Authors: Reem Al Boukhary, Rabih Hallit, Alvaro Postigo, Diana Malaeb, Mariam Dabbous, Fouad Sakr, Sami El Khatib, Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Souheil Hallit, and Sahar Obeid
Background Exploring the levels of death anxiety and factors that can undermine its impact are crucial for the Lebanese nationals. Even though studies have shown various relationships between death anxiety and several factors, very few to no research has been done to show the relationship of death anxiety, gratitude and optimism. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to assess the mediating role of optimism in the association between gratitude and death anxiety, along with investigating the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Death Anxiety Scale.
Methods A one-time-point online survey was conducted among Arabic-speaking community adults from the general population of Lebanon (N = 601; mean age 29.91 ± 12.61; 62.7% females). The following scales were used: Scale of Death Anxiety, Optimism–Pessimism Short Scale–2, and Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form.
Results The results of the mediation analysis showed that optimism fully mediated the association between gratitude and death anxiety. Higher gratitude was significantly associated with more optimism; higher optimism was significantly associated with less death anxiety. Finally, higher gratitude was not directly associated with death anxiety.
ConclusionOur study reveals the relationship between gratitude and death anxiety and the mediating role of optimism. Our results need to be confirmed in a longitudinal study, but point to the importance of assessing optimism in prevention and management of persons with death anxiety.
Keywords Death anxiety, Optimism, Gratitude, Lebanon
Background Segmentation is a common pedagogical approach in multimedia learning, but its effects on cognitive processes and learning outcomes have.....
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Background Segmentation is a common pedagogical approach in multimedia learning, but its effects on cognitive processes and learning outcomes have yet to be comprehensively explored. Understanding the role of segmentation is crucial, as it has the potential to influence the way instructional materials are designed and delivered in digital learning environments.
Objectives This research aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary acquisition, retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning context.
MethodologyParticipants were selected from two language schools in Zhengzhou through a multi-stage random sampling method. Ninety teenage students were randomly assigned to six experimental groups. The study utilized a 2 × 3 factorial design to examine segmentation and textual augmentation effects. Four assessment instruments were employed: a Reading Comprehension Test, a Vocabulary Assessment Test, a Cognitive Load Assessment Scale, and a Prior Knowledge Test. The experiment comprised four stages: pre-test, Instruction, post-test, and follow-up. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software, involving descriptive statistics, one-way, and multi-way analysis of variance.
ResultsResults indicated that high segmentation significantly impacts cognitive load, vocabulary learning, retention, and reading comprehension across various aspects of multimedia learning. In essence, segmentation reduces cognitive load, supports learning efficiency, and facilitates more profound understanding, vocabulary learning, and retention.
Conclusions and implications High segmentation in multimedia learning significantly impacts cognitive load, vocabulary learning, comprehension, and retention. Educators should prioritize segmentation for more effective and engaging e-learning experiences.
Authors: Cassandre Guittard, Julien Eutrope, Stéphanie Caillies and Gauthier Loron
BackgroundIn the case of preterm birth, the idealized postnatal period is replaced by an anxious and even traumatic experience for parents. Higher prevalence of parental anxiety, postnatal depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder has been observed in mothers of preterm infants up to 18 months after childbirth. There is increasing evidence that proprioceptive stimulation has a beneficial effect on preterms’ short-term outcomes. Could this care also have an impact on parental anxiety and depressive symptoms? We reviewed recent publications on the impact on parents’ anxiety and depressive symptoms of delivering tactile and/or kinesthetic stimulation to their premature newborn.
Methods We conducted a systematic review by searching the PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases for English-language publications from the past 10 years. We focused on the mothers or fathers of infants born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) who provided tactile and/or kinesthetic stimulation to their premature newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit. Relevant outcomes were the parents’ anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, assessed with reliable standardized inventories.
ResultsEleven articles were included in the systematic review. Results suggested a beneficial effect of parents’ early tactile and kinesthetic stimulation of their preterm infants.
Conclusions These interventions may act as protective factors against the occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in parents and deserve to be studied further in this population.
Keywords Preterm, Anxiety, Postnatal depression, Parenting, Proprioception, Skin-to-skin care, Kangaroo care, Tactile and kinesthetic stimulation, NICU
Authors: David Villarreal-Zegarra, Rubi Paredes-Angeles, Nikol Mayo-Puchoc, Enoc Arenas-Minaya, Jeff Huarcaya-Victoria and Anthony Copez-Lonzoy
Abstract:
Background Anxiety disorders are among the main mental health problems worldwide and are considered one of the most disabling conditions......
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Authors: David Villarreal-Zegarra, Rubi Paredes-Angeles, Nikol Mayo-Puchoc, Enoc Arenas-Minaya, Jeff Huarcaya-Victoria and Anthony Copez-Lonzoy
Background Anxiety disorders are among the main mental health problems worldwide and are considered one of the most disabling conditions. Therefore, it is essential to have measurement tools that can be used to screen for anxiety symptoms in the general population and thus identify potential cases of people with anxiety symptoms and provide them with timely care. Our aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7) in the Peruvian population.
MethodOur study was a cross-sectional study. The sample included people aged 12 to 65 years in Peru. Confirmatory factor analysis, analysis of measurement invariance, convergent validity with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and internal consistency analysis were performed.
ResultsIn total, 4431 participants were included. The one-factor model showed the best fit (CFI = 0.994; TLI = 0.991; RMSEA = 0.068; WRMR = 1.567). The GAD-7 score showed measurement invariance between men and women and between age groups (adults vs. adolescents) (ΔCFI < 0.01). The internal consistency of the one-factor model was satisfactory (ω = 0.90, α = 0.93). The relationship between depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7) presented a moderate correlation (r = 0.77).
ConclusionsOur study concluded that the GAD-7 score shows evidence of validity and reliability for the one-factor model. Furthermore, because the GAD-7 score is invariant, comparisons can be made between groups (i.e., by sex and age group). Finally, we recommend the use of the GAD-7 for the general population in the Peruvian context.
BackgroundThere is limited evidence on the association between housing debt and depressive symptoms in China. This study aimed to examine the impact of housing debt on depressive symptoms and explore the heterogeneous impacts arising from two sources of housing debt and two types of housing demands.
Methods Using data from the 2016 and 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study included 25,232 Chinese individuals. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D8). Housing debt was measured by dummy variables, indicating whether an individual had housing debt, and continuous variables, which were the logarithm of the total amount of housing debt. The two-way fixed effects model was used to examine the relationship.
ResultsHousing debt had a significant positive impact on depressive symptoms in China. Individuals with housing debt had a 0.176-point higher depressive symptom score than those without housing debt. A 10% increase in the total amount of housing debt led to a 0.16-point increase in depressive symptoms. Non-bank housing loans significantly increased the level of depressive symptoms with a larger coefficient (coef = 0.289), while the impact of bank housing loans was small and not statistically significant. In terms of the types of housing demands, a positive impact was observed only among individuals who had only one property meeting their housing consumption demands.
ConclusionsThis study found a significant positive impact of housing debt on depressive symptoms, primarily driven by non-bank housing loans. Furthermore, housing debt increased the depressive symptoms among individuals with consumption demands, while those with investment demands did not show a significant impact. Government interventions should prioritize easing formal financial constraints and providing support for individuals with housing consumption demands.
Background Positive attitudes toward aging are considered essential for achieving psychological well-being in later
life. However, there is currently a lack of a concise and comprehensive measurement tool specifically designed to
assess attitudes toward aging among the elderly population in China. To address this gap, the present study aimed to
develop a brief version of the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire tailored to older Chinese individuals and evaluate its
psychometric properties.
Methods Initially, a sample of community-dwelling older adults (Sample 1: n = 442, aged 60–88) was utilized to
establish a new scale format. Subsequently, two convenience samples (Sample 2: n = 311, aged 60–90; Sample 3:
n = 164, aged 60–89) were employed to evaluate the psychometric properties of this scale, including factor structure,
internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity.
Results We selected 12 items from the original questionnaire to create the brief scale. The brief scale maintained the
three-factor structure of the full-format version, encompassing psychosocial loss, physical change, and psychological
growth, and demonstrated adequate psychometric properties.
Conclusions This development process shortens the administration time of the questionnaire while avoiding
excessive loss of information. The newly developed scale serves as a reliable and valid assessment tool for measuring
attitudes toward aging among older Chinese individuals and is well-suited for implementation in large-scale surveys
that utilize an extensive array of questionnaires. This tool can be applied to assessing the effectiveness of interventions
aimed at eliminating ageism.
Keywords Attitudes toward aging, Scale development, Ageism, Older people
Background and objective The need for long‑term treatment and frequent visits to treatment centers for hemodial‑
ysis can lead to psychological problems.....
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Background and objective The need for long‑term treatment and frequent visits to treatment centers for hemodial‑
ysis can lead to psychological problems such as Uncertainty about Disease and Treatment (UC about D&T) in patients
with chronic kidney failure. In order to understand uncertainty about disease and treatment and to plan for preven‑
tive measures and care interventions in various dimensions, there is a need for reliable and valid tools. The present
study was conducted to design and psychometrically evaluate the Uncertainty about Disease and Treatment Scale
(UC about D&TS) in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Methods This study is of a methodological type and conducted in two stages. The first stage included a deductive
(literature review) and an inductive approach (face‑to‑face interviews). In the second stage, psychometric indices
of the UC about D&TS, including face validity (qualitative‑quantitative), content validity (qualitative‑quantitative),
construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), and reliability (using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega) were
examined.
Results In the literature review stage, 66 items were extracted, and in the qualitative stage, 48 items were extracted.
After merging similar items, 29 items were entered into the psychometric process. No items were removed in the face
and content validity stages. In the construct validity stage, five factors were extracted, including self‑uncertainty,
uncertain situation, uncertain future, uncertainty of treatment outcomes, and information uncertainty, which consti‑
tuted a total of 82.16% of the total variance. In this stage, five items were removed from the study due to a corrected
item‑total correlation below 0.32, and four items were removed due to cross‑loading. The α and Ω were calculated
as 0.828 and 0.818, respectively. The measurement stability and standard error of measurement were estimated
at 0.977 and 2.019, respectively.
Conclusion The results showed that the UC about D&TS is a valid and reliable measure for patients undergoing
hemodialysis. This scale is specifically designed to measure UC about D&T in hemodialysis patients, and it is recom‑
mended that healthcare providers (Hcps) use this scale in follow‑up visits.
This study delves into the correlation between childhood trauma and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors
among high school students. Additionally, it examines the mediating.....
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This study delves into the correlation between childhood trauma and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors
among high school students. Additionally, it examines the mediating role of stress perception and the moderating
role of the teacher-student relationship in this association. A questionnaire survey was administered to 1,329 high
school students in Yunnan Province to assess childhood trauma, NSSI behaviors, and stress perception. Firstly, the
survey revealed a 12% prevalence of NSSI, with girls exhibiting a higher occurrence compared to boys (OR = 0.413,
95% CI: 0.280–0.609). Secondly, childhood trauma emerged as a significant predictor of NSSI behavior, irrespective
of gender or whether the individual was an only child (r = 0.17, P < 0.01). Thirdly, stress perception functioned
as a mediator in the relationship between childhood trauma and NSSI among high school students (t = 4.65,
P < 0.01). The mediation effect occupies 26.56% of the total effect. Furthermore, the teacher-student relationship
moderated the mediating effect of stress perception on the link between childhood trauma and NSSI (β = 0.0736,
P < 0.01). Notably, individuals with strong teacher-student relationships exhibited a significant elevation in stress
perception upon exposure to childhood trauma. The findings of this study support a moderated mediation model
in the association between childhood trauma and NSSI, suggesting profound implications for the development of
targeted interventions and prevention strategies among high school students.
Authors: Sihem Ben Fredj, Mohamed Ouertani, Nawel Zammit, Rim Ghammam, Jihen Maatoug, Firas Chouikha, Imed Harrabi and Hassen Ghannem
Abstract:
Introduction The rapid proliferation of technology and its impact on adolescents’ lives have raised concerns about
addictive behaviors and its potential.....
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Authors: Sihem Ben Fredj, Mohamed Ouertani, Nawel Zammit, Rim Ghammam, Jihen Maatoug, Firas Chouikha, Imed Harrabi and Hassen Ghannem
Introduction The rapid proliferation of technology and its impact on adolescents’ lives have raised concerns about
addictive behaviors and its potential consequences, including behavioral and mental health problems. This study
investigates the prevalence and risk factors associated with the co-occurrence of Problematic Facebook Use and
Problematic Video game Use among Tunisian adolescents.
Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study in the urban area of Sousse governorate in Tunisia during the
2018/2019 school year. We selected a representative sample of high school students enrolled in public educational
institutions in Sousse. Data collection was performed through a self-administered structured questionnaire, which
gathered information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and mental health disorders.
Problematic Facebook Use was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Bergen Scale, while Problematic
Video Game Use was measured using the 21-point Lemmens Scale, which was translated into Arabic. Statistical
analysis was carried out using the SPSS program (version 20).
Results We enrolled a total of 1342 high school students in our study, of whom, 63.2% were female with a mean
age of 17.5 ± 1.44 years. The prevalence of Problematic Facebook Use and Problematic Video Game Use was 28.3%
and 13% respectively. Regarding the co-occurrence of the two problematic behaviors, 31.3% of participants faced a
singular addictive behavior, either related to problematic Facebook or video game use, while 5% had both addictive
behaviors simultaneously. In a multivariate analysis, risk factors for the co-occurrence of Problematic Facebook and
Video Game Use, in decreasing order of significance, included severe depression (AOR = 4.527; p = 0.003), anxiety
(AOR = 4.216; p = 0.001), male gender (AOR = 4.130; p < 0.001), problematic internet use (AOR = 3.477; p = 0.006), as well
as moderate depression (AOR = 3.048; p = 0.007).
Conclusion Our study found that Problematic Facebook and Video Game Use were prevalent among Tunisian
adolescents. The co-occurrence of these disorders is strongly linked to male gender, problematic internet use,
Authors: Charin Suwanwong, Anchalee Jansem, Ungsinun Intarakamhang, Pitchada Prasittichok, Sudarat Tuntivivat, Krittipat Chuenphittayavut, Khuong Le and Le Thi Mai Lien
Abstract:
Mental health literacy is vital for well-being in educational settings, extending beyond academics to include social
and emotional development. It empowers individuals, allowing.....
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Authors: Charin Suwanwong, Anchalee Jansem, Ungsinun Intarakamhang, Pitchada Prasittichok, Sudarat Tuntivivat, Krittipat Chuenphittayavut, Khuong Le and Le Thi Mai Lien
Mental health literacy is vital for well-being in educational settings, extending beyond academics to include social
and emotional development. It empowers individuals, allowing them to recognize and address their mental health
needs and provide essential support to their peers. Despite the acknowledged importance of modifiable factors,
there is a noticeable research gap in those amenable to change through educational interventions. Thus, this
systematic review aims to identify potentially modifiable predictors of mental health literacy in the educational
context. A systematic search was conducted for quantitative studies published between 2019 and October 2023
using several databases following PRISMA guidelines. Studies needed to focus on potentially modifiable predictors
of mental health literacy in the educational context. Study quality was assessed using the Appraisal tool for
Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool). In total, 3747 titles and abstracts were screened, 60 articles were assessed in
full-text screening, and 21 were included in the review. Significant correlations between mental health literacy and
modifiable predictors, including stigma toward professional help, self-efficacy, attitudes toward help-seeking, social
support, positive psychological states, receiving mental health training, and psychological distress, were identified.
By addressing these factors, educational institutions can cultivate community’s adept in mental health, fostering an
environment marked by empathy, understanding, and proactive engagement in addressing mental health issues.
The implications serve as a foundation for future research, policy development, and implementing of practical
strategies to enhance mental health literacy in diverse educational settings.
Keywords Mental health literacy, Education, Predictors, Systematic review, Meta-analysis
Authors: Charin Suwanwong, Anchalee Jansem, Ungsinun Intarakamhang, Pitchada Prasittichok, Sudarat Tuntivivat, Krittipat Chuenphittayavut, Khuong Le and Le Thi Mai Lien
Account Details mentioned below: For Electronic Fund Transfer: (NEFT/RTGS)
Authors: Julia S. Rohde, Sean Goldy, Marianna Graziosi, Michael A. Ferguson, Johannes Thrul and David B. Yaden
Abstract:
Despite widespread engagement in contemplative religious practices, comparatively little research has been conducted on their potential effects on well-being. Furthermore, few studies have.....
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Authors: Julia S. Rohde, Sean Goldy, Marianna Graziosi, Michael A. Ferguson, Johannes Thrul and David B. Yaden
Despite widespread engagement in contemplative religious practices, comparatively little research has been conducted on their potential effects on well-being. Furthermore, few studies have focused on how an explicitly religious
framing may impact the outcomes of such practices. In this online randomized controlled trial (N = 702), we tested
the well-being effects of a contemplative prayer practice called Centering Prayer on self-identifying Christians. We
compared 1) presenting the practice with an explicitly religious framing (experimental condition), 2) presenting
the practice without an explicitly religious framing (active control), and 3) presenting simple instructions to reflect
on the day, without any instructions regarding a meditation-like practice (passive control). After randomization
into one of these three conditions, participants were asked to complete their assigned practice daily for 28 days. We
hypothesized that the religious framing version of the practice would increase well-being over the active and passive control conditions. Well-being was assessed at three follow-up time points: one day, one week, and one month
after the practice period. We found no group differences between the conditions on our primary outcome measure
of well-being at one-week post-intervention. Each group increased in well-being from baseline to follow-up. We
found significant group differences on acute measures of spiritual experience, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire
(MEQ-30) and Daily Spiritual Experience Questionnaire (DSES). These results suggest that a religious framing may not
enhance well-being effects but may alter spiritual outcomes related to contemplative practices.
This clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of internet-based Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment
of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A) during the.....
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This clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of internet-based Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment
of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A) during the COVID-19 pandemic in reducing stress, anxiety, and
depression, and psychological flexibility. 40 adolescents with subclinical features of emotional disorder randomly
divided into two groups of intervention and control. The participants first completed DASS-21 and AAQ-2
questionnare online. Then, the intervention group received 12 sessions of UP-A through video calls on WhatsApp,
2 days per week each for 45 min. UP-A is an emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy consisting of 5 core
modules or components that target temperamental characteristics, particularly neuroticism and resulting emotion
dysregulation. Eventually the stress, anxiety, and depression levels decreased in intervention group and their
psychological flexibility increased immediately and 3 months after the intervention.
Clinical trial registration This study was registered by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Prospective, ID:
IRCT20210428051113N1, Registration date: 14/06/2021; https://en.irct.ir/trial/55900).
Authors: Mustafa Akil, Bekir Tokay and Melek Gülem Güngör
Abstract:
Background Previous research has suggests that cooperative learning methods and the development of fundamental motor skills support children’s cognitive development,.....
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Authors: Mustafa Akil, Bekir Tokay and Melek Gülem Güngör
Background Previous research has suggests that cooperative learning methods and the development of fundamental motor skills support children’s cognitive development, and further studies covering various aspects are recommended. In this study, as an alternative to traditional physical education classes including fundamental motor skill
activities, we investigated the impact of cooperative learning methods incorporating these skills on children’s visualmotor integration and selective attention.
Methods A total of 60 boy children in the 10–11 age range were included in the study. Groups; classical method
(10.95 ± 0.58
age), and cooperative learning group (10.91 ± 0.42age). The study spanned a total of 24 physical education
class hours. While the classical method group continued to attend physical education lessons with an FMS-based prepared program for 8 weeks, cooperative learning group participated in an FMS-based program prepared according
to the cooperative learning method (40min/3days/8weeks).At the beginning and end of the study, children underwent the Bender-Gestalt test and the d2 test of attention.
Results Within-group pre-post test comparisons revealed improvement in visual-motor integration and selective
attention for both the classical method and cooperative learning groups. In between-group post-test comparisons,
the cooperative learning group demonstrated greater improvement in visual-motor integration and selective attention parameters compared to the classical method.
Conclusion The results support increasing the inclusion of fundamental motor skill activities in physical education
classes and advocating for the use of cooperative learning methods in these classes. Enhancements in visual-motor
integration and selective attention may contribute to children forming quality relationships, enjoying activities, learning stress management, and developing as a group.
Keywords Cooperative Learning, Motor Skills, Visual-Motor Integration, Selective Attention
Authors: Pedro Cuesta-Valiño, Azucena Penelas-Leguía, José María López-Sanz and Rafael Ravina-Ripoll
Abstract:
Background Satisfaction and happiness are two widely studied topics in current literature. Human beings need to
find happiness. However, for many.....
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Authors: Pedro Cuesta-Valiño, Azucena Penelas-Leguía, José María López-Sanz and Rafael Ravina-Ripoll
Background Satisfaction and happiness are two widely studied topics in current literature. Human beings need to
find happiness. However, for many authors, satisfaction is a prerequisite for happiness. Satisfaction, in turn, can be
approached from different perspectives, such as job satisfaction, health satisfaction, and social life satisfaction. This
research analyses the relationship between these variables and their influence on proactive social behaviour.
Methods The present study utilised the European Social Survey, an academic survey conducted across Europe in
its round 10, carried out between 2022 and 2023, with a database of 25,311 valid responses. Structural equation
modelling analysis conduct using PLS-SEM with the Smart PLS software.
Results The results demonstrate a direct and significant relationship between overall satisfaction and happiness and
between happiness and prosocial behaviour. Similarly, a solid indirect relationship exists between satisfaction and
prosocial behaviour in society. Furthermore, job satisfaction is among the variables influencing overall satisfaction
and happiness. However, it is not the most important, with satisfaction with social life being the most influential on
satisfaction.
Conclusions and implications Happiness is one of the main variables that influence people’s lives. As we have
observed, this happiness has a direct and solid relationship with the individual’s level of satisfaction, with job
satisfaction and satisfaction with social life being the most influential in this relationship between satisfaction
and happiness. Therefore, these conclusions must be understood by both workers and employers and public
administrations. Additionally, the relationship between happiness and prosocial behaviour is an interesting topic that
the governments of countries and regions in Europe should consider.
This study probes the mechanism of artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) influence on Chinese college students’ willingness
to participate in online politics and constructs a theoretical.....
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This study probes the mechanism of artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) influence on Chinese college students’ willingness
to participate in online politics and constructs a theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior.
Through the analysis of questionnaire data acquired from up to 317 Chinese college students in total, it turns
out that the use of AI affects Chinese college students’ willingness to the participation of online political practice
significantly and positively, and such online political participation cognition of Chinese college students plays a
mediating role, three aspects of which included as the followings on behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and
perceived behavioral control. Additionly, media literacy level plays a moderating role in online political participation
cognition and willingness to participate. All the findings highlight the importance of optimizing the online political
participation environment, enhancing college students’ cognition of political participation, and improving media
literacy in the context of the digital era, which provides practical guidance for promoting healthy and positive
online political participation among college students.
Keywords Artificial intelligence, Online political participation, Theory of planned behavior, University students, Media
literacy
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