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Health Behaviors Among Students and Their Association with Stress, Student Burnout and Study Engagement
Constructing Authenticity in Digital Landscapes: Deion Sanders’s Social Media Presence and Its Impact on Fan Perceptions

Journal Description

Societies

Societies is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on sociology, published monthly online by MDPI.

Open Access — free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), RePEc, EconBiz, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Sociology) / CiteScore - Q2 (General Social Sciences)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 34.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 1.6 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 1.9 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2075-4698

Latest Articles

15 pages, 3049 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Social Disclosure Alignment: Evaluating the Interoperability of ISSB S2 with ESRS and GRI Standards

by Péter Molnár, Bence Lukács and Árpád Tóth

Societies 2025, 15(10), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100273 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025

The evolution of sustainability reporting has led to an increased emphasis on environmental disclosures, often at the expense of social and governance dimensions. While frameworks such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS S2 standard offer important advances in climate-related transparency, they [...] Read more.

The evolution of sustainability reporting has led to an increased emphasis on environmental disclosures, often at the expense of social and governance dimensions. While frameworks such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS S2 standard offer important advances in climate-related transparency, they insufficiently address the broader social aspects of corporate sustainability performance. In response to this gap, this study investigates the interoperability of social disclosures across three major frameworks: ISSB S2, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Using a structured interoperability index, we systematically map and score the degree of thematic and structural alignment between these standards, focusing specifically on social disclosure topics. The analysis reveals moderate interoperability between ESRS and GRI social disclosures, but far lower alignment between ISSB S2 and either ESRS or GRI, confirming the ongoing underrepresentation of the social pillar within the ISSB framework. Connectivity ratios remain below 6% across all matrices, underscoring persistent fragmentation in global ESG reporting standards. These findings highlight the need for regulatory bodies and standard setters to advance harmonization efforts that equally prioritize environmental, social, and governance dimensions. By foregrounding the interoperability gaps in social disclosures, this study contributes to the academic debate on ESG convergence and informs policy discussions on developing multidimensional, stakeholder-responsive reporting architectures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adapting to Change: Social, Organizational, and Technological Responses to Contemporary Challenges)

16 pages, 1523 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of a Teacher Training Program on Students’ Perceptions of the Teaching–Learning Process

by Jorge López González, Belén Obispo-Díaz and Jesús Rodríguez Barroso

Societies 2025, 15(10), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100272 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025

The aim of this article is to identify the effectiveness of a teacher education program based on student perceptions. In this aim, a longitudinal research project was carried out with a sample of 14,229 students at a Spanish university who evaluated their teachers [...] Read more.

The aim of this article is to identify the effectiveness of a teacher education program based on student perceptions. In this aim, a longitudinal research project was carried out with a sample of 14,229 students at a Spanish university who evaluated their teachers (using a Likert-type scale) after they completed a teacher training program. The CEDA teacher evaluation scale (α = 0.968; ω = 0.968) was used to assess students’ perceptions of the instructor’s role as a facilitator of learning. Complementary qualitative information was also collected, which complemented the quantitative findings. The first conclusion is the positive impact of key variables of the teacher training program: the pedagogical model, educational innovation, and evaluation strategies. Secondly, the students’ perception was slightly better in relation to the pedagogical model, followed by evaluation strategies and finally educational innovation. Thirdly, although students generally rated the teaching of technical subjects more highly than the humanities, the perception of change linked to teacher training was positive for all subjects. Finally, there was a slight difference in students’ perceptions according to the academic course (second, third, or fourth). All of the above should be considered for future teacher training programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic AI Trends in Teacher and Student Training)

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17 pages, 228 KB

Open AccessArticle

Working from (a New) Home: Tensions Faced by Remote Working Immigrants in Canada

by Samantha Jackson and Suzanne Huot

Societies 2025, 15(10), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100271 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025

Remote work has become a prevalent work model in Canada but there is limited research on how immigrants experience this type of work. This paper shares thematic findings from an instrumental case study that explored such experiences in two of Canada’s largest immigrant-receiving [...] Read more.

Remote work has become a prevalent work model in Canada but there is limited research on how immigrants experience this type of work. This paper shares thematic findings from an instrumental case study that explored such experiences in two of Canada’s largest immigrant-receiving provinces. We interviewed 21 highly educated remote workers from the Global South who had immigrated to Canada in the last 10 years. We generated three themes from a reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts. (1) Shifting labour market value: despite enhancing their skillsets, many participants still faced labour market devaluation, which led to feelings of insecurity. (2) Occupational flexibility: participants enjoyed the flexibility remote work provided but often could not draw distinct boundaries between work and home. (3) Socialization and belonging: being physically removed from the workplace affected participants’ connections with others within and outside of the workplace. Participants viewed hybrid work as a possible solution for achieving better balance. Using a Bourdieusian lens, we conceptualize the Canadian job market as a site where social inequalities are reproduced by employers and immigrants. We suggest that greater governmental and workplace support systems for socialization, integration, mentorship and building cultural awareness could help immigrants better achieve their career goals. Full article

14 pages, 276 KB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Communication and Discipline Styles as Predictors of Adolescent Aggression and Moral Attitudes: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Mihaela Rus, Mihaela Luminița Sandu, Mariana Floricica Călin, Carmen-Mihaela Băiceanu, Maria Pescaru, Mihai Ștefănoaia, Constantina Alina Ilie Miloș, Ramona Băluțescu and Corina Costache Colareza

Societies 2025, 15(10), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100270 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2025

This research examines the impact of parental communication and education on the aggressive behavior of adolescents and their attitudes toward morality, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The study aims to investigate the relationship between parental attitudes towards aggressive behaviors, the disciplinary styles used, and [...] Read more.

This research examines the impact of parental communication and education on the aggressive behavior of adolescents and their attitudes toward morality, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The study aims to investigate the relationship between parental attitudes towards aggressive behaviors, the disciplinary styles used, and the school adaptation of adolescents. The central hypothesis is that a parenting style based on open communication reduces aggressive behavior and improves moral attitudes. Methods. The method involved a cross-sectional study on a sample of 403 adolescents, using structured questionnaires to assess parental communication, attitudes towards aggression, school experience, and aggressive behaviors. The findings revealed a significant positive association between parental tolerance of aggression and adolescents’ aggressive behaviors (r = 0.280, p < 0.001). In contrast, open parental communication was positively related to school adaptation (r = 0.348, p < 0.001). Moreover, negative school attitudes were strong predictors of aggressive manifestations (r = −0.374, p < 0.001). The conclusions emphasize the importance of parental intervention programs that promote effective communication and reduce tolerance of aggressive behaviors, thereby fostering the development of prosocial behaviors and healthy moral attitudes in adolescents. Full article

18 pages, 703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Mapping the Key Drivers of Skilled Migration Using Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Methodology

by Ejder Ayçin and Esra Erarslan

Societies 2025, 15(10), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100269 - 26 Sep 2025

The emigration of highly skilled individuals has become a critical concern for many countries amid increasing global labor mobility. This study employs the Improved Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (IF-SWARA) method within a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) framework to identify and prioritize [...] Read more.

The emigration of highly skilled individuals has become a critical concern for many countries amid increasing global labor mobility. This study employs the Improved Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (IF-SWARA) method within a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (FMCDM) framework to identify and prioritize the key drivers of skilled migration. Drawing on opinions from sixteen Turkish emigrants currently residing abroad, the study captures firsthand perspectives on the structural factors influencing their migration decisions. The results indicate that the most influential factors are workplace conditions, living standards, and academic standards. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of brain drain and highlight the necessity for comprehensive policy approaches that address both push and pull dynamics. By systematically ranking these determinants, the study contributes to the growing body of evidence-based research on international human capital flows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Migration and the Adaptation Process)

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19 pages, 273 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of Care in Residential Facilities According to Functional Dependency: A Phenomenological Approach Centred on Older Adults’ Dignity

by Sara Fernández-Ming, María Carmen Martín-Cano, Marta García-Domingo and Adrián Jesús Ricoy-Cano

Societies 2025, 15(10), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100268 - 26 Sep 2025

Population ageing and the increase in life expectancy have heightened the demand for long-term care in residential facilities. In Spain, it is projected that by 2054 the functional dependency rate among those aged 65 and over will exceed 53.0%, posing significant challenges for [...] Read more.

Population ageing and the increase in life expectancy have heightened the demand for long-term care in residential facilities. In Spain, it is projected that by 2054 the functional dependency rate among those aged 65 and over will exceed 53.0%, posing significant challenges for person-centred care. This study aims to examine institutionalised older adults’ perceptions of care in relation to their functional dependency, and how these perceptions shape their dignity and participation in residential life. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in a residential facility located in the north-east of Andalusia, Spain, involving eight residents with varying degrees of autonomy and dependency. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The findings revealed that, as dependency increases, care is perceived as more impersonal, generating feelings of diminished dignity and greater exclusion. In addition, limitations were observed in communication and participation in residential life. Respect for privacy and personal preferences was particularly relevant for women. The study concludes that the care received is conditioned by the degree of dependency and the resources available. It is recommended to enhance staff training, increase staffing levels, and promote the active participation of residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity)

11 pages, 230 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ethics in the Shadow: Political Marketing’s Role in Shaping Electoral Trust

by Ionela-Alina Alupoaei and Dumitru Goldbach

Societies 2025, 15(10), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100267 - 26 Sep 2025

This study analyzes the relationships between ethical perceptions, perceived sincerity of politicians, and the influences of political marketing on electoral behavior in Romania. Relevant connections were identified using an online questionnaire, resulting in a complex model of the moral and communicational evaluation of [...] Read more.

This study analyzes the relationships between ethical perceptions, perceived sincerity of politicians, and the influences of political marketing on electoral behavior in Romania. Relevant connections were identified using an online questionnaire, resulting in a complex model of the moral and communicational evaluation of political actors. The findings show that people with a high level of ethical evaluation tend to interpret politicians’ lack of sincerity as being caused by external influences, such as political consultants and communication experts. At the same time, ethically oriented respondents show increased trust in independent candidates and greater openness to the possibility that electoral promises are achievable, suggesting an orientation towards moral alternatives to the traditional political system. Additionally, individuals with a high degree of psychological resilience appear to be more skeptical about the sincerity of political discourse, indicating a cognitive defense mechanism through caution and distrust. The analysis also highlights slight demographic differences, especially by gender and age, as well as a remarkable intercorrelation between perceptions of the veracity of parties and politicians, suggesting the existence of a unitary construct underlying the perception of honesty in politics. These results provide valuable insights regarding the impact of political marketing strategies on the symbolic capital of sincerity and contribute to the shaping of ethical directions for electoral communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Populism Development in Media Digitalization: The Role of Social Ideologies)

17 pages, 658 KB

Open AccessArticle

Generational Climate Engagement in Liquid Modernity: Eco-Anxiety, Environmental Activism and Pro-Environmental Behavior Among Older Adults in Spain

by María D. López-Rodríguez, Antonia Lozano-Díaz, Rubén Rodríguez-Puertas and Juan S. Fernández-Prados

Societies 2025, 15(10), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100266 - 25 Sep 2025

Generational approaches to climate engagement among older adults remain limited. This study examines the evolution of eco-anxiety, environmental activism, and pro-environmental behavior from a life course perspective, focusing on older adults in Spain. A nationwide CATI survey of 3000 residents aged 18 and [...] Read more.

Generational approaches to climate engagement among older adults remain limited. This study examines the evolution of eco-anxiety, environmental activism, and pro-environmental behavior from a life course perspective, focusing on older adults in Spain. A nationwide CATI survey of 3000 residents aged 18 and older was conducted, employing validated multidimensional scales for eco-anxiety, environmental activism, and pro-environmental behavior, each rescaled to a 0–10 range. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analyses of variance, and hierarchical regression models to estimate linear and quadratic age effects beyond sex, education, and subjective social class. Results show that (1) eco-anxiety follows an inverted-U pattern, peaking at ages 45–49 and declining significantly after 60; (2) environmental activism remains high until the late sixties, while everyday pro-environmental behaviors sharply decline after retirement; and (3) eco-anxiety and environmental action in older adults are partially decoupled, reflecting the role of supportive personal and contextual factors beyond emotional concern. The findings challenge prevailing stereotypes of passive older adults by demonstrating that older age can constitute a significant period of climate engagement. Despite a slight decline in climate concern following retirement, the willingness to take action remains notably resilient. Older adults maintain consistent involvement in environmental volunteering and activism, often motivated by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and shaped by personal experiences of past crises and collective struggles. However, pro-environmental behaviors show a marked decrease in older adults, not due to diminished interest but likely as a result of structural constraints such as declining health, limited income, and inadequate housing conditions. This study suggests that, in the context of liquid modernity marked by rapid change and uncertainty, older adults may serve as societal anchors—preserving narratives, emotional bonds, and civic networks. Through policies that address structural barriers, this anchor role can be supported, empowering older adults to improve their well-being and strengthening community resilience in the face of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity)

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23 pages, 731 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multilevel Factors for (Non)Reporting Intimate Partner Violence: The Case of Bulgaria

by Georgi Petrunov

Societies 2025, 15(10), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15100265 - 24 Sep 2025

Intimate partner violence is recognized as one of the most common forms of violence against women. However, it remains under-reported in many countries. The text aims to present key factors affecting women’s willingness to report intimate partner violence in Bulgaria. We proceed from [...] Read more.

Intimate partner violence is recognized as one of the most common forms of violence against women. However, it remains under-reported in many countries. The text aims to present key factors affecting women’s willingness to report intimate partner violence in Bulgaria. We proceed from the idea that the factors that create conditions for the existence of this type of violence in a society are also a major obstacle for women to file official complaints. Considering the complexity of the phenomenon and the numerous aspects that influence whether a victim will seek help or not, we use the three analytical levels—micro, meso and macro—to identify the main barriers to reporting intimate partner violence. The data used in the article were collected through a nationally representative adult population survey on attitudes towards violence against women in Bulgaria, in-depth interviews and focus groups with experts from various institutions related to the problem, and a survey among women victims of violence. The analysis revealed the impact on reporting willingness of macro factors such as the legal framework for preventing and regulating violence against women, as well as the existence of widely accepted cultural norms that normalize milder types of violence. At the meso level, ineffective institutional responses and a lack of support from the closest environment appear to be deterrents to reporting violence. Along with individual characteristics (such as psychological, emotional, and economic reliance) indicated by earlier studies and validated in our research, the analysis identified some poorly studied factors that positively influence the reporting of violence, such as public support expressed through social media and civil protests. Full article

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16 pages, 610 KB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Ikigai as a Framework for Career Counselling and Study Choices: Conceptual and Practical Perspectives in the Slovenian Context

by Karmen Jedvaj and Vesna Skrbinjek

Societies 2025, 15(9), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090264 - 22 Sep 2025

This paper explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the Japanese concept of ikigai in the field of career counselling and study choice, with particular emphasis on its potential implementation in Slovenia’s educational system. Unlike traditional guidance models that primarily focus on [...] Read more.

This paper explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the Japanese concept of ikigai in the field of career counselling and study choice, with particular emphasis on its potential implementation in Slovenia’s educational system. Unlike traditional guidance models that primarily focus on the alignment of abilities and interests, ikigai represents a holistic framework integrating values, competencies, social contribution, and economic sustainability. The paper develops a novel conceptual model of ikigai coaching, applicable across three educational phases and structured into five implementation steps. It situates ikigai within broader motivational and existential theories, while also addressing the challenges of intercultural adaptation and risks of oversimplification or commercialisation. Empirical insight is provided through an expert interview with Professor Rutger ThielenTielen (Breda University of Applied Sciences, BUAS), and limitations as well as directions for future research are critically examined. The original contribution of this article lies in its contextualisation of ikigai within the Slovenian educational and cultural framework, where such approaches have not yet been systematically applied or academically evaluated. By integrating theoretical reflection, a structured coaching model, and empirical insight, the paper advances the academic debate on meaning-oriented career counselling and provides a culturally sensitive proposal for enriching guidance practices in Slovenia. Full article

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22 pages, 987 KB

Open AccessArticle

Critical, Qualitative and Situated: Pedagogical Initiatives in a Datafied Society

by Riccardo Pronzato and Ana Kubrusly

Societies 2025, 15(9), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090263 - 19 Sep 2025

Social researchers have extensively examined the systematic role played by digital platforms, algorithms and datafication processes in shaping social life. In response to the overwhelming power asymmetries, datafication processes and extractive conditions imposed on users, different scholars have emphasized the need for educational [...] Read more.

Social researchers have extensively examined the systematic role played by digital platforms, algorithms and datafication processes in shaping social life. In response to the overwhelming power asymmetries, datafication processes and extractive conditions imposed on users, different scholars have emphasized the need for educational initiatives that foster forms of critical digital literacy. This article explores how critical pedagogical approaches can be embedded into research and teaching practices to support the analysis of everyday media experiences. Specifically, we discuss four case studies drawn from our prior and ongoing research on youth: (i) the use of autoethnographic diaries; (ii) the constitution of youth juries; (iii) the development of a critical digital literacy educational manual; (iv) the implementation of interactive workshops. We contend that these interventions share three key elements, i.e., a critical theory stance, a qualitative orientation, and the cultivation of situated knowledge, the intertwinement of which can promote instances of critical awareness and reflexivity, challenging the individualism and resignation frequently characteristic of contemporary digital life. We use this set of cases to offer a practical, multi-level approach for researchers and educators, showing how the theoretical principles of critical pedagogy can be put into concrete practices, addressing critical digital literacy across different levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reshaping Social Reality: Digital Societies and the Data-Based Approach)

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15 pages, 212 KB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges Faced by Female Leaders Through a Lens of a Western Hungarian Research

by Jázmin Lőre and Lívia Ablonczy-Mihályka

Societies 2025, 15(9), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090262 - 18 Sep 2025

In the global work culture of the 21st century, the image of female leaders is marginal. The stereotypical opinion links the terms leaders and managers to the male gender and predetermined gendered characteristics typical to men. The aim of this study is to [...] Read more.

In the global work culture of the 21st century, the image of female leaders is marginal. The stereotypical opinion links the terms leaders and managers to the male gender and predetermined gendered characteristics typical to men. The aim of this study is to redefine certain perspectives through empirical research based on previous literature regarding gender stereotypes in leadership and challenges facing female leaders. This paper looks at the main issues that concern female leaders throughout their careers and even after reaching a higher position and discusses the differences between male and female workers on the top levels of the organizational hierarchy. The research was conducted in the Western Transdanubia region of Hungary. The research was based on eight semi-structured interviews with mid- and senior managers, which were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify patterns and challenges. As an exploratory qualitative study with a region-specific sample, the findings provide valuable insights but should be interpreted cautiously as they cannot be extrapolated to a comparable situation. The findings of the study indicate that gender gaps in the corporate world can be attributed to the presence of stereotypes resulting from gender roles embedded in patriarchal societies, gender-based discrimination in the labor market. As the results suggest, these non-quantifiable problems are of great importance in terms of the position of women in the labor market and society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adapting to Change: Social, Organizational, and Technological Responses to Contemporary Challenges)

24 pages, 769 KB

Open AccessArticle

Causal Factors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Perspectives from the Brazilian Higher Education Students

by Muhammad Qasim Rana, Angela Lee, José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra, Lekan Damilola Ojo and Guilherme Hissa Villas Boas

Societies 2025, 15(9), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090261 - 18 Sep 2025

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a critical problem within Brazilian higher education institutions, where deep-rooted cultural norms and institutional shortcomings continue to foster unsafe environments for female students. Although national and international bodies have raised concerns, few studies have thoroughly examined [...] Read more.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a critical problem within Brazilian higher education institutions, where deep-rooted cultural norms and institutional shortcomings continue to foster unsafe environments for female students. Although national and international bodies have raised concerns, few studies have thoroughly examined the layered causes of VAWG in academic settings using comprehensive analytical methods. This study aims to explore the causal factors of VAWG within Brazilian universities by applying a structured survey and analyzing the responses using the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) approach. This method allows for a nuanced interpretation of the collected data by assigning weighted values to various contributing factors. The research assessed five major dimensions—individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and societal causal factors. The findings reveal that societal and institutional causes significantly contribute to VAWG, while individual factors play a comparatively minor role. These insights point to the structural and systemic nature of VAWG in academic settings, emphasizing the need for broad reforms. Based on the results, practical recommendations, including cultural reorientation, stricter institutional policies, and gender-sensitive training are recommended. By applying FSE in this context, the study offers a novel approach to evaluating and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education, contributing to a valuable model for future research and institutional policymaking. The results offer critical insights that can guide interventions to foster safer and more inclusive university environments in Brazil. Full article

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18 pages, 634 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hikikomori 2.0: A Mixed Method Investigation to Reconceptualization the Social Withdrawal in the Digital Age

by Vincenzo Esposito and Felice Addeo

Societies 2025, 15(9), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090260 - 17 Sep 2025

This study reconceptualizes the hikikomori phenomenon in light of the digital revolution, examining the extent to which online practices shape the dynamics of social withdrawal. The primary objective is to assess whether the digital sphere constitutes a structural component of the contemporary hikikomori [...] Read more.

This study reconceptualizes the hikikomori phenomenon in light of the digital revolution, examining the extent to which online practices shape the dynamics of social withdrawal. The primary objective is to assess whether the digital sphere constitutes a structural component of the contemporary hikikomori experience. The research employed a three-phase sequential design: a 33-item online questionnaire administered to a stratified sample of 399 parents of children in isolation for at least six months, with a 100% completion rate; a non-participant netnographic observation conducted within a single Telegram group, consisting of one month of silent observation followed by six months of formal observation between late May and early November 2023, during which membership declined from 121 to 89 and approximately 90,000 messages were produced and subsequently analyzed through an inductive narrative lens; and a Delphi consultation involving 21 experts (psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, and researchers), conducted across three rounds—two of which were qualitative—interpreted with the same analytic framework. The findings underscore the growing significance of the online dimension in defining the hikikomori experience. Survey data indicate that the majority of individuals in withdrawal, both primary and secondary, maintain online relationships. Netnographic evidence highlights how the digital sphere functions as a form of selective and mediated sociability, simultaneously serving as both refuge and bridge. Delphi results converge in recognizing digital engagement as a structural component of the phenomenon and further delineate configurations of semi-withdrawal. Taken together, the three phases point to a paradigmatic shift: from an “offline” hikikomori to a digital hikikomori, in which the Internet is no longer a compensatory pastime but rather a central dimension that reshapes daily routines, social ties, and identity processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reshaping Social Reality: Digital Societies and the Data-Based Approach)

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11 pages, 1460 KB

Open AccessArticle

Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ): Validation in Mexican University Athletes

by Faviola Corvera-Velarde, Abril Cantú-Berrueto, Francisco Javier Mendoza-Farias and Jeanette M. López-Walle

Societies 2025, 15(9), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090259 - 16 Sep 2025

From the psychology of sport, the impact of group cohesion on sports performance has been studied extensively; therefore, it is considered important to measure this variable to design interventions that improve collective work to achieve goals together. This study adapted and validated the [...] Read more.

From the psychology of sport, the impact of group cohesion on sports performance has been studied extensively; therefore, it is considered important to measure this variable to design interventions that improve collective work to achieve goals together. This study adapted and validated the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) for Mexican university athletes. In a cross-sectional instrumental design, 226 athletes from various team sports completed the scale. Internal consistency statistics and confirmatory factor analyses Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) evaluated psychometrics. After removing three items with weak loadings, three structural models were tested as follows: (a) unidimensional, (b) task vs. social cohesion, and (c) attraction vs. integration. The unidimensional model showed the best fit (χ² = 177.33; GFI = 0.90; CFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.07) and high reliability, indicating that cohesion can be treated as a single overarching construct. Task items exhibited higher consistency than social items. In conclusion, the adapted version of the GEQ is a useful tool for the evaluation of cohesion in Mexican university sports, although it is recommended to improve social items and expand its application in different disciplines and competitive levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative and Multidisciplinary Approaches to Healthcare)

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14 pages, 905 KB

Open AccessArticle

FoMO as a Predictor of Cyber Dating Violence Among Young Adults: Understanding Digital Risk Factors in Romantic Relationships

by Alessandra Ragona, Mara Morelli, Lia Ruggeri, Elena Cattelino and Antonio Chirumbolo

Societies 2025, 15(9), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090258 - 14 Sep 2025

Cyber Dating Violence (CDV) is a prevalent and concerning phenomenon among young people, characterized by abusive behaviors toward a romantic partner through digital platforms. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), defined as the anxiety of being excluded from rewarding experiences, is closely linked to [...] Read more.

Cyber Dating Violence (CDV) is a prevalent and concerning phenomenon among young people, characterized by abusive behaviors toward a romantic partner through digital platforms. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), defined as the anxiety of being excluded from rewarding experiences, is closely linked to excessive digital engagement and the need for constant connectivity. While previous studies have associated FoMO with bullying and cyberstalking, its relationship with dating violence remains unexplored. This study’s aim is to bridge this gap by analyzing the association between FoMO and both perpetration and victimization in CDV. The sample consisted of 911 young adults aged 18 to 30 (Mage = 22.0; SDage = 2.57; 74% women), recruited via an online survey. Findings indicate that FoMO significantly predicts both the perpetration and victimization of CDV. Additionally, for perpetration, significant interactions emerged with gender and sexual orientation, suggesting that these factors may moderate the relationship between FoMO and abusive behaviors in digital dating contexts. These results highlight the need for further research to better understand CDV and inform prevention and intervention strategies focused on digital platform use and healthy relationship dynamics. Full article

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19 pages, 252 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Study on the Meaning of Participation in Public Administration: A Case Study of the Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy

by Sofia Mariani, Cinzia Albanesi, Gabriele Prati and Elvira Cicognani

Societies 2025, 15(9), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090257 - 12 Sep 2025

This qualitative study investigates how local project managers interpret the concept of participation when implementing participatory processes under the Emilia-Romagna (Italy) regional framework. Drawing on 41 in-depth interviews with project managers and key personnel from participatory initiatives funded between 2020 and 2024, the [...] Read more.

This qualitative study investigates how local project managers interpret the concept of participation when implementing participatory processes under the Emilia-Romagna (Italy) regional framework. Drawing on 41 in-depth interviews with project managers and key personnel from participatory initiatives funded between 2020 and 2024, the research examines how these actors interpret the concept of participation and how their views align with regional objectives. Thematic analysis reveals that participation is widely viewed as a process of shared responsibility, co-decision, empowerment, and active citizenship. Participants described participation as both a political and relational act, involving co-responsibility, information exchange, and commitment to the common good. While many embraced a transformative vision of participation, others highlighted institutional constraints and the risk of participation being reduced to rhetoric. Additionally, gendered differences emerged in the way participants framed participation, with women emphasizing relational and care-based dimensions, and men focusing more on agency and power. The findings suggest that participation, when meaningfully enacted, is seen as a driver of democratic engagement and institutional trust, but it requires a sustained effort to go beyond procedures and enable genuine collaboration between institutions and citizens. Full article

30 pages, 2885 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Behavioral Algorithm for European Integration: Insights from Youth Attitudes Across the EU

by Georgia Panagiotidou

Societies 2025, 15(9), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090256 - 12 Sep 2025

The presented findings are derived from the project #STANDFORSOMETHING, coordinated by the European Youth Card Association, funded by the European Parliament, with the aim of thoroughly investigating the perspectives and opinions of European youth regarding the European Union (EU) and its institutions—a historically [...] Read more.

The presented findings are derived from the project #STANDFORSOMETHING, coordinated by the European Youth Card Association, funded by the European Parliament, with the aim of thoroughly investigating the perspectives and opinions of European youth regarding the European Union (EU) and its institutions—a historically under-researched cohort—despite their impact on the future policy agenda. The crucial question in this research is to understand the effect of issue salience on the dispositions of citizens towards the EU, whether positive or negative, but also to understand the impact on the development of a European identity or the perseverance of a national identity. This threefold relationship explored in the attitudes of the youth can reveal a behavioral algorithm that can explain the rhythm of European integration on a cultural and political level and its variances across different countries. This collaborative effort involved a quantitative part—a survey with 3000 young respondents from across all EU Member States—and a qualitative part. An advanced comparative data analysis brings forward a significant connection between the youth’s attitudes towards the EU, their sense of European identity, and their major issues of concern. On a cross-national analysis, the EU map is segmented into four distinct behavior patterns across specific geographical zones, underscoring the diversity and depth of youth attitude and issue profiles across Europe, resulting in a specific tool to be used by European policymakers. Full article

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1 pages, 120 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Arosio, L. Generative AI as a Teaching Tool for Social Research Methodology: Addressing Challenges in Higher Education. Societies 2025, 15, 157

by Laura Arosio

Societies 2025, 15(9), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090255 - 12 Sep 2025

The author utilized an AI tool as part of the content generation process itself (e [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Learning, Ethics and Pedagogies)

20 pages, 653 KB

Open AccessArticle

Household Deprivation in Kazakhstan: A Factor Analysis of Regional Disparities

by Aisulu Moldabekova, Azimkhan Satybaldin, Aida Omir, Erkin Sadykov and Aigul Beimisheva

Societies 2025, 15(9), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090254 - 11 Sep 2025

This study investigates the multidimensional nature of household deprivation in Kazakhstan within the broader context of poverty reduction and sustainable development. Based on a nationally representative household survey (sample size 2005), the data were analyzed using factor analysis in SPSS 25 to uncover [...] Read more.

This study investigates the multidimensional nature of household deprivation in Kazakhstan within the broader context of poverty reduction and sustainable development. Based on a nationally representative household survey (sample size 2005), the data were analyzed using factor analysis in SPSS 25 to uncover latent dimensions of deprivation. The analysis identified six components: socio-cultural, educational, medical, children’s basic needs, food, and infrastructure, which were synthesized into three integrated indices: basic, institutional, and socio-cultural. The results reveal pronounced regional disparities, with the southern and western regions showing higher levels of deprivation, whereas major cities perform significantly better. Income level is a key determinant: households below the subsistence minimum face the highest deprivation risk, particularly in the basic and institutional dimensions of deprivation. Sociocultural deprivation was weakly associated with income. These findings underscore the urgent need for regionally differentiated, income-sensitive policies to mitigate poverty and promote equity. This study offers empirical insights into an underexplored area, contributing to the understanding of household vulnerability in Kazakhstan. Full article

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