European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education

17 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment Profiles for Caregiver Burden in Family Caregivers of Persons Living with Alzheimer’s Disease: An Exploratory Study with Machine Learning

by Laura Brito, Beatriz Cepa, Cláudia Brito, Ângela Leite and M. Graça Pereira

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030041 - 20 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) places a profound global challenge, driven by its escalating prevalence and the multifaceted strain it places on individuals, families, and societies. Family caregivers (FCs), who are pivotal in supporting family members with AD, frequently endure substantial emotional, physical, and psychological [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) places a profound global challenge, driven by its escalating prevalence and the multifaceted strain it places on individuals, families, and societies. Family caregivers (FCs), who are pivotal in supporting family members with AD, frequently endure substantial emotional, physical, and psychological demands. To better understand the determinants of family caregiving strain, this study employed machine learning (ML) to develop predictive models identifying factors that contribute to caregiver burden over time. Participants were evaluated across sociodemographic clinical, psychophysiological, and psychological domains at baseline (T1; N = 130), six months (T2; N = 114), and twelve months (T3; N = 92). Results revealed three distinct risk profiles, with the first focusing on T2 data, highlighting the importance of distress, forgiveness, age, and heart rate variability. The second profile integrated T1 and T2 data, emphasizing additional factors like family stress. The third profile combined T1 and T2 data with sociodemographic and clinical features, underscoring the importance of both assessment moments on distress at T2 and forgiveness at T1 and T2, as well as family stress at T1. By employing computational methods, this research uncovers nuanced patterns in caregiver burden that conventional statistical approaches might overlook. Key drivers include psychological factors (distress, forgiveness), physiological markers (heart rate variability), contextual stressors (familial dynamics, sociodemographic disparities). The insights revealed enable early identification of FCs at higher risk of burden, paving the way for personalized interventions. Such strategies are urgently needed as AD rates rise globally, underscoring the imperative to safeguard both patients and the caregivers who support them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Adaptation in Chronic Illness: Risky Factors and Resilience)

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28 pages, 1349 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Understanding Adaptive Skills in Borderline Intellectual Functioning: A Systematic Review

by Cristina Orío-Aparicio, Cristina Bel-Fenellós and Carmen López-Escribano

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030040 - 20 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is characterized by an IQ typically ranging from 70 to 85, combined with deficits in adaptive functioning. Despite its prevalence, individuals with BIF are often excluded from diagnostic and support systems, which traditionally focus on strictly defined intellectual disabilities. [...] Read more.

Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is characterized by an IQ typically ranging from 70 to 85, combined with deficits in adaptive functioning. Despite its prevalence, individuals with BIF are often excluded from diagnostic and support systems, which traditionally focus on strictly defined intellectual disabilities. This article presents a systematic review conducted across the ProQuest, WoS, SCOPUS, and EBSCOhost databases, aiming to develop a profile of the adaptive functioning in individuals with BIF. A total of 64 documents published from 2012 to the present were included, all of them addressing BIF and adaptive functioning skills, and quality was assessed using the SSAHS tool. The findings presented are synthesized according to conceptual, social, and practical domains and reveal that individuals with BIF experience widespread difficulties across the conceptual, social, and practical domains. Additionally, societal barriers, primarily limiting access to support services, persist. However, there are emerging resources aimed at supporting this population, such as legislative efforts to facilitate their integration into the labor market. The implications and limitations of the findings are discussed, highlighting the need to consider the adaptive functioning skills of individuals with BIF. Full article

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11 pages, 1606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Moving Mandala: Exploring the Pro-Social Effects of Musical and Non-Musical Synchrony in Children in a Virtual World

by Liam Cross, Narcis Pares, Olga Gali, Sena Beste Ercan, Batuhan Sayis, Pamela Heaton and Gray Atherton

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030039 - 19 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Synchronous movement between individuals has been shown to increase pro-sociality, such as closeness and generosity. To date, synchrony research tests these effects using a variety of movement tasks, including musical and non-musical coordination. However, musical versus non-musical synchrony may have separable pro-social effects. [...] Read more.

Synchronous movement between individuals has been shown to increase pro-sociality, such as closeness and generosity. To date, synchrony research tests these effects using a variety of movement tasks, including musical and non-musical coordination. However, musical versus non-musical synchrony may have separable pro-social effects. To test this, we had 60 children immersed in an augmented reality space called the ‘Moving Mandala’ where they moved asynchronously with only visual cues, synchronously with only visual cues or synchronously with musical and visual cues. We then tested for differences in pro-social effects using sharing and proxemics tasks. Results showed that while the synchrony version of the mandala led to greater closeness in the proxemics task, the musical synchrony led to more pro-sociality on the sharing task. The implications of these findings are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology's Impact on Mental Well-Being: The Emerging Insights in the Digital Age)

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16 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dark and Light Sides of Empathy: The Clinical Relevance of the Assessment of Cognitive and Affective Empathy Across Negative and Positive Emotions

by Paweł Larionow

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030038 - 18 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Is empathy a “double-edged sword”? This study aimed to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the multidimensional empathy construct in the statistical prediction of negative and positive mental health outcomes. More specifically, this research intended to reveal whether, what, and [...] Read more.

Is empathy a “double-edged sword”? This study aimed to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the multidimensional empathy construct in the statistical prediction of negative and positive mental health outcomes. More specifically, this research intended to reveal whether, what, and how four individual empathy dimensions (i.e., cognitive empathy for negative emotions, cognitive empathy for positive emotions, affective empathy for negative emotions, and affective empathy for positive emotions) uniquely statistically predicted the levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as well-being. A total of 786 Polish-speaking adults (452 females and 334 males) filled out a series of self-report questionnaires on empathy (the Perth Empathy Scale), anxiety, and depression symptoms, as well as well-being. Adjusting for demographic variables, the frequentist and Bayesian multiple regression analyses revealed that affective empathy dimensions (i.e., abilities to vicariously share others’ emotions) significantly predicted psychopathology symptoms and well-being, whereas cognitive empathy dimensions (i.e., abilities to understand others’ emotions) did not. In particular, higher affective empathy for negative emotions contributed to worse mental health outcomes, whereas higher affective empathy for positive emotions contributed to better mental outcomes. Overall, the results indicated that individual empathy dimensions demonstrated their specific dark and light sides in the statistical prediction of mental illness and well-being indicators, further supporting the clinical relevance of the multidimensional empathy construct. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity, Educational Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, Coping, and Other Factors That Influence Psychological Health and Well-Being)

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17 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Linguistic and Cognitive Abilities in Children with Dyslexia: A Comparative Analysis

by Miguel López-Zamora, Nadia Porcar-Gozalbo, Isabel López-Chicheri García and Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030037 - 18 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Dyslexia is a prevalent learning disorder that significantly affects the child population. It is often accompanied by deficits in language processes, cognition, and executive functioning, all of which are crucial for reading development. Children with dyslexia frequently exhibit difficulties in phonological processing, [...] Read more.

Introduction: Dyslexia is a prevalent learning disorder that significantly affects the child population. It is often accompanied by deficits in language processes, cognition, and executive functioning, all of which are crucial for reading development. Children with dyslexia frequently exhibit difficulties in phonological processing, semantics, morphosyntax, and also in cognitive areas such as working memory, inhibition, planning, and attention. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare the linguistic, cognitive, and executive functioning abilities between children diagnosed with dyslexia and those with typical reading development. Methodology: A total of 120 children were selected and divided into two groups: the G-DYSLEXIA group (n = 60), consisting of children diagnosed with dyslexia, and the G-CONTROL group (n = 60), with typical reading development. Language, cognition, and executive functions were assessed using standardized tests: CELF-5, WISC-V, and ENFEN. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and Chi-square tests to compare the performance between these two groups. Results: The study revealed significant differences between the two groups in all dimensions assessed. Specifically, children with dyslexia showed markedly lower performance in linguistic, cognitive, and executive functioning measures compared with their peers with typical development. Conclusion: Children with dyslexia present a distinct clinical profile characterized by significant difficulties in language processing, cognition, and executive functions. These challenges interfere with their reading acquisition and academic performance, limiting their integration into educational environments and impacting their overall quality of life. Full article

8 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Screens and Spoons: An Exploratory Study on Digital Technology’s Influence on Parent–Child Interactions

by Silvia Cimino and Luca Cerniglia

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030036 - 16 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Background: Parent–child interactions during mealtime significantly influence social, emotional, and cognitive development in early childhood. Increasing parental use of digital technology has been linked to disruptions in these interactions, a phenomenon termed “technoference,” which is associated with relational conflicts and psychosocial difficulties in [...] Read more.

Background: Parent–child interactions during mealtime significantly influence social, emotional, and cognitive development in early childhood. Increasing parental use of digital technology has been linked to disruptions in these interactions, a phenomenon termed “technoference,” which is associated with relational conflicts and psychosocial difficulties in children. Feeding interactions are particularly important for fostering attachment and emotional regulation, making them a vital area for studying technology’s effects on parent–child dynamics. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of parental digital technology use during mealtime on the quality of feeding interactions and child dysregulation symptoms. Two groups were compared: mothers who used devices during mealtime (Technology Group, TG) and mothers who did not (Non-Technology Group, NTG). Methods: Participants included mother–child dyads (TG) and a matched control group (NTG) (Ntot = 174), selected from a broader research project. Mother–child pairs were observed during a 20 min midday meal using the validated Italian Scala di Valutazione dell’Interazione Alimentare (SVIA). The emotional and behavioral functioning of children was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Statistical analyses included ANOVAs and post hoc tests. Results: The TG group demonstrated significantly higher scores on all SVIA subscales, indicating greater parental affective challenges, conflict, food refusal behaviors, and dyadic distress. Additionally, children in the TG group exhibited more internalizing and externalizing problems, including dysregulation symptoms on the CBCL, compared to the NTG group. Conclusions: Parental technology use during mealtime negatively affects parent–child feeding interactions and increases dysregulation in children. These findings highlight the need for mindful parenting strategies to limit digital distractions and foster healthier family dynamics. Full article

15 pages, 619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responses to the AI Revolution in Hospitality and Tourism Higher Education: The Perception of Students Towards Accepting and Using Microsoft Copilot

by Ahmed Mohamed Hasanein

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030035 - 14 Mar 2025

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Abstract

This research aims to examine hospitality and tourism students’ acceptance and usage of Microsoft Copilot for educational purposes in Egyptian public universities. It also investigates the mediating role of behavioral intention (BI) in the connection between hospitality and tourism students’ acceptance and actual [...] Read more.

This research aims to examine hospitality and tourism students’ acceptance and usage of Microsoft Copilot for educational purposes in Egyptian public universities. It also investigates the mediating role of behavioral intention (BI) in the connection between hospitality and tourism students’ acceptance and actual use of Microsoft Copilot. This study adopted the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework to achieve the research aim. A quantitative approach was used via online surveys distributed and gathered from 760 hospitality and tourism students from nine public universities in Egypt and analyzed using PLS-SEM to test the hypothesized relationships. The major findings showed that PE, EE, SI, and FC affected BI to use Microsoft Copilot and highlighted a substantial direct influence of SI, FC, and BI alone on the actual use of Microsoft Copilot. Therefore, BI partially mediates the relationship between SI and FC and real-world classroom utilization of Microsoft Copilot. This clarifies that BI has a slight role in the relationship between SI and FC and the actual use of Microsoft Copilot, while the relationship between PE, EE, and the actual use of Microsoft Copilot occurs entirely through BI. However, there was full mediation between the use of Microsoft Copilot in the classroom and BI between PE and EE. The results have several implications for Egyptian higher education institutions and academics of hospitality and tourism and are also relevant to other institutions in a comparable setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Health Field or Education)

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19 pages, 736 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Ιnnovative Health Promotion Strategies: A 6-Month Longitudinal Study on Computerized Cognitive Training for Older Adults with Minor Neurocognitive Disorders

by Anna Tsiakiri, Spyridon Plakias, Pinelopi Vlotinou, Paraskevi Athanasouli, Aikaterini Terzoudi, Sotiria Kyriazidou, Aspasia Serdari, Georgia Karakitsiou, Kalliopi Megari, Nikolaos Aggelousis, Konstantinos Vadikolias and Foteini Christidi

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030034 - 12 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Minor neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) represent a transitional phase between normal cognitive aging and dementia, highlighting the importance of early interventions. This study assessed the efficacy of a structured 6-month computerized cognitive training (CCT) program in stabilizing cognitive decline among older adults with minor [...] Read more.

Minor neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) represent a transitional phase between normal cognitive aging and dementia, highlighting the importance of early interventions. This study assessed the efficacy of a structured 6-month computerized cognitive training (CCT) program in stabilizing cognitive decline among older adults with minor NCDs. One hundred participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a non-intervention group. The intervention group underwent weekly, personalized CCT sessions using the MeMo program, which targeted memory, attention, and adaptability. Cognitive performance was measured at baseline and after six months using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Statistical analysis showed significant cognitive decline in the non-intervention group in orientation (p = 0.032), language expression (p = 0.008), praxis (p = 0.008), and memory (p = 0.01). In contrast, the intervention group showed no significant changes, except for a minor decline in perception (p = 0.003). These results suggest that CCT may help delay cognitive deterioration in minor NCDs. However, while cognitive decline was stabilized, no significant improvement was observed. Further research is recommended to investigate the long-term benefits and the transferability of cognitive gains. The findings support the use of CCT as a non-pharmacological health promotion strategy for enhancing cognitive resilience in aging populations. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on adaptive CCT as a non-pharmacological intervention, highlighting the potential role of neuroplasticity in delaying cognitive decline and offering new insights into personalized cognitive health strategies for aging populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Well-Being among Older Adults: Current Trends and Future Challenges)

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24 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence in Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Intervention: A Systematic Review

by Laura García-García, Manuel Martí-Vilar, Sergio Hidalgo-Fuentes and Javier Cabedo-Peris

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030033 - 10 Mar 2025

Viewed by 490

Abstract

Limitations in some emotional characteristics that are conceptualized in the definition of emotional intelligence can be seen among people with autism spectrum disorder. The main objective of this study is the analysis of the effectiveness of interventions directed to enhance emotional recognition and [...] Read more.

Limitations in some emotional characteristics that are conceptualized in the definition of emotional intelligence can be seen among people with autism spectrum disorder. The main objective of this study is the analysis of the effectiveness of interventions directed to enhance emotional recognition and emotional regulation among this specific population. A systematic review was carried out in databases such as Psycinfo, WoS, SCOPUS, and PubMed, identifying a total of 572 articles, of which 29 met the inclusion criteria. The total sample included 1061 participants, mainly children aged between 4 and 13 years. The analyzed interventions focused on improving emotional recognition, with significant results in the identification of emotions such as happiness, sadness, and anger, although some showed limitations in the duration of these effects. The most used programs included training in facial recognition, virtual reality, and the use of new technologies such as robots. These showed improvements in both emotional recognition and social skills. Other types of interventions such as music therapy or the use of drama techniques were also implemented. However, a gender bias and lack of consistency between results from different cultures were observed. The conclusions indicate that, although the interventions reviewed seem effective, more research is needed to maximize their impact on the ASD population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Well-Being, and Belonging in Education across the Disciplines)

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16 pages, 1775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex, Resilience and Psychological Well-Being in Mexican University Students

by Martha Ornelas, Perla Jannet Jurado-García, Susana Ivonne Aguirre, Carlos Javier Ortiz, Ana Citlalli Díaz-Leal, Veronica Benavidez, Enrique Peinado and José René Blanco

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030032 - 10 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Mental health is currently highly relevant in society and one of the factors that could contribute to its improvement is psychological well-being, hence the importance of conducting studies that focus on analyzing variables that predict psychological well-being. Therefore, the goal of this research [...] Read more.

Mental health is currently highly relevant in society and one of the factors that could contribute to its improvement is psychological well-being, hence the importance of conducting studies that focus on analyzing variables that predict psychological well-being. Therefore, the goal of this research is to use models of structural equations to analyze the relationships among the variables of sex and resilience for psychological well-being. The total sample was 1190 Mexican university students, with an average age of 20.66 years (SD = 1.89). The results indicate that the resilience factors (strength and confidence, family support, and social support) are the variables with the greatest explanatory power on psychological well-being. It also highlights the mediating capacity of the strength and confidence factor between the other two resilience factors (family support, social support) and perceived psychological well-being. The implications of the study are that sex and two of the dimensions of resilience (family support and social support) show an indirect and positive effect on the perception of psychological well-being through the strength and confidence factor. Therefore, when implementing interventions to improve psychological well-being, these factors should be considered in order to have a greater positive impact on the population that is being studied. Future research should replicate these findings in larger samples. Full article

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13 pages, 2157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Affective Exercise Experiences and Environmental Factors on Adherence to Outdoor Exercise Programs

by Sofia Marini, Raffaele Zinno, Guido Belli, Erika Pinelli, Laura Bragonzoni, Stefania Toselli, Panteleimon Ekkekakis, Giovanni Alberto Monguzzi, Martino Belvederi Murri, Federica Folesani and Pasqualino Maietta Latessa

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030031 - 28 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between Affective Exercise Experiences (AEEs), environmental factors, and adherence to a structured public health exercise initiative. Methods: A prospective experimental design was employed in a primary care setting within green parks in a community in [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between Affective Exercise Experiences (AEEs), environmental factors, and adherence to a structured public health exercise initiative. Methods: A prospective experimental design was employed in a primary care setting within green parks in a community in Northern Italy. Community-dwelling individuals who participated in a 15-week outdoor exercise program were recruited. Participants engaged in 43 low-to moderate-intensity outdoor exercise sessions, held three times a week from May to July 2022, with each session lasting 60 min. A total of 68 participants (mean age: 64.6 ± 8.6 years) completed the questionnaires. Results: A causal analysis revealed a small but significant positive effect of AEEs on adherence, with higher AEE scores associated with an increased likelihood of attending exercise sessions. The predictive model identified a combination of AEE scores, environmental temperature, distance from the exercise site, and weekday as significant predictors of adherence. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of AEEs, as well as environmental and demographic factors, in predicting adherence to structured exercise programs. The findings suggest that fostering positive affective experiences related to exercise could enhance adherence, particularly among older adults. Full article

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19 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adapting Psychiatric Approaches to the Needs of Vulnerable Populations: A Qualitative Analysis

by Pascale Besson, Lison Gagné, Bastian Bertulies-Esposito and Alexandre Hudon

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030030 - 28 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Marginalized populations face significant barriers to mental health care, such as stigma, poverty, and limited access to adapted services, with conventional psychiatric approaches often falling short. This study aimed to explore how psychiatric care can be adapted to better meet the needs of [...] Read more.

Marginalized populations face significant barriers to mental health care, such as stigma, poverty, and limited access to adapted services, with conventional psychiatric approaches often falling short. This study aimed to explore how psychiatric care can be adapted to better meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Data were collected from psychiatry residents, psychiatrists, and community organization staff during a course on vulnerable populations, using semi-structured discussions and analyzed through grounded theory with iterative coding. Seven main themes emerged: (1) barriers and needs of vulnerable populations, highlighting challenges like homelessness and stigma; (2) psychiatric interventions and flexible approaches, emphasizing tailored care; (3) collaboration with community organizations, focusing on partnerships to improve care access; (4) ethical approach and respect for rights, ensuring dignity in treatment; (5) specific populations and associated challenges, addressing the needs of groups like LGBTQ+ youth and migrants; (6) intervention and support models, such as proximity-based care and post-hospitalization follow-up; (7) innovation and evolution of practices, focusing on research and institutional adaptations. This study emphasizes the need for personalized, intersectoral care, recommending improved collaboration, flexible models, and greater clinical exposure, with future research exploring how psychiatric education can better prepare clinicians to work with marginalized groups. Full article

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20 pages, 677 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interventions Through Music and Interpersonal Synchrony That Enhance Prosocial Behavior: A Systematic Review

by Mireia Pardo-Olmos, Manuel Martí-Vilar, Sergio Hidalgo-Fuentes and Javier Cabedo-Peris

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030029 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 405

Abstract

Prosociality is essential in human interactions, characterized by voluntary behaviors aimed at benefiting others. Promoting such behaviors is indispensable for human relationships. Studies have demonstrated positive effects of interpersonal synchrony interventions through musical sessions. Some authors suggest that the joint creation of music [...] Read more.

Prosociality is essential in human interactions, characterized by voluntary behaviors aimed at benefiting others. Promoting such behaviors is indispensable for human relationships. Studies have demonstrated positive effects of interpersonal synchrony interventions through musical sessions. Some authors suggest that the joint creation of music facilitates prosocial behaviors (PB). This review aims to determine whether evidence supports the idea that participation in a musical interpersonal synchrony experience improves PB. A systematic review of 12 selected articles was conducted. The search was carried out in databases such as WoS, Scopus, PubMed, Dialnet, Elsevier, and Eric. Results indicate that music, as a tool, creates an optimal environment for mimesis and group participation, which can enhance prosociality. Controlling variables such as sample size, population type, measurement instruments, techniques, and session design is necessary for future research. It is concluded that interpersonal synchrony through music appears to improve prosociality, although more robust studies are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventions to Foster Mental Health and Human Well-Being in Educational Settings)

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17 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Italian Validation and Psychometric Properties of the New Work Values Scale

by Lavinia Cicero, Carlotta Catania, Adriano Russo, Andrea Zammitti, Angela Russo and Giuseppe Santisi

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030028 - 25 Feb 2025

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Abstract

The construction of a fulfilling career and the people management processes within organizations, like the selection of personnel, require a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account psychological, social, and cultural factors. Various concepts have been suggested to explain work motivations and organizational outcomes, [...] Read more.

The construction of a fulfilling career and the people management processes within organizations, like the selection of personnel, require a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account psychological, social, and cultural factors. Various concepts have been suggested to explain work motivations and organizational outcomes, including work values. Work values can encompass individual preferences, as well as moral standards and social norms. This broad definition has led to a variety of work value measurement instruments. One brief and cutting-edge measure that integrates different approaches is the New Work Values Scale (NWVS). The aim of this study was to validate the Italian form of this measure (NWVS-I). A sample of 397 Italian adults from 19 to 66 years of age (M = 30.78, SD = 13.38) participated in the study and completed both the New Work Values Scale—Italian form (NWVS-I) and the Portraits Value Questionnaire (PVQ). First, we evaluated the structure of the New Work Values Scale—Italian form (NWVS-I) through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), followed by a concurrent validity analysis correlating the dimensions of the New Work Values Scale—Italian form (NWVS-I) with those assessed by the Portraits Value Questionnaire (PVQ). We also tested gender invariance. The results confirmed the factor structure of the scale and its validity in the Italian context. The New Work Values Scale—Italian form (NWVS-I) is a useful measure in understanding the work values of individuals in the Italian context. This measure can be used for a wide range of applications, contributing to promoting greater awareness of one’s values and facilitating career choices, personnel selection, and people management aligned with a vision of sustainable organizational development. Full article

17 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Factor Structure of Criminogenic Cognitions in Incarcerated Males: Psychometric Evaluation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS)

by Teresa Pereira, Catarina Oliveira and Miguel Basto-Pereira

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030027 - 21 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Despite the importance of criminogenic thinking in addressing criminal behavior, validated instruments to measure these cognitions in Portuguese forensic settings are scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) in a [...] Read more.

Despite the importance of criminogenic thinking in addressing criminal behavior, validated instruments to measure these cognitions in Portuguese forensic settings are scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) in a sample of 364 Portuguese incarcerated males (M_age = 37.88, SD = 10.88). An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, indicating a 15-item, two-factor structure (KMO = 0.82; Bartlett’s test, χ² = 1841.2, df = 105, p < 0.001). The CCS dimensions, comprising Short-Term Orientation and Responsibility Evasion and Authority Resistance, demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, including convergent validity with antisocial traits, moral disengagement, and self-control dimensions, as well as internal consistency (omega coefficient = 0.60–0.77; composite reliability = 74–91; coefficient H = 89–95), and sensitivity of items. The CCS is a valuable tool within prison settings for assessing criminogenic thinking patterns, supporting risk assessment, the development of targeted rehabilitation programs, and monitoring cognitive changes over time to reduce recidivism, thereby promoting inmates’ safer reintegration into society. Overall, our findings suggest the CCS is a promising tool for assessing criminogenic cognitions in the forensic Portuguese population. Full article

21 pages, 1506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Social Determinants of Health, Health Resources, and Environmental Factors on Infant Mortality Rates in Three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

by Moossa Amur Nasser Al Saidi, Rawaa Abubakr Abuelgassim Eltayib, Anak Agung Bagus Wirayuda, Hana Harib Al Sumri and Moon Fai Chan

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15030026 - 21 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Worldwide, there has been a notable decline in the infant mortality rate (IMR) in the last 20 years. Regionally, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries echo the global trends to a certain extent. This study aims to explore the impact of social determinants [...] Read more.

Worldwide, there has been a notable decline in the infant mortality rate (IMR) in the last 20 years. Regionally, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries echo the global trends to a certain extent. This study aims to explore the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH), health resources (HRS), and environmental (ENV) factors on the IMR in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. It is a retrospective time-series study using yearly data from 1990 to 2022. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was utilized to construct an exploratory model of the IMR for each country. The results showed that SDOH, HRS, and ENV factors influenced IMRs in three GCC countries. In all three countries’ models, only HRS exerted a direct effect on the IMR (Bahrain: −0.966, 95% CI −0.987 to −0.949; Kuwait: −0.939, 95% CI −0.979 to −0.909; and Qatar: −0.941, 95% CI −0.976 to −0.910). On the other hand, ENV factors and SDOH only influenced the IMR indirectly and negatively. Their beta coefficients ranged from −0.745 to −0.805 for ENV factors and −0.815 to −0.876 for SDOH. This study emphasizes the importance of adopting multi-faceted public health strategies that focus on improving socioeconomic conditions, expanding healthcare resources, and reducing environmental degradation. By adopting these multi-dimensional approaches, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait can continue to progress in reducing IMRs and improving overall public health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting across the Lifespan: Perinatal Mental Health, Infant Feeding, and Child Development)

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Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ., Volume 15, Issue 3 (March 2025) – 16 articles

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