Behavioral Sciences

14 pages, 597 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Developmental Trajectory and Influencing Factors of Self-Concept Clarity in Chinese Adolescents: A Latent Transition Analysis

by Yang Yang, Ying Zou, Yin Qiu and Jianyong Yang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091257 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study used latent transition analysis to explore the categories of self-concept clarity transformation and their influencing factors among adolescents. A total of 3010 adolescents (Mage = 17.56, SD = 2.61, ranging from 12 to 23 years, 41.23% males) were longitudinally tracked, [...] Read more.

This study used latent transition analysis to explore the categories of self-concept clarity transformation and their influencing factors among adolescents. A total of 3010 adolescents (Mage = 17.56, SD = 2.61, ranging from 12 to 23 years, 41.23% males) were longitudinally tracked, with assessments of their self-concept clarity conducted three times over half a year. Results showed that (1) there existed heterogeneity in the adolescents’ self-concept clarity, with three distinct profiles identified at each time point; and (2) adolescents’ self-concept clarity exhibited different transition trajectories. The group with high self-concept clarity revealed higher stability, with those in the low self-concept clarity group tending to shift towards either the moderate self-concept clarity group or the high self-concept clarity group. (3) Parent–child relationships had a more stable impact on adolescents’ self-concept clarity subgroups, while peer relationships played a less consistent role. The study advances our understanding of the potential changes in the development of adolescent self-concept clarity profiles in conjunction with the impact of peer relationships and parent–child relationships, but also offers a basis for classification description and intervention practices in enhancing adolescents’ self-concept clarity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Psychology)

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22 pages, 440 KB

Open AccessArticle

Executive Functioning Profiles in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

by Esperanza Bausela Herreras

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091256 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

Antecedents: From a functional perspective, executive functions—such as self-regulation and meta-cognition—emerge as key dimensions affected transversally across various neurodevelopmental disorders. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze and compare executive functioning profiles in children with various neurodevelopmental disorders, as reported by [...] Read more.

Antecedents: From a functional perspective, executive functions—such as self-regulation and meta-cognition—emerge as key dimensions affected transversally across various neurodevelopmental disorders. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze and compare executive functioning profiles in children with various neurodevelopmental disorders, as reported by parents and teachers. It is hypothesized that children with neurodevelopmental disorders exhibit executive function deficits, as measured by the BRIEF-P, in comparison to typically developing children. Methodology: We used a non-experimental methodology and ex post facto design to perform a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Participants: The normative sample is composed of 1.979 participants with typical (normotypical) development and 205 participants belonging to a clinical sample. Measurement: The instrumental development of EFs was evaluated using BRIEF-P by key informants. Results: The highest F-values were observed in the following: (i) working memory, (a) parents [F = 195.76, p < 0.001] and (b) teachers: [F = 199.63, p < 0.001]; and (ii) Emergent Metacognition Index, (a) parents [F = 176.15, p < 0.001] and (b) teachers [F = 187.87, p < 0.001]; and (iii) Executive Function Global, (a) parents [F = 168.07, p < 0.001] and (b) teachers [F = 207.47, p < 0.001]. Conclusions: This study provides a clear framework for identifying dysexecutive syndrome. Executive functioning is one of the most important abilities, and its disruption can lead to dysexecutive syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing Cognitive and Executive Functions Across Lifespan)

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17 pages, 504 KB

Open AccessArticle

Working Differently, Performing Similarly: Systems Intelligence and Job Crafting as Predictors of Job Performance in a Three-Wave Longitudinal Study

by Sidra Liaquat, Jordi Escartín and Jacqueline Coyle-Shapiro

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091255 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

In light of a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world, the need for employee adaptability is a critical capacity to navigate challenges and facilitate employees thriving in organizations. One important capacity, systems intelligence, captures employees’ ability to think, adapt and act effectively [...] Read more.

In light of a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world, the need for employee adaptability is a critical capacity to navigate challenges and facilitate employees thriving in organizations. One important capacity, systems intelligence, captures employees’ ability to think, adapt and act effectively in interactions with systems. In a three-wave longitudinal study, we examine the relationship between systems intelligence (SI), job crafting (JC), and job performance (JP) over time. We employ the job demands-resources model to demonstrate that SI increases JP, hypothesizing that job resources, as manifested in JC, act as mediator between personal resources (SI) and JP. Data were collected from employees in Pakistan working across the banking, telecommunications, information technology, and engineering sectors. In the first wave, 303 participants completed the survey using validated self-report measures, followed by 212 in the second wave, and 99 in the third wave, each two months apart. Our findings show that systems intelligence at Time 1 was positively related to job performance at Time 3 but not Time 2. We found no significant association of SI at Time 1 with JC at Time 2 or Time 3. JC at Time 2 did not mediate the effects of SI at Time 1 on JP at Time 3. However, JC (T1 & T2) had a significant positive effect on JP (T2 & T3). Overall, our findings suggest that the pathways from systems intelligence and job crafting to job performance are independent. This dual pathway to performance has important theoretical implications as well as practical implications for organizations. Organizations can improve team and individual productivity by fostering systems intelligence and promoting job crafting behaviours. This research directs the attention of leaders and HR functions to the value of tailored interventions in developing these abilities and achieving long-term success and adaptive performance in the workforce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)

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20 pages, 264 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging Disciplines: Integrating Mental Health and Education to Promote Immigrant Student Wellbeing

by Vanja Pejic, Kristin Russo, Rhode Milord-LeBlanc, Kayla Mehjabin Parr, Sara Whitcomb and Robyn S. Hess

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091254 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

More than 5 million students in U.S. public schools are immigrants or the children of immigrants, highlighting the urgent need for educational practices that honor their lived experiences and promote both emotional and academic growth. This article details a collaborative effort between a [...] Read more.

More than 5 million students in U.S. public schools are immigrants or the children of immigrants, highlighting the urgent need for educational practices that honor their lived experiences and promote both emotional and academic growth. This article details a collaborative effort between a school-based psychologist and two high school English teachers to co-design a 12th grade English Language Arts curriculum responsive to the unique strengths and challenges of immigrant youth. Grounded in transformative social and emotional learning, trauma informed principles and culturally sustaining pedagogy, the curriculum weaves together themes of hope, identity, social determinants of health, and agency. The co-development process involved aligning clinical and educational expertise, adapting trauma-informed principles for the classroom, and centering student experience throughout design and implementation. Students reported high satisfaction with the curriculum. Teachers observed stronger student engagement and deeper, more meaningful relationships, attributing these outcomes to the curriculum’s relevance to students’ cultural and community contexts. This case study illustrates the promise of cross-sector partnerships and provides recommendations for creating learning environments where immigrant students can reflect, heal, and thrive through both academic content and emotional connection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue School-Based Mental Health Systems: Psychological Care for Children and Youth)

17 pages, 621 KB

Open AccessArticle

Further Validation Study of the Gender-Specific Binary Depression Screening Version (GIDS-15) and Investigation of Intervention Effects

by Jan S. Pellowski, Christian Wiessner, Claudia Buntrock and Hanna Christiansen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091253 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

Men and women differ in the manifestation of depression. At the same time, there is a lack of gender-sensitive depression questionnaires in Germany. This study investigated the Gender-specific binary depression screening version (GIDS-15) in a further validation step. In a two-armed, pragmatic single-blind [...] Read more.

Men and women differ in the manifestation of depression. At the same time, there is a lack of gender-sensitive depression questionnaires in Germany. This study investigated the Gender-specific binary depression screening version (GIDS-15) in a further validation step. In a two-armed, pragmatic single-blind randomised controlled clinical trial, we first investigated the psychometric properties and the sensitivity to change in the GIDS-15 in a sample with subclinical depression (N = 203). In addition, we then analysed sex differences between the intervention and waiting control group over time. We were able to demonstrate adequate to acceptable internal consistency as well as convergent construct validity of the GIDS-15. Additionally, we were able to demonstrate the sensitivity to change in the GIDS-15. Using a linear mixed model, we calculated a three-way interaction between intervention group, sex, and time (p = 0.017). We found an increase in the intervention effect for men over time. Conclusions: The GIDS-15 proves to be a solid and practical screening tool for the gender-sensitive assessment of depression in Germany. It can be used for progression and intervention diagnostics, although the intervention effect that was found can only be interpreted to a limited extent due to significant sample size differences between men and women. Limitations of our study and practical implications are discussed. Full article

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

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25 pages, 947 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Lexical and Inflectional Verb Production and Comprehension in French-Speaking Teenagers with Developmental Language Disorders (DLDs)

by Marie Pourquié, Emilie Courteau, Ann-Sophie Duquette and Phaedra Royle

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091252 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

Little research has studied verb inflection and argument structure complexity effects in teenagers with developmental language disorders (DLDs). However, verb production and comprehension deficits that characterize younger children with DLD might persist over time. Seventeen French-speaking teenagers with DLD and seventeen controls (typical [...] Read more.

Little research has studied verb inflection and argument structure complexity effects in teenagers with developmental language disorders (DLDs). However, verb production and comprehension deficits that characterize younger children with DLD might persist over time. Seventeen French-speaking teenagers with DLD and seventeen controls (typical language, TL group) were tested with fLEX, an application designed to assess lexical and inflectional production and comprehension of three different verb types: intransitives, transitives and ditransitives, i.e., verbs that require none, one or two overt complements. Participants performed three tasks: action naming, sentence production and sentence comprehension involving third singular and plural present tense. Both groups performed similarly on action naming. Subject–verb agreement errors characterized participants with DLD both in sentence production and comprehension; however, verb–argument structure had no effect on any of the tasks. These results characterize verb deficits in teenagers with DLD as affecting inflectional processes rather than lexical ones: they are found in production and comprehension, persist until adolescence and are thus a target for evaluation and intervention in French-speaking teenagers. Results are discussed from a cross-linguistic perspective and in light of current theories on DLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Dyslexia and Developmental Language Disorders)

19 pages, 3345 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relational Humor and Identity Framing in the “Virgin vs. Chad” Meme Format

by Ana Yara Postigo-Fuentes

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091251 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

Extremist narratives combine two relational dynamics: the in-group is portrayed as both socially superior and simultaneously victimized by an antagonistic out-group, which legitimizes hostility or defensive solutions. Despite their relevance, such narratives remain comparatively understudied. To date, little research has examined how extremist [...] Read more.

Extremist narratives combine two relational dynamics: the in-group is portrayed as both socially superior and simultaneously victimized by an antagonistic out-group, which legitimizes hostility or defensive solutions. Despite their relevance, such narratives remain comparatively understudied. To date, little research has examined how extremist narratives are represented through memes, and particularly how humour operates within memetic forms. This article develops and tests a three-layered analytical framework for examining humour in extremist digital cultures. The framework integrates insights from narrative studies, multimodal discourse analysis, and humour theory to capture how memes condense antagonisms, stabilize symbolic contrasts, and calibrate affective positioning. The Virgin vs. Chad meme format is used as a case study due to its binary archetypal structure and recurrent circulation in Spanish far-right meme ecologies. The study draws on 1225 posts on X (May–August 2024), from which 17 memes employing the format were selected for in-depth qualitative analysis. The findings show that the format performs symbolic compression by staging binary oppositions between in-group and out-group identities, typically valorizing figures associated with nationalism, masculinity, and epistemic certainty while delegitimizing those linked to progressivism, pluralism, or emotional expressiveness. These meanings are stabilized through repeated visual and typographic conventions, including character archetypes, split-panel layouts, and indexical stylization. Humour arises through devices such as irony, reversal, exaggeration, and incongruity, which render these oppositions as recognizable contrasts. By integrating insights from humour theory, narrative framing, and multimodal discourse analysis, the article contributes a methodological model for examining how memes condense and circulate antagonistic distinctions in online political ecologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Humor Use in Interpersonal Relationships)

34 pages, 1319 KB

Open AccessArticle

Case Order Effects in Legal Decision-Making

by Paul Troop and David Lagnado

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091250 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2025

Abstract

Order effects, where decision makers resolve dilemmas differently depending on the order in which cases are presented, are well established in the psychology of moral decision-making. Yet case order effects have rarely been studied in a legal context. Given the integral importance of [...] Read more.

Order effects, where decision makers resolve dilemmas differently depending on the order in which cases are presented, are well established in the psychology of moral decision-making. Yet case order effects have rarely been studied in a legal context. Given the integral importance of consistency and precedent to the law, we sought to test for the existence of order effects in legal decisions. Participants across five studies (total n = 1023) were given pairs of life-or-death legal cases to decide, consisting of one decision generally viewed positively in isolation, and one decision negatively viewed, with the order of presentation being varied (positive before negative vs. negative before positive). Studies included civil and criminal cases and individual and group decision making. Results demonstrated that the case order effects previously seen in the moral context also held in the legal context. Order effects were asymmetric, with responses to one case remaining stable while responses to the other being labile depending on the order presented. A particularly novel finding was of responses to labile cases becoming less, rather than more, similar to responses to preceding cases. Order effects can be readily triggered in the context of legal decision making suggesting legal precedent may be partially dependent on the order in which cases are determined. The asymmetric and previously undiscovered direction of order effects is not consistent with existing salience or consistency-type theories which predict effects to be symmetrical and/or more similar to previous cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forensic and Legal Cognition)

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38 pages, 842 KB

Open AccessArticle

Using Psychologically Informed Community-Based Participatory Research to Create Culturally Relevant Informal STEM Experiences

by Jennifer LaCosse, E. Shirl Donaldson, Thiago Ferreira and Mihai Burzo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091249 (registering DOI) - 13 Sep 2025

Abstract

Systemic racism, high turnovers of teachers and administrators, and deindustrialization in Flint, Michigan, have created an environment that limits the opportunities of Flint youth to engage in and succeed in STEM. This paper describes a partnership between university researchers and Flint community members [...] Read more.

Systemic racism, high turnovers of teachers and administrators, and deindustrialization in Flint, Michigan, have created an environment that limits the opportunities of Flint youth to engage in and succeed in STEM. This paper describes a partnership between university researchers and Flint community members formed to start the task of addressing this issue. We took a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach in which we treated community members as co-creators of informal science experiences (ISEs) that take place outside of the classroom. We also integrated psychological research into our research practices and design. To provide context for our work, we review the current literature on ISE and CBPR. We then share our general approach to forming an understanding of minoritized youths’ experiences in STEM in Flint. Next, we discuss how our relationship with the community started, what is working well, the challenges we face, and our recommendations for future researchers. Finally, we discuss the implications of what we have learned and directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Psychology of Underrepresentation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics))

19 pages, 605 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of the Safety Behavior Assessment Form-PTSD Scale

by Jason T. Goodson, Madison E. Fraizer, Gerald J. Haeffel, Jacek Brewczynski, Lucas Baker, Caleb Woolston, Anu Asnaani and Erika M. Roberge

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091248 (registering DOI) - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

Safety behaviors are mental processes and behaviors associated with the onset, maintenance, and treatment of anxiety-related disorders. But these behaviors are understudied in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One reason is the lack of psychometrically valid instruments to assess safety behaviors [...] Read more.

Safety behaviors are mental processes and behaviors associated with the onset, maintenance, and treatment of anxiety-related disorders. But these behaviors are understudied in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One reason is the lack of psychometrically valid instruments to assess safety behaviors specific to the diagnosis of PTSD. To address this gap in the literature, we adapted a well-validated general measure of safety behaviors to create a brief 10-item questionnaire for assessing PTSD-specific safety behaviors—the Safety Behavior Assessment Form-PTSD scale (SBAF-PTSD scale). The results of four studies, using both clinical and non-clinical populations, supported the reliability and validity of the SBAF-PTSD scale; the measure demonstrated strong internal consistency, test–retest reliability, inter-item correlations, and convergent and divergent validity across all four studies. It also demonstrated clinical utility as it predicted treatment outcomes for American military veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Results provide initial support for this measure as a tool that can be used in both research and in clinical practice (e.g., treatment monitoring). Full article

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

18 pages, 381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Capturing the Experience: How Digital Media Affects Memory Retention in Museum Education

by Serkan Say, Serdar Akbulut and İsmail Yavuz Öztürk

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091247 (registering DOI) - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of digital media usage, specifically photo-taking and video recording, on memory retention in the context of museum education. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, this research involved three groups, each exposed to different conditions: observation without media use, photo-taking, and [...] Read more.

This study investigates the effects of digital media usage, specifically photo-taking and video recording, on memory retention in the context of museum education. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, this research involved three groups, each exposed to different conditions: observation without media use, photo-taking, and video recording. A total of 120 university students who participated in the study were divided randomly into groups balanced by working memory capacity. Immediate and delayed recall tests were conducted to assess short-term memory and long-term retention. The results reveal that participants who merely observed the objects exhibited considerably better memory performance compared to those who used digital media. This result is consistent with the cognitive offloading hypothesis and suggests that digital devices weaken memory encoding processes by reducing individuals’ internal cognitive resources. The video-recording group exhibited the lowest performance due to the need for sustained attention and increased cognitive load. The photographing group, despite performing lower in the short-term memory test, showed less decline in the long-term memory test than the other groups. This suggests that photographs may serve as a cue in the retrieval process. The research findings reveal that digital media use can have both supportive and disruptive effects in educational environments. In this context, it is important for educators and museum designers to develop strategies that will consciously direct the use of digital tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Educational Psychology)

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17 pages, 957 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Moral Elevation on Children’s Implicit and Explicit Prosociality: Evidence from Behavioral and Physiological Responses

by Qin Wang, Xia Zhou and Lei Xun

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091246 - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study investigated how moral elevation affects children’s prosocial behavior through two experiments. In Experiment 1 (n = 99; M_age = 10.48 ± 0.86 years), children were randomly assigned to Moral Elevation, Joy, or Neutral groups. Psychophysiological measures were recorded during [...] Read more.

This study investigated how moral elevation affects children’s prosocial behavior through two experiments. In Experiment 1 (n = 99; M_age = 10.48 ± 0.86 years), children were randomly assigned to Moral Elevation, Joy, or Neutral groups. Psychophysiological measures were recorded during both the baseline and task phases, while self-reported prosocial behavior was assessed using validated scales. Participants in the Moral Elevation group experienced emotional states marked by inspired, moved, touched, admiration, and uplifted, accompanied by a distinct pattern of sympathetic–parasympathetic coactivation. Although not statistically significant in self-reported measures, a notable pattern emerged wherein Moral Elevation yielded the highest prosocial scores, followed by Joy and then Neutral conditions. Experiment 2 (n = 92; M_age = 10.84 ± 0.76 years) employed a single-category Implicit Association Test (IAT) to assess prosocial behavioral tendencies. The Moral Elevation group exhibited a significantly stronger implicit prosocial bias on the IAT compared to both Joy and Neutral groups. These findings suggest that moral elevation possesses a unique emotional profile separate from general positive affect that activates dual dissociable pathways for children’s prosocial behavior: explicit and implicit processes. The study provides empirical support for incorporating moral elevation interventions in educational settings to cultivate integrated prosocial development. Full article

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18 pages, 1118 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experiencing, Regulating, and Expressing Emotions: Gendered and Agentic Pathways of Emotional Labor in Human Services

by Yean Wang, Shuge Xu and Guanghuai Zheng

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091245 - 12 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The expansion of emotional labor into the human services sector has raised concerns about emotional exhaustion and gender inequality, yet the potential for emotional work to serve as a source of motivation and meaning remains underexplored. This study reconceptualizes emotional labor as a [...] Read more.

The expansion of emotional labor into the human services sector has raised concerns about emotional exhaustion and gender inequality, yet the potential for emotional work to serve as a source of motivation and meaning remains underexplored. This study reconceptualizes emotional labor as a dynamic, agentic process encompassing three stages: experiencing, regulating, and expressing emotion. Drawing on a nationally representative, multi-source dataset from the first round of the China Social Work Longitudinal Study (N = 5965), we examine how this emotional process unfolds differently by gender and how professional efficacy mediates the relationship between role ambiguity and work meaningfulness. We further explore how organizational governance—specifically internal governance and governmental support—moderates these relationships. Our findings reveal that women demonstrate stronger emotional regulation and derive greater work meaningfulness through professional efficacy, particularly under low governmental support, whereas men’s emotion processes are more direct and enhanced by organizational governance. These results underscore the importance of gender-sensitive and organizationally informed approaches to managing emotional labor. By integrating gendered agency and institutional context, this study offers a new framework for understanding emotional work and vocational development in the human services sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behaviors)

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13 pages, 242 KB

Open AccessReview

Why Motive Matters: The Appraisal of Criminal Aims

by Keelah E. G. Williams, Ashley M. Votruba and Ross S. Eagle

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091244 - 12 Sep 2025

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Abstract

In a strict legal sense, motive is often irrelevant in U.S. criminal law. Whether one smothered their grandmother with a pillow to ease her pain or to fraudulently collect her social security benefits, they are legally guilty of murder all the same. Yet [...] Read more.

In a strict legal sense, motive is often irrelevant in U.S. criminal law. Whether one smothered their grandmother with a pillow to ease her pain or to fraudulently collect her social security benefits, they are legally guilty of murder all the same. Yet anyone who has watched a courtroom drama or sat in the jury box knows the prominent role that establishing motive seems to play in influencing legal decision-makers. Why is motive so pivotal, so psychologically powerful for most people? We briefly review the existing literature on the psychology of motive, then introduce an adaptationist framework as a new lens for examining this question. In particular, we consider how motive assists perceivers in inferring actors’ welfare trade-off ratios, with important implications for legal judgments and willingness to punish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Cognitive Processes in Legal Decision Making)

14 pages, 256 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Neuroimaging Research of Chinese as a Second Language: Insights from the Assimilation–Accommodation Framework

by Jia Zhang, Xiaoyu Mou, Bingkun Li and Hehui Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091243 - 12 Sep 2025

Viewed by 49

Abstract

The assimilation–accommodation theory provides a crucial theoretical framework for understanding the neural mechanisms of second language (L2) processing. Chinese characters, as logographic scripts, contain diverse strokes and components with high visual complexity, and their grapheme–phoneme conversion differs fundamentally from alphabetic writing systems. Existing [...] Read more.

The assimilation–accommodation theory provides a crucial theoretical framework for understanding the neural mechanisms of second language (L2) processing. Chinese characters, as logographic scripts, contain diverse strokes and components with high visual complexity, and their grapheme–phoneme conversion differs fundamentally from alphabetic writing systems. Existing studies have identified unique neural patterns in Chinese language processing, yet a systematic synthesis of L2 Chinese processing remains limited. This review focuses on the brain mechanisms underlying Chinese language processing among L2 learners with diverse native language backgrounds. On the one hand, Chinese language processing relies on neural networks of the native language (assimilation); on the other hand, it recruits additional right-hemisphere regions to adapt to Chinese characters’ visuospatial complexity and grapheme–phoneme conversion strategies (accommodation). Accordingly, this review first synthesizes current brain imaging studies on L2 Chinese processing within this theoretical framework, noting that prevailing paradigms—limited to lexical and sentence-level processing—fail to capture the complexity, hierarchy, and dynamics of natural language. Next, this review examines the application and implications of naturalistic stimuli paradigms in neuroimaging research of L2 Chinese processing. Finally, future directions for this field are proposed. Collectively, these findings reveal neuroplasticity in processing complex ideographic scripts. Full article

20 pages, 1655 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Academic Performance from Future-Oriented Daily Time Management Behavior: A LASSO-Based Study of First-Year College Students

by Mingzhang Zuo, Kunyu Wang, Pengxuan Tang, Meng Xiao, Xiaotang Zhou and Heng Luo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091242 - 12 Sep 2025

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Abstract

This study examined how the time management behavior of first-year college students predicted their academic performance. Data on 44 objective indicators of daily time management behaviors were collected from 110 first-year students via a WeChat Mini Program, through one month of consecutive daily [...] Read more.

This study examined how the time management behavior of first-year college students predicted their academic performance. Data on 44 objective indicators of daily time management behaviors were collected from 110 first-year students via a WeChat Mini Program, through one month of consecutive daily tracking. To identify stable predictors, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression with 5000 bootstrap resamples was conducted, and variables with high selection frequency were subsequently entered Elastic Net regression to examine explanatory relationships. Six key behavioral indicators were found to predict overall academic performance. Subject-specific models revealed varying associations: time management behaviors appeared more influential in subjects such as Physical Education and English, while their role was less evident in Mathematics. The number and nature of retained predictors also differed across disciplines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Psychology)

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28 pages, 1079 KB

Open AccessArticle

Static vs. Immersive: A Neuromarketing Exploratory Study of Augmented Reality on Packaging Labels

by Sebastiano Accardi, Carmelo Campo, Marco Bilucaglia, Margherita Zito, Margherita Caccamo and Vincenzo Russo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091241 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 258

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology adopted by brands to innovate packaging and improve communication with consumers. Companies integrate AR features into their packaging, choosing between different approaches. However, it is still unclear how different AR typologies can influence consumers’ perceptions during the [...] Read more.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology adopted by brands to innovate packaging and improve communication with consumers. Companies integrate AR features into their packaging, choosing between different approaches. However, it is still unclear how different AR typologies can influence consumers’ perceptions during the interaction. For this purpose, this exploratory study aims to analyze the differences between two types of AR—static vs. immersive—applied to packaging, evaluating their impact and effectiveness on consumers. A within-subjects design, on a sample of 20 participants, was employed using neuroscientific techniques (electroencephalography, heart rate, and skin conductance) to explore the cognitive and emotional engagement based on the AR interaction, as well as self-report measures (Augmented Reality Immersion, Perceived Informativeness and Authenticity). Neurophysiological findings indicated that the immersive AR application elicited a greater emotional and partially cognitive engagement, as well as a higher perceived immersion, according to self-reports. The study’s findings offer a deeper understanding of how consumers’ perceptions can change in response to different types of AR content. Although AR is not yet widely accessible as a marketing tool for brands, its growing technological feasibility makes it relevant to know its potential effects on consumers. Thus, this study will offer useful insights for companies to direct their investments toward AR applications in marketing campaigns. Full article

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24 pages, 688 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prospective Associations Among Loneliness and Health for Servicemembers: Perceived Helplessness and Negative Coping Appraisal as Explanatory Mechanisms

by Sarah N. Arpin, Cynthia D. Mohr, Todd E. Bodner, Leslie B. Hammer and James D. Lee

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091240 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 202

Abstract

Links between loneliness and health are robust, though evidence for associations with alcohol use is mixed. Previous research has supported perceived stress as a predictor of alcohol use and as a pathway through which loneliness impacts health over time. Yet findings are primarily [...] Read more.

Links between loneliness and health are robust, though evidence for associations with alcohol use is mixed. Previous research has supported perceived stress as a predictor of alcohol use and as a pathway through which loneliness impacts health over time. Yet findings are primarily limited to civilian samples, and less is known about how loneliness relates to stress and health among service members. The current study explores prospective associations among loneliness, stress, and health (i.e., sleep, alcohol misuse, and psychological distress) within a sample of mostly male service members. We examine two dimensions of perceived stress, perceived helplessness and negative coping appraisal, as explanatory mechanisms. Controlling for baseline stress and health, loneliness predicted perceived helplessness and negative coping appraisal (4-month follow-up); in turn, perceived helplessness and negative coping appraisal predicted insomnia and sleep dissatisfaction; and negative coping appraisal predicted alcohol misuse (indirect effects). Findings support transactional models of stress and the stressor-vulnerability model of alcohol use, revealing that coping appraisals play an important explanatory role for stress-related consequences of loneliness. Further, we provide new insight into mechanisms linking loneliness to alcohol use and sleep, differentiating dimensions of stress and highlighting potential intervention targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress and Drinking)

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25 pages, 1423 KB

Open AccessArticle

General Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of Physical Activity’s Impact on Well-Being Among Norwegian Adolescents: A Gender and Age Perspective

by Karianne Fossli and Catherine A. N. Lorentzen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091239 - 11 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Background: The mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of physical activity on adolescent well-being remain poorly understood. One potential pathway involves increased general self-efficacy. A deeper understanding of underlying processes, and of direct and indirect impacts across adolescent sub-groups, can improve intervention strategies. This [...] Read more.

Background: The mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of physical activity on adolescent well-being remain poorly understood. One potential pathway involves increased general self-efficacy. A deeper understanding of underlying processes, and of direct and indirect impacts across adolescent sub-groups, can improve intervention strategies. This study investigates whether physical activity predicts subjective well-being in adolescents, the mediating role of general self-efficacy, and the moderating effect of gender and age on these relationships. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study utilised data from a population-based sample of 18,146 Norwegian adolescents aged 14–19. Simple and moderated mediation models were tested with Hayes’ PROCESS in SPSS, with life satisfaction as the dependent variable, physical activity as the independent variable, general self-efficacy as the mediator, and gender and age as moderators. Analyses were controlled for socio-demographic variables and social support. Results: The findings indicated a small, positive effect of physical activity on well-being, consistent across genders but increasing with age, though not significant for those under 14.5 years. Approximately half of the total effect of physical activity on well-being was mediated through general self-efficacy. This indirect effect was greater for girls and younger adolescents compared to their counterparts, due to greater positive impacts of general self-efficacy on well-being within these two sub-groups. Conclusions: By identifying general self-efficacy as a mediator of physical activity’s impact on adolescent well-being, along with distinct direct and indirect effects within sub-groups, this study enhances the theoretical framework and knowledge base for more effective physical activity initiatives targeting the well-being of this demographic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Physical Activity on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Children)

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10 pages, 343 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intolerance of Uncertainty and Emotion Regulation in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Role of Reappraisal and Suppression

by Letao Sun, Haochen Zou, Wei Li, Hui Li, Jiaoyan Pang, Huiru Cui and Chunbo Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091238 - 11 Sep 2025

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Abstract

To explore the correlation of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and emotion regulation (ER) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a total of 108 GAD patients and 115 healthy participants were recruited. The intolerance of uncertainty scale (IUS) was used to evaluate the [...] Read more.

To explore the correlation of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and emotion regulation (ER) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a total of 108 GAD patients and 115 healthy participants were recruited. The intolerance of uncertainty scale (IUS) was used to evaluate the level of IU. The emotion regulation questionnaire (ERQ) was used to evaluate participants’ preference for emotion regulation strategies. The Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) were used to assess the degree of anxiety symptoms. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed on participants’ scores. The scores of the IUS subscales, ERQ subscales, and HAMA in the GAD group were different from those in healthy controls (HC group) (p ≤ 0.001). IUS subscales were correlated with ERQ subscales, and inhibitory IU was significantly correlated with expression suppression strategies (p < 0.01). The level of IU is correlated with the selection of emotion regulation strategies in patients with GAD. Moderating effect analysis shows that emotion regulation strategies partially moderate the relationship between IU level and anxiety symptoms. This study underscores the critical role of intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation in shaping anxiety severity in GAD, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions that address both cognitive and emotional dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

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11 pages, 572 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Adaptation and Validity of the Resistance to Peer Influence Scale Among Young Chinese Drivers and Its Links with Peer Pressure and Risky Driving Behaviours

by Wenchengxu Li, Jiahong Liu, Yuxi Wang and Long Sun

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091237 - 11 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Risky driving behaviour is closely related to traffic accidents, and the tendency to engage in such behaviour is related to a driver’s ability to resist peer pressure. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between risky driving behaviour and the ability to resist peer [...] Read more.

Risky driving behaviour is closely related to traffic accidents, and the tendency to engage in such behaviour is related to a driver’s ability to resist peer pressure. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between risky driving behaviour and the ability to resist peer pressure among young drivers in China remains unexplored. This study aimed to translate and adapt the Resistance to Peer Influence (RPI) Scale to Chinese drivers and examine whether RPI can moderate the influence of peer pressure on risky driving behaviours. A total of 269 drivers were recruited for this research. These drivers completed the Safe Driving Climate among Friends (SDCaF) Scale, the Peer Pressure on Risky Driving Scale (PPRDS), the RPI Scale and a scale that measured risky driving behaviours. The Chinese version of the RPI scale consists of 10 items and has acceptable reliability. The significant correlations observed among the RPI scale, the SDCaF, the PPRDS and risky driving behaviour indicate that the convergent and discriminant validity of the RPI scale is satisfactory. RPI, friend pressure and shared commitment explained 16.5% of the variance in risky driving behaviour, whereas RPI and risk-encouraging direct peer pressure explained 15.8% of this variance. RPI moderated the relationship between shared commitment and risky driving behaviour. Lower levels of shared commitment combined with low RPI were linked to higher levels of risky driving. RPI also moderated the relationship between risk-encouraging direct peer pressure and risky driving behaviour. Higher levels of risk-encouraging peer pressure were associated with more risky driving regardless of the level of RPI. RPI has acceptable internal consistency and validity and has the potential to serve as a valid tool for assessing and training young drivers in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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13 pages, 510 KB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and School Bullying in Adolescents: A Cross-Lagged Panel Model

by Kanglin Wang and Fen Qiu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091236 - 11 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Background: School bullying represents a critical global public health issue among adolescents. Although existing evidence suggests physical activity (PA) may reduce bullying risk, longitudinal data on bidirectional associations and gender-specific variations remain limited. This study employed a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) to investigate [...] Read more.

Background: School bullying represents a critical global public health issue among adolescents. Although existing evidence suggests physical activity (PA) may reduce bullying risk, longitudinal data on bidirectional associations and gender-specific variations remain limited. This study employed a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) to investigate the temporal dynamics between PA and school bullying (SB) and examine gender-moderating effects. Methods: A cohort of 577 middle school students (294 boys, 283 girls; mean age = 14.31 ± 2.1 years) from seven schools across Wuhan, Shijiazhuang, and Chengdu completed three-wave longitudinal assessments over 9 months (September 2024–March 2025). Validated instruments included the School Bullying Scale (SBS) and Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS). The CLPM analysis evaluated bidirectional predictive pathways, with gender-stratified multi-group comparisons. Results: Significant bidirectional negative associations emerged: (1) PA at T1/T2 predicted reduced SB at T2/T3 (β = −0.14 to −0.26, p < 0.001). (2) SB at T1/T2 predicted decreased PA at T2/T3 (β = −0.27 to −0.38, p < 0.001). (3) Gender significantly moderated these relationships, with PA conferring stronger protective effects against subsequent SB in males (β = −0.35 vs. −0.21 for PA→SB paths). Conversely, SB triggered earlier and more pronounced PA reductions in males (β = −0.42 vs. −0.29 for SB→PA paths). Conclusions: PA and SB demonstrate stable bidirectional negative associations in adolescents, with significant gender divergence. Males exhibit greater resilience to bullying through PA engagement but heightened vulnerability to PA reduction post-victimization. These findings underscore PA-based interventions as promising bullying mitigation strategies, necessitating gender-tailored implementation approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sport and Physical Activity on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Children)

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16 pages, 504 KB

Open AccessReview

Associations Between Overparenting and Offspring’s Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis of Multiple Moderators

by Na Hu, Kewan Chen, Longying Ye, Hongjin Liu, Dan Cai, Huafeng Zhang and Yanli Zhao

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091235 - 11 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Despite overparenting being considered a critical factor associated with offspring’s mental health, the existing research on this topic has yielded inconsistent results. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between overparenting and various mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, [...] Read more.

Despite overparenting being considered a critical factor associated with offspring’s mental health, the existing research on this topic has yielded inconsistent results. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between overparenting and various mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, and subjective well-being, through an analysis of effect size. Furthermore, potential moderators, including developmental stage (indexed by age), gender, information informants, study design, and cultural factors, were also examined. A total of 44 studies (N = 21,607) were identified in the meta-analysis, with 34 studies examining anxiety, 32 studies examining depression, 13 studies examining life satisfaction, and three studies examining subjective well-being. The results revealed a positive yet small association between overparenting and mental health indicators (r_anxiety = 0.16, r_depression = 0.20, r_{life satisfaction} = 0.09, ps < 0.001), except for subjective well-being (r_{subjective well-being} = 0.09, p > 0.001). Moderator analyses showed that the high heterogeneity across studies was explained by culture, parents’ gender, and developmental stage. These findings emphasize that overparenting is linked to mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. This study also suggests that heterogeneity should be considered for future clinical interventions and parenting-based educational programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk and Protective Factors in Social Interactions: Behavioral and Neural Evidence)

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28 pages, 1103 KB

Open AccessArticle

Developmental Language Disorder and Risk of Dyslexia—Can They Be Told Apart?

by Aliki Chalikia, Asimina M. Ralli and Faye Antoniou

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091234 - 10 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Dyslexia frequently co-occur. Many studies suggest that children with Dyslexia may also struggle with oral language skills, while those with DLD may also face challenges in word decoding. Both groups of children typically exhibit deficits in phonological processing [...] Read more.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Dyslexia frequently co-occur. Many studies suggest that children with Dyslexia may also struggle with oral language skills, while those with DLD may also face challenges in word decoding. Both groups of children typically exhibit deficits in phonological processing [phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming (RAN), verbal short-term memory (VSTM)] and verbal working memory (VWM). Despite the increasing number of comparative studies, few have systematically examined these overlaps in children at the early stages of literacy acquisition, and few studies have systematically assessed all oral language subsystems. This study investigates: (a) differences and similarities among children with DLD, children at Risk of Dyslexia (RfD), and typically developing children (TD) in phonological processing (phonological awareness—implicit and explicit—VSTM, RAN), VWM, oral language, and word decoding; (b) patterns of performance across groups; and (c) correlations between phonological processing and VWM skills with oral language and word decoding. The participants were 45 first graders (Mage = 6.8), equally divided into three groups (DLD, RfD, and TD children). Both special groups (DLD, RfD) performed significantly worse than the TD group across nearly all measurements. DLD children showed pronounced oral language and VSTM deficits, while RfD children primarily struggled with decoding and explicit phonological awareness. Group-specific correlations emerged. The findings are discussed in light of the theoretical models of the relationship between DLD and Dyslexia taking into account the specific developmental stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Learning Disabilities in Reading and Writing: Current Issues in Assessment and Intervention)

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25 pages, 371 KB

Open AccessArticle

Correlates of Loneliness in Parkinson Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

by John M. de Figueiredo, Robert Kohn, Amar S. Patel, Elijah Parsons, Elan D. Louis and Brian B. Koo

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091233 - 10 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Parkinson disease (PD) patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of loneliness. The objective of this longitudinal study was to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected loneliness in PD patients by identifying the correlates of loneliness during the pandemic in the US and [...] Read more.

Parkinson disease (PD) patients are particularly vulnerable to the effects of loneliness. The objective of this longitudinal study was to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected loneliness in PD patients by identifying the correlates of loneliness during the pandemic in the US and to establish a rationale for providing emotional support and restoring morale. Consecutive PD outpatients were recruited during June 2016–May 2017. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables were obtained. During October–December 2020, participants were mailed a questionnaire about some of the variables studied at baseline and new variables specifically related to the pandemic. Univariate, bivariate, and forward linear regression analyses were used to identify the correlates of loneliness. Sex, demoralization, and baseline PD health-related quality of life were significantly associated with loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic, with women reporting more loneliness than men. To examine loneliness specifically associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness prior to the pandemic was controlled, with only sex and demoralization remaining statistically significant. Interventions aimed at restoring morale and providing emotional support should be included as an essential component of any treatment plan designed to alleviate loneliness during public health emergencies that require social isolation, such as a pandemic. Full article

18 pages, 577 KB

Open AccessArticle

Who Continues to a Doctoral Degree? Employment Choices and Influencing Factors Among Engineering Master’s Students

by Lina Wei, Xuejiao Wu and Min Li

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091232 - 10 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Career choices of master’s students, particularly regarding the pursuit of doctoral degrees, have received limited scholarly attention. This study examines the employment pathways and influencing factors of engineering master’s students. Drawing on human capital theory, career preference theory, and the two-way selection model, [...] Read more.

Career choices of master’s students, particularly regarding the pursuit of doctoral degrees, have received limited scholarly attention. This study examines the employment pathways and influencing factors of engineering master’s students. Drawing on human capital theory, career preference theory, and the two-way selection model, we analyse nationwide survey data from 21,973 engineering master’s students collected in 2021. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, we examine their post-graduation choices, including pursuing a doctorate, joining universities or scientific research institutions, working in government agencies, or entering the workforce. The findings suggest that gender, family background, and human capital have a significant impact on students’ career destinations. Male students are more likely to choose academic sectors, while those from high-income families tend to opt for non-academic sectors. Higher parental educational attainment increases the likelihood of pursuing doctoral studies, and students with more academic publications are also more likely to pursue a doctorate. These results highlight divergence in employment intentions between academic and non-academic sectors and reveal their underlying logic. The study offers insights for reforming talent cultivation models in universities, enhancing graduate employability, and informing the development of educational policy. Full article

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23 pages, 1259 KB

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Cultural Distance and Social Needs: The Dynamic Adjustment Mechanisms of Social Support Among Newly Arrived Students in Hong Kong

by Shiyi Zhang, Qi Wu and Xuhua Chen

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091231 - 10 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Based on questionnaire data and in-depth interviews with newly arrived students (NAS) from mainland China, this study investigates the construction of their social networks and the mechanisms through which they access social support in the context of migration. Drawing on Berry’s acculturation theory, [...] Read more.

Based on questionnaire data and in-depth interviews with newly arrived students (NAS) from mainland China, this study investigates the construction of their social networks and the mechanisms through which they access social support in the context of migration. Drawing on Berry’s acculturation theory, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, and Bourdieu’s concept of social capital, this study provides a theoretically grounded analysis of how NAS balance cultural distance and social needs. The findings reveal that NAS do not form social connections uniformly; rather, they strategically allocate social resources according to the degree of homophily and the strength of social ties. Specifically, weak ties with mainland peers—characterized by high cultural homophily—primarily offer emotional support; strong ties with local Hong Kong peers—marked by low homophily but high interaction frequency—mainly serve instrumental needs such as academic assistance and daily companionship; while strong ties with Hong Kong peers of mainland background combine both emotional and instrumental support, functioning as a core relational bridge in the NAS’s adaptation process. These three types of relationships form a complementary structure within NAS’s social networks. Reliability and validity tests further confirmed that four items (social satisfaction, peer attitude, sense of belonging, integration/adaptation) provide a coherent measure of social integration. The study suggests that NAS’s social practices are not merely about “integration” or “alienation,” but rather represent a dynamic strategy of balancing relational costs, cultural distance, and practical needs in the operation of social capital and characterised by dynamic negotiation and contextual adjustment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Satisfaction and Mental Health in Migrant Children)

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21 pages, 1121 KB

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Transcending Measurement: What Matters When Making-with-Music for Equitable Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Systems

by Marisa de Andrade, Pamela Burnard, Deborah McArthur, Aaron Hawthorne and Leah Soweid

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091230 - 10 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Research has long supported the use of and engagement with music as a catalyst for health and wellbeing. However, there is a lack of research exploring how the structures, rituals and ‘minor gestures’ that go alongside music-making, making-with the materiality of music and [...] Read more.

Research has long supported the use of and engagement with music as a catalyst for health and wellbeing. However, there is a lack of research exploring how the structures, rituals and ‘minor gestures’ that go alongside music-making, making-with the materiality of music and engagement, can positively impact health. Using assemblages of interconnected community music projects in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, as collective ethnographic entry points, we examine how collective routines and communal activities—through the interplay of material-discursive practices that play out in structural elements, memories, and shared experiences—contribute to the creation of meaningful social exchanges, stability, sense of belonging and becoming. We argue that the benefits of music ‘interventions’ are not solely outcomes from isolated activities, but from the accumulative habits and rituals they affect, offering a new perspective on health as a dynamic process. This reframing invites a transcending of measurement in relation to the impact of music on individual and social wellbeing. Through this, we challenge traditional, conventional wellbeing scales and measures and call for a broader understanding of music’s potential in addressing health inequalities, concluding with implications for scalable community music models that contribute to expanding possibilities for research–practice–policy partnerships in health and social care systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Music on Individual and Social Well-Being)

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22 pages, 707 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stigma and Emotion Regulation in Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Exploratory Study with Victims, Offenders and Experts

by Christian Moro, Michela Scaccia, Teresa Camellini, Livia Lugeri, Emanuele Marrocu and Gian Piero Turchi

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091229 - 10 Sep 2025

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Abstract

In the field of gender-based violence research, the social constructionist strand focuses on how stereotypes and discourses impact the psychological, socio-economical and sanitary levels of actors involved. Narratives of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) often revolve around feelings such as shame, guilt [...] Read more.

In the field of gender-based violence research, the social constructionist strand focuses on how stereotypes and discourses impact the psychological, socio-economical and sanitary levels of actors involved. Narratives of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) often revolve around feelings such as shame, guilt and fear; these are related to emotion regulation. Considering this, narratives on how the roles of victims, but also offenders, are shaped are pivotal for clinical interventions. Considering gender-based violence as a product of human discursive interaction, this exploratory work investigates the terms used to describe these two roles and the ways in which those terms are conveyed. Ad hoc open-ended questionnaires were administered to 35 respondents from an Italian anti-violence centre, including IPV victims and offenders and healthcare experts. Their answers were analysed through MADIT (Methodology for the Analysis of Computerised Text Data), while the software IRaMuTeQ (version 0.7 alpha 2) was used for content analysis. Starting from the research question of “how do victims, offenders and experts groups narrate the roles of victim and offender”, the research hypothesis states that all three groups will adopt modalities that define the two roles into fixed and typical emotional categories. As anticipated, the results show that victims, offenders and experts depict both roles as immutable, categorising and judging the victims with words related with fear and self-guilt, while offenders are described with words related to anger and pathology. Lastly, we propose a framework for clinical intervention focused on fostering change towards a broader narrative to reduce the psychological impact of IPV events for victims, as well as modifying offenders’ violent behaviours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intimate Partner Violence: A Focus on Emotion Regulation)

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19 pages, 285 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Perceived Internalized Sexual Stigma Measure (PrISSM): A New Sexual Stigma Measure for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

by Miguel A. Padilla, Lacey M. Schlappi and Evelyn S. Chiang

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091228 - 10 Sep 2025

Viewed by 164

Abstract

Society has long held negative beliefs and attitudes, in the form of sexual stigma, towards sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). Sexual stigma can be adopted and internalized by LGB individuals as their own beliefs and attitudes. In LGB individuals, internalized [...] Read more.

Society has long held negative beliefs and attitudes, in the form of sexual stigma, towards sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). Sexual stigma can be adopted and internalized by LGB individuals as their own beliefs and attitudes. In LGB individuals, internalized sexual stigma can result in psychological distress such as low self-esteem, depression, shame, and feelings of rejection. However, an instrument to assess internalized sexual stigma specifically developed for LGB individuals is lacking. The present study focuses on the development of a new instrument, the Perceived Internalized Sexual Stigma Measure (PrISSM), that is inclusive of LGB individuals who are 18 years and older. Exploratory and Bayesian confirmatory factor analyses indicate that internalized sexual stigma, as measured by the PrISSM, consists of two factors: internal conflict and disclosure conflict. The two-factor structure is also invariant to LGB individuals. As such, items of the PrISSM do not need to be separately reworded for lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals. In addition, the PrISSM is a brief instrument composed of 4 items per factor (8 items total). Convergent and discriminant validity evidence is also provided. Full article

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Behav. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 9 (September 2025) – 115 articles

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