Search Results (27)

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) frequently emerge during critical stages of childhood and adolescence, when identity development and emotional regulation are still maturing. Disturbances in self-concept clarity and identity integration may transform the body into a symbolic battlefield for autonomy, belonging, and self-worth. This review synthesizes developmental, psychosocial, neurocognitive, and therapeutic perspectives on the role of identity disturbance in EDs. Methods: A narrative review was conducted (2010–2025) using combinations of terms related to identity, self-concept clarity, self-discrepancy, objectification, interoception, and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder). Results: Findings indicate that identity vulnerability (expressed as low self-concept clarity, heightened self-discrepancies, and self-objectification) mediates the association between early adversity, sociocultural pressures, and ED symptoms. Neurocognitive studies reveal altered self-referential processing, default mode network connectivity, and interoceptive signaling. Clinically, comorbid borderline personality features further exacerbate identity disturbance and complicate recovery. Evidence-based treatments such as enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) effectively target core maintaining mechanisms, while adjunctive interventions (mentalization-based therapy, schema therapy, narrative approaches, and compassion- or acceptance-based methods) show promise in addressing identity-related processes and improving outcomes. Conclusions: Identity disturbance provides a unifying framework for understanding why ED symptoms become entrenched despite adverse consequences. Integrating identity-focused approaches with nutritional and medical care may enhance recovery and reduce chronicity in youth. Future research should adopt longitudinal and mechanistic designs to clarify pathways linking identity change to clinical improvement and test identity-specific augmentations to standard ED treatments. Full article

Background: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display distinct neurodevelopmental trajectories marked by atypical neural activation and white matter maturation compared to neurotypical peers. Introduction: While improvements in face recognition and cognitive skills occur during childhood and adolescence, individuals with ASD often experience a plateau in these areas as they transition to adulthood, impacting daily living, executive function, social cognition, and emotional awareness. Results: Neuroimaging studies reveal altered white matter growth and connectivity in brain regions associated with social processing, which may underlie these functional challenges. Intellectual disability further compounds developmental difficulties by limiting foundational abilities and slowing progress. Discussion: The multifaceted and persistent service needs spanning legal, educational, vocational, health, and psychosocial domains highlight the necessity for coordinated, individualized, and family-centered approaches, particularly during the transition to adulthood. Advances in research integrating genetic, neurobiological, and behavioral data hold potential for refining diagnostic subgroups and personalizing interventions. Conclusion: Continued advocacy and innovation in service delivery are essential to address gaps in adult support systems and enhance long-term outcomes for individuals with ASD. Full article

Background/Objective: Puberphonia is a voice disorder characterized by the persistence of a high-pitched voice in sexually mature males. In phoniatrics and speech-language pathology, it is also known as post-mutational voice instability, mutational falsetto, persistent fistulous voice, or functional falsetto. The absence of an age-appropriate vocal pitch may adversely affect psychological well-being and hinder personal, social, and occupational functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate of the impact of phoniatric and logopedic rehabilitation on voice quality in patients with puberphonia. Methods: The study included 18 male patients, aged 16 to 34 years, rehabilitated for voice mutation disorders. Phoniatric and logopedic rehabilitation included voice therapy tailored to each subject. A logopedist led exercises aimed at lowering and stabilizing the pitch of the voice and improving its quality. A phoniatrician supervised the therapy, monitoring the condition of the vocal apparatus and providing additional diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations as needed. The duration and intensity of the therapy were adjusted for each patient. Before and after voice rehabilitation, the subjects completed the following questionnaires: the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the Vocal Tract Discomfort (VTD) scale, and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL). They also underwent an acoustic voice analysis. Results: Statistical analysis of the VHI, VTD, and V-RQOL scores, as well as the voice’s acoustic parameters, showed statistically significant differences before and after rehabilitation (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Phoniatric and logopedic rehabilitation is an effective method of reducing and maintaining a stable, euphonic male voice in patients with functional puberphonia. Effective voice therapy positively impacts selected aspects of psychosocial functioning reported by patients, improves voice-related quality of life, and reduces physical discomfort in the vocal tract. Full article

The empowerment of rural women through sustainable entrepreneurship is pivotal for fostering economic development and social transformation in developing communities. This study examines the impact of university social responsibility (USR) programs on strengthening sustainable entrepreneurship among rural women, emphasizing the mediating role of economic empowerment. Utilizing a structural equation model (SEM), we explore causal pathways between USR interventions, entrepreneurial capacities, and the sustainability of rural businesses. Key dimensions analyzed include economic resources, social networks, and psychological self-efficacy, as well as their interrelation with community development. The findings demonstrate that multidimensional USR programs integrating technical training, social support, and economic resources significantly enhance entrepreneurial resilience and value chain integration. Notably, the analysis reveals that economic empowerment mediates the relationship between USR programs and business sustainability, with improvements in community participation and ICT quality identified as critical drivers. Furthermore, the post-intervention results highlight a shift from technology access challenges to a focus on ICT content quality and psychosocial development, reflecting maturity in community adaptation and resource utilization. This research provides empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of USR programs in catalyzing sustainable transformations in rural contexts. The results offer actionable insights for designing targeted interventions that integrate technical, social, and economic dimensions, contributing to the advancement of sustainable entrepreneurship and rural development theory. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare hereditary disorder affecting ectoderm-derived tissues including teeth, hair, and sweat glands. The dental abnormalities associated with HED, such as oligodontia and conical teeth, often result in significant functional, esthetic, and psychosocial challenges, particularly during childhood. Methods: A 10-year-old child presented with psychosocial concerns related to missing and malformed teeth. Clinical examination revealed oligodontia, conical anterior teeth, and a resorbed mandibular ridge. Based on clinical findings and a positive family history, a diagnosis of HED with significant dental involvement was confirmed. Results: A conservative prosthodontic approach was selected. A maxillary overdenture was fabricated over the retained primary teeth to enhance retention and preserve the alveolar bone, and a resin-bonded bridge was placed in the mandible due to poor ridge anatomy. The treatment restored oral function and esthetics and improved the child’s self-esteem. A recall visit after three months confirmed good prosthesis adaptation and a positive response from the patient and parents. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of early, conservative, and developmentally appropriate prosthetic rehabilitation in pediatric patients with HED. Interim prostheses can significantly improve oral function, appearance, and psychosocial well-being while preserving future treatment options as the child matures. Full article

Precocious puberty, defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 in girls, presents a diagnostic challenge in distinguishing between normal variants and pathological conditions requiring intervention. Central precocious puberty (CPP) results from early activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, whereas peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) arises from excess sex steroid production independent of gonadotropins. Benign variants, including premature thelarche and premature adrenarche, require careful differentiation to prevent unnecessary treatment. This review explores the physiological mechanisms governing puberty, the epidemiological trends influencing its early onset, and the genetic and environmental factors contributing to its variability in female children. A structured diagnostic approach incorporating clinical evaluation, hormone assessments, imaging studies, and genetic insights is discussed. Management strategies vary depending on the etiology, with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs recommended for CPP and targeted therapies for PPP. In contrast, benign variants often necessitate observation and periodic follow-up. Given the increasing prevalence of early puberty, further research is essential to refine diagnostic thresholds and optimize treatment protocols. Early and accurate identification of precocious puberty ensures appropriate intervention, mitigating potential risks associated with early maturation, including compromised adult height and psychosocial challenges. Full article

As an appendage of the skin, hair protects against ultraviolet radiation and mechanical damage and regulates body temperature. It also reflects an individual’s health status and serves as an important method of expressing personality. Hair loss and graying are significant psychosocial burdens for many people. Hair is produced from hair follicles, which are exclusively controlled by the dermal papilla (DP) at their base. The dermal papilla cells (DPCs) comprise a cluster of specialized mesenchymal cells that induce the formation of hair follicles during early embryonic development through interaction with epithelial precursor cells. They continue to regulate the growth cycle, color, size, and type of hair after the hair follicle matures by secreting various factors. DPCs possess stem cell characteristics and can be cultured and expanded in vitro. DPCs express numerous stemness-related factors, enabling them to be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using only two, or even one, Yamanaka factor. DPCs are an important source of skin-derived precursors (SKPs). When combined with epithelial stem cells, they can reconstitute skin and hair follicles, participating in the regeneration of the dermis, including the DP and dermal sheath. When implanted between the epidermis and dermis, DPCs can induce the formation of new hair follicles on hairless skin. Subcutaneous injection of DPCs and their exosomes can promote hair growth. This review summarizes the in vivo functions of the DP; highlights the potential of DPCs in cell therapy, particularly for the treatment of hair loss; and discusses the challenges and recent advances in the field, from basic research to translational applications. Full article

Background: The development of motor competence (MC) during childhood is crucial for future physical activity and health outcomes, and it is affected by both biological and psychosocial factors. Most MC research has focused on children’s age, with fewer studies examining separate associations between MC and biological maturation. Methods: This cross-sectional study used network analysis to assess the nonlinear associations between biological maturation (the child’s percentage of predicted mature stature to indicate somatic maturation), chronological age, sex, BMI, and MC (Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition) in 218 children (100 boys, 118 girls) aged 7–9 years. Results: Biological maturation was not significantly associated with MC in boys and weakly associated with MC in girls for the dribble, under-hand throw, and gallop. Age was positively associated with MC in girls and boys. Centrality measures indicated that the gallop and slide in girls and the dribble, catch, and run in boys were the most important network variables. Positive associations were observed between maturation and BMI for girls (r = 0.579) and, to a lesser degree, for boys (r = 0.267). Conclusions: The findings suggest that age, rather than biological maturation, is positively associated with MC in 7- to 9-year-olds. Centrality measures showed that some skills may influence other skills. Full article

Chromosome 17q12 deletion syndrome (OMIM #614527) is a rare genetic disorder associated with a heterozygous 1.4–1.5 Mb deletion at chromosome 17q12, leading to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, including kidney abnormalities, neurodevelopmental delay, maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY5), and Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. We present the case of a 14-year-old Korean female diagnosed with chromosome 17q12 deletion syndrome, confirmed by chromosomal microarray analysis. The patient exhibited MODY5 with pancreatic agenesis, MRKH syndrome, dysmorphic facial features, developmental delay, kidney rotation anomaly, portal vein thrombosis with liver hypoplasia, short stature, and scoliosis. Management involved the initiation of multiple daily insulin injections for diabetes control, gynecological evaluation for MRKH syndrome, and multidisciplinary care for associated complications. This case highlights the complexity and varied organ involvement in chromosome 17q12 deletion syndrome. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach is crucial for the management of affected individuals, including regular monitoring, tailored interventions across various medical specialties, and providing psychosocial support. Full article

The aim of the present study is to explore the relationships between cognitive–behavioral patterns of perfectionism in the context of competitive sport and both prosociality and aggressiveness in a sample of adolescents competing in federated sports. A cross-sectional and non-randomized study was designed using a selective methodology on a sample of adolescents (N = 234) competing in federated sports. Scales to assess aggressiveness, perfectionism, prosocial behavior, and competitiveness were administrated. The results show that as age increases, prosocial behaviors increase and aggressive behaviors and competitiveness decrease, while there was no one significant perfectionist tendency. Competitiveness showed a direct relationship with aggressive (positive) and prosocial behaviors (negative). Self-oriented perfectionistic behavior showed a direct and significant relationship with prosocial behaviors, but no significant relationship with aggressive responses. As P-SP and P-OD tendencies increased, significantly smaller links were shown with prosocial behaviors, but greater links were shown with aggressive behaviors. A path (mediation) model showed a positive and predictive relationship with aggressive behaviors and a negative relationship with prosocial altruistic behaviors. The negative influence of criticism from significant figures in their environment and unrealistic expectations about their performance are relevant to difficulties in self-regulating social relationships in adolescents. Hence, it is a challenge to promote prosocial resources (as a protective value for aggressive behaviors) in the face of the early angst of young athletes, who put their maturity to the test under conditions of high pressure and demands. The present study continues to reinforce the line drawn on perfectionism and prosocial development in young people in sports contexts where young people, measured early on according to their performance, can accentuate and deepen competitive tendencies that alter their adaptive and self-regulatory capacities, as well as their psychosocial projection. Full article

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a chronic disease with multiple clinical presentations, depending on the subtype. It is characterized by the structural fragility of skin and tissues which results in lesions. Its low prevalence contributes to the lack of knowledge of the disease by the general population and the health sector. The disorder’s heterogeneity adds challenges in describing psycho-social affectations. Therefore, our current international project searches for reference models for children and young people with EB, as well as the elaboration of a guidebook with different life stories for them to learn about skills and strategies proven to help to achieve personal/professional success despite the EB condition. In the present work, a qualitative and phenomenological interview with Karen Puga, an expert adult patient with dystrophic EB from Mexico, explored several social dimensions/ages affected in EB and their impact on self-esteem. The semi-structured interview depicted several life events and experiences related to her psycho-social maturation that the patient identified as the most negative or positive. The most severe obstacles were experienced during childhood in the scholarly scenario. However, some of those classmates later became friendly adults, providing evidence of the temporality of some adverse life events and the relevance of maturation and resilience processes, both of herself and her counterparts. Her parents’ professional profiles (nurses) and the essential role of her sister were described as foundational for her well-being and self-esteem. Multidimensional understanding of affective relationships, sexuality, and positive engagement in professional activities illustrated the development of positive dimensions of her adulthood despite the complexity of psycho-social factors in EB. Full article

Despite their undisputed potential, the uptake of collaborative robots remains below expectations. Collaborative robots (cobots) are used differently from conventional industrial robots. The current safety focus of collaborative workspaces is predominantly on the technological design; additional factors also need to be considered to cope with the emerging risks associated with complex systems. Cobot technologies are characterized by an inherent tradeoff between safety and efficiency. They introduce new, emergent risks to organizations and can create psychosocial impacts on workers. This leads to a confusing body of information and an apparent contradiction about cobot safety. Combined with a lack of safety knowledge, this impedes the introduction of cobots. A multi-step methodology was used, including a literature review and conceptual modeling. This article argues for the need for a system-wide safety awareness readiness assessment in the consideration phase of cobot implementation to alleviate the knowledge deficit and confusion. This work will benefit both researchers and practitioners. In addition, it defends the appropriateness of a maturity grid model for a readiness assessment tool. The building blocks for an easy-to-use and practically applicable tool are proposed, as well as an agenda for the next steps. Full article

Pediatric spina bifida (SB) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are unfortunately common in our society, and their unique findings and comorbidities warrant special consideration. This manuscript will discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and management strategies for children growing and developing with these unique neuromuscular disorders. Growth and development of the maturing child places them at high risk of spinal cord tethering, syringomyelia, ascending paralysis, pressure injuries, and orthopedic abnormalities that must be addressed frequently and judiciously. Similarly, proper neurogenic bladder and neurogenic bowel management is essential not just for medical safety, but also for optimal psychosocial integration into the child’s expanding social circle. Full article

More children with rare diseases survive into adulthood. The transition period to adult healthcare presents many challenges for pediatric rare diseases. Few adolescents or their families receive any transitional support for the transition to adult healthcare or for their maturing psychosocial needs. Understanding the challenges in the transition process is critical to ensure that interventions designed to improve the transition are holistic and meet the needs of the youth and their families. Few transition programs are in place to meet the needs of those youth with rare diseases who cannot participate in medical decision making or who live independently because of severe disabilities and comorbidities. We searched the literature on preparation and outcomes for youth living with rare diseases in PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo, excluding publications before 2010. The results revealed seven studies specific to rare diseases, special needs, or chronic conditions. Next, we discussed transition with experts in the field, GotTransition.org, and citation chaining, yielding a total of 14 sources. The barriers and challenges to transition were identified. Articles discussing solutions and interventions for transition in medically complex children were categorized care coordination or transition readiness. A large portion of children with rare disease are underserved and experience health disparities in transition. Full article

In analyzing the theoretical literature on managerial growth in the context of organizational change, an absence of research has been observed, especially that which comprehensively analyzes growth prospects and opportunities at the micro (individual), meso (group), and macro (organizational) levels, which considers organizational, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Therefore, one of the outstanding problems of this research was to select the relevant scientific literature to synthesize the theory and create a conceptual theoretical model based on it. The aim of this paper is to explore the context and preconditions for managerial growth during an organizational change at different levels and aspects of organizations. Therefore, six theoretical approaches from the fields of management, psychology, and education were chosen (Hiatt, Kotter, Kübler-Ross, Goleman, Mezirow, and Marcia). Conclusions provide insights into the context, aims, and directions of managerial growth within organizational change. First, the context of organizational change is understood as an educational environment that creates incentives for managerial growth at the macro, meso, and micro levels and encompasses the development of personal and professional skills and the conscious evolution of inner perceptions related to work. Second, managerial growth in the context of organizational change is targeted toward three objectives at the organizational, group, and individual levels: productivity, connection, and self-realization. Third, managerial growth in the context of organizational change is directed toward three dimensions: (1) the strategic-operational dimension overlaps with the development of leadership skills to ensure successful change implementation in the organization; (2) the social-emotional dimension overlaps with the development of psychosocial skills, enabling coping with challenges through relationships and an emotionally supportive workplace environment; and (3) the perceptual-spiritual dimension overlaps with the development of personal maturity and professional motivation, disclosing authentic performance during organizational change. These findings become a framework for further research but also provide practical guidelines for managers, HR specialists, and organizational leaders. Full article