Showing papers in "Current Psychology in 2020"

Exploring the associations between resilience, dispositional hope, preventive behaviours, subjective well-being, and psychological health among adults during early stage of COVID-19.

Abstract: During the pandemic, people may experience various mental health problems. Psychological strengths may help them to cope with emerging challenges and foster mental health and well-being. This study examined the associations between resilience, dispositional hope, preventive behaviours, subjective well-being, and psychological health among adults during early stage of COVID-19. A total of 220 participants from general public participated this study completing a battery of measures (134 men [M age = 42.36 years, SD = 8.99, range = 18 to 60] and 86 women [M age = 36.73 years, SD = 7.44, range = 18 to 51]). This cross-section study indicated that resilience mediated the relationship between hope and psychological health and subjective well-being. Results also showed that hope, and resilience had significant direct effects on psychological health, and subjective well-being while preventive behaviours did not manifest a significant effect on these two variables except on resilience. Preventive behaviours mediated the relationship between hope and resilience. The results suggest that we should more pay attention to hope and resilience for the development and improvement of well-being and psychological health during the times of crisis.

Online photovoice to explore and advocate for Muslim biopsychosocial spiritual wellbeing and issues: Ecological systems theory and ally development

Abstract: We aimed to examine the biopsychosocial spiritual strengths and concerns of college affiliated Muslims living in the southeast U.S. through an online photovoice study to enhance their biopsychosocial spiritual wellbeing. Muslims in the U.S., including those living in the southeast, face many issues (physical attacks, discrimination); yet, they are underserved and understudied. To conduct this study in a culturally and contextually appropriate way, we tailored photovoice to collect data online, modified interpretative phenomenological analysis to analyze data, and utilized ecological systems theory and ally theory as our theoretical framework. A total of 131 Muslims participated, of which 118 (80 men and 38 women) completed the participation. The results revealed eight distinct strength and nine concern clusters. The two most reported strengths were having a supportive community (n = 57) and prayer in Islam (n = 43). The two most reported concerns were lack of prayer facilities (n = 54) and lack of support (n = 32). Following the analysis, a photovoice exhibit and a community dinner were held, where the results were shared with the participants, allies (organizations, departments, chaplain, university), and key people such as administrators, the Muslim community, and others interested. The most important issues were addressed through advocacy, and the connection between Muslims and allies seemed to increase. This study has practical implications. Mental and public health professionals as providers, researchers, and educators must focus on the primary clusters to address Muslims’ biopsychosocial spiritual issues and wellbeing. The professionals can utilize the online photovoice to understand and serve other people contextually in more effective ways especially in the face of disasters (e.g., conflicts, wars, epidemics, pandemics, hurricanes) when it is much more convenient to participate online.

Psychological correlates of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and preventive measures: Evidence from Turkey.

Abstract: COVID-19 pandemic has led to popular conspiracy theories regarding its origins and widespread concern over the level of compliance with preventive measures In the current preregistered research, we recruited 1088 Turkish participants and investigated (a) individual differences associated with COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs; (2) whether such conspiracy beliefs are related to the level of preventive measures; and (3) other individual differences that might be related to the preventive measures Higher faith in intuition, uncertainty avoidance, impulsivity, generic conspiracy beliefs, religiosity, and right-wing ideology, and a lower level of cognitive reflection were associated with a higher level of belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories There was no association between COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and preventive measures while perceived risk was positively and impulsivity negatively correlated with preventive measures We discuss the implications and directions for future research

Mental health in teachers: Relationships with job satisfaction, efficacy beliefs, burnout and depression

Abstract: Several studies showed that mental well-being varies based on employment status. A comprehensive assessment of well-being, covering both hedonic and eudaimonic aspects, has been considered essential to capture an individual’s positive mental health. Aims: Based on the classification proposed in the Mental Health Continuum model by Keyes (2005), aims were to estimate teachers’ prevalence of mental health, and to examine the associations between mental health and, respectively, burnout, depression, teacher self-efficacy, teacher collective efficacy and job satisfaction, taking into account the job status. 285 high school teachers completed a self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational analyses. Findings showed that 38.7% of participants were flourishing, 53.2% were moderately mentally healthy, and 8.2% were languishing. The flourishing group reported lower prevalence of depression and burnout, and higher levels of job satisfaction and efficacy beliefs than the other two groups. Significant differences between the permanent and temporary teachers emerged. Interventions to improve teachers’ well-being should take into account factors as teachers’ self-efficacy, collective efficacy, as well as teachers’ perception of job satisfaction, and the adverse impact that the condition of temporary teacher could have on work.

COVID-19 anxiety scale (CAS): Development and psychometric properties.

Abstract: The objective of the present research is to develop and validate the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS). We conducted three studies to gather evidence regarding content and construct validity, as well to evaluate the reliability of the measure. Study 1 is subdivided into two studies. In Study 1a, we analyze the content validity of the new measure through content expert analysis (N = 10 expert raters). In Study 1b (N = 30), we perform a pilot study with a sample from the target population. In Study 2 (N = 352), we explored the unifactorial structure of the measure, and analyzed its internal consistency verified. Finally, in Study 3 (N = 200), we assess the adequacy of the factor structure and gather evidence on convergent-discriminant validity and gender-scale invariance. In summary, our results demonstrate that CAS is a reliable and adequate instrument to assess COVID-19 related anxiety.

Anxiety, depression and PTSD among children and their parent during 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China.

Abstract: Home quarantine may lead to families developing a variety of psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological status of children and their parent during 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China. Data were collected from children (n = 1360) and their parent (n = 1360) in China using online survey during February 2020. Demographic information, media exposure, and psychological status including anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed using self-report measures. The results indicated that, for children, 1.84% experienced moderate anxiety, 2.22% experienced depression and 3.16% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD; for parent, 1.18%, 0.01% and 3.60% experienced moderate anxiety, severe depression, and moderate depression, respectively, and 3.53% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Moreover, excessive media exposure (β = −0.08 ~ 0.13, ps < 0.05) was a risk factor for anxiety and PTSD for children, a positive factor against anxiety and depression for parent. Being a mother (β = 0.07 ~ 0.21, ps < 0.01), being younger (β = −0.09 ~ −0.07, ps < 0.05), lower levels of educational attainment (β = −0.17 ~ −0.08, ps < 0.01) and family monthly income (β = −0.17 ~ −0.11, ps < 0.05) were risk factors for anxiety, depression and PTSD for parent. Findings suggested that children and their parent in non-severe area didn’t suffer major psychological distress during the outbreak. Factors associated with lower levels of mental health problems were identified to inform the use of psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable groups during the pandemic.

The interpretation of statistical power after the data have been gathered

Abstract: Post-hoc power estimates (power calculated for hypothesis tests after performing them) are sometimes requested by reviewers in an attempt to promote more rigorous designs. However, they should never be requested or reported because they have been shown to be logically invalid and practically misleading. We review the problems associated with post-hoc power, particularly the fact that the resulting calculated power is a monotone function of the p-value and therefore contains no additional helpful information. We then discuss some situations that seem at first to call for post-hoc power analysis, such as attempts to decide on the practical implications of a null finding, or attempts to determine whether the sample size of a secondary data analysis is adequate for a proposed analysis, and consider possible approaches to achieving these goals. We make recommendations for practice in situations in which clear recommendations can be made, and point out other situations where further methodological research and discussion are required.

Modeling of variables related to problematic internet usage and problematic social media usage in adolescents

Abstract: Depending on technological developments, the use of Internet and social media has become an important component of everyday life. This component showed perhaps its greatest effect on adolescents and their communication patterns. When the characteristics of adolescents’ developmental period and their developmental tasks are taken into account, it is noteworthy that they constitute a significant risk group in terms of problematic Internet use and problematic social media usage. In this framework, it is primarily necessary to examine adolescents’ problematic social media usage, since as said; they are seen as a risk group in terms of Internet usage. Secondly, problematic Internet usage behaviors need to be analyzed and their correlations with various variables need to be revealed. The objective of the present study is to examine the relationship between adolescents’ “problematic social media usage” and “duration of social media usage, social anxiety, self-regulation, academic procrastination, problematic Internet usage”. The study group consists of 451 adolescents, who are 8th grade middle school and 9th, 10th and 11th grade high school students. Relational screening model was used in this study. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Research results showed that there was a significant relationship between “problematic social media usage” and “social anxiety, self-regulation and academic procrastination”. However, neither the duration of social media usage nor the problematic use of the Internet showed a significant relationship with problematic social media usage. Research results were discussed within the context of “the effect of problematic social media usage on individuals themselves and their learning environments”. Suggestions were made accordingly.

Social media addiction and burnout: The mediating roles of envy and social media use anxiety

Abstract: Although prior studies have to some extent clarified the mechanism underlying the development of social media burnout, the present study contributes to the literature by showing how social media addiction contributes to this phenomenon Chinese university students (N = 519) completed self-report questionnaires on social media addiction, social media burnout, envy, and social media use anxiety The results showed that addiction, envy, and social media use anxiety were all significant predictors of burnout Moreover, envy and social media use anxiety mediated the relationship between social media addiction and burnout, both in parallel and as a pair in series Considering the negative effect of social media burnout such as depression, the findings may provide new path to understand the detrimental of excessive use of social media toward corresponding psychological outcomes

Systematic review of the differences between mothers and fathers in parenting styles and practices

Abstract: Parenting is a broad construct that comprises stable and durable attitudes and behaviors regarding child-rearing. Since mothers and fathers play different roles in the family, parenting styles and practices in childhood and adolescence may differ depending on the parents’ and adolescents’ gender. While gender differences in parenting are theoretically warranted, the research literature in this field is considerably limited and lacking conclusive information dealing with this question. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to aggregate and synthesize the available research studies containing significant findings on the differences between mothers and fathers in parenting styles and practices. For that purpose, we conducted a systematic search of the PsycInfo, Scopus, Eric, and Web of Science databases, covering literature published from 1990 to 2020. The search was restricted to peer-reviewed studies in English alone. Our findings reveal that mothers as compared to fathers are perceived as more accepting, responsive, and supportive, as well as more behaviorally controlling, demanding, and autonomy granting than fathers. Accordingly, in the studies comparing parents on the constructs of overall parenting styles, mothers were predominantly more authoritative than fathers, and fathers were mostly more authoritarian than mothers (based on both parent and descendant reports). These parental differences established by research from over 15 countries around the globe seem to apply similarly for male and female descendants, while principally not varying by their age.

Dark Triad traits and their structure: An empirical approach

Abstract: In the present research we investigated the structure of the Dark Triad of personality. On the basis of analyses performed on a broad spectrum of different items from different measures of traits usually included into the Dark Triad we provided support for the ideas that: (1) narcissism and the Dark Dyad are independent constructs; (2) it is possible to differentiate twelve meaningful dark facets in the pool of dark items from various measure of psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism; (3) these facets could be organized within a hierarchical structure, which suggests that Machiavellianism as it is currently measured is an aspect of psychopathy in a similar manner as exhibitionism is an aspect of narcissism; (4) distinguished facets are organized in a theoretically predictable pattern of relations with basic personality traits and values, just as narcissism and the Dark Dyad are related to personality metatraits and higher order values.

Misbehaving in the Corona crisis: The role of anxiety and unfounded beliefs

Abstract: The aim of our study was to explore psychological determinants of COVID-19 responsible behavior. We focused on trait anxiety and worry about the corona crisis, knowledge and unfounded beliefs about coronavirus and thinking dispositions (cognitive reflection, actively open-minded thinking, faith in intuition and science curiosity) that should drive knowledge and beliefs. Additionally, we tested the effectiveness of a one-shot intervention based on the "consider counter-arguments" debiasing technique in changing COVID-19 unfounded beliefs. We used a convenience sample of 1439 participants who filled in the questionnaire on-line. Comparison of latent means showed that the "consider counter-arguments" intervention did not affect unfounded beliefs. Structural equation model, conducted on 962 participants with data on all variables, indicated that greater worry and weaker endorsement of COVID-19 unfounded beliefs lead to more responsible COVID-19 behavior. The relationship of trait anxiety and thinking dispositions with the criterion was mediated through the worry about COVID-19 and unfounded beliefs about COVID-19, respectively.

Does employees’ spirituality enhance job performance? The mediating roles of intrinsic motivation and job crafting

Abstract: This study aims to examine how employees’ spirituality influences their job performance and its mediated link through intrinsic motivation and job crafting. Working with a sample of 306 employees in South Korea, the results indicate that employees’ spirituality is positively related to their intrinsic motivation, which in turn results in engagement in job crafting and hence is positively related to job performance. That is, the findings of this study show that the relationship between employees’ spirituality and their job performance are sequentially and fully mediated by intrinsic motivation and job crafting. This study advances understanding of the positive effect of employees’ spirituality on job performance by considering employees’ spirituality as a personal resource based upon the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model.

The development of a single item FoMO (Fear of Missing Out) scale

Abstract: The Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is the sense that others are having a rewarding experience which one is absent from. Given that it is associated with the drive to remain socially connected, research has predominantly focused on the link between FoMO and social networking use. While a 10-item measure of FoMO is widely used (FoMOs), a shorter scale may be preferable in some circumstances and would allow FoMO to be measured in more diverse contexts. Therefore, we aimed to validate a FoMO short-form (consisting of a single item: “Do you experience FoMO?”). In Studies 1 to 3, we measured the concurrent validity of the FoMOsf with the 10-item FoMOs (Pearson’s R correlation between the FoMOs and FoMOsf: Study 1 r = .735, r = .654; Study 2 r = .638; Study 3 r = .807). In Study 2, we measured the test-retest reliability of the FoMOsf (r = .717). In Study 2 and 3, we measured the construct validity of the FoMOsf by linking the FoMOsf to social networking use. The FoMOsf showed good concurrent validity, construct validity, and test-retest reliability and is adequate for use in research.

Active Social Network Sites Use and Loneliness: the Mediating Role of Social Support and Self-Esteem

Abstract: A growing body of research has documented the association between general social network sites use and loneliness, though results have not clarified whether social media increases or decreases loneliness. The relationships between specific social network sites use patterns and loneliness, as well as the mechanisms underlying this association, should be further examined. To address this issue, the current study investigated the mediating roles of social support and self-esteem between active social network sites use and loneliness. A sample of 390 undergraduate students (Mage = 19.39, SD = 0.95) anonymously completed the Active Social Network Sites Use Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Emotional and Social Loneliness Scale in their classrooms. Latent variables structural equation modeling analysis indicated that: (a) active social network sites use was negatively associated with loneliness; (b) social support and self-esteem could significantly mediate the relationship between active social network sites use and loneliness, which contained two mediating paths: the simple mediating effect of social support and the sequential mediating effects of social support and self-esteem. These results coincide with previous research and extend them by examining the effects of how individuals use social media. Our understanding of how social media use helps to reduce the feeling of loneliness, as well as the intervention programs that aim to reduce loneliness, may benefit from these findings.

Social support through online social networking sites and addiction among college students: The mediating roles of fear of missing out and problematic smartphone use

Abstract: Although prior research has found that receipt of social support through social networking sites is a significant predictor of Facebook addiction, the mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mediating roles of fear of missing out and problematic smartphone use in the relationship between these two variables in a Chinese context. Four hundred and sixty-five undergraduates participated in this study by completing measures of support received through online social networking sites, fear of missing out, problematic smartphone use, and addiction to Chinese social media. The results showed that fear of missing out and problematic smartphone use mediated the relationship between support through online social networking sites and addiction to such sites, both in series and in parallel. This might be among the first studies to elucidate the mechanism underlying the development of social media addiction from the perspective of online support. Although the cross-sectional design employed has several limitations, these findings offer a potential avenue of research in the development of strategies for the prevention of addiction to social networking sites and interventions for treating this affliction.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak on medical staff and the general public.

Abstract: To assess the psychological effects of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on medical staff and the general public. During the outbreak of COVID-19, an internet-based questionnaire included The Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to assess the impact of the pandemic situation on the mental health of medical staff and general population in Wuhan and its surrounding areas. Among the 1493 questionnaires completed, 827 (55.39%) of these were men, and 422 (28.27%) of these were medical personnel. The results suggest that the outbreak of COVID-19 has affected individuals significantly, the degree of which is related to age, sex, occupation and mental illness. There was a significant difference in PSS-10 and IES-R scores between the medical staff and the general population. The medical staff showed higher PSS-10 scores (16.813 ± 4.87) and IES-R scores (22.40 ± 12.12) compared to members of the general population PSS-10 (14.80 ± 5.60) and IES-R scores (17.89 ± 13.08). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the SDS scores of medical staff (44.52 ± 12.36) and the general public (43.08 ± 11.42). In terms of the need for psychological assistance, 50.97% of interviewees responded that they needed psychological counseling, of which medical staff accounted for 65.87% and non-medical staff accounted for 45.10%. During the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, great attention should be paid to the mental health of the population, especially medical staff, and measures such as psychological intervention should be actively carried out for reducing the psychosocial effects.

Inclusive leadership, leader identification and employee voice behavior: The moderating role of power distance

Abstract: Inclusive leadership, a particular mode of relational leadership, has received extensive attention from scholars in recent years. Inclusive leadership may indicate a positive relationship to employee voice behavior, but there is little research on the relationship between them. Therefore, based on social identity theory, this study aims to examine the effect of inclusive leadership on employee voice behavior, the mediating role of leader identification, and the moderating role of power distance. Through the analysis of 232 valid sample data obtained from employees working in food manufacturing enterprises in China, the results demonstrate that inclusive leadership is positively related to employees’ promotive and prohibitive voice behavior; leader identification partially mediates the effect of inclusive leadership on employees’ promotive and prohibitive voice. In addition, the results also indicate that power distance not only weakens the effect of inclusive leadership on leader identification and prohibitive voice, but also weakens the effect of leader identification on prohibitive voice. The findings have enriched the research on the consequences of inclusive leadership to a certain extent, provided a new perspective for in-depth analysis on the mechanism of inclusive leadership, and theoretically deepened an understanding of the boundary conditions of inclusive leadership.

Psychometrics properties of the Spanish version of two Dark Triad scales: The Dirty Dozen and the Short Dark Triad

Abstract: The Dark Triad refers to three malevolent personality traits, namely narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The Dirty Dozen (DD) and Short Dark Triad (SD3) have been developed as concise scales for measuring these traits. This study examined the psychometrics properties of the Spanish version of the DD and SD3 in a non-clinical population recruited via the internet (N = 454). For both scales, we found (1) an adequate fit for the hypothesized factor structure with three separate but correlated malevolent traits; (2) mostly moderate to good reliability coefficients; (3) significant gender differences with males scoring higher on Dark Triad traits than females; (4) theoretically meaningful links with Eysenck’s personality supertraits; (5) positive correlations with externalizing and – albeit to a lesser extent –internalizing psychiatric symptoms; and (6) that most Dark Triad traits were positively associated with a socially desirable response tendency. It can be concluded that the Spanish DD and SD3 display highly similar psychometric qualities as the original scales and other translations of these measures.

Fleshing out the theory of planned of behavior: Meat consumption as an environmentally significant behavior

Abstract: The meat industry is a leading cause of climate change in the Western world, and while reducing meat consumption has often been studied as a health behavior, it is equally important to understand its significance as a pro-environmental behavior. In a national sample of the United Kingdom (N = 737, Time 1, N = 468, Time 2) we sought to evaluate to what extent the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is an effective model for understanding people’s intentions to reduce their meat consumption. Overall, we find that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control explain 57% of the variation in intentions to reduce meat consumption. In turn, past behavior and intention explain 31% of the variance in self-reported meat consumption behavior four weeks later. Somewhat surprisingly, habit did not have any predictive utility over and above the TPB constructs. The effectiveness of the TPB and implications for devising pro-environmental interventions are discussed.

Is it meaningful to distinguish between Facebook addiction and social networking sites addiction? Psychometric analysis of Facebook addiction and social networking sites addiction scales

Abstract: Studies conducted on Social Networking Sites (SNSs) addiction have to a large extent focused on Facebook as a prototypical example of SNS. Nonetheless, the evolution of SNSs has spawn conceptual and methodological controversies in terms of the operationalization of SNS addiction. In order to bring more clarity to this field the present study aimed to investigate the construct validity of the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) in comparison to the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) among 1099 young subjects (146 Facebook-only users and 953 who had an account on Facebook and at least one additional SNS). Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the unique contribution of SNS addiction to stress and general well-being above and beyond personality characteristic and Facebook addiction specifically. Participants completed a survey assessing SNS addiction, Facebook addiction, demography, Big Five personality traits, perceived stress, and general subjective well-being. BSMAS had acceptable fit with the data and demonstrated good reliability. Results showed that the scores of BSMAS were strongly associated with those of BFAS and that the relationship between the two measures was stronger in the group of Facebook-only users than in the group of multisite-social networkers. Moreover, SNS addiction was positively associated with perceived stress and negatively associated with subjective well-being after controlling for Facebook addiction and other study variables. Theoretical and methodological implications of the findings are discussed.

Gender differences in humor-related traits, humor appreciation, production, comprehension, (neural) responses, use, and correlates: A systematic review

Abstract: All available peer-reviewed literature on humor and gender differences (1977–2018) was screened and evaluated according to a priori defined QUALSYST criteria. The 77 papers surpassing a conservative quality criterion generated seven emergent themes around humor and gender differences. In short, men score higher in the aggressive humor style (M > F), while no other gender differences were consistently reported in humor-related traits (M = F). In the prediction of negative outcomes (stress, loneliness, depression), differential effects for humor in both genders are reported, but not consistently (M ≠ F). Gender differences exist for the appreciation of sexual humor (M > F), even in mixed target stimuli, and hostile humor (both genders appreciate opposite gender target stimuli more). Gender differences are absent in nonsense and neutral humor (M = F). For humor production, three samples showed no gender differences (M = F), while three samples suggested men are funnier (M > F) and one that women are funnier (M < F). No studies reporting differences in humor comprehension were identified (M = F). For humor use and communication, gender differences were found across methods (M ≠ F), yet, they depend on the context (e.g., workplace) and may thus resemble gender roles rather than “natural differences”. Moreover, few studies provide hard data on actual humor use and communication in different domains. When exposed to humor stimuli, different neural responses of men and women in prefrontal cortex activations (or selected parts) were found (M ≠ F). Also, self-report data suggest that both genders value a sense of humor in their partner (M = F), yet women typically value the humor production abilities more than humor receptivity, while for men, the woman’s receptivity of their own humor is more important than a woman’s humor production abilities, in line with gender stereotypes (M ≠ F). To conclude, much progress has been achieved in the past 15 years to overcome methodological flaws in early works on humor and gender differences. Importantly, attention should be paid to disentangling actual gender differences from gender role expectations and gender stereotypes. Methodologically, designs need to be checked for potential bias (i.e. self-reports may accentuate roles and stereotypes) and more hard data is needed to substantiate claims from self-report studies.

How to measure self-esteem with one item? validation of the German single-item self-esteem scale (G-SISE)

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the German version of the Single-Item Self-Esteem Scale (G-SISE) is an appropriate instrument to measure the global self-esteem level. In three studies, the construct validity of G-SISE was analyzed. Study 1 (N = 522) found support for the convergence between G-SISE and the German Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (G-RSE), which is mostly used to assess the global self-esteem level. In Study 2a (N = 989), the associations between G-SISE, “Big Five” traits, subjective happiness and social support were analyzed. Results of Study 2b (N = 348) established the test-retest reliability of G-SISE over the time course of nine months. Taken together, the results show that the G-SISE is a valid, reliable and economical instrument for measuring the global self-esteem. Possible practical applications and limitations of G-SISE are discussed.

COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: the role of social identification and social and political trust on well-being and distress.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly become a global health crisis, leading people to change their interpersonal behaviours to contain the spread of the virus. Italy has rapidly become the country hit second hardest in the world by the COVID-19 pandemic and the first one in Western countries. To reduce the spread of the COVID-19, people are required to change their interpersonal behaviours, reducing their social interactions in close contacts. The lockdown impact on the economy as well as on social and psychological processes is relevant, we conducted an exploratory study to examine which social factors are associated with the psychological reactions of Italians during the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants (n = 690) self-reported their social identification on three levels (i.e., Italians, Europeans and humankind), their trust toward social and political actors, and their level of welbeing, interdependent-happiness, and distress. Results showed that the relation between trust and the level of wellbeing and distress was mediated by identification with Italians and humankind, only the identification with humankind mediated the relationship between trust and the level of interdependent-happiness. The identification with Europeans did not emerge as a mediator in such relationships. The implications for dealing with COVID-19 lockdown in Italy are discussed.

Enhancing expatriates’ assignments success: the relationships between cultural intelligence, cross-cultural adaptation and performance

Abstract: Today’s increasingly global marketplace is resulting in more organizations sending employees to work outside their home countries as expatriates. Consequently, identifying factors influencing expatriates’ cross-cultural adjustment at work and performance has become an increasingly important issue for both researchers and firms. Drawing on Kim et al. (2008), this study examines the critical elements to expatriate success, which are the relationships between cultural intelligence, cross-cultural adjustment at work, and assignment-specific performance. One-hundred and fifty-one expatriates working within the energy sector, who were mainly located in the Middle East completed questionnaires, investigating: cultural intelligence (Cultural Intelligence Scale), cross-cultural adjustment (Expatriate Adjustment Scale), performance (Expatriate Contextual/Managerial Performance Skills), cultural distance (Kogut and Singh’ index), length of staying in the host country and international work experience. Findings indicated that the four cultural intelligence components were directly and indirectly (through cross-cultural adjustment at work) associated with performance. The positive relationship between motivational cultural intelligence and cross-cultural adjustment at work was stronger when cultural distance was low, when expatriates were at the beginning of a new international assignment, and when they had lower experience. Organizations can greatly benefit from hiring cross-culturally intelligent expatriates for international assignments, providing their employees with pre-departure training programs aimed at increasing cultural intelligence, and giving them organizational resources and logistical help to support them.

Time Perspective, Intended Academic Engagement, and Academic Performance

Abstract: Time perspective theory addresses how individuals’ emphasis on past, present, and future events influence their behavior The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between time perspective and academic performance among college students using longitudinal, official GPA data, while also considering students’ intended academic engagement—that is, their stated intention to engage in academically beneficial behavior toward the beginning of the semester Overall, the future, present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic, and past-negative time perspectives were associated with intended academic engagement, while only the future, present-fatalistic and past-negative time perspectives were associated with GPA in the subsequent two semesters However, only the future time perspective was a unique predictor of intended academic engagement and GPA Furthermore, intended academic engagement was found to mediate the relationship between future time perspective and GPA after one semester but not two semesters The results underscore the importance of the future time perspective in relation to academic performance

Positive leadership psychology: Authentic and servant leadership in higher education in Pakistan

Abstract: The literature about leadership styles and their effectiveness is vast but very limited in the context of Pakistan. Authentic leadership refers to genuine leaders who exercise effective management through self-authenticity while servant leadership refers to those inclined to place others before themselves. Since the two distinct leadership styles were identified, both have attracted increasing researchers’ attention to explore their numerous possible applications in organizations and individual psychology. A conceptual framework based on authentic leaders (positive psychology) and servant leaders (serving others first) was hypothetically modeled and tested through 380 survey questionnaires randomly distributed among university employees. Overall, 323 responses were selected for the quantitative analysis of data, using SPSS v25., Jamovi v1.2.17, and Smart PLS v3.2.8. The results revealed that authentic leadership is a significant predictor of commitment and performance in contrast to the servant leadership style in the educational environment of the country. Religiosity was found to be an external locus of control and moderator of the study which was significantly associated with leadership styles and commitment. The influence of authentic leadership on employees is evident. Therefore, organizations may keep in mind the key characteristic of personal authenticity in future hiring. Servant leadership, though present in employees, does not effectively predict organizational outcomes. However, based on these factors, training can be designed to ensure the performance and commitment of employees.

The effect of brand personality self-congruity on brand engagement and purchase intention: The moderating role of self-esteem in Facebook

Abstract: This research examines the effect of brand personality self-congruity (BPC) on brand engagement and purchase intention on Facebook, while investigating how self-esteem moderates the relationship between BPC and brand engagement and purchase intention. Data from 301 Facebook users who clicked “like” for a brand were analyzed using factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and multi-group analysis. BPC showed a significant, positive influence on brand engagement and purchase intention. Also, it was found that brand engagement positively associated with purchase intention. Brand engagement partially mediated the relationship between BPC and purchase intention. BPC showed a conditional indirect effect on purchase intention via brand engagement depending on the level of self-esteem. Specifically, participants with lower self-esteem compared to those with higher self-esteem were more likely to seek brands that may help realize ideal self-concepts. Theoretical and practical implications for advertisers are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research in this area.

Insufficient Sleep among Adolescents: The Role of Bedtime Procrastination, Chronotype and Autonomous vs. Controlled Motivational Regulations

Abstract: The study explored the relationship between a specific type of procrastination – bedtime procrastination, and the amount (hours) of sleep and indicators of sleep deprivation in a sample of 175 Polish adolescents. It also examined the relationship between bedtime procrastination, morningness–eveningness and autonomous vs. controlled motivational regulations for sleep related behavior. Bedtime procrastination – or going to bed later than intended without any specific external reason – was prevalent in the adolescent sample and was negatively associated with the amount of sleep and positively related to signs of sleep deprivation. Evening-type adolescents showed a greater tendency to put off bedtime. The relationship between eveningness and bedtime procrastination was mediated by non-autonomous regulation of sleep related behavior. The results suggest some practical implications for improving the ability to self-regulate sleep related behavior.

A diary study of impulsive buying during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore why impulsive buying happens under emergency and crisis situations, such as that of COVID-19. Drawing on the cognitive-affective personality system theory (CAPS), we tested the dynamic influence of daily perceived uncertainty on COVID-19 on daily impulsive buying via daily information overload and daily information anxiety in a two-wave experience sampling method (ESM) design. Through a multilevel structural equation model (MSEM) analysis, we found that the daily perceived uncertainty on COVID-19 affected daily information overload, which in turn stimulated daily information anxiety, ultimately determining the daily impulsive buying. Namely, daily information overload and daily information anxiety played a complete chain-mediating role between the daily perceived uncertainty on COVID-19 and daily impulsive buying. The present paper is the first to uncover the important dynamic effect of the perceived uncertainty on COVID-19 on impulsive buying with diary data. Specific implications of these findings are discussed.