Search Results (1,652)

Recent years have witnessed a concerning rise in early-onset eating disorders (EDs), prompting a re-evaluation of their etiology, diagnosis, and treatment within pediatric populations. This perspective article synthesizes emerging evidence on the multifactorial origins of EDs in children, emphasizing a biopsychosocial framework that integrates genetic, epigenetic, psychological, and environmental factors. While early manifestations often diverge from adolescent or adult profiles—marked by somatic complaints, selective eating, and ritualistic behaviors—the disorders significantly interfere with developmental milestones. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated vulnerabilities, acting as a catalyst for disordered eating behaviors through increased familial stress, isolation, and disrupted routines. Central to this framework is the role of parental psychopathology and parent–child feeding interactions, which profoundly shape children’s emotional regulation and attachment patterns. Recent studies also underscore genetic susceptibilities—especially variants in the DRD4 and DAT1 genes—and epigenetic modifications that may mediate the transmission of risk across generations. The article reviews evidence from observational and genomic studies, highlighting how altered gene expression linked to early environmental stress contributes to the heterogeneity of EDs. Finally, it evaluates prevention and intervention strategies, including family-based treatments, digital health tools, and school-based programs. These strategies are essential for timely detection, individualized care, and reducing long-term impairment. Overall, the paper advocates for a nuanced understanding of EDs in children—recognizing their complex origins and developmental implications—to inform clinical practice, public health policy, and future research in pediatric mental health. Full article

Agri-Environmental Schemes (AESs) are widely used policy tools designed to promote environmental sustainability in agriculture. While their ecological and economic impacts have been extensively studied, the social dimension, particularly their effects on farmers’ mental health, remains notably under-researched, despite the central role of social sustainability in broader sustainability frameworks. This study explores how AESs may influence farmer mental health, drawing on qualitative data from 26 semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in the design, delivery, and evaluation of AESs in France and Ireland. While some positive effects were reported, such as enhanced self-worth, increased motivation, and reduced social isolation through peer discussion groups, participants also highlighted significant stressors. These included administrative burdens, inspection-related anxiety, and financial uncertainty, which in some cases exacerbated existing psychological distress. Discussion groups emerged as a particularly effective mechanism for fostering social connection and emotional resilience, especially in the Irish context. The findings underscore the need to integrate social indicators, particularly mental health, into the design and evaluation of AESs. Enhancing the social sustainability of these schemes may improve both farmer well-being and scheme uptake, suggesting a more holistic approach to agri-environmental policy is warranted. Full article

Hoarseness is a common voice symptom that can impair communication and lead to psychosocial difficulties. It has been hypothesized that chronic hoarseness may contribute to elevated social anxiety. This study aimed to assess the impact of hoarseness on quality of life and social anxiety in affected individuals. Thirty-eight patients with chronic hoarseness (voice disorders) and 40 matched healthy controls were evaluated in a prospective case-control study. Quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (Physical, Psychological, Social, and Environmental domains). Social anxiety was assessed with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), and general anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Group scores were compared using appropriate statistical tests, and effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Patients with hoarseness had significantly lower Psychological Health and Social Relationships scores on the WHOQOL-BREF than controls (p < 0.01 for both; large effect sizes), indicating worse quality of life in these domains. Physical Health and Environmental domain scores did not differ between groups. The hoarseness group also showed higher social anxiety: LSAS total scores and Social Interaction subscale scores were significantly greater than those of controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively; moderate-to-large effects), whereas the Performance Anxiety subscale was similar between groups. By contrast, HADS anxiety and depression scores did not differ significantly between patients and controls. Notably, mean HADS scores in both groups fell in the mild (borderline) range rather than the normal range. Chronic hoarseness is associated with reduced quality of life in emotional and social domains and with increased social anxiety symptoms, but not with elevated general anxiety or depression. These findings underscore the need to address psychosocial factors, particularly social anxiety, in the clinical management of patients with voice disorders. Full article

In this perspective article, we introduce Ecocebo as a novel concept describing the modulatory effects of physical environments, whether natural or built, on drug effect. Positioned as a spatial component of the placebo effect, Ecocebo is grounded in evidence-based design principles and proposes that environmental features such as natural light, greenery, spatial geometry, and calming esthetics can significantly influence sensory, emotional, and cognitive processes. These environmental factors may enhance or modify pharmacological responses, especially for analgesics, anxiolytics, and antidepressants. We highlighted how exposure to restorative spaces can reduce pain perception, stress, and the need for medication, paralleling findings in placebo research where contextual and sensory cues influence brain regions linked to emotion and pain regulation. We propose virtual reality (VR) as the most suitable methodological tool to study Ecocebo in controlled and ecologically valid settings. VR allows for the precise manipulation of spatial features and real-time monitoring of physiological and psychological responses. We also propose integrating VR with neuromodulation techniques to investigate brain–environment–drug interactions. Finally, we addressed key methodological challenges such as defining control conditions and standardizing the measurement of presence. This perspective opens new directions for the integration of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions and personalized therapeutic environments to optimize clinical outcomes. Full article

Against the backdrop of growing concerns over university students’ mental health worldwide, campus environments play a crucial role not only in shaping spatial experiences but also in influencing psychological well-being. However, the psychosocial mechanisms through which campus landscapes affect well-being remain insufficiently theorized. Drawing on survey data from 500 students across two Chinese universities, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and interpretable machine learning techniques (XGBoost-SHAP) to systematically examine the interrelations among landscape perception, place attachment, perceived social acceptance, school belonging, and psychological well-being. The results reveal the following: (1) campus landscapes serve as the primary catalyst for fostering emotional identification (place attachment) and social connectedness (perceived social acceptance and school belonging), thereby indirectly influencing psychological well-being through these psychosocial pathways; (2) landscape perception emerges as the strongest predictor of well-being, followed by school belonging. Although behavioral variables such as the green space maintenance quality, visit frequency, and duration of stay contribute consistently, their predictive power remains comparatively limited; (3) significant nonlinear associations are observed between core variables and well-being. While the positive effects of landscape perception, place attachment, and school belonging exhibit diminishing returns beyond certain thresholds, high levels of perceived social acceptance continue to generate sustained improvements in well-being. This study advances environmental psychology by highlighting the central role of campus landscapes in promoting mental health and provides actionable strategies for campus planning. It advocates for the design of balanced, diverse, and socially engaging landscape environments to maximize psychological benefits. Full article

This study investigates the impact of minimalism on ethical consumption within the framework of the Value–Identity–Personal Norms (VIP) model. Data were collected from 340 Turkish consumers using a convenience sampling method and an online survey. Analyses were conducted with SmartPLS, employing the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to examine the relationships among the constructs. The results reveal that minimalism, conceptualized as a value, significantly shapes environmentally responsible behavior by strengthening environmental identity and personal norms, which in turn drive ethical consumption choices. By extending the VIP model, the research positions minimalism not only as a lifestyle but also as a value-based orientation that aligns with biospheric values in encouraging pro-environmental actions. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of sustainability communication as a crucial mechanism for reinforcing the connection between minimalistic values and ethical consumer behavior. It also highlights the mediating role of environmental identity between values (both biospheric and minimalistic) and personal norms, supporting the view that values influence behavior indirectly through psychological constructs. Overall, the findings demonstrate that minimalism positively affects environmental identity and personal norms, thereby fostering ethical consumption in line with the theoretical perspectives of the Value–Belief–Norm (VBN) and pro-environmental behavior models. This research provides valuable insights into how minimalism can be integrated into sustainability communication strategies to promote sustainable consumption, particularly in emerging economies. Full article

This study conducts a cross-sectional analysis to examine the complex relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and adolescent social behaviors, aiming to enhance our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship. Based on a robust sample of 4399 Chinese adolescent participants (M_age = 14.16, SD = 2.11), including 2112 females (48% of the sample), this study examines the combined impact of perceived neighborhood disorder and the presence of positive peer relationships on adolescent prosocial behavior. It examines the potential mediating role of self-esteem within this dynamic. The methodological approach combines parental assessments of neighborhood disorder with adolescents’ reports of positive peer interactions, self-esteem, and prosocial behavior. Findings show a significant negative correlation between perceived neighborhood disorder and adolescent prosocial behavior. Unexpectedly, positive peer presence fails to mitigate this adverse effect, amplifying it instead. Moreover, self-esteem serves as a mediator in the relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and the impact of positive peers on prosocial behavior. The findings align with the Bioecological Framework and the Reverse Stress-Buffering Model, underscoring the importance of environmental interactions in shaping adolescent behavior. Full article

With the rise of green building and biophilic design, how sports venues enhance users’ place attachment through natural design features has become a critical interdisciplinary research topic in architecture and environmental psychology. This study adopts an integrated perspective of environmental psychology and architectural psychology to investigate the impact mechanism of natural design features (natural visibility, integration, and interactivity) on place attachment. Using a maximum likelihood-based structural equation model with a sample of 1022 users of waterside sports venues, this research pioneers the construction and validation of a parallel mediation model involving nature connectedness and biophilia. The findings reveal that (1) natural visibility, integration, and interactivity all significantly and positively influence place attachment; (2) nature connectedness mediates the relationship between natural design features and place attachment; and (3) biophilia also mediates the effect of natural design features on place attachment. This study makes a groundbreaking contribution by uncovering the dual-path “perception-emotion” mechanism through which natural design elements influence users’ psychological responses. The results provide empirical support for the refined application of nature-embedded strategies in architectural design and offer direct guidance for enhancing the social sustainability of high-density urban waterfront public spaces. Full article

This research examines the factors influencing drop out among adult college students. As the traditional-age student population (ages 19–24) declines, the older, part-time, adult learners have emerged as a critical enrollment demographic for higher education institutions. These learners often pursue higher education for career advancement, re-skilling, or re-employment. However, many encounter difficulties in sustaining their academic engagement due to low motivation, limited basic learning skills, or external constraints. Despite the growing presence of adult learners in Korean universities, limited research has analyzed drop-out factors within this specific context. To address this gap, this study applies Bean and Metzner’s nontraditional undergraduate student attrition model, using data from the Korean Educational Longitudinal Study (KELS). It investigates how background characteristics, academic variables, environmental factors, and academic and psychological outcomes influence the drop out of adult learners. The findings reveal that academic variables significantly impact drop-out intentions, while student engagement and social integration show minimal effects. These results offer valuable theoretical insights and practical implications for enhancing adult learner retention in higher education. Full article

As mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression become increasingly prevalent in urban populations, there is a critical need to embed restorative functions into the built environment. Urban parks, as integral components of ecological infrastructure, play a vital role in promoting psychological well-being. This study explores how diverse park environments facilitate mental health recovery through multi-sensory engagement, using integrated psychophysiological assessments in a wetland park in Zhengzhou, China. Electroencephalography (EEG) and perceived restoration scores were employed to evaluate recovery outcomes across four environmental types: waterfront, wetland, forest, and plaza. Key perceptual factors—including landscape design, spatial configuration, biodiversity, and facility quality—were validated and analyzed for their roles in shaping restorative experiences. Results reveal significant variation in recovery effectiveness across environments. Waterfront areas elicited the strongest physiological responses, while plazas demonstrated lower restorative benefits. Two recovery pathways were identified: a direct, sensory-driven process and a cognitively mediated route. Biodiversity promoted physiological restoration only when mediated by perceived restorative qualities, whereas landscape and spatial attributes produced more immediate effects. Facilities supported psychological recovery mainly through cognitive appraisal. The study proposes a smart park framework that incorporates environmental sensors, adaptive lighting, real-time biofeedback systems, and interactive interfaces to enhance user engagement and monitor well-being. These technologies enable urban parks to function as intelligent, health-supportive infrastructures within the broader built environment. The findings offer evidence-based guidance for designing responsive green spaces that contribute to mental resilience, aligning with the goals of smart city development and healthy life-building environments. Full article

This study examines sustainable consumption intentions among university students in Portugal, a generation increasingly recognized for their ecological awareness but often constrained by structural and social barriers. Within this context, this study explores psychological and behavioral determinants of sustainable consumption and peer recommendation using an integrative framework based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Value–Belief–Norm theory (VBN), and the SHIFT model. Drawing on a survey of 324 students from diverse academic backgrounds, we analyzed how environmental beliefs, consumer habits, and activism influence sustainable consumption intention and recommendation. The analysis, conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), reveals that environmental beliefs significantly predict both consumer intention and habitual behavior, which in turn affect activism and sustainable consumption. Notably, intention emerges as a key mediator between individual motivations and peer recommendation, while activism and habits do not exert direct influence on recommendation behavior. These findings underscore the importance of moral values, routine behavior, and motivational pathways in shaping sustainable practices, while highlighting the persistent gap between awareness and consistent advocacy. This study offers theoretical and practical insights into how structural and psychological factors can reinforce youth engagement with sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Excessive intake of sugar-sweetened food (SSF) increases obesity risk. Various psychological, physiological, and environmental factors may drive high consumption of SSF. Due to blocking sweet tastes, the herb Gymnema sylvestre (GS) has been shown to reduce SSF consumption, but its impact on motivation to eat SSF is unknown. This research aimed to qualitatively investigate adults’ perceptions regarding effects of GS on their motivation to eat SSF when administered systematically (three times/day in-between meals, i.e., GS-SYS treatment) or ad libitum (up to six times/day at participants’ discretion, i.e., GS-ADLIB) over 14 days, compared to placebo (taste-matched mint; PLAC-SYS). Methods: This study represents the qualitative investigation of a placebo-controlled randomised cross-over trial, conducted as three 14-day phases. The qualitative investigation included interviews at baseline and three post-testing phases. Seven participants (mean age 34.7 ± 13.8 years; two males, five females) agreed to participate. Twenty-eight interviews (across phases) were thematically analysed using NVivo software, identifying themes and highlighting changes in motivation to eat SSFs across the study. Results: The GS-SYS and GS-ADLIB treatments made SSFs unpleasant to eat and increased mindful eating, subsequently increasing motivation to avoid SSFs. External factors could increase or decrease motivation, depending on individual circumstances. Participants preferred GS-SYS and GS-ADLIB over PLAC-SYS, feeling it was more effective at changing behaviours related to SSF intake. Self-control over SSF intake changed during the study, mostly due to external factors, and in part GS-ADLIB. Conclusions: Participants found both GS administrations successful as motivation to avoid SSF; GS-ADLIB was considered most effective. Full article

While increasingly popular for their aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, reflective materials may also create harsh glare, disorientation, and psychological strain. Despite their prevalence in modern architectural design, the impact of these facades on mental well-being remains underexplored. Drawing from environmental psychology and perceptual science, this study assesses how different reflective materials influence both visual perception and psychological response, particularly among residents and students in Leicester. Two contrasting case studies, the reflective metal Highcross centre facade and the reflective glass Mattioli Woods PLC facade, served as focal points. Using a structured online questionnaire incorporating visual stimuli and Likert-scale questions, responses from 30 participants were analysed using descriptive and statistical analysis (i.e., one-way ANOVA) to determine differences in visual discomfort (due to brightness, glare, or shine), visual attractiveness, visual disorientation, and perception of the surroundings, as well as the associated physiological responses such as stress, tension, and mood. Results show that the Highcross Centre facade was consistently perceived as more visually discomforting and disorienting than the Mattioli Woods facade, with statistically significant differences. However, both facades were rated similarly high for visual interest, suggesting that aesthetic value can coexist with discomfort. Finally, the analysis shows that buildings’ reflective facades evoke only low levels of perceived stress, tension, or unease, with median scores remaining low overall. These findings highlight the importance of human-centred facade design, suggesting that, as cities adapt to climate change, architects and urban planners consider not only environmental performance but also perceptual and psychological effects. Full article

Underground spaces hold significant potential for enhancing urban resilience against disasters, a key dimension of sustainable urban development. However, due to persistent associations of underground environments with negative psychological perceptions, these spaces—despite their superior protective advantages—are often overlooked as viable refuge options during emergencies. Guided by the theoretical framework of environmental psychology, this research focuses on underground parking garages in Hangzhou, China as its primary research object. The target participants are residents of Hangzhou aged 18–58 years (encompassing diverse occupations such as students, office workers, and service industry employees), who represent potential users of such spaces as refuges. To explore human behavioral patterns, psychological responses, and needs related to underground refuge spaces, we employed a two-phase methodology: first, a questionnaire survey to capture broader behavioral tendencies and subjective perceptions; complementing this, Virtual Reality (VR) experiments—a more immersive method—utilizing semantic analysis and the Likert scale to assess psychological indicators influenced by underground environments. The experimental data were analyzed via mean analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis to identify the key environmental factors that influence psychological responses, as well as their optimal design parameters. These analyses reveal significant correlations between various environmental factors and psychological indicators. This research synthesizes individuals’ psychological tendencies in underground environments and proposes quantitative physical design guidelines to meet fundamental psychological needs. The findings provide theoretical and practical support for the design of underground space for refuge and the development of sustainable urban emergency shelter systems, thereby contributing to resilient and sustainable urban development. Full article

This study investigates the psychological effects of climate change on gold mining communities in Zimbabwe. This research employs comprehensive interviews with miners, health professionals, and community leaders, who were selected using purposive sampling, to examine the emotional responses, such as eco-grief, anxiety, and helplessness, resulting from environmental degradation. Utilizing thematic analysis, we delineate core psychological themes and propose integrated policy solutions. This study identifies a gap in the existing literature regarding climate and mental health by investigating a vulnerable population in sub-Saharan Africa that has been inadequately studied. Many participants voiced grave concerns about their surroundings and how they impact their cognitive abilities, which calls for the creation of comprehensive laws that consider the effects of both weather-related and mental health conditions. Further research should concentrate on intervention studies to improve the efficacy of strong intellectual fitness support tailored to the challenging conditions encountered by mining communities, as well as longitudinal studies to determine the long-term mental effects of weather alternatives. A few of the recommendations include making sure that underrepresented viewpoints are considered at some stage of the decision-making process and boosting network resilience via information sharing and education. This study promotes a holistic strategy that combines health fitness treatments with environmental sustainability initiatives to guarantee a more resilient and healthy future for Zimbabwe’s mining communities. Full article