t-test, Levene's test, and independent t-tests. The findings revealed that the Disposition and Herding biases are significantly greater in the stock investments than in the art ones. However, endowment bias is significantly greater in art as compared to stocks. Lastly, Overconfidence bias did not significantly differ across art and stock assets. Additionally, no significant differences were found in all the behavioral biases tested between males and females. The similarity in gender was consistent across both the Stock investments and the Art investments. In conclusion, this study enables investors to make informed decisions and strategies while investing in art and stocks, considering the effect of behavioral biases.
Copyright (c) 2025 Urvi Sukhani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Generational Differences in Perceptions of Second-Hand Clothing: Motivations and Barriers Across Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X
As the fashion industry grows, so does the demand for second-hand clothes. This study investigates the perceptions of different generations toward second-hand clothing and explores the factors influencing their purchasing decisions. Using a quantitative survey, the data were collected from 83 individuals classified as Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X, based in India. Standardized questions were included in the survey to evaluate the key determinants of customer buying behavior, such as product features, price sensitivity, status symbol, location, and emotions and experiences. The data was analyzed using graphs and statistical tests such as Levene's and independent T-tests. From the results, it was found that product features were the only factor that showed a significant generational difference, implying that while purchasing second-hand clothes, Generation Z and Millennials are highly influenced by the features of the product, as compared to Generation X. Conversely, price sensitivity, status symbol, location, and emotions and experiences impacted all the generations similarly. Moreover, while second-hand fashion has been increasing recently, some important features, like affordability, current fashion trends, and easy accessibility to e-commerce and marketplaces, attract all generations. However, the discouraging factors, including hygiene concerns, low quality, stigma, negative energy, superstition, and time-consuming processes, contributed to the slow growth of this industry. Among these barriers, hygiene concerns and a time-consuming process are highly influential, followed by low quality and stigma in all generations. These insights provide businesses and policymakers with valuable guidance to enhance marketing strategies and product offerings, ultimately promoting sustainable fashion consumption across generations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anvi Dua https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interventions for Medical Students’ Psychological Wellbeing: A Scoping Review
Amidst the acknowledged challenges to students' psychological wellbeing in medical education, this review aims to map and assess the wellbeing interventions employed in studies aimed to enhance medical students' quality of life and overall mental health and wellbeing. Despite the recognised need to address psychological wellbeing in medical education, ambiguity remains regarding the nature, range and effectiveness of the wellbeing interventions that have been made available to medical students for this purpose. Methods: Using the Arksey–O'Malley scoping review method, authors systematically searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for publications from inception to December 2024. Two reviewers assessed study eligibility and extracted data on wellbeing interventions aimed at improving the psychological wellbeing of medical students. Results: Sixty papers met the criteria for inclusion as studies focusing on interventions targeting the psychological wellbeing of medical students. Our findings identified a diverse range of interventions, including mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive-behavioural therapy, mind-body medicine, pass/fail grading, curriculum changes, and wellness programs. These interventions demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in reducing poor psychological wellbeing and promoting positive outcomes. Specifically, mindfulness-based interventions showed positive impacts on anxiety reduction while cognitive-behavioural therapy interventions exhibited favourable effects on stress alleviation and psychological morbidity. Furthermore, students enrolled in pass/fail evaluation systems demonstrated substantial initial wellbeing improvement compared to other academic interventions. However, the effectiveness of mind-body medicine interventions, diverse curriculum changes, and wellness programs presented mixed results, stressing the need for tailored interventions. Despite the implementation of various interventions, uncertainty persists regarding their alignment with students' preferences, influenced by factors such as intervention format, time constraints, and academic pressures. Conclusions: The findings of this review offer insights into the nature, effectiveness and acceptability of psychological wellbeing interventions for medical students, underlining the need for interventions that align with students' preferences and choices. Continuous evaluations and adaptations of interventions are essential to meet evolving needs and to foster resilience among medical students.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aisha Ali Hawsawi, Neil Nixon, Ananya Bhardwaj, Elena Nixon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Correlational Study of Perceived Stress, Sleep Quality, and Ergonomic Factors among Office Workers
Office workers today are increasingly struggling with stress and poor sleep; poor ergonomic conditions are a big reason for this. Workspaces that aren’t designed well can interrupt a person’s circadian rhythm, increasing stress levels and worsening sleep quality. This study collected data from 73 office workers in India through the Perceived Stress Scale, BOSSA Time-Lapse survey, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The results showed that younger workers and those with less experience struggled more with stress and sleep, probably because they’re not yet great at handling work pressures. People in consultancy jobs seemed to have it worse than those in IT, reporting higher stress levels and worse ergonomic conditions. A strong link was found between stress and bad sleep; poor ergonomics also seemed to worsen sleep quality. These findings point to the need for offices to be more ergonomic to keep employees healthy and productive.
Copyright (c) 2025 Agastya Rishi Bhardwaj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Conjunction of Disciplines: Neuroarchitecture's Role in Advancing Social Science Research on Built Environments
Neuroarchitecture is the interdisciplinary field standing at the crossroads of neuroscience and architecture that investigates how the built environment interfaces with human neural mechanisms to shape behavior, emotion, and cognition. While highly researched in application to healthcare and educational settings, how neuroarchitecture might conceptually shape and reframe the social sciences remains under consideration. The theoretical and empirical points of intersection, for instance, between neuroarchitecture and social sciences, have been made relevant within the framework of understanding human behavior, social interaction, and well-being in the built environment. Using a multidisciplinary perspective, this study outlines a conceptual framework for how neuroarchitectural insights can be integrated into the methodologies of social sciences. The approach integrates neuroscience, architecture, and environmental psychology through a comprehensive review of empirical and theoretical research on the topic. Major themes have been identified through bibliometric analysis and co-occurrence mapping to trace the evolution of neuroarchitecture and its relevance to social science contexts. Further, case studies in urban design and policy-making were investigated to point out practical applications, giving a base for actionable strategies that address social challenges through human-centered environmental design. The present study opens new perspectives for research into the way the built environment influences individual and collective experience and, on its part, allows novel insights into urgent problems in social sciences. Furthermore, it brings together different viewpoints regarding practical applications of neuroarchitecture to urban planning, policy decisions, and community development as a means of creating supportive environments that respond to diverse human needs. The study underlines the fact that the solution to some key challenges requires the collaboration of neuroscientists, architects, and social scientists. Hence, the study attempts to further both disciplines by offering bridges between the fields of neuroscience and social science.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rengin Aslanoglu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Emotional Resilience, Social Support, and Coping Strategies among Persons Deprived of Liberty Experiencing Grief in a District Jail in Surigao del Sur: A Multiple Case Study
This study investigates emotional resilience, social support, and coping mechanisms among male Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) experiencing grief in a district jail in Surigao del Sur, Philippines. In-depth interviews were conducted with three male detainees using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2021), involving complete coding to capture relevant data, followed by identifying significant statements, emerging concepts, subcategories, categories, and themes. Thematic tables were used to organize findings, and both within-case and cross-case analyses were performed. Three key themes emerged: individual adaptive responses, impact of interpersonal connections, and grief management techniques. Common grief symptoms—somatic, emotional, and behavioral—were heightened by incarceration. Despite these challenges, participants showed emotional resilience, shaped by personality traits and past experiences, demonstrating adaptability, emotional regulation, and acceptance. Social support, primarily from family and jail staff, provided informational, instrumental, and emotional aid, but barriers like stigma and limited awareness hindered access to resources. Coping mechanisms included problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies such as humor, religion, and purposeful activities, emphasizing the need for personalized support. A psychological intervention program grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is proposed to address grief among PDLs. The study recommends longitudinal research and program evaluations to improve support for grieving detainees.
Copyright (c) 2024 Celeste Faith R. Almanon, Kris Hanley M. Dalan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Boosting Career Success: Innovative Behavioral Measures for Guiding Saudi Secondary School Graduates
This study developed and validated a comprehensive behavioral measure for career guidance among secondary school graduates in Saudi Arabia, aiming to integrate soft skills, personality traits, attitudes, and cognitive factors to fill gaps in existing career guidance frameworks. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 814 secondary school students (M_age = 16.47) from diverse urban (n = 407) and rural (n = 407) settings in Saudi Arabia. Multigroup latent profile analyses (LPA) were employed to identify distinct career decision-making profiles among students. The study explored whether urban and rural students exhibited different patterns of engagement in career guidance behaviors. Three distinct engagement profiles were identified: high, moderate, and low engagement, consistent across both settings. High engagement profiles were characterized by high self-efficacy, proactive career exploration, and low anxiety, linked to better career decision outcomes and greater satisfaction with career guidance. Variance analysis using the Games-Howell post hoc test was conducted to compare the profiles based on key behavioral measures such as self-efficacy, career exploration behavior, and anxiety. To further understand the contextual factors influencing these profiles, a multinomial regression analysis examined the impact of teacher support and resilience on career guidance engagement levels. Results indicated that higher levels of teacher support and resilience significantly predicted membership in high engagement profiles. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating behavioral components into career guidance programs, particularly those tailored to address the specific needs of urban and rural students in Saudi Arabia, ultimately supporting the broader educational and workforce development goals of Vision 2030.
Copyright (c) 2024 Adel Mohammed Alosaimi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Deciphering Assumptions in Lawmaking: Towards a More Human-Centric Approach
This study investigates the assumptions legislators make about the recipients of laws, drawing parallels with the homo oeconomicus model. We question whether laws are crafted under the belief that recipients are instrumental rational individuals who strive to maximize profit and minimize or evade penalties. Key objectives include evaluating the influence of these assumptions on lawmaking and determining how a shift in these beliefs may impact the law itself. The research methodology combines an analysis of Polish and American court rulings and judicial models. The study argues for the necessity of a paradigm shift, recognizing that legal subjects do not always act logically or rationally. Our research concludes that recognizing the behavioral nuances in law recipients could lead to more effective lawmaking, introducing behavioral laws and regulatory tools better suited to average, not always rational, recipients.
Copyright (c) 2024 Maria Pawinska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Friendship and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Correlation Between Friendships of Students with ASD High Function (AHF) and Educational Practices in the Context of Inclusion in Primary Education
Friendship contributes to mental well-being, is a protective factor in victimization and a challenge for children and adolescents with High Functioning Autism (HFA). The quantity and quality of their friendships depends on the quality of interventions in their environment. This study aims to investigate the quantity and quality of friendships between children with (AHF) and their peers in primary school, and the relationship between friendships and inclusive educational practices. The research sample consisted of 143 teachers of students with AHF in primary school. The qualitative approach used the Autism Inclusion Questionnaire (AIQ), while the quantitative approach used the Questionnaire on friendships between children with AHF and peers. Inferential statistics, i.e., the use of the x2 correlation test and Pearson's coefficient, was used to investigate the association and type of association between friendship practices with AHF and educational, behavioral practices. Results showed that 35% of teachers believed that children with ASD tended to have no friends and were surrounded by loneliness. Only one third of them had a good friend. However, these friendships could not be considered meaningful as they were not characterized by reciprocity and common interests. 19 out of 37 educational inclusion practices were linked to the development and improvement of friendships. They can be useful for educators, practitioners and families at this age stage.
Autistic High Functioning Students (AHF)
Copyright (c) 2024 Tatiani Gkatsa, Irene Antoniou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
What Is Love? A Factor Analysis of Established Frameworks and a Semantic Analysis of Individual Western Beliefs
The assessment of the construct of love has been attempted with various self-reporting questionnaires but there is no evidence that these measures are assessing the same construct. This research is attempting to develop a culturally sensitive definition for the construct of love. This research is a two-part study. The first part of the research sets out to validate eight of the widely used love (or related area) self-reporting measures. We hypothesized that there would be high collinearity between the various measures and that they would be related to the individual’s perception of love. 565 adults were surveyed and were given each of the love measures, demographic questions, an overall rating of love (0-100), as well as an open-ended question to explain their definition of love. Factor analysis revealed that several of the measures had more factors than they reported, the items were plagued with high collinearity, or they had items that did not meet the minimum threshold for model inclusion. The second study addressed the attitudes toward love in Western society using an Implicit Association Test (IAT). We hypothesized that cognitive load would vary by the categorizations of love words. 1102 individuals in the United States and Europe were given a list of 158 words and asked if the word was associated to love or not love while cognitive load, measured as latency, was recorded. The results indicated that love words are identified faster than not love words. Conclusions are consistent with Prospect Theory and the Theory of Constructed Emotions.
Copyright (c) 2024 Elizabeth Reyes-Fournier, Paul Reyes-Fournier, Robert Reyes-Fournier https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Structural Validity of the Interpersonal Behaviors Questionnaire in Greek University Sport-Students
The examination of the interpersonal behaviors of undergraduate student-athletes can contribute to the research on the perceptions of students for satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological behaviors by teachers in the context teaching classes. Aim of this study was to translate into Greek and investigate the factorial validity and internal consistency of the Interpersonal Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ; 24-item six factors). 252 full-time undergraduate student-athletes (125 males and 127 females) were used ranging in age 18 to 38 years. The results of CFA showed a good fit of the data to the model, while the multi-sample results indicated invariance for factor loadings and correlations between male and female samples. Internal consistency coefficients Cronbach alpha and interclass correlation were moderate significant. In conclusion, the IBQ-Gr version has valid and reliable psychometric properties and can be applied to examination of the perceptions interpersonal behaviors others into Greek population.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ioannis Proios https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Freedom from Within: A Meta-Analytic Review of Mindfulness Meditation-Based Interventions in Prisons
Mindfulness meditation-based interventions (MMBIs) are progressively being integrated into the correctional space. The current study investigated behavioral-specific MMBI trends amongst incarcerated populations, focusing on substance use and recidivism. A meta-analytic review of quantitative research explored whether prison MMBIs significantly influence criminogenic behavior. The seventeen studies included in the meta-analytic review were explicitly selected for substance use and recidivism outcomes in prison MMBI research over the past 50 years. Statistical trends in MMBIs were identified and interpreted. Substance use data demonstrated a standardized mean difference of -0.94 with a 95% confidence interval [-1.98 to -0.09]. Recidivism data showed an odds ratio of 1.34 with a 95% confidence interval [1.17 to 1.49]. The pooled effect sizes from both variables were meaningful, demonstrating both tests of overall effect as statistically significant in reducing substance use (p <0.05) and recidivism (p <0.01). The evidence from this research suggested that MMBIs within prisons serve as a valuable program to be incorporated alongside rehabilitation protocols.
Copyright (c) 2024 Nicolette Pankovics, Marietta Martinovic https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing in Medical Students: A Systematic Review
Medical students' psychological wellbeing is a growing concern. However, the methods used and outcomes measured in studies evaluating psychological wellbeing lack consistency given their wide and diverse array. This systematic review aims to characterise and comprehensively evaluate the outcomes measured and methods used in studies assessing psychological wellbeing among medical students. A consensus on the constructs and methods used in indexing psychological wellbeing can lead to more effective assessments and consequently more effective interventions aimed at promoting wellbeing in medical students. Methods: Multiple databases were searched, including Medline, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched through Google Scholar, and reference lists of the included studies were further searched. Results: Forty-five studies were included, and findings were integrated into a narrative synthesis. The results showed that various methods were used and various outcomes were measured to index medical students’ mental wellbeing; outcomes tapped on stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, and minor psychiatric disorders as wellbeing indicators while commonly used measures were the General Health Questionnaire, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Self-reported measures and quantitative designs predominated, focusing on negative indicators of wellbeing. The findings of this systematic review highlighted the vast heterogeneity in outcomes measured and methods used in studies assessing psychological wellbeing in medical students. Conclusions: Homogeneity in the measures and outcomes used to assess wellbeing is necessary to improve the comparability and reliability of findings among studies. Future research should also use validated measures that capture both positive and negative aspects of psychological wellbeing to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that can promote positive psychological wellbeing; and consequently, to inform the development of more effective interventions tailored to the mental health needs of medical students.
Copyright (c) 2024 Aisha Ali Hawsawi, Neil Nixon, Alice Derbyshire, Elena Nixon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mental Health Carers’ Support Experiences in Australia
Informal mental health carers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with depression and anxiety. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how to effectively support these carers and promote their well-being. This mixed-method study aimed to explore the support needs of carers of a person with depressive or anxiety symptoms, living in Australia. Sixty-seven carers (female 76 %, median age 48) completed an online survey, and 22 completed semi-structured interviews about their support experiences. Over half of the survey respondents reported high levels of psychological distress on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and 63% reported understanding and adjusting to the caregiving role as the most needed areas of support, as identified on the Caregiver Perspective Questionnaire (CPQ). Through thematic analysis of the interviews, four key themes emerged describing carers’ support experiences and needs: connecting with formal services, responding to the care-recipient, connecting socially, and caring for the self. The analysis also found that time constraints and stigma can be significant support barriers for these carers. This is the first time that a study has investigated the support experiences and needs of carers of a person with depressive or anxiety symptoms, living in Australia. The findings contribute to current literature on mental health carers and offer novel and tangible insights into future research and support opportunities.
Copyright (c) 2024 Elloyse Fitzgeraldson, Jose Cuenca, Sally Fitzpatrick https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Attractiveness of Facial Symmetry in the Context of the Dominant Visual Field
One of the key features of an attractive face is symmetry. The presence of symmetry in living organisms reflects their ability to cope with various adverse environmental or genetic factors, thus a symmetrical face signals the hidden qualities of the organism. Despite the evolutionary basis for the attractiveness of facial symmetry, studies that have examined it have yielded diverse results. One reason may lie in the fact that the symmetrical stimulus faces are often composites that are created by using the mirror image of one, which can lead to contradictory outcomes. When evaluating human faces, the dominance of the left visual field (as a reflection of brain lateralisation functions) comes into play, which may modify the attractiveness of the composite depending on whether it was created as a left-sided mirror image (using the left half of the face) or a right-sided mirror image (using the right half of the face). The study aims to evaluate the attractiveness of left-sided and right-sided symmetrical facial composites and how the evaluator's visual field dominance affects the assessed attractiveness. The research was conducted on a sample of 1,921 participants aged from 15 to 77 (M = 23.57; SD = 9.52); 60.7% women using computerised facial composites in quasi-experimental research design. The results show that left-sided facial composites are significantly (p<0.001) more attractive than right-sided, for both female and male faces. Furthermore, it is noted that visual field dominance is not related to the type (left-sided vs. right-sided) of symmetry or the evaluation of its attractiveness – individuals with dominant left visual fields as well as those with dominant right visual fields universally rate the left-sided composite as significantly more attractive than the right-sided composite.
Copyright (c) 2023 Slavka Demuthova, Andrej Demuth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Revisiting Childhood: A Phenomenological Study on Art Students' Lived Experiences of Memory and Fantasy Drawings
This phenomenological study explored art students' lived experiences of creating memory and fantasy drawings of their childhood. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 undergraduate art students who completed a drawing assignment revisiting their childhoods through memory and fantasy renderings. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to extract themes and insights into the essence of the phenomenon. Findings revealed that memory drawings evoked vivid recreations of specific moments and relationships from childhood, eliciting emotional responses ranging from nostalgia to distress. Fantasy drawings provided opportunities for imaginative reworking of childhood experiences, allowing expression of latent wishes, fears, and curiosity. The act of rendering childhood memories and fantasies in visual form allowed access to embodied aspects of past experience and enabled new perspectives. Participants described the assignment as an insightful rediscovery and reevaluation of childhood. The study provides an enhanced understanding of how memory and fantasy drawings provide evocative access to lived dimensions of childhood among art students. The visual articulation and symbolic processing of remembered and imagined childhood experience facilitated self-reflection, emotional exploration and integration.
Copyright (c) 2023 European Journal of Behavioral Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Talasínup: Exploring the Environmental Consciousness and Christian Environmentalism of Youth Ministers in Mabalacat City in Light of Laudato Si' for Post-COVID-19 Environmental Stewardship
This research investigates the influence of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si on the attitudes and behaviors of Catholics regarding environmental stewardship in a post-COVID-19 context. The study employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to comprehensively understand the impact of the encyclical and identify potential areas for future action and research in this critical field. The primary data collection involved a survey administered to 144 Catholic Youth Ministers in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The survey included the Environmental Consciousness Scale and Christian Environmental Scale. Preliminary results indicate that Laudato Si has had a significant impact on Catholic perspectives and behaviors related to climate change and sustainability. The analysis of open-ended responses in the study provided valuable insights into the concerns and aspirations of the youth ministers. While personal aspects of life were the primary concerns for the youth, the youth ministers expressed deep concern about local pollution and the urban expansion on natural landscapes. They emphasized the importance of taking practical action to address these environmental issues and recognized the role of individual behaviors and societal structures in tackling these challenges. This research highlights the influential role of the Catholic Church in promoting environmental stewardship and the transformative power of religious teachings in elevating climate change concerns. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the influence of religious teachings on environmental attitudes and behaviors among Catholics. Furthermore, the insights generated in this study can inform policymakers, educators, and organizations seeking to promote environmental awareness and action among Catholic youth.
Copyright (c) 2023 Angelito Ortiz Waje https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unleashing Young Minds: Fostering Scientific Thinking in Early Childhood (Ages 5-9) through Experiential Learning in Kids Science Labs (STEM): Evaluation and Assessment
Scientific thinking, characterized by purposeful knowledge-seeking and the harmonization of theory and facts, holds a crucial role in preparing young minds for an increasingly complex and technologically advanced world. This paper presents a research study aimed at fostering scientific thinking in early childhood, focusing on children aged 5 to 9 years, through experiential learning in Kids Science Labs (STEM). The study utilized a longitudinal exploration design, spanning 240 weeks from September 2018 to April 2023, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kids Science Labs program in developing scientific thinking skills. Participants in the research comprised 72 children drawn from local schools and community organizations. Through a formative psychology-pedagogical experiment, the experimental group engaged in weekly STEM activities carefully designed to stimulate scientific thinking, while the control group participated in daily art classes for comparison. To assess the scientific thinking abilities of the participants, a registration table with evaluation criteria was developed. This table included indicators such as depth of questioning, resource utilization in research, logical reasoning in hypotheses, procedural accuracy in experiments, and reflection on research processes. The data analysis revealed dynamic fluctuations in the number of children at different levels of scientific thinking proficiency. While the development was not uniform across all participants, a main leading factor emerged, indicating that the Kids Science Labs program and formative experiment exerted a positive impact on enhancing scientific thinking skills in children within this age range. The study's findings support the hypothesis that systematic implementation of STEM activities effectively promotes and nurtures scientific thinking in children aged 5-9 years. Enriching education with a specially planned STEM program, tailoring scientific activities to children's psychological development, and implementing well-planned diagnostic and corrective measures emerged as essential pedagogical conditions for enhancing scientific thinking abilities in this age group. The results highlight the significant and positive impact of the systematic-activity approach in developing scientific thinking, leading to notable progress and growth in children's scientific thinking abilities over time. These findings have promising implications for educators and researchers, emphasizing the importance of incorporating STEM activities into educational curricula to foster scientific thinking from an early age. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of science education and underscores the potential of STEM-based interventions in shaping the future scientific minds of young children.
Copyright (c) 2023 Aliya K. Salahova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mocking the Canon: Irony, Subversion, and Play in Iconoclastic Portraiture
This qualitative research paper examines how iconoclastic artists use techniques of irony, subversion, and play to undermine the conventions of traditional portraiture. Canonical portraiture aims to convey status and power through dignified representation. Iconoclastic portraiture rebels against this pretense through incongruous, caricatured, and role-reversed depictions designed to mock canonical norms. The paper analyzes selected artworks by Marcel Duchamp, Cindy Sherman, Yue Minjun, and others that exemplify iconoclastic approaches. Visual analysis reveals how incongruity introduces discordant elements to undercut meaning, caricature exaggerates features comically, and role reversal portrays subjects in undignified ways that contravene tradition. The paper interprets these techniques through the lens of postmodern theories of parody, carnivalesque inversion, and deconstruction. Findings demonstrate that by ironically mocking canonical conventions, iconoclastic portraiture destabilizes traditional hierarchies and reimagines portraiture as a critical, subversive art form. The research advances understanding of how iconoclastic artists deploy irony and play to contest establishment orthodoxies. This study elucidates iconoclastic portraiture’s aims and significances as a challenge to the canon’s pretensions and demonstrates humor and subversion as profound artistic strategies.
Social Construct of Masculinity Towards Mental Health: A Literature Review
Masculinity is trait that exist in both male and female. However, masculinity values develop into social constructs affecting various aspects of life, one of which is mental health. It is important to understand how individuals internalize the construct that contributes to their psychological dynamics. This study aims to determine the impact of masculinity construct and the role of mental health literacy on mental health through a literature review. The results show that some aspects in the construct of masculinity, such as self-reliance, dominance, and emotional restraint, inhibit people’s mental health behavior, such as decreasing help-seeking behavior and self-disclosure, and increasing maladaptive coping. However, another study reports that the masculinity construct also affects women as well as men and the related studies remain very limited. It is imperative to improve mental health awareness that is sensitive to the influence of gender roles and its impacts on mental health.
Personality, Sexuality, and Beauty Standards: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Canadian and German Women's Cosmetic Surgery Behaviours and Attitudes
This study investigated the impact of various psychosocial factors on behaviours and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery among Canadian (n=97) and German (n=115) women, considering cultural differences and beauty standards. The primary objective was to provide valuable insights for physicians and psychologists when selecting suitable candidates for elective procedures, as current pre-surgical assessments often fail to integrate the psychological perspective. A correlation analysis was undergone and revealed that neuroticism moderately influenced interest and motivation for cosmetic surgery in both populations. Additionally, the Canadian group exhibited a moderate negative correlation between motivation for cosmetic surgery and early sexual experiences, effectively destigmatizing cosmetic surgery as a social indicator of early sexual behaviours. However, this correlation was not observed in the German cohort. Notably, Canadians reported a higher overall motivation for undergoing cosmetic surgery compared to Germans, as confirmed by a t-test. Surgeons should inquire about sexuality and personality in pre-surgical consultations to determine candidates who may benefit from the procedure and minimize harm. Future research should develop a standardized test for replication and include diverse demographics.
Copyright (c) 2023 European Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Does Cancel Culture Affect the Bottom Line? A Timeseries Analysis of Sentiment and Emotion on the Efficacy of the Call to Cancel Against Abercrombie & Fitch
Social media polemics that call to cancel, boycott, or otherwise disrupt a business have become endemic to the medium. The following case study of Abercrombie & Fitch explores the effectiveness of these “call to cancel” and, by analyzing the sentiment of the tweets, a time-series regression analysis was used to develop a predictive model of correlations to fiscal indicators. Sentiment of Twitter data was collected for each fiscal quarter for 10 years. Results showed a spike in negative sentiment values that corresponded to the call to cancel. The polemic differences were strongly correlated to adjusted sales. Results showed a structural break in sales. The sudden change in sentiment preceded a shock to the fiscal system of the company. Individual emotions were ultimately found to be representing two factors. The implications of this study lend credence to the construct of cancelling while also calling into question the idea of separate emotions.
Using Promotional Strategies to Increase the Use of Miswak among Teenagers in Saudi Arabia
Miswak is a chewing stick that has been used in Muslim communities across the world for over 1,500 years as an oral hygiene aid. There is evidence to support its clinical effectiveness in plaque management when used alone or in conjunction with a conventional toothbrush. However, evidence of its deleterious effects on periodontal health is equivocal. To study culturally acceptable strategies for promoting oral health practices and preventing illness among adolescents in Saudi Arabia, advertisements were assessed for their ability to engage and open up new communication channels for oral health messages. The aim is to encourage adolescents to adopt the habit of using miswak to improve their oral hygiene, wherever they may be. The data for this study was collected from 116 teenage respondents from Saudi Arabia. The mean age of the study participants was 16.66 ± 0.943 years, with a median age of 17 and a range from 12 to 17. The study included 66 males (56.9%) and 50 females (43.1%). Furthermore, the overall mean assessments of both advertisements were negative due to several problems with the design and use of pictures in the ads. The analysis of this study show that a more standardised method of advertisement is required to properly gain the attention of this generation of adolescents in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the individuals who took part in the research believed that social media is the most suitable venue for conveying messages promoting miswak. To be able to communicate effectively about oral health messaging, one must first have a solid understanding of the advertising messages that are relevant to oral health, as well as the influence of religion. Another prerequisite for the creation of effective advertising is knowledge of media platforms and the impacts that these platforms have on the behaviour of teenagers. Successful communication could make youths in Saudi Arabia likelier to use miswak.