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Volume 15
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Behav. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 10 (October 2025) – 30 articles

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21 pages, 694 KB  
Article
Financial Status of Model, Target, and Observer Modulates Mate Choice Copying and the Mediating Effect of Personality
by Guomei Zhou, Shaxiao Ma and Di Wu
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101324 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the phenomenon of mate choice copying, wherein an individual (the observer) utilizes the assessments of peers of the same sex (the models) regarding a potential partner of the opposite sex (the target), thereby emulating the mate selection preferences of those [...] Read more.
This study investigates the phenomenon of mate choice copying, wherein an individual (the observer) utilizes the assessments of peers of the same sex (the models) regarding a potential partner of the opposite sex (the target), thereby emulating the mate selection preferences of those peers. We examine how the financial status of female models, male targets, and female observers influences mate choice copying, along with the underlying social learning mechanisms. The findings reveal that mate choice copying occurs in the presence of high-financial-status models but is absent when models have low financial status. Mate choice copying, regulated by the financial status of the models, only manifests with targets of low financial status; it does not occur when the target’s financial status is high. Observers with low financial status engage in mate choice copying, irrespective of the models’ financial status. In contrast, observers with high financial status are unaffected by models with a low financial status and only exhibit mate choice copying if the models possess high financial status. Moreover, the study indicates that mediators such as personality traits exert disparate influences on the mate choice copying of observers from different economic backgrounds, suggesting the operation of distinct social learning mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychology of Mate Choice, Romantic Relationships and Sexuality)
13 pages, 364 KB  
Article
Triggering the Personalization Backfire Effect: The Moderating Role of Situational Privacy Concern
by Hyeongseok Kim and Seunghee Han
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101323 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Personalized marketing presents a powerful but delicate strategy, as its benefits can be negated by rising consumer privacy concerns. To illuminate this tension, this study investigates what causes personalization to fail, focusing on the interaction between the level of message personalization and situationally [...] Read more.
Personalized marketing presents a powerful but delicate strategy, as its benefits can be negated by rising consumer privacy concerns. To illuminate this tension, this study investigates what causes personalization to fail, focusing on the interaction between the level of message personalization and situationally activated privacy concerns. We conducted a 3 (Message Personalization: Low, Medium, High) × 2 (Situational Privacy Concern: Low, High) between-subjects experiment with 360 participants. These personalization levels were designed as an ecologically valid “intrusiveness ladder,” moving from a generic message to one using contextual data and to one using personally identifiable information (PII). Situational privacy concern was experimentally induced using a news article prime, after which participants were exposed to one of the marketing messages. The results revealed a significant interaction effect that demonstrates a critical “tipping point.” In the low privacy concern condition, increasing personalization boosted purchase intention. Conversely, when privacy concerns were activated, a ‘backfire effect’ occurred: highly intrusive, PII-based personalization was no more effective than a generic message and was significantly less effective than moderate, contextual personalization. Our findings provide causal evidence for the moderating role of situational privacy concern, demonstrating that activating this state is a key condition that triggers a non-linear consumer response. Practitioners must calibrate the level of data intrusiveness, as the most aggressive tactics can be counterproductive when consumer privacy sensitivities are high. Full article
20 pages, 2746 KB  
Article
The Impact of Virtual Reality Immersion on Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study of Declarative and Procedural Knowledge Acquisition
by Nengbao Yu, Wenya Shi, Wei Dong and Renying Kang
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101322 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
The potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in enhancing learning and training is being widely explored. The relationship of immersion, as one of the core technical features of VR, with knowledge types has not been fully explored. This study aims to investigate how VR [...] Read more.
The potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in enhancing learning and training is being widely explored. The relationship of immersion, as one of the core technical features of VR, with knowledge types has not been fully explored. This study aims to investigate how VR immersion levels (high vs. low) affect the acquisition of declarative and procedural knowledge, as well as related cognitive and affective factors. A 2 × 2 mixed design was adopted, with 64 college students who had no VR experience and no background in professional medical knowledge being randomly assigned to either a high-immersion group (using HTC Vive Pro headsets) or a low-immersion group (using desktop monitors). Participants completed learning tasks on thyroid and related diseases (declarative knowledge) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (procedural knowledge), followed by knowledge tests and self-report questionnaires to measure presence, motivation, self-efficacy, cognitive load, and emotional states. Results showed that high immersion significantly improved learning outcomes for both types of knowledge with large effect sizes. In both knowledge domains, high immersion also enhanced presence, intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and positive emotions. However, cognitive load was reduced only for declarative knowledge, and no significant effects were observed for self-regulation. These findings highlight the differential impact of VR immersion on knowledge acquisition and provide insights for optimizing VR-based educational interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Enactive Learning in Immersive XR Environments)
15 pages, 1194 KB  
Article
Investigating Neural Reward Sensitivity in the School Grade Incentive Delay Task and Its Relation to Academic Buoyancy
by Myrthe J. B. Vel Tromp, Hilde M. Huizenga, Brenda R. J. Jansen, Anna C. K. van Duijvenvoorde and Ilya M. Veer
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101321 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms behind academic buoyancy, the ability to effectively cope with everyday academic challenges, is essential for identifying the factors and mechanisms that help students maintain their motivation and cope with routine academic pressures. One potential underlying mechanism is reward sensitivity, or [...] Read more.
Understanding the mechanisms behind academic buoyancy, the ability to effectively cope with everyday academic challenges, is essential for identifying the factors and mechanisms that help students maintain their motivation and cope with routine academic pressures. One potential underlying mechanism is reward sensitivity, or the capacity to experience pleasure both in anticipating and receiving reward-related stimuli. We hypothesized that individuals with higher sensitivity to anticipated reward would exhibit greater academic buoyancy. To test this in an academic context, we modified the Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task into a School Grade Incentive Delay (SGID) task, where participants work towards a fictitious school grade by winning or losing points on each of the trials. In this study, we investigated whether the SGID activates the neural reward circuitry similar to the traditional MID and whether this is associated with academic buoyancy. The SGID task activated key brain regions associated with reward anticipation, validating its use for studying reward processing in academic contexts. Importantly, we found a negative association between academic buoyancy and right amygdala activation during reward anticipation, suggesting that buoyant students may benefit from reduced emotional reactivity when anticipating rewards. Further research in larger samples is needed to capture the full complexity of reward processing in relation to academic buoyancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Cognitive Processes Underpinning Resilience in Individuals Exposed to Adversity)
21 pages, 802 KB  
Article
The Impact of AI-Enabled Job Characteristics on Manufacturing Workers’ Work-Related Flow: A Dual-Path Perspective of Challenge–Hindrance Stress and Techno-Efficacy
by Hui Zhong, Yongyue Zhu and Xinwen Liang
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101320 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing industry is increasingly prevalent, presenting both ongoing opportunities and challenges for organizations while also significantly impacting worker behavior and psychology. Drawing on data from 405 workers in China, this study employs hierarchical regression analysis [...] Read more.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing industry is increasingly prevalent, presenting both ongoing opportunities and challenges for organizations while also significantly impacting worker behavior and psychology. Drawing on data from 405 workers in China, this study employs hierarchical regression analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the influence mechanism of AI-enabled job characteristics on work-related flow. Key findings reveal that: AI-enabled job characteristics positively predict work-related flow by increasing perceived challenge stress, yet simultaneously exert a negative influence by exacerbating perceived hindrance stress; techno-efficacy significantly alleviates the relationship between AI-enabled job characteristics and perceived hindrance stress but does not moderate the path via perceived challenge stress; fsQCA identifies four distinct causal configurations of antecedents leading to high work-related flow. This research elucidates the complexities of AI-enabled job characteristics and their dual-faceted impact on work-related flow. By integrating AI into the study of worker psychology and behavior, it extends the contextual scope of job characteristics research. Furthermore, the application of fsQCA provides novel insights into the antecedent conditions and configurational pathways for achieving work-related flow, offering significant theoretical and practical implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Outlooks on Relationships in the Workplace)
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14 pages, 514 KB  
Article
Watching the Russian–Ukrainian War: Comparison Between Europe and North America
by Esther R. Greenglass, Petra Begic, Petra Buchwald, Taina Hintsa, Krzysztof Kaniasty, Petri Karkkola and Iva Poláčková Šolcová
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101319 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Reports indicate that millions of people have been watching the Russian–Ukrainian war that broke out on 24 February 2022. This research studies the relationship between watching the war and psychological reactions in 1260 university students who responded to an online questionnaire related to [...] Read more.
Reports indicate that millions of people have been watching the Russian–Ukrainian war that broke out on 24 February 2022. This research studies the relationship between watching the war and psychological reactions in 1260 university students who responded to an online questionnaire related to watching the war on various media forms. Data were collected from April to October 2022 from five national samples from Europe (Germany, Finland, and the Czech Republic) and North America (Canada and the U.S.). Since European countries are assumed to have greater ties with the countries at war, anxiety, anger, and denial while watching the war should be greater in European participants than in North American ones. Worry about the war should be greater when more hours are spent watching the war, and anxiety related to the war should decrease with self-efficacy. ANOVA results showed that European participants spent more hours watching the war, worried more, and experienced greater distress than North American ones. Path analysis showed that having relatives, friends, or colleagues in Ukraine or Russia was associated with worry about the war through hours spent watching it. Self-efficacy was negatively related to anxiety. Psychological distress related to watching the war was far-reaching, extending to countries beyond Ukraine and Russia. Full article
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14 pages, 689 KB  
Article
Attitudes Toward Social Media Versus Voting Among Adolescents and Youth in a Politicized Context: Chile Before and After the 2019 Social Uprising (2018–2022)
by Rodrigo Torres
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1318; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101318 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Following Chile’s October 2019 Social Uprising, social media increased as a key arena for youth political expression, leading us to investigate how adolescents (15–17) and young adults (18–21 and 22–24) transformed their attitudes toward social media as a more effective tool than voting [...] Read more.
Following Chile’s October 2019 Social Uprising, social media increased as a key arena for youth political expression, leading us to investigate how adolescents (15–17) and young adults (18–21 and 22–24) transformed their attitudes toward social media as a more effective tool than voting to voice people’s demands. To this end, we analyzed nationally representative data from the 9th National Youth Survey (2018–2019, pre-Uprising) and the 10th National Youth Survey (2021–2022, post-Uprising), employing bivariate tests and multiple linear regressions to assess age-group differences and sociopolitical predictors: political interest, satisfaction with democracy, and political identification. Our findings indicate that, in the post-Social Uprising period, support for social media over voting increased across all cohorts. This increase was statistically significant, with the largest rise observed among adolescents. Moreover, young people with lower political interest and weaker political identification were more likely to value social media over voting, while those more satisfied with democracy also tended to perceive social media as an effective channel for voicing people’s demands. Taken together, these results underscore the transformative impact of sociopolitical crises on digital engagement patterns, particularly among less politicized youth, and highlight the importance of developmental and motivational distinctions when designing civic-education programs and online engagement strategies tailored to adolescents versus young adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)
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22 pages, 779 KB  
Article
Moral Judgments Across the Economic Divide: The Effect of Perceived Economic Inequality and Status in Judgment of Transgressions, Justification, and Dehumanization
by Alba Álamo-Hernández, Mario Sainz, Verónica Betancor and Armando Rodríguez-Pérez
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101317 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
Moral judgments are influenced by the context in which a transgression occurs and the characteristics of the transgressor. This study examined how economic inequality and the socioeconomic status (SES) of the transgressor affect the Judgement of the transgression, its Justification, and the Dehumanization [...] Read more.
Moral judgments are influenced by the context in which a transgression occurs and the characteristics of the transgressor. This study examined how economic inequality and the socioeconomic status (SES) of the transgressor affect the Judgement of the transgression, its Justification, and the Dehumanization of the transgressor. In addition, we investigated the mechanisms that mediate these effects, such as anomie, a sense of control, and sympathy. Through two experimental studies (Study 1: N = 289; Study 2: N = 401), we found that both perceived economic inequality and SES (low vs. high) influence moral judgments. Specifically, high-status transgressors are judged more harshly, their actions are less justified, and they are more dehumanized. We also determined that higher economic inequality increases moral Justifications through perceptions of greater anomie, whilst reduced sympathy toward high-status transgressors explains their harsher judgments and greater Dehumanization. This research helps our understanding of how inequality and SES shape moral judgments and highlights the importance of contextualizing them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)
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15 pages, 270 KB  
Article
The Narrow Corridor of Heartfelt Leadership: Social and Emotional Leadership Practices in Bureaucratic School Cultures
by Sevgi Yıldız
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101316 - 26 Sep 2025
Abstract
This qualitative study examines how school administrators enact “heartfelt leadership”—a socially and emotionally attuned form of leadership—within Türkiye’s bureaucratic school cultures. Using semi-structured interviews with six administrators and six teachers across primary, secondary, and high school, we employed a basic qualitative design with [...] Read more.
This qualitative study examines how school administrators enact “heartfelt leadership”—a socially and emotionally attuned form of leadership—within Türkiye’s bureaucratic school cultures. Using semi-structured interviews with six administrators and six teachers across primary, secondary, and high school, we employed a basic qualitative design with maximum-variation sampling. Thematic content analysis yielded four themes: (1) principals acknowledge the humanity of their teachers; (2) principals prioritize relationships and go beyond formal duties; (3) bureaucracy constrains but does not fully silence heartfelt leadership; and (4) heartfelt leadership fosters motivation, resilience, and retention. Heartfelt leadership was marked by empathy, recognition of significant moments, and proactive care that extends beyond job descriptions, cultivating trust, motivation, and commitment. Yet rigid procedures and centralized decision-making limited leaders’ autonomy and responsiveness. No consistent gender differences emerged among principals, because all participating teachers were female; therefore, cross-gender comparisons among teachers were not possible. Theoretically, the study bridges emotional-intelligence and bureaucratic-organization scholarship, showing how relational leadership can be sustained in centralized systems through micro-level strategies. Empirically, it broadens global leadership discourse by examining emotional leadership in a non-Western, bureaucratic context. Practically, findings suggest embedding social and emotional competencies in leadership preparation and enabling greater discretionary authority for responsive, human-centered school leadership. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Emotional Learning in Schools)
13 pages, 283 KB  
Article
The Contribution of Dispositional Gratitude and Different Stress Sources to Personal Growth Among Women Pregnant with Their First Child
by Meital Navon-Eyal and Orit Taubman – Ben-Ari
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101315 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
While pregnancy and anticipation of the birth of the first child may be a stressful experience for women, it may also provide an opportunity for personal growth. The literature shows that stress is a prerequisite for growth. However, studies rarely distinguish between different [...] Read more.
While pregnancy and anticipation of the birth of the first child may be a stressful experience for women, it may also provide an opportunity for personal growth. The literature shows that stress is a prerequisite for growth. However, studies rarely distinguish between different sources of stress. This study therefore sought to increase the theoretical understanding of personal growth by examining the contribution of different stress sources (exposure to pregnancy-related stressors, experiencing pregnancy stress, stress associated with life events during pregnancy, COVID-19-related anxiety over possible economic damage, and COVID-19-related anxiety over the health of the fetus). In addition, drawing on the Broaden and Build Theory, the contribution of dispositional gratitude to personal growth was examined. The sample consisted of 1378 women expecting their first child, who were recruited through social media. Results show that dispositional gratitude has a significant contribution to personal growth (p < 0.001) and that all stress sources except for pregnancy stress, contributed significantly to personal growth (p < 0.05). The study expands the theoretical knowledge and lends support to the need for a theoretical and methodological distinction between different sources of stress. Full article
18 pages, 6693 KB  
Article
Neural Mechanisms of the Impact of Rotated Terrain Symbols on Spatial Representation in Orienteers: Evidence from Eye-Tracking and Whole-Brain fNIRS Synchronization
by Shijia Ou, Tianyu Liu and Yang Liu
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101314 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
Spatial representation is a core element of spatial cognition in orienteering, but the visual-spatial neural modulation mechanisms underlying spatial representations with differently oriented maps have not yet been systematically elucidated. This study recruited 67 orienteering athletes as participants and employed a single-factor (map [...] Read more.
Spatial representation is a core element of spatial cognition in orienteering, but the visual-spatial neural modulation mechanisms underlying spatial representations with differently oriented maps have not yet been systematically elucidated. This study recruited 67 orienteering athletes as participants and employed a single-factor (map orientation: normal vs. rotated) between-subjects experimental design. Eye-tracking and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) techniques were used simultaneously to collect behavioral, eye movement, and brain activity data, investigating the effects of map orientation on visual attention and brain activity characteristics during terrain symbol representation processing in orienteering athletes. The results revealed that compared to the normal orientation, the rotated orientation led to significantly decreased task accuracy, significantly prolonged reaction times, and significantly increased saccade amplitude and pupil diameter. Brain activation analysis showed that the rotated orientation elicited significantly higher activation levels in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (R-DLPFC), bilateral parietal lobe cortex (L-PL, R-PL), right temporal lobe (R-TL), and visual cortex (VC) compared to the normal orientation, along with enhanced functional connectivity. Correlation analysis revealed that under normal map orientation, accuracy was positively correlated with both saccade amplitude and pupil diameter; accuracy was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC; saccade amplitude was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC and R-PL; and pupil diameter was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC. Under rotated map orientation, accuracy was positively correlated with saccade amplitude and pupil diameter, and pupil diameter was positively correlated with activation in both the L-PL and R-PL. The results indicate that map orientation significantly influences the visual search patterns and neural activity characteristics of orienteering athletes, impacting task performance through the coupling mode of visual-neural activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)
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21 pages, 465 KB  
Review
White-Collar Workers in the Post-Pandemic Era: A Review of Risk and Protective Factors for Mental Well-Being
by Junyi Meng, Lidia Suárez, Chad C. E. Yip and Nigel V. Marsh
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101313 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
This narrative literature review aims to explore the risk and protective factors influencing the mental well-being of white-collar workers in the post-pandemic era. It investigates how factors vary across different phases, including pre-pandemic traditional work models, work-from-home or hybrid models during the pandemic, [...] Read more.
This narrative literature review aims to explore the risk and protective factors influencing the mental well-being of white-collar workers in the post-pandemic era. It investigates how factors vary across different phases, including pre-pandemic traditional work models, work-from-home or hybrid models during the pandemic, and the recovery phase of returning to the office in the post-pandemic era. This review highlights the diverse nature of related factors, examining constructs including stress, depression, burnout, thriving, work engagement, workaholism, motivation, workplace civility, and resilience. The Job Demands-Resources model, a recognized theoretical tool for analyzing and understanding the interactions between psychological constructs and their effects on employee well-being and turnover intention, is proposed as a useful framework to consider the relationships between the factors. By synthesizing existing research findings, this review contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between work-related factors and employee well-being in the evolving landscape of the post-pandemic world. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective strategies to support white-collar workers’ mental well-being and productivity in the post-pandemic era. Full article
28 pages, 1003 KB  
Article
Internet-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) for Spanish-Speaking Adults with Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): A Randomized Feasibility Trial
by Cintia Tur, Daniel Campos, Laura Díaz-Sanahuja, Sara Fernández-Buendía, Jorge Grimaldos, Laura De la Coba-Cañizares, Evaldas Kazlauskas and Soledad Quero
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101312 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
Losing a loved one is a painful process that usually diminishes over time. Despite that, one out of ten bereaved adults are at risk of developing Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) Internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapies (iCBTs) can reach individuals in need of therapy and are [...] Read more.
Losing a loved one is a painful process that usually diminishes over time. Despite that, one out of ten bereaved adults are at risk of developing Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) Internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapies (iCBTs) can reach individuals in need of therapy and are both cost-effective and clinically effective. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of an iCBT for Spanish-speaking individuals with PGD (GROw) compared to the same intervention delivered in a face-to-face videoconferencing format. As a secondary objective, the potential efficacy of GROw was explored. A total of 31 participants were randomized to the experimental group (N = 16) (GROw) and the active control group (N = 15) (videoconferencing treatment). There were four assessment points: baseline, after intervention, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups. Both GROw and videoconferencing treatments were well accepted in terms of preferences, expectations, satisfaction and evaluation about the usefulness of the intervention, and showed significant symptomatology reduction with large effect sizes in most of the outcomes. The dropout rate was 50% in the GROw and 33.33% in the videoconferencing group. GROw is a feasible, well-accepted iCBT for the treatment of PGD with promising results related to its potential efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Clinical Interventions on Grief)
18 pages, 1689 KB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Music Preferences on Depressive Symptoms and Meaning in Life: A Network Analysis Approach
by Qizong Yue, Yuqi Lin, Bo Yang and Maoping Zheng
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101311 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study investigates how preferences for sad or happy music influence the network structures linking depressive symptoms and meaning in life. Analyzing data from 1681 college students, results indicate that individuals who listen to sad music display a denser network structure with stronger [...] Read more.
This study investigates how preferences for sad or happy music influence the network structures linking depressive symptoms and meaning in life. Analyzing data from 1681 college students, results indicate that individuals who listen to sad music display a denser network structure with stronger connections between depressive symptoms and meaning in life, while those favoring happy music exhibit a more dispersed network with weaker connections. The Sad Music Group showed higher global strength, suggesting a tightly knit network, whereas the Happy Music Group had lower global strength, implying greater flexibility among nodes. These findings highlight distinct network configurations between the two groups, offering insights into the interplay between music engagement and psychological well-being. By identifying key nodes and connectivity, we can develop more targeted therapy interventions. However, it is crucial to consider individual differences and contextual factors that influence how music affects psychological well-being. Full article
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18 pages, 892 KB  
Article
Developing a Psychological Research Methodology for Evaluating AI-Powered Plush Robots in Education and Rehabilitation
by Anete Hofmane, Inese Tīģere, Airisa Šteinberga, Dina Bethere, Santa Meļķe, Undīne Gavriļenko, Aleksandrs Okss, Aleksejs Kataševs and Aleksandrs Vališevskis
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101310 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
The integration of AI-powered plush robots in educational and therapeutic settings for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) necessitates a robust interdisciplinary methodology to evaluate usability, psychological impact, and therapeutic efficacy. This study proposes and applies a four-phase research framework designed to guide [...] Read more.
The integration of AI-powered plush robots in educational and therapeutic settings for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) necessitates a robust interdisciplinary methodology to evaluate usability, psychological impact, and therapeutic efficacy. This study proposes and applies a four-phase research framework designed to guide the development and assessment of AI-powered plush robots for social rehabilitation and education. Phase 1 involved semi-structured interviews with 13 ASD specialists to explore robot applications. Phase 2 tested initial usability with typically developing children (N = 10–15) through structured sessions. Phase 3 involved structured interaction sessions with children diagnosed with ASD (N = 6–8) to observe the robot’s potential for rehabilitation, observed by specialists and recorded on video. Finally, Phase 4 synthesized data via multidisciplinary triangulation. Results highlighted the importance of iterative, stakeholder-informed design, with experts emphasizing visual properties (color, texture), psychosocial aspects, and adjustable functions. The study identified key technical and psychological evaluation criteria, including engagement, emotional safety, and developmental alignment with ASD intervention models. Findings underscore the value of qualitative methodologies and phased testing in developing child-centered robotic tools. The research establishes a robust methodological framework and provides preliminary evidence for the potential of AI-powered plush robots to support personalized, ethically grounded interventions for children with ASD, though their therapeutic efficacy requires further longitudinal validation. This methodology bridges engineering innovation with psychological rigor, offering a template for future assistive technology research by prioritizing a rigorous, stakeholder-centered design process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatric, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders)
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16 pages, 552 KB  
Article
Family-to-Work Conflict and Innovative Work Behavior Among University Teachers: The Mediating Effect of Work Stress and the Moderating Effect of Gender
by Xiaohong Bao, Jia Dong and Jianwen Guo
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101309 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
Family-to-work conflict is a common phenomenon among university teachers and can decrease their innovative work behavior. However, the mechanism underlying such conflict remains uncertain. To clarify the relationship between family-to-work conflict and innovative work behavior and explore the mechanism underlying this relationship, this [...] Read more.
Family-to-work conflict is a common phenomenon among university teachers and can decrease their innovative work behavior. However, the mechanism underlying such conflict remains uncertain. To clarify the relationship between family-to-work conflict and innovative work behavior and explore the mechanism underlying this relationship, this study combines conservation of resources theory with gender role theory and employs the structural equation modeling (SEM) method. Questionnaires completed by 916 university teachers were analyzed with the assistance of SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 24.0. The findings reveal that family-to-work conflict negatively influences innovative work behavior and that challenge stress and hindrance stress significantly mediate the relationship between family-to-work conflict and innovative work behavior, albeit in opposite directions. Specifically, challenge stress exerts a positive mediating effect on the relationship between family-to-work conflict and innovative work behavior, whereas hindrance stress demonstrates a negative mediating effect in the association. Additionally, gender significantly moderates the relationships between family-to-work conflict and challenge stress and between family-to-work conflict and hindrance stress. These results shed light on the inherent mechanisms that govern the relationship between family-to-work conflict and innovative work behavior among university teachers and highlight the significance of two types of work stress, i.e., challenge stress and hindrance stress, as well as gender in this context. In addition, this research offers fresh insights that can support future investigations of how schools and governments can promote innovative work behavior among university teachers. Full article
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16 pages, 665 KB  
Article
The Impact of Agreeableness Trait on Volunteer Service Motivation and Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Study of Chinese College Students
by Chen Chen and Weilin Su
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101308 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
How to continuously motivate college students to participate in voluntary activities has always been one of the burning issues in the field of educational psychology research. Based on the activation theory, this study constructed and tested a moderated mediation model to explore how [...] Read more.
How to continuously motivate college students to participate in voluntary activities has always been one of the burning issues in the field of educational psychology research. Based on the activation theory, this study constructed and tested a moderated mediation model to explore how to improve college students’ volunteer service motivation and behavior from the perspective of agreeableness traits and examined the moderating role of social support. By collecting three-wave time lagged data from 408 Chinese college students (59.6% female, age 18–22, means = 19.8, SD = 1.2), SPSS and Amos software were used to test the research hypotheses and the whole model. The results show that agreeableness traits of college students have a significant positive influence on their volunteer service motivation and behaviors. Volunteer service motivation mediates the positive influence of agreeableness traits on volunteer service behaviors. The social support perceived by college students positively moderates the impact of agreeableness traits on their volunteer service motivation and then promotes their volunteer service behaviors. These findings not only enrich the research literature on college students’ personality traits, volunteer service, and social support, but also provide some suggestions on how to motivate college students to participate in volunteer service from the three aspects of personality, motivation, and social support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)
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15 pages, 1824 KB  
Article
Differential Associations Between Adaptability and Mental Health Symptoms Across Interpersonal Style Groups: A Network Comparison Study
by Shixiu Ren
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101307 - 25 Sep 2025
Abstract
The university period is a transitional stage during which students develop heterogeneous interpersonal styles to navigate complex social demands. While prior studies have linked interpersonal functioning to adaptability and mental health, structural differences across interpersonal style groups remain underexplored. Therefore, the current research [...] Read more.
The university period is a transitional stage during which students develop heterogeneous interpersonal styles to navigate complex social demands. While prior studies have linked interpersonal functioning to adaptability and mental health, structural differences across interpersonal style groups remain underexplored. Therefore, the current research was designed to examine whether and how adaptability is differentially related to mental health symptoms when considered within the framework of distinct interpersonal style profiles. Using K-means clustering, we identified three distinct interpersonal profiles: the withdrawn and avoidant type, the overinvolved and compliant type, and the well-adjusted interpersonal type. Based on this classification, network analyses were conducted to examine how six dimensions of adaptability related to three core mental health symptoms within each group. The results showed a consistent pattern across all profiles, with emotional adaptability negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Subsequent network comparison analyses demonstrated that the withdrawn and avoidant group differed significantly in structure from the well-adjusted interpersonal group, particularly in the connections involving emotional, interpersonal, and economic adaptability. By uncovering meaningful differences in adaptability-mental health associations across interpersonal style, this study provides a foundation for designing targeted strategies that address the unique adaptabilities and mental health problems of distinct interpersonal profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)
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17 pages, 565 KB  
Article
Do Boys and Girls Evaluate Sexual Harassment Differently? The Role of Negative Emotions and Moral Disengagement
by Laura Bosaia, Gemma Garbi, Elisa Berlin, Camilla Lasagna, Loredana Macrì, Maria Noemi Paradiso and Norma De Piccoli
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101306 - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Adolescents’ perception and recognition of sexual harassment (SH) are shaped by several psychosocial variables, including gender norms, emotional responses, and ideological beliefs (such as sexism). This study specifically aimed to investigate the mediating roles of moral disengagement and emotional responses in the relationship [...] Read more.
Adolescents’ perception and recognition of sexual harassment (SH) are shaped by several psychosocial variables, including gender norms, emotional responses, and ideological beliefs (such as sexism). This study specifically aimed to investigate the mediating roles of moral disengagement and emotional responses in the relationship between tolerance of SH and recognition of harassment scenarios, while considering gender as a moderator. The sample included 380 high-school students (55.3% female, 44.7% male), aged between 14 and 18 years (Mage = 15.71, SDage = 0.87). No significant direct association was found between attitudes toward sexually harassing behaviour (TSHI) and recognition of potential harassing scenario (assessed by the Sexual Harassment Definitions Questionnaire—SHDO). However, TSHI was indirectly associated with SHDO through two distinct mediational pathways. On the one hand, higher tolerance of sexual harassment was associated with increased moral disengagement, which in turn was related to lower recognition of SH. On the other hand, it was associated with reduced negative emotional reactions, which were in turn associated with greater recognition of harassment. Additionally, gender differences emerged: females demonstrated greater ability to identify harassment scenarios and reported stronger negative emotional reactions. Overall, these findings highlight the role of psychosocial mechanisms in shaping adolescents’ recognition of harassment situations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Research on Sexual and Social Relationships)
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12 pages, 671 KB  
Article
The Impact of Exclusion from Close Versus Distant Relationships on Inhibitory Control: An ERP Study
by Pengcheng Zhang, Xiangping Gao, Zhizhuan Li and Tongtong Xin
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101305 - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Previous research has not fully addressed the distinction between different sources of exclusion, focusing predominantly on how being excluded by strangers affects inhibitory control. To address this gap, this study employs a Go/Nogo task to examine how exclusion by individuals with varying degrees [...] Read more.
Previous research has not fully addressed the distinction between different sources of exclusion, focusing predominantly on how being excluded by strangers affects inhibitory control. To address this gap, this study employs a Go/Nogo task to examine how exclusion by individuals with varying degrees of social proximity (close vs. distant) affects inhibitory control. The results revealed that exclusion by both friends (p = 0.018) and strangers (p = 0.001) elicited significantly greater N270 amplitudes compared to inclusion by others. Conversely, the amplitude of the LPC was larger in the inclusion by others category than in both the friend (p = 0.011) and stranger (p < 0.001) exclusion categories. These results suggest that social exclusion triggers a state of heightened alertness and impairs inhibitory control, regardless of the source of the relationship. This is evidenced by the lack of significant differences in N270 and LPC amplitudes between friend and stranger exclusion. These results suggest that while the cognitive control failure theory provides a reasonable explanation for certain aspects of the data, it may not fully account for the observed phenomena. By contrast, the relevant theory of social exclusion—which emphasizes both resources and motivation—provides a better explanation for these phenomena. This study contributes to understanding the inhibitory control mechanisms underlying behavioral responses after social exclusion, and the findings further support the value of theories that emphasize both resources and motivation when interpreting such responses. Full article
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18 pages, 799 KB  
Article
Uncovering the Relationship Between Buoyancy and Academic Achievement in Language Learning: The Multiple Mediating Roles of Burnout and Engagement
by Yicheng Cai and Honggang Liu
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101304 - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
English learning buoyancy is a proactive and adaptable capacity that allows academic growth. However, the relationship between buoyancy, burnout, engagement, and achievement in English learning remains complex and underexplored. Grounded in the control–value theory of achievement emotions and the situated expectancy–value theory, this [...] Read more.
English learning buoyancy is a proactive and adaptable capacity that allows academic growth. However, the relationship between buoyancy, burnout, engagement, and achievement in English learning remains complex and underexplored. Grounded in the control–value theory of achievement emotions and the situated expectancy–value theory, this study investigated the impact of buoyancy and academic achievement in language learning, especially the multiple mediating roles of burnout and engagement in between. The study involved 522 senior high school students in China, who learn English as a second language. Questionnaires were employed to assess their English learning buoyancy, burnout (i.e., demotivation and exhaustion), and engagement (i.e., behavioral and agentic engagement). Academic achievement was represented by their most recent English scores. The results demonstrate that English learning buoyancy predicts academic achievement through multiple indirect paths. Specifically, exhaustion and behavioral engagement each independently mediate this relationship, and a sequential mediating pathway was identified from burnout components to behavioral engagement. The study provides pedagogical implications for English teaching. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)
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21 pages, 436 KB  
Review
Social–Emotional Learning of 2-Year-Olds Within Peer Interactions in Early Childhood Education Settings: A Scoping Review
by Yuru Ji, Jayne White and Shweta Sharma
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101303 - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Research has highlighted social–emotional learning (SEL) as a critical domain for 2-year-olds (2YOs), as well as the crucial role of their peers in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) context. Although strong evidence indicates that children begin developing social–emotional skills before 24 months, limited [...] Read more.
Research has highlighted social–emotional learning (SEL) as a critical domain for 2-year-olds (2YOs), as well as the crucial role of their peers in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) context. Although strong evidence indicates that children begin developing social–emotional skills before 24 months, limited research has explored SEL in 2YOs, particularly in the context of peer relationships. With global increases in the enrolment of 2YOs in ECE, 2YOs have engaged more frequently in complex peer group interactions that offer expanded opportunities for their SEL. This scoping review explores the existing literature on 2YOs’ peer-related SEL within ECE contexts in the last 10 years (2014–2025). The search reveals a predominant focus on adult–child relationships and home-based contexts. Consequently, 13 highly related empirical studies were identified from an initial corpus of 755 studies. Based on these 13 studies, this scoping review aims to map the following: (i) how SEL is defined for 2YOs, (ii) the methodologies and theoretical perspectives adopted to investigate 2YOs’ peer interactions, and (iii) the role of peers in 2YOs’ SEL. The findings indicate that most studies adopt quantitative methodologies grounded in developmental psychology perspectives, often relying on predetermined SEL indicators to assess and interpret 2YOs’ SEL and peer interactions. These findings underscore the need for more qualitative and in-depth investigations of 2YOs’ SEL in peer contexts. Additionally, there is a call for more diverse methodologies and study designs to deepen our understanding of this important area of early childhood development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Emotional Competence: Theories, Correlates, and Measures)
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16 pages, 548 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of a Group-Based Psychological Safety Intervention to Prevent Workplace Bullying and Sustain Work Engagement: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
by Momoko Kobayashi
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101302 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 34
Abstract
Building psychological safety is vital for preventing workplace bullying and for sustaining employee well-being, organizational performance, and work engagement. This study developed and evaluated a short-term intervention promoting psychological safety and communication skills. The program provided strategies for addressing during high-stress situations and [...] Read more.
Building psychological safety is vital for preventing workplace bullying and for sustaining employee well-being, organizational performance, and work engagement. This study developed and evaluated a short-term intervention promoting psychological safety and communication skills. The program provided strategies for addressing during high-stress situations and fostered a shared understanding of honest communication. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in a pharmaceutical company, with departments assigned to intervention or control groups. The effects were examined using a generalized linear mixed-effect model. In the intervention group, psychological safety with supervisors and teams significantly increased, preceding a significant rise in consultation tendencies, whereas bullying and supervisor-related intimidation significantly decreased. Work engagement declined in the control group but remained stable in the intervention group. These findings demonstrate that the program enhanced psychological safety, enabling employees to express opinions without irrational fear, which in turn increased consultation, improved communication, reduced bullying, and sustained work engagement. The group-based format further emphasized mutual understanding and skill-sharing, providing broad organizational benefits. This study positions psychological safety as a proximal mechanism that facilitates consultation behaviors and demonstrates the feasibility of integrating brief, evidence-based training into routine organizational development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)
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16 pages, 250 KB  
Article
Job Satisfaction of Registered Respiratory Therapists in Primary Care: Addressing Recruitment and Retention in Ontario and Manitoba
by Sandra Biesheuvel, Dayajyot Kaur, Song Lee Han, Olsen Jarvis and Louise Chartrand
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101301 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 71
Abstract
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) have unique skills in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings. With an 82% increase in COPD diagnoses between 2000 and 2010 in Canada, the fact that over 10% of Canadians aged 35 and older are [...] Read more.
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) have unique skills in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings. With an 82% increase in COPD diagnoses between 2000 and 2010 in Canada, the fact that over 10% of Canadians aged 35 and older are living with COPD, and primary care reform in Ontario and Manitoba, we would expect an increasing number of RRTs working in this setting. However, this is not happening. Through the concept of job satisfaction, we want to investigate the barriers of integrating this allied healthcare professional into primary care settings. Using a pragmatic approach, we examined RRT job satisfaction in primary care via semi-structured interviews of 19 RRTs in Manitoba and Ontario in 2018 and 2019. A combined inductive and deductive (Mottaz framework) analysis approach allowed us to cross reference work context with job satisfaction. The context in which primary care is operationalized impacts RRT job satisfaction. In Ontario, retention of RRTs in primary care was the main issue due to lower salaries and benefits. In Manitoba, recruitment of RRTs in primary care was the main issue due to lack of human resources and funding. Efforts should be made to address gaps in job satisfaction of RRTs in primary care. To improve retention in Ontario, RRTs should be compensated similarly to their counterparts in acute care. In Manitoba, there should be increased positions for RRTs in primary care. Developing strategies for enhancing job satisfaction will ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. This study provides both theoretical and practical contributions to primary care workforce research. Theoretically, our findings demonstrate how contextual factors moderate job satisfaction, showing that the primary care context produces various work situations and heavily impacts work satisfaction. Practically, our results offer specific guidance for healthcare policymakers and administrators, including standardizing compensation across care settings, converting part-time positions to full-time roles, and developing targeted educational initiatives to improve workforce recruitment and retention in underserved areas. Full article
17 pages, 608 KB  
Article
The Role of Self-Objectification and Physical Exercise in Social Appearance Anxiety and Restrained Eating Among Female College Students
by Chang Hu, Wen Zhang and Wenying Huang
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101300 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 56
Abstract
This study aims to explore the relationship and underlying mechanisms between social appearance anxiety (SAA) and restrained eating (RE) among female college students. Although previous studies have shown a correlation between SAA and RE, the internal pathways remain unclear. Based on social comparison [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore the relationship and underlying mechanisms between social appearance anxiety (SAA) and restrained eating (RE) among female college students. Although previous studies have shown a correlation between SAA and RE, the internal pathways remain unclear. Based on social comparison theory and objectification theory, this study constructs a model that includes self-objectification (SO) as a mediating variable and physical exercise (PE) as a moderating variable to analyze the impact mechanisms of SAA on RE. Adopting a cross-sectional online survey design, this study collected data from 2161 female college students in China. The results showed that SAA was significantly positively related to SO (β = 0.37, p < 0.001) and RE (β = 0.34, p < 0.001). SO partially mediated the relationship between SAA and RE (β = 0.125, 95% CI [0.104, 0.149]). Moreover, PE moderates the relationship between SAA and RE (β = −0.15, p < 0.001). However, PE’s moderating effect is insignificant in the relationship between SO and RE. These findings offer valuable insights and suggest that interventions targeting SAA and SO, as well as promoting PE, may help improve RE among female college students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Lifestyle and Neurobehaviors)
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16 pages, 973 KB  
Article
ConnectUp: Co-Designing an Online Social Connection Platform with People with Disabilities and Carers
by Dominika Kwasnicka, Sophie Jokovich, Chelsea Atherton, Emily Joy, Genevieve Mullen, Joanne McVeigh, Stuart Jenkinson, Jessica Hatton, Paul Rogers, Ashul Shah, Enrique Mergelsberg and Craig Thompson
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101299 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 27
Abstract
People with disabilities (PwD) and carers report higher levels of isolation and lower physical activity (PA) participation than the general population. Yet, both PA and social connection are linked to improved health and quality of life. Innovative approaches are needed to address these [...] Read more.
People with disabilities (PwD) and carers report higher levels of isolation and lower physical activity (PA) participation than the general population. Yet, both PA and social connection are linked to improved health and quality of life. Innovative approaches are needed to address these disparities. This study aimed to (1) explore PwD and carers’ experiences with PA, social connection, and online platforms, and (2) examine their preferences and expectations for online tools supporting these needs. Six workshops (N = 17; 6 PwD, 6 carers, 5 both; aged 20–73 years, M = 52.94, SD = 15.21) involved the co-design of the ConnectUp platform prototype. Data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis, identifying four key themes: (1) safety and vulnerability online; (2) disability inclusion and creating authentic social connections; (3) physical activity and disability; and (4) meaningful representation of PwD and carers on online platforms. Participants emphasized the need for platforms that foster genuine inclusion, real connections, and support for PA. The co-design process ensured these preferences shaped platform development. The ConnectUp prototype is currently being further co-developed and refined for national rollout, aiming to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing for PwD and carers through inclusive digital engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychology of Health Behavior Change)
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13 pages, 570 KB  
Article
Shared Strength: Protective Roles of Community Resilience and Social Support in Ukrainian Forced Migration
by Martina Olcese, Paola Cardinali, Lorenzo Antichi, Francesco Madera and Laura Migliorini
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101298 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 52
Abstract
Forced migration following the outbreak of war in Ukraine has severely affected the psychological well-being of refugees. The community and its resources play an important role in helping refugees cope with their challenges. This study examines the role of community resilience as a [...] Read more.
Forced migration following the outbreak of war in Ukraine has severely affected the psychological well-being of refugees. The community and its resources play an important role in helping refugees cope with their challenges. This study examines the role of community resilience as a mediator between refugee distress, social support and subjective well-being among Ukrainian refugees in Italy. A study was conducted with 180 Ukrainian refugees. Participants were given an online questionnaire that assessed distress, community resilience, social support and subjective well-being. A mediation analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. There was a direct negative relationship between refugee distress and well-being, which was partially mediated by community resilience. In addition, community resilience fully mediated the positive relationship between social support and well-being. High levels of distress were associated with lower levels of community resilience, which in turn predicted lower levels of well-being. Community resilience emerges as an important factor in mitigating the negative effects of refugee distress and enhancing the positive effects of social support on well-being. These findings highlight the importance of community-based psychosocial interventions aimed at promoting resilience to support the well-being and integration of refugees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Resilience and Migrant Wellbeing)
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17 pages, 623 KB  
Article
Psychosocial Adaptation After Heart Transplantation: The Chain-Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem and Death Anxiety on Social Support and Quality of Life in China
by Chan Gao, Song Gui, Lijun Zhu, Xiaoqian Bian, Heyong Shen and Can Jiao
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101297 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 127
Abstract
Heart transplantation represents a pivotal intervention for end-stage heart failure, extending survival. However, it imposes profound physical, psychological, and social challenges that often undermine recipients’ quality of life (QoL). These challenges are especially pronounced in collectivist cultural contexts like China, where familial obligations [...] Read more.
Heart transplantation represents a pivotal intervention for end-stage heart failure, extending survival. However, it imposes profound physical, psychological, and social challenges that often undermine recipients’ quality of life (QoL). These challenges are especially pronounced in collectivist cultural contexts like China, where familial obligations and stigma surrounding chronic illness intensify existential burdens. Grounded in theoretical frameworks including Coping Theory, Self-Determination Theory, Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, and Terror Management Theory, this cross-sectional study explored the interplay between social support and QoL among Chinese heart transplant recipients, elucidating the mediating roles of self-esteem and death anxiety, as well as their sequential chain-mediating pathway. Employing validated psychometric instruments, including the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Templer Death Anxiety Scale (T-DAS) and SF-36 Health Survey, along with chain-mediation modeling, the analysis revealed that social support exerts a direct positive influence on QoL, supplemented by indirect effects through enhanced self-esteem, reduced death anxiety, and a chained cognitive-existential mechanism linking these factors. These insights highlight the complex psychosocial dynamics of post-transplant adaptation, advocating for targeted and culturally attuned interventions. These interventions include family-based support programs, self-esteem enhancement strategies, and death anxiety counseling. The aim is to promote holistic rehabilitation and sustained well-being among heart transplant recipients in China’s context. Full article
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15 pages, 1979 KB  
Article
Revision and Validation of the Mother-Love Absence Scale
by Yanhui Xiang and Xinping Zhou
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101296 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 98
Abstract
The mother’s love is vital for adolescent development, yet there is a lack of specific tools to measure its psychological absence. This study aimed to develop the Mother-Love Absence Scale (MLAS) by revising the Father-Love Absence Scale (FLAS) and verify its reliability and [...] Read more.
The mother’s love is vital for adolescent development, yet there is a lack of specific tools to measure its psychological absence. This study aimed to develop the Mother-Love Absence Scale (MLAS) by revising the Father-Love Absence Scale (FLAS) and verify its reliability and validity among adolescents. Study 1 included 2700 junior and senior high school adolescents. The junior and senior high school samples were each randomly split into two subsamples. One subsample was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while the other was used for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), internal consistency reliability tests, and cross-gender measurement invariance tests. The results indicated that the factor structure of the MLAS was consistent with that of the FLAS, both comprising four factors: emotional absence, cognitive absence, behavioral absence, and volitional absence. Furthermore, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis verified the gender invariance of the scale. In Study 2, 193 adolescents were surveyed to conduct a CFA and a criterion-related validity analysis. The results of the CFA again demonstrated a good model fit for the four-factor structure. The criterion-related validity analysis indicated that the mother-love absence was negatively connected with parent–child interaction and positively correlated with parental phubbing. Therefore, the revised MLAS has well reliability and validity and can be a reliable instrument for measuring mother-love absence in adolescents. Full article
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16 pages, 542 KB  
Article
Exploring the Curvilinear Effect of Motivation to Lead on Leadership Emergence: The Moderating Role of Shared Team Vision
by Jinkai Cheng, Yating Luo, Feng Hu and Kunjie Cui
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101295 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 117
Abstract
Given the potential significance of the motivation to lead in answering the question of who will most highly emerge for leadership positions, the motivation to lead has garnered considerable attention. Nevertheless, we put forward a distinct perspective on the influence of the motivation [...] Read more.
Given the potential significance of the motivation to lead in answering the question of who will most highly emerge for leadership positions, the motivation to lead has garnered considerable attention. Nevertheless, we put forward a distinct perspective on the influence of the motivation to lead on leadership emergence. Based on the theory of leadership identity construction, we developed and tested a potential curvilinear relationship between individual motivation to lead and leadership emergence while also examining the moderating role of shared team vision. This study involved 639 employees across 159 work teams, with data collected using a multi-wave, round-robin approach. The results of social relations analyses indicated that individual motivation to lead has an inverted U-shaped relationship with leadership emergence. Meanwhile, shared team vision positively moderates the curvilinear relationship, such that those teams with weak shared vision experience foreshortened and weakened positive effect from motivation to lead. These results underscore the importance of comprehending the level of leadership motivation that can promote or prevent leadership emergence within work teams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leadership Development Programming and Assessment)
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