Search Results (3,517)

Special forces operators are increasingly being utilized as the weapon of choice by many governments on the geopolitical stage. Given the specialized and high-risk nature of special forces operations, it is important to understand the differences that exist when comparing the psychological traits of these groups to regular military forces. An understanding of these traits is crucial when looking to select, develop, and support the most appropriate individuals to succeed in these roles. While previous research has painted a clear picture relating to personality differences between special forces operators and the wider military forces, there is still little research that has explored the psychological traits that both influence and determine performance. As a result, the aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of former United Kingdom (UK) special forces operators regarding the psychological traits they believed were crucial for success as a special forces operator in the UK military. Participants in this study were 20 former UK special forces operators, each having transitioned from active service to civilian life within the previous five years. Data were collected and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results suggested a specific profile of UK special forces operators composed of nine specific factors: resilience, adaptability, self-belief, perseverance, emotional regulation, self-control, drive, humility, and stubbornness. With the last two relatively novel compared with relevant research in similar populations. These findings can help to underpin the development of special forces-specific programs of support and development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Upper limb amputation presents considerable physical and psychological challenges, especially in young, active individuals. This case study outlines the rehabilitation journey of a 33-year-old patient, an Italian national Paralympic snowboard cross athlete, who underwent elective transradial amputation followed by advanced surgical and prosthetic interventions. The objective was to assess the combined impact of upper limb Targeted Sensory Reinnervation (ulTSR) and the Adam’s Hand prosthetic system on functional recovery and user satisfaction. Methods: After a partial brachial plexus injury caused complete paralysis of his right hand, the patient opted for transradial amputation. He subsequently underwent ulTSR, performed by plastic surgeon, Alexander Gardetto, MD, which involved rerouting sensory nerves to defined regions of the residual limb in order to reestablish a phantom limb map. This reinnervation was designed to facilitate improved prosthetic integration. The Adam’s Hand, a myoelectric prosthesis with AI-based pattern recognition, was selected for its compatibility with TSR and intuitive control. Outcomes were evaluated using the OPUS questionnaire, the DASH, and patient feedback. Results: ulTSR successfully restored meaningful sensory input, allowing intuitive and precise control of the prosthesis, with minimal cognitive and muscular effort. The patient regained the ability to perform numerous activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, lifting, and fine motor tasks—which had been impossible for over 15 years. OPUS results demonstrated significant improvements in both function and satisfaction. Conclusions: This case highlights the synergistic benefits of combining ulTSR with user-centered prosthetic technology. Surgical neurorehabilitation, paired with advanced prosthetic design, led to marked improvements in autonomy, performance, and quality of life in a high-performance amputee athlete. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anorexia–Cachexia Syndrome (ACS) is a multifactorial condition common in advanced chronic illnesses, leading to significant impacts on prognosis and quality of life. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, management strategies, and clinical and patient-centered outcomes of ACS in a home-based palliative care team. Methods: Clinical records of 128 adult patients followed between 2021 and 2024 were analyzed. Data collected included sociodemographic variables, clinical diagnosis, nutritional parameters (Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)), symptoms (anorexia, fatigue), interventions (enteral nutrition, psychological and rehabilitative support), and relevant medications. Statistical analysis included descriptive, inferential, and multivariable proportional hazard regression analysis to identify independent predictors of weight loss and anorexia. Results: Manifestations of ACS were observed across both oncologic and non-oncologic conditions. The prevalence of weight loss and anorexia were interrelated and were not different between diagnostic groups. Using multivariable analysis, higher baseline MNA scores (HR = 3.797, p = 0.006) and the use of enteral nutrition (HR = 7.418, p = 0.014) were independently associated with an increased risk of significant weight loss. Lower baseline PPS scores (HR = 0.069), use of enteral nutrition (HR = −0.890), and the presence of psychological support were protective for subsequent anorexia. Dexamethasone use was associated with greater nutritional decline in univariate models. Conclusions: The management of ACS in home palliative care requires the early identification of symptoms, multidisciplinary intervention, and personalized strategies beyond disease etiology. Risk of weight loss is associated with higher MNA scores, and these are best managed in the first week. In anorexia cases, psychological support is protective. Full article

Background: Problematic overstudying has been conceptualized as an addictive behavior (study addiction) and an early form of work addiction. The majority of students showing compulsive studying behaviors experience chronic and high stress and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Caffeine is a widely used stimulant that enhances alertness and cognitive performance, especially under fatigue. University students, particularly those exhibiting problematic overstudying, may consume more caffeine to improve academic performance. Previous research has shown that caffeine consumption is positively associated with perceived stress and anxiety. This study examined the mediating role of caffeine consumption in the relationship between problematic overstudying and psychological distress (perceived stress, anxiety, and depression) among university students. Methods: Sample 1 consisted of 436 university students, and Sample 2 included 3421 students. The Bergen Study Addiction Scale, Perceived Stress Scale-4, and a measure of average daily caffeine consumption were used. Results: Results showed that caffeine consumption partially mediated the relationship between problematic overstudying and perceived stress. Students who study compulsively tended to consume more caffeine, which was, in turn, associated with higher perceived stress. This finding was replicated across both samples, and in the second, larger sample, caffeine intake also mediated between problematic overstudying and anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Excessive caffeine use among students who manifest problematic overstudying may increase their risk of developing, or aggravate existing, symptoms of anxiety or mood disorders. Limiting caffeine intake and promoting healthy alternatives, such as rest and recovery, is recommended to support mental health in this population. Full article

Mental disorders (MDs) constitute significant risk factors for self-harm and suicide. The incidence of MDs has been increasing annually, primarily due to inadequate diagnosis and intervention. Early identification and timely intervention can effectively slow the progression of MDs and enhance the quality of life. However, the high cost and complexity of in-hospital screening exacerbate the psychological burden on patients. Moreover, existing studies primarily focus on the identification of individual subcategories and lack attention to model explainability. These approaches fail to adequately address the complexity of clinical demands. Early screening of MDs using EEG signals and deep learning techniques has demonstrated simplicity and effectiveness. To this end, we constructed a Dual-Branch Network (DBN) leveraging resting-state Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) features. The DBN is designed to enable the detection of multiple categories of MDs. Firstly, a dual-branch feature extraction strategy was designed to capture multi-dimensional latent features. Further, we propose a Multi-Head Attention Mechanism (MHAM) that integrates dynamic routing. This architecture assigns greater weights to key elements and enhances information transmission efficiency. Finally, the diagnosis is derived from a fully connected layer. In addition, we incorporate SHAP analysis to facilitate feature attribution. This technique elucidates the contribution of significant features to MD detection and improves the transparency of model predictions. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of DBN in detecting various MD categories. The performance of DBN surpasses that of traditional machine learning models. Ablation studies further validate the architectural soundness of DBN. The DBN effectively reduces screening complexity and demonstrates significant potential for clinical applications. Full article

Workplace stress and burnout are known as major contributors to deficits in cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, and executive functioning, leading to impairments in both well-being and performance. Our prior work showed a brief multi-modal physical and cognitive fitness (CF) training capable of improving the mood and resilience of both corporate employees and military personnel. Building on this evidence and on recent findings from a systematic review of hardiness in the workplace, our current study examined the effects of the refined multi-modal training program on multiple fitness and wellbeing outcomes among corporate professionals employed in high-pressure jobs, with a particular focus on psychological hardiness, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in inhibitory control (a key aspect of CF) and measures of wellbeing (mood, gratitude and perceived stress), as well as resilience and all three components of psychological hardiness (control, challenge and commitment) among participants who completed the program. Our findings confirm that hardiness is a modifiable construct associated with a broad range of beneficial workplace outcomes. The intervention produced no improvements in working memory, suggesting that this element of CF may be less trainable—or require different training regimes to succeed. Full article

Understanding the relationship between work stress and job satisfaction is crucial for promoting employee well-being and also for sustainable organizational performance. This study proposes and validates, within the population of employees in Serbia, the Stress Symptoms Survey (SSS), an 18-item instrument for measuring physical and psychological symptoms of work-related stress. The scale shows strong internal consistency where a general factor is highly saturated with all survey items. Regression analysis indicated that lack of organizational support was the strongest predictor of lowered job satisfaction, followed by stress symptoms and general job stress; job pressure showed a positive association with job satisfaction when other stressors were controlled. These results highlight the practical value of the SSS and underscore the crucial role of supportive work environments in mitigating stress, enhancing satisfaction and achieving sustainable work performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is growing interest in non-diet approaches to support health, well-being, and performance in different populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intuitive eating (IE) intervention on participants’ body composition, body image, eating behaviors, and athletic performance. Methods: The study included both an intervention group and a control group. It was conducted between September and December 2021. Participants were recruited from a sports center in Istanbul, where they had applied for nutrition and exercise counseling. Inclusion criteria included being 18–65 years old, not having engaged in regular physical activity in the past month, having no chronic disease, and not using any regular medications. Participants were not randomly assigned to groups; allocation was based on availability and willingness to attend the intervention sessions. The study involved 57 participants who were healthy adults between 18 and 65 years old and followed a structured exercise program. At the beginning of the study, a demographic questionnaire was administered. The anthropometric measurements were taken at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. In addition, validated performance and psychometric assessment tools were used, including the Cooper test for cardiovascular endurance, the Davies test for upper-body agility, and the 1-RM bench press for muscular strength, alongside standardized self-report questionnaires for eating attitudes (EAT-26), IE (IES-2), and body image (BCS). Results: The intervention group did not show any statistically significant changes in body composition (p > 0.05). The post-intervention means of the intervention and control groups were not statistically different (p > 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, agility, and strength performance scores compared to the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The intervention group showed significant improvements in body image scores (p < 0.05) and eating attitude scores (p < 0.05). The post-intervention eating attitude and body image scores of the intervention group were significantly different from those of the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between intuitive eating and body image (r = 0.455; p < 0.05) and a significant negative correlation between IE and disordered eating attitudes (r = −0.449; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that longer-term interventions may be beneficial and warrant further investigation. IE may serve as a promising strategy to enhance psychological well-being and performance outcomes without focusing on weight control. Full article

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common, distressing concern among cancer survivors, with implications for psychological well-being and quality of life. Despite the proliferation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess FCR, consensus on the most valid and reliable instruments remains limited. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive psychometric evaluation of FCR PROMs developed or validated between 2011 and 2023, using the full COSMIN methodology. This review builds on earlier work by systematically appraising both newly developed and adapted instruments to inform evidence-based PROM selection for clinical and research use. Methods: This review followed the COSMIN 10-step procedure and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six databases were searched from January 2011 to December 2023. A search cut-off of 31 December 2023 was applied to align with COSMIN feasibility recommendations and ensure sufficient time and resources for full psychometric evaluation across all included PROMs. Eligible studies included adults diagnosed with cancer and reported on the psychometric evaluation of a self-reported, Likert-scale-based FCR PROM. PROMs were appraised across eight psychometric properties using COSMIN’s Risk of Bias checklist, criteria for good measurement properties, and modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) for evidence quality. Instruments were categorized as A, B, or C according to COSMIN’s recommendations. Results: Of the 34 PROMs evaluated across 32 studies, 28 achieved COSMIN Category A status, indicating sufficient psychometric quality for clinical or research use. Among the 19 FCRI and FoP-Q instruments validated in new cultural or population contexts, 15 received a Category A rating, reflecting strong cross-cultural performance. Short forms such as the FCRI-SF and FoP-Q-SF demonstrated consistent psychometric strength across French, English, Portuguese, and Asian-language versions. Of the 14 newly developed PROMs—including the CWS-6, FCR4/7, CARQ-4, and FCR-1—12 achieved Category A. The FCR-1 was the only single-item PROM to demonstrate responsiveness, supporting its use in both screening and longitudinal monitoring. For practical guidance, five PROMs (FCR-1, FCRI-SF, FoP-Q-SF, FCR-7, and CWS) emerged as the most strongly supported for clinical use. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of contemporary FCR PROMs and highlights substantial progress in the development of valid, reliable, and culturally adaptable tools. The FCRI, FoP-Q-SF, and several newly developed short forms, such as FCR7, CWS, and particularly, the FCR-1, emerge as strong candidates for use in clinical screening and longitudinal assessment. These findings offer clear evidence-based guidance for instrument selection in research and survivorship care. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023453783. Full article

Background/Objective: The global acceleration of population aging presents profound challenges to the physical, psychological, and social well-being of older adults. As traditional exercise programs face limitations in accessibility, personalization, and sustained social support, there is a critical need for innovative, inclusive, and community-integrated digital movement solutions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate Movement Poomasi, a hybrid digital healthcare application designed to promote physical activity, improve digital accessibility, and strengthen social connectedness among older adults. Methods: From March 2023 to November 2023, Movement Poomasi was developed through an iterative user-centered design process involving domain experts in physical therapy and sports psychology. In this study, the term UI/UX—short for user interface and user experience—refers to the overall design and interaction framework of the application, encompassing visual layout, navigation flow, accessibility features, and user engagement optimization tailored to older adults’ sensory, cognitive, and motor characteristics. The application integrates adaptive exercise modules, senior-optimized UI/UX, voice-assisted navigation, and peer-interaction features to enable both home-based and in-person movement engagement. A two-phase usability validation was conducted. A 4-week pilot test with 15 older adults assessed the prototype, followed by a formal 6-week study with 50 participants (≥65 years), stratified by digital literacy and activity background. Quantitative metrics—movement completion rates, session duration, and engagement with social features—were analyzed alongside semi-structured interviews. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and regression to examine usability and engagement outcomes. The application has continued iterative testing and refinement until May 2025, and it is scheduled for re-launch under the name Wello! in August 2025. Results: Post-implementation UI refinements significantly increased navigation success rates (from 68% to 87%, p = 0.042). ANOVA revealed that movement selection and peer-interaction tasks posed greater cognitive load (p < 0.01). A strong positive correlation was found between digital literacy and task performance (r = 0.68, p < 0.05). Weekly participation increased by 38%, with 81% of participants reporting enhanced social connectedness through group challenges and hybrid peer-led meetups. Despite high satisfaction scores (mean 4.6 ± 0.4), usability challenges remained among low-literacy users, indicating the need for further interface simplification. Conclusions: The findings underscore the potential of hybrid digital platforms tailored to older adults’ physical, cognitive, and social needs. Movement Poomasi demonstrates scalable feasibility and contributes to reducing the digital divide while fostering active aging. Future directions include AI-assisted onboarding, adaptive tutorials, and expanded integration with community care ecosystems to enhance long-term engagement and inclusivity. Full article

Background: In light of the concerning increase in burnout among healthcare professionals, it is essential to identify the specific factors that contribute to this phenomenon and can be addressed. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the relationship between burnout and emotional intelligence (EI) among healthcare professionals, alongside additional factors that may influence both concepts. Methods: A structured search in OVID, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000–2024) was conducted. The inclusion criteria were English language and peer-reviewed studies assessing both burnout and EI in healthcare professionals. The exclusion criteria were non-English papers, studies without EI–burnout correlation, or involving non-healthcare populations. Thirty-one eligible studies were included in this analysis. Results: The findings suggest a consistent inverse correlation between EI and burnout across various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and residents. Higher EI was associated with reduced levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and a greater sense of personal accomplishment. Burnout was found to be prevalent among younger healthcare workers, particularly residents, with contributing factors including exposure to workplace violence, high workload, and diminished psychological ownership. In contrast, associations that suggest protective influences on emotional intelligence included spiritual intelligence, self-control, income, and healthy habits, such as sufficient sleep and physical activity. Conclusions: This narrative review highlights a consistent inverse association between EI and burnout in healthcare professionals. Given that both burnout and EI are affected by adjustable individual and organizational elements, specific interventions aimed at enhancing EI and improving workplace conditions may provide effective techniques to boost clinician occupational well-being and performance. Full article

An assessment of sustainability at the macro level is carried out for 12 leading OECD economies, plus China and Brazil, over the period of 1960–2015 in a comparative dynamic fashion under varying policy priorities: economic, social, environmental, and equal importance. Overall, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway are found to be outperforming most other countries based on the basket of 16 different sustainability indicators consistently over time. While there are underlying causes of such performance expressed in policies of innovation, decarbonisation, and social cohesion, addressing economic, environmental, and social dimensions, there are some soft factors traditionally lying outside economic or policy domains. Such factors represent the power of institutions, the level of psychological well-being, and societal values, which tend to be statistically different in Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway, as opposed to other countries in the sample. The reasons for the changes in sustainability performance among countries under different policy priorities are discussed at length, with special attention paid to an economically, environmentally, and socially weighted sustainability index of progress. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to compare psychological symptoms between Italian university students and American college students, considering both external (e.g., nationality) and internal variables (e.g., gender, age, and personality traits) potentially associated with mental health status. (2) Methods: A total of 201 Italian students from the University of Parma and 214 American students from Boston College were recruited. Participants completed the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ) and the 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire (16PF). Group comparisons were conducted on socio-demographic and psychological variables using chi-square and independent samples t-tests. Subsequently, hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed separately for each sample to identify personality traits that predict psychological symptoms, while controlling for gender and age. (3) Results: Both samples scored above the clinical cut-off on all SQ symptom scales. American students reported significantly higher levels of depression and hostility. Across both groups, psychological distress was primarily predicted by high tension and low emotional stability, with personality traits explaining a greater proportion of variance than nationality. Traits related to social interaction and emotional regulation also emerged as significant predictors. (4) Conclusions: Identifying personality profiles that are more vulnerable to psychological symptoms may support the development of early identification strategies and targeted prevention programs in university settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern globally, with significant physical and psychological implications. While numerous studies have linked obesity to poor mental health outcomes, cultural differences may influence this relationship. This study examines the association between childhood obesity and psychological well-being among Saudi children aged 8–12 years. Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted in Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia. A total of 128 children were recruited, divided into a high-body-weight group (n = 64) and a healthy-weight group (n = 64). Psychological well-being was assessed using the Psychological Well-being Scale for Children (PWSC) and the Stirling Children’s Well-being Scale (SCWS). Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and parental body mass index (kg/m²) data were included. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 2023, employing chi-square tests and t-tests. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the children’s body mass index (kg/m²) groups across most psychological well-being dimensions. However, a significant association was observed between maternal body mass index (kg/m²) and children’s PWSC scores (χ² = 6.217, p = 0.045), suggesting a potential influence of parental weight on child well-being. Additionally, a significant sex difference in SCWS scores was noted, with males displaying higher well-being levels than females (χ² = 7.798, p = 0.041). Family income and school grade showed no significant associations with psychological well-being. Conclusions: Contrary to findings from Western studies, childhood obesity did not significantly impact psychological well-being in this Saudi sample. Cultural factors, parental influence, and age-related differences may contribute to these results. Further longitudinal and qualitative research is needed to explore these associations in greater depth. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anxiety, agitation, and mood disturbances are increasingly common among children and adolescents. Given the limitations of conventional pharmacological treatments in the pediatric population, particularly for subthreshold or mild conditions, interest in complementary approaches such as phytotherapy is growing. This review aims to critically evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of herbal medicines and botanical food supplements for mental health symptoms in youths and to explore the pharmacological basis of their activity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across main databases for clinical trials involving herbal products for psychologically related symptoms in children and adolescents. Eligible studies included those using registered herbal medicines, as well as authorized food supplements, that evaluated behavioral or cognitive outcomes. In addition, bioinformatic analyses were performed on selected phytocompounds to predict their molecular targets. Results: Twenty-nine clinical trials were identified, including eighteen targeting pathological conditions (notably attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression) and eleven addressing borderline symptoms such as nervous agitation, restlessness, or sleep disturbances. Herbal products showing clinical promise include Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Crocus sativus L., Ginkgo biloba L., Hypericum perforatum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Passiflora incarnata L., Pinus pinaster Aiton, Valeriana officinalis L., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Bioinformatic predictions revealed polypharmacological activity profiles involving neuroinflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmitter-related pathways. Conclusions: This review highlights both the potential and the current limitations of herbal products in pediatric mental health care. Evidence supports their use for selected indications, provided that standardized preparations and clinical oversight are ensured. Further research is essential, particularly to inform dosing, safety, and integrative care strategies. Full article