Search Results (264)

This study investigates the relative impact of utilizing various forms of work flexibility on mothers’ retention in full-time jobs. Drawing from a model of work reentry for new mothers and Human Ecology Theory (HET), we theorize that mothers’ flexibility needs influence retention through flexibility use and that top management support strengthens this process. Using a cross-sectional Qualtrics online survey, we recruited a diverse sample of 213 women across the United States who stayed with or left their full-time jobs after childbirth or adoption. Using relative weights and path analysis, we compared six forms of flexibility. Schedule, career, and leave flexibility emerged as stronger predictors of retention than other forms of flexibility, with schedule flexibility explaining the largest proportion of variance. For most flexibility types, the need for flexibility increased usage, which, in turn, raised the likelihood of staying in a full-time position. Strong top management work–life support further strengthened the relationship between need and use for certain forms of flexibility. We extend the work reentry framework beyond early motherhood by including mothers in later career and parenting stages. Our results also extend HET by demonstrating that top management support is a critical environmental factor influencing whether flexibility need translates into actual use by working mothers. This suggests that working mothers use flexibility to shape their work environment to meet personal needs, and top management support signals that the use of flexibility effectively addresses these needs. From a practical standpoint, organizations can use these insights to design flexibility policies that more effectively support working mothers in their full-time jobs. Full article

Executive functions (EFs) are key cognitive processes for behaviour. However, there is little information about interaction with the dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), therefore the objective of this study was to analyse the association between lifestyle habits (physical activity and screen time), sleep, HRQoL and EFs in children and adolescents. Specifically, this study aimed to identify the extent to which perceived well-being dimensions are associated with EFs and to determine the potential mediating role of HRQoL in the relationships between lifestyle habits and these cognitive domains, examining whether these direct and indirect pathways remain robust after adjusting for gender and age. A total of 943 children and adolescents (51.3% female) aged 10–17 years participated. Lifestyle parameters (PA Krece Plus, sleep duration and KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire) and EFs (CogniFit neurocognitive assessment battery) were evaluated. The analysis of the individual KIDSCREEN-10 items revealed that perception of school performance presented the most consistent association with EFs, being positively related to attention (b = 16.39, p = 0.018), cognitive flexibility (b = 30.65, p = 0.005), inhibition (b = 24.66, p = 0.022), and working Memory (b = 42.33, p < 0.001). Furthermore, parental fairness reported a significant association for three out of four domains: attention (b = 13.89, p = 0.006), flexibility (b = 22.93, p = 0.003), and working Memory (b = 25.42, p < 0.001). Having enough time for self was also significantly related to attention performance (b = 12.60, p = 0.026). Regarding lifestyle habits, the composite lifestyle index (PA + ST) showed the most consistent positive association across all cognitive domains, while sleep duration was inversely associated with attention, cognitive flexibility, and working Memory. The mediation analysis revealed that global HRQoL significantly mediated the relationship between lifestyle habits and executive functions, accounting for 9.55% of the total effect on attention, 5.45% on cognitive flexibility, and 4.14% on working memory, whereas no mediation was observed for inhibition. In conclusion personal time, parental fairness, and school adjustment were positively associated with EFs. HRQoL and physical activity levels also showed consistent links with all EFs, whereas sleep duration was inversely related. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that global HRQoL acts as a critical indirect pathway, explaining a significant proportion of the lifestyle habits’ total effect on attention, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Overall, these findings highlight the multifactorial and interrelated mechanisms shaping executive functioning in children and adolescents. Full article

We aimed to explore the personal and functional factors influencing the disaster or emergency coping abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. To this end, this study analyzed relationships among personal factors (such as sex, age, presence of comorbid disabilities, and educational level) and functional factors (such as cognitive level and communication difficulties) using data from the disaster or emergency coping ability survey included in the 2024 Panel Survey on Work and Life of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. In total, 1952 caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities responded to the survey. The analysis revealed that the level of disaster or emergency coping skills among individuals with intellectual disabilities was low. Sex, educational level, and cognitive and communication difficulties were identified as significant factors related to coping skills. Educational level was found to specifically influence the ability to evacuate oneself, a subdomain of disaster and emergency coping skills. The findings of this study suggest that systematic education and support, considering individual cognitive and communication characteristics, are necessary to improve the disaster or emergency coping abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Full article

A neighborhood’s built environment can challenge the mobility of older mobility-challenged adults (due to knee osteoarthritis and falls), reducing their participation and quality of life. The Built Environment in Falls and arthrITis (BE-FIT) study aims to understand the neighborhood influence on the mobility, participation, and psychosocial health of older adults with knee osteoarthritis and/or falls. BE-FIT comprises four work packages (WPs). WP1 quantitatively explores relationships among environmental-, social-, and person-related factors and participation outcomes of its intended population. WP2 employs qualitative methods to comprehend the relationships among WP1’s variables. Via a combination of wearable sensor technology and qualitative geospatial methods, WP3 aims to characterize its population’s movement behavior, mobility, functional activity of daily living, and lived experiences of residing in a mature neighborhood. Finally, WP4 engages crucial stakeholders to co-develop evidence-based recommendations to inform public health, urban planning, and aging policies and implementation. BE-FIT could benefit societies with rising incidence of knee osteoarthritis and falls by improving neighborhoods and lives of older mobility-challenged residents. Full article

This article explores the key pillars of the spirituality in Fr. Lebret’s work, which is far less well known than his ethical writings. To achieve this aim, the author’s ethical, socio-economic, and spiritual works; some of his unpublished writings; and existing bibliographical references of his work were examined. This article develops a conceptual biography that shows the extent to which his entire intellectual work had its origins in the suffering and questions of the people with whom Fr. Lebret became involved along his journey. Fr. Lebret was never a theorist of theology but rather of the practice of faith. Both his ethical and spiritual concepts and syntheses can be fully understood only when illuminated in the light of the concrete reality of each moment that he sought to transform. Moreover, the originality of Lebret’s spiritual thought lies less in his specific conceptual keys (divine mercy as a gift of vulnerability, the human person created in the image of God, solidarity as a political act of mercy, and resilient hope in the face of the difficulties of building the Kingdom of God) and more in the relationships between these and his essential ethical concepts, which are both the source and the goal of the believer’s life. One contribution of this article is the elucidation of this relationship between ethics and spirituality, in which Fr. Lebret takes the contemplata aliiis tradere of his Dominican tradition a step further. Indeed, he regards it as a circular rather than a linear relationship, in which the ethical commitment to suffering reality is not the ultimate end of contemplation but a spiritual act that is a continuation of the Eucharist. In addition, the latter is not only the source but also the goal of God’s mercy, which is verified as authentic only in acts of self-surrender and self-giving for the sake of one’s brothers and sisters. Finally, he highlights something that has not been sufficiently emphasised in the literature to date, namely the power of his spirituality to illuminate the path in the face of our own contemporary vulnerabilities. Without undertaking a systematic study of the generative digital revolution, some authors have already noted that, while not denying its many positive consequences, it does not seem to foster contemplation; spiritual growth; or, consequently, critical awareness, purpose, and meaning in contemporary life. Fr. Lebret’s spirituality, which is demonstrated by the repeated references to his spiritual works, not only shares the transformative intention of his entire body of work but also is considered by the author himself to be the very heart of that civilisation of solidarity that will make such a change possible. It is a spirituality which, through its four pillars, is intrinsically gratuitous, relational, committed to suffering, and intrinsically hopeful. Moreover, it is a spirituality of hope because it does not forget that it is in human vulnerability that the infinite power of God’s mercy is manifested in a privileged manner. Full article

The reorganization of academic work following the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified debate regarding the effects of work modality on faculty well-being, particularly in Latin American contexts characterized by structural inequalities and digital divides. This study examines the influence of work modality on the integrated well-being of university faculty in Peru. A quantitative, non-experimental explanatory design was employed with a sample of 448 faculty members from public and private universities. Occupational well-being and quality of life were assessed using validated instruments and subsequently integrated into a higher-order construct due to the absence of discriminant validity. Structural relationships were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with bootstrapping (5000 resamples). The results indicate that work modality significantly predicts integrated well-being (β = 0.823; p < 0.001), although the model explains a limited proportion of variance (R² = 0.168). Comparative analysis revealed that faculty in in-person modality report significantly higher levels of well-being and quality of life than those in virtual modality. These findings suggest that work modality operates as a structural condition shaping faculty well-being and highlight the need for institutional policies that promote balanced and human-centered work designs in higher education. Full article

Job satisfaction (JS) is a key indicator in health-related professions. This variable can be crucial to the performance of healthcare workers as well as to patients’ perception of the care provided. However, JS can be influenced by personal and organizational variables and the variables that interface between these two domains, such as work–family conflict (WFC), organizational support, and work–family support programs. In this sense, the main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between family-friendly practices (FFPs) made available by organizations and used by workers, WFC, and JS. To this end, the present study uses mixed data (quantitative and qualitative) obtained from healthcare workers in Portugal. A total of 1495 workers participated in the study. The results indicate that the number of FFPs made available and used by healthcare workers is very small. There is a negative relationship between FFP availability and WFC as well as between WFC and JS. Conversely, FFP availability is positively associated with JS. Finally, FFP availability partially mediates the relationship between WFC and JS. Qualitative data support the importance of practices that help reconcile work and family life, which may have an impact on occupational indicators such as JS. Full article

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) significantly impacts people’s comfort, health, and productivity in buildings, and modern green rating systems are primarily focused on energy efficiency rather than the direct user experience. This paper analyses the relationship between IEQ and the perceived quality of life (QoL) of certified and conventional office buildings in Malaysia using a mixed-methods design. The questionnaires were completed by 162 employees working in four open-plan offices: two were certified under the Green Building Index (GBI) established in Malaysia, and two were traditional. This was supplemented by 14 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus groups. The factors of IEQ were divided into ambient, designed, and behavioral environments. It was statistically determined that behavioral factors, such as visual privacy, personalization, ergonomics, and control, exhibited the strongest correlations with overall QoL, compared to ambient factors such as air quality or thermal comfort. Green buildings performed better in terms of daylighting and esthetics than conventional buildings, though they did not always deliver higher occupant satisfaction. The results indicate that current green certification frameworks pay insufficient attention to occupant-centered aspects. The proposed research adds a validated IEQ-QoL framework that predicts the incorporation of subjective user experience into building performance indicators, which can be important for certification reform, post-occupancy evaluation (POE), and human-centered sustainable design approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burnout among academic health professionals affects well-being and performance of critical responsibilities—clinical, research, administrative, and teaching. Despite growing attention, study limitations hinder understanding the mechanisms of burnout among health professionals fully. This study identifies individual and institutional factors associated with faculty burnout at a U.S. academic cancer center. Methods: From 2019 to 2021, all faculty at a large research hospital, regardless of rank, were invited to complete employee surveys, which assessed institutional support, work–life balance, and job demands. Burnout in 2021 served as the primary outcome, measured using a validated single-item scale with five response options: 1–2 were classified as “not burned out” and 3–5 as “burned out.” Using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, a flexible, non-parametric approach that does not require distributional assumptions of the outcome variable and is well-suited for handling complex, non-linear relationships and interactions among multiple predictors, we explored without a priori hypotheses factors contributing to burnout status in 2021, using prior burnout experience and institutional factors assessed in both years as predictors. Results: This cross-sectional analysis revealed both report of burnout in 2019 and perceptions of low institutional inclusion linked to burnout in 2021, while higher report of job accomplishment and of empowerment was associated with lower burnout in 2021. Past burnout did not doom faculty to future burnout when they felt a strong sense of institutional inclusion and support in adapting to institutional change, indicating that burnout can be mitigated, even after a pandemic. Conclusions: Patterns of burnout were related to faculty engagement with the institution and leadership and their perceptions of work–life quality and control over their work, revealing opportunities for intervention. Strengthening support systems, promoting strategies for managing professional and personal demands better, and optimizing workloads may mitigate risk for faculty in academic health centers. Full article

Purpose of Review—sleep disturbance is the main complaint associated with patients who suffer acute postoperative pain. Sleep disturbance may also increase the pain sensitivity and contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain. The pathophysiology of pain is complex; management of perioperative pain and preventing chronic pain are challenges in clinical. Use of opioids for pain management are still a therapeutic mainstay and generally safe when taken, in a short time, for severe postoperative pain relief. For long-term use tolerance may be developed, and for their euphoric property, addiction, overdose incidents, and even death may be the social problems. Therefore, the opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia (MMA) for pain management is recommended in current postoperative pain management. The successful MMA for pain management will enhance patient recovery after surgery with less chronic CPSP and long-term opioid use disorder (OUD). The present review discusses all currently used analgesics actions and interactions, and opioid-sparing or opioid-free analgesia in perioperative pain management. Acute pain following major trauma or surgery may originate from both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms. Approximately 10–50% of surgical patients develop chronic postoperative pain, which not only causes persistent discomfort but also leads to functional limitations and psychological distress. Growing evidence highlights a close and bidirectional relationship between sleep and pain: pain disrupts sleep architecture, while sleep deprivation intensifies pain sensitivity and impairs recovery. This reciprocal interaction forms a vicious cycle that poses challenges for effective pain management. Melatonin—a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland—plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythm and sleep–wake cycles. Beyond its chronobiotic action, melatonin exhibits anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and opioid-sparing properties. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated that exogenous melatonin can attenuate nociceptive responses to noxious stimuli and enhance morphine analgesia while attenuating morphine tolerance. Moreover, environmental light manipulation preserving the circadian rhythm has been shown to synergistically maintain melatonin secretion, improve sleep quality, and modulate neuroimmune responses involved in pain regulation. Together, these findings suggest that circadian alignment and melatonin supplementation may represent a promising integrative approach for improving both pain control and sleep health in perioperative and chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain patients frequently experience opioid tolerance during long-term therapy, resulting in diminished analgesic efficacy and a need for escalating doses. Our recent work revealed that constant light exposure suppresses endogenous melatonin, heightens pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), reduces IL-10, and accelerates morphine tolerance in a neuropathic pain model. In contrast, maintaining circadian light–dark cycles or supplementing melatonin preserves melatonin rhythm, reduces glial activation, and sustains morphine antinociception. Melatonin’s co-administration not only attenuates morphine tolerance but also enhances morphine efficacy through the modulation of inflammatory and glial pathways. These findings underscore melatonin’s multifaceted role as both a chronotherapeutic and neuroprotective agent, integrating circadian regulation with pain modulation. Clinically, the application of melatonin or circadian-aligned strategies could guide personalized pain and sleep management, offering safer and more effective multimodal analgesic protocols with reduced opioid dependence and improved quality of life. Full article

PACS1 Syndrome is an ultra-rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, behavioral disturbances, and multisystem involvement. While clinical knowledge is growing, its impact on quality of life (QoL) has not been systematically evaluated, and it is critical to understand the lived experience and psychosocial well-being of these individuals beyond strictly medical outcomes. This study aimed to assess QoL in individuals aged 4–21 years with PACS1 Syndrome using the validated KidsLife scale, proxy-reported by primary caregivers, given the intellectual disabilities and communicative limitations of this population. Twenty-one participants from Spain and other countries were recruited through the Spanish PACS1 Association, and 39 questionnaires from mothers and fathers were analyzed. The KidsLife scale provides standardized scores across eight QoL domains and a global QoL index (QoLI). The mean QoLI was 48.1 ± 28.3, slightly below the median for individuals with intellectual disability, but higher than other neurodevelopmental disorders such as Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. The findings revealed a pattern: while domains related to social inclusion, rights, and physical and material well-being were relatively preserved, reflecting adequate care and access to resources, the most significant compromises were observed in autonomy-related domains, specifically self-determination, interpersonal relationships, and personal development. Most individuals showed a high degree of dependency, and those with greater dependency exhibited lower QoL scores. This situation led more than half of families to reduce their working hours, with caregiving responsibilities disproportionately falling on mothers. Although no statistically significant differences were found between parental ratings, mothers tended to report higher QoL. These findings reflect the substantial functional impact of PACS1 Syndrome and emphasize the need for multidisciplinary support to improve autonomy, social participation, and overall well-being. Full article

This study investigated the intricate relationship between sociodemographic factors and mental health indicators among a cohort of pregnant adolescents. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 338 primigravidas, aged 11–19 years, systematically collecting sociodemographic data, including age, socioeconomic status, schooling, occupation, marital status, and family structure. Mental health was assessed using validated scales for depressive symptoms (EPDS), state–trait anxiety inventory (STAI), self-esteem (Coopersmith), and perceived stress (PSS-4). A substantial portion of the cohort presented with significant mental health challenges: 33.5% screened positive for depressive symptoms, 18% for state anxiety, 23% for trait anxiety, 67% reported low self-esteem, and 52% experienced high perceived stress. Specifically, working adolescents exhibited markedly higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR 3.516), low self-esteem (OR 1.091), elevated state anxiety (OR 2.803), and increased trait anxiety (OR 2.455). Adolescents living with a partner also showed a greater likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms (OR 1.921), heightened state anxiety (OR 1.772), and increased trait anxiety (OR 2.335). Additionally, lower educational attainment (OR 1.885) and residing in extended family structures (OR 1.894) were associated with diminished self-esteem. These findings underscore the significant influence of occupation, family structure, and marital status on the mental health trajectories of pregnant adolescents. Consequently, promoting educational continuity and fostering greater autonomy in personal life decisions for adolescents could be crucial interventions to improve their emotional well-being during pregnancy. Full article

Camille Rosalie Claudel was one of the most important and creative sculptresses of 19th- and 20th-century France. Her life and work were strongly influenced by her love affair with Auguste Rodin, a famous sculptor of the time. The relationship ended, and Claudel was later taken to a psychiatric clinic by her family, where she spent the last 30 years of her life. Many individuals have written about this love affair and its effect on Claudel; however, to date, her life has not been analysed or interpreted in terms of attachment theories, intimacy, and love. Therefore, this article explores attachment and attachment style in the context of intimacy and love in Claudel’s life. The research methodology used in this research is psychobiography; the research paradigm is hermeneutic–interpretivist while Camille Rosalie Claudel is chosen purposefully as a subject of research. Findings show that the development of love, intimacy, and attachment throughout Claudel’s lifetime was complex and strongly affected many aspects of her life, such as her relationship with her parents and siblings, her romantic love relationship with Rodin, her work, her art, and her personal development. Conclusions are drawn, and recommendations are given. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary health care (PHC) is the cornerstone of any high-quality healthcare system. For PHC to work well, healthcare professionals need to be skilled in critical thinking, self-reflection, and patient-centered care. However, few studies have explored the potential interplays between these factors. Therefore, this cross-sectional study evaluated the critical thinking disposition and training needs of PHC professionals, alongside patient experiences and satisfaction with PHC services. Methods: The study involved 54 PHC professionals and 100 patients from sixteen PHC facilities in Crete, Greece. Professionals completed the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale (CTDS) and Training Needs Assessment (TNA) questionnaires, while patients filled out the Quality-of-Life Instrument of Chronic Conditions in Primary Health Care (QUALICOPC) questionnaire. Results: Our findings indicated that PHC professionals exhibited high critical thinking levels (CTDS, mean score of 46.46 ± 4.24). However, TNA scores suggested moderate training needs, particularly in relationships/investigations [median: 0.50 (0, 1.50)], communication/patient-centered [median: 0.30 (0, 1.1)], and flexibility and application of knowledge [median: 0.40 (0, 1.0)]. Nevertheless, no significant correlation was found between CTDS and TNA (ρ = 0.08, p > 0.05). Patients mostly rated their health as poor (40%), and 26% lacked a family physician. Although patients were highly satisfied with communication and patient-centered care (>95% reporting positive experiences), continuity and empowerment had room for improvement. Only 37% felt their GP knew their living conditions, and 26% lacked a personal physician. Patients with chronic conditions reported significantly different experiences. Specifically, patients with chronic conditions had better continuity of care (84% vs. 59%, p = 0.01) and more comprehensive care (70% vs. 43%, p = 0.01) compared to controls. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that targeted training is needed for PHC professionals to address skill gaps. These initial findings could guide the creation of customized professional development initiatives and point to areas where PHC services could be structurally improved. Additional studies, including longitudinal ones, are required to further validate these associations. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition that impairs quality of life, functionality, and work productivity. While most acute episodes of back pain resolve, 4–25% become chronic due to factors such as high pain intensity, psychological distress, and maladaptive behaviors. Nonspecific CLBP is best understood through the biopsychosocial model, encompassing biological, psychological, and social influences, including kinesiophobia. Management relies on physical activity, pain education, and psychological interventions, with therapist knowledge and attitudes affecting outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CLBP among healthcare workers, examine their knowledge of pain neurophysiology, evaluate kinesiophobia, and explore how personal experience with CLBP influences their beliefs, attitudes, and interactions with patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January to May 2025 among healthcare professionals. A total of 50 participants completed an online questionnaire, of which 42 were valid and included in the analysis. The questionnaire collected demographic and professional data, determined the presence of CLBP, and included three standardized instruments: the Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (rNPQ) to assess knowledge of pain mechanisms, the Health Care Providers’ Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) to evaluate beliefs about pain and disability, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) to measure fear of movement. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Results: Among the 42 participants, 11 demonstrated low, 28 moderate, and 3 high knowledge of pain neurophysiology (rNPQ), with a mean score of 5.66. On the HC-PAIRS, the majority (30 participants) scored above 60, indicating beliefs that pain leads to disability, while 12 scored below 60, reflecting a biopsychosocial perspective; gender did not significantly affect HC-PAIRS scores (p = 0.213). As for kinesiophobia (TSK-11), 24 participants had low, 17 moderate, and 1 clinically significant fear of movement. Correlation analysis revealed that younger participants had higher rNPQ scores (r = −0.358, p = 0.020) and lower TSK-11 scores (r = −0.389, p = 0.011). TSK-11 scores increased with age (r = 0.432, p = 0.004), while HC-PAIRS scores showed no significant correlations. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists, show gaps in knowledge of pain neurophysiology and a tendency toward biomedical beliefs regarding chronic low back pain. This cross-sectional study indicates that a greater understanding of pain mechanisms is associated with lower kinesiophobia, emphasizing the importance of education. Integrating the biopsychosocial model into undergraduate and continuing professional training, through interdisciplinary and practical modules, may improve knowledge, reduce maladaptive fear-avoidance behaviors, and enhance patient care. Future studies should include larger, more diverse samples and assess the long-term impact of educational interventions on clinical practice. Full article